The Highway to Xinjiang's Oasis: Yizhao Highway
Yizhao Highway is Provincial Highway No. 237. It is the second most famous highway in Yili Prefecture and even in the whole Xinjiang after Duku Highway.
Commonly known as Highway S237, the Yizhao Highway is Xinjiang's second most famous road after the Duku Highway. Spanning 122 kilometers, it reaches elevations of up to 3,000 meters along its route. Renowned for its steep mountain passes and breathtaking scenery, it also forms part of the ancient Silk Road trade route.
Overview of the Yizhao Highway
Due to its high average elevation and humid climate, weather along the Yizhao Highway is notoriously unpredictable. It's entirely possible to encounter blizzards upon entering the mountains only to emerge to clear skies. The mountain roads feature sheer cliffs on one side and deep ravines on the other, winding like a giant serpent coiled around the mountains.
If the Yizhao Highway is likened to a ribbon stringing together the scenery of Ili, then the landscapes along its route are jewels embedded in that ribbon. Steep cliffs, vast grasslands, and gentle wetlands shine like gems of varying brilliance, sparkling along this ribbon of the Yizhao Highway.
Highlights Along the Yizhao Highway
Bai Shi Peak, Wusun Mountains
Bai Shi Peak stands as the iconic snow-capped summit of the Wusun Mountains and its highest point. Its three peaks align in a straight line, surrounded by sheer cliffs with exposed rock and treacherous terrain. Viewing platforms for Bai Shi Peak are strategically placed along the Yizhao Highway. At the right moment, you can find the perfect angle to step out and capture a photo with this majestic peak.
Qiongbolala Forest Park
Spanning over 3,000 hectares along the Yizhao Highway, Qiongbolala Forest Park integrates diverse natural landscapes including forests, grasslands, snowfields, and canyons. It also serves as the Ili region's sole winter ski resort, featuring ski lifts, European-style log cabins, and Mongolian yurts. Here, you can immerse yourself in pure, unadulterated joy amidst nature.
Zhaosu Grasslands
At the end of the Yili-Zhaosu Highway lies Zhaosu County, the only county in Xinjiang entirely free of Gobi deserts and sand dunes. Vast grasslands stretch across Zhaosu, dotted with grazing cattle and sheep, alongside the spirited Zhaosu horses. In summer, the grasslands burst into bloom, transforming into a dazzling sea of flowers. Especially in July, when rapeseed flowers blossom, the region resembles a golden ocean.
Zhaosu Tekes River National Wetland Park
Covering approximately 1,657 hectares, this wetland park is the highest-altitude and largest plateau wetland in the Ili region. The park is dotted with alpine meadows and shrublands, providing habitats for wild boars, cranes, gazelles, and other wildlife. Equestrian performances and bird-watching activities are frequently held here, with the “Celestial Horses Bathing in the River” show consistently drawing enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
Travel Tips
Yizhao Highway Opening Period: The Yizhao Highway is open only from June to October each year. After October, heavy snowfall blocks traffic, making road conditions too hazardous for passage. Visits are recommended in July-August when rapeseed flowers bloom and weather is pleasant—the most vibrant season on the Zhaosu grasslands.
Vehicle Access: The Yizhao Highway may restrict large trucks, semi-trailers, and multi-passenger commercial vehicles. Check specific regulations before departure.
Weather Conditions: Weather on the Yizhao Highway is unpredictable due to high elevation. Prepare rain gear and warm clothing.
Other Routes You Might Enjoy
- China G219 Highway: The Ultimate Scenic Road Trip from Xinjiang to Guangxi
- China's Most Scenic Highway: Duku Highway
- Xinjiang's Most Winding Highway: The Panlong Road
- The Karakoram Highway: The Sky Road Connecting China and Pakistan
- The Ultimate Guide to the Kashgar Xinjiang Highway: Discovering the Allure of China's Spectacular Roadway
Conclusion
The Yizhao Highway traverses the Tianshan Mountains and the Ili River Valley, linking northern and southern Ili. Its route unfolds with countless breathtaking vistas. This journey—neither too long nor too short—connects the Gobi Desert to oases, winding through towering peaks and deep gorges. It stands as the ultimate dream road for all self-driving enthusiasts and photographers.
If you're intrigued by the Yizhao Highway or eager to embark on a road trip, contact us immediately. We'll tailor your itinerary to ensure an unforgettable journey.
