They have also renovated Yining's historical Liuxing Street, which has a hexagonal layout that was designed by a German engineer in the 1930s.

It's not uncommon to hear the soothing melody of accordions, a traditional instrument of the Russian ethnic group, on Liuxing Street, which is lined with colorful buildings.

An accordion museum has a display of more than 800 different accordions, and a band plays for visitors.

"Older tourists like the relaxed life in the autonomous region, and enjoy its serene atmosphere by having afternoon tea on the grasslands. Youngsters prefer more exciting activities like horse riding," says Yang Yan, vice-general manager of Xinjiang Princess Jieyou International Travel Agency.

In summer, visitors flock to the wide lavender fields in the Ili River Valley, to enjoy the fragrant blooms and purchase lavender-based products, like soap and essential oil.

Ili prefecture is also well-known for its picturesque grassland landscapes and the deep-rooted culture.