Things To Do
in Toli

Toli is a small town in Xinjiang's Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, set along the fertile Ili River valley. The town blends Uyghur and Kazakh cultural influences, with colorful markets, music, and nomadic hospitality. Surrounding the town are rolling steppe plains and snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan, offering dramatic landscapes.

As a gateway to the Kazakh pastoral countryside, Toli is ideal for food lovers, hikers, and photography enthusiasts.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Toli Old Town, where ancient architecture and traditional markets will enchant you. Stroll through the cobbled streets, engaging with local artisans showcasing their crafts and goods. Enjoy a breakfast of freshly made steamed buns and fragrant tea at a local eatery.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the Toli Museum, where exhibits on the region's rich history and culture await. Engage with knowledgeable staff who can provide insight into the significance of various artifacts. Spend some time exploring the nearby parks, taking in the serene beauty of the surrounding trees and flowers.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a quaint restaurant in Old Town to savor traditional Uyghur dishes, such as laghman or kebabs. Experience the local culture with a traditional music performance, showcasing the unique sounds of the region. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the ambiance.

day 2
Discovering Natural Wonders
morning
:

Begin your adventure at the nearby Toli Grand Canyon, where stunning rock formations and breathtaking vistas await. Hike along well-marked trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air while observing the diverse flora and fauna. Capture the morning light illuminating the canyon walls with your camera for unforgettable memories.

afternoon
:

Continue your exploration with a guided tour of the canyon, learning about its geological history and the significance of its unique landscape. Stop for a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty around you. After lunch, take a leisurely walk to the nearby waterfalls, where the sound of cascading water provides a peaceful soundtrack.

evening
:

Return to Toli in the evening and indulge in a relaxing hot spring experience at a local spa. The warm, mineral-rich waters will soothe your muscles after an adventurous day. Conclude your evening with a quiet dinner at a nearby bistro, reflecting on the day's discoveries.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🧃Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.5-1
🚕Taxi ride (short distance)$3-6
🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel$25-60
📶1 GB mobile data$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural heritage and welcoming locals
  • Stunning landscapes and prolific photo opportunities
  • Delicious, cumin-forward Xinjiang cuisine and diverse markets
  • Limited nightlife and some services in rural areas can be sparse
  • Travel between remote sites may require car rental or guided tours
  • Language barriers in less-touristy spots; cash is still common in markets
  • "你好" - Hello
  • "谢谢" - Thank you
  • "请问,厕所在哪儿?" - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
  • "多少钱?" - How much is this?
  • "可以刷卡吗?" - Can I pay by card?

Places to Visit in Toli

Visit one of these nice places.

Ili River Overlook

A broad view along the Ili River with golden light at dawn.

Old Town Alleyways

Narrow lanes lined with traditional mud-brick architecture and colorful doors.

Kazakh Nomad Camp at Sunset

Photos of yurts and traditional dress against the amber sky.

Tianshan Foothills Ridge

Rugged mountains and lush meadows ideal for landscape shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Toli

Xinjiang's cuisine is bold, cumin-spiced and meat-forward, with regional breads, noodles, and hearty lamb dishes.

Toli Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Laghman

Hand-pulled noodles with a rich meat and tomato sauce, commonly found in noodle shops.

Must-Try!

Yangrou Chuan (Lamb Kebabs)

Skewered lamb seasoned with cumin, chili and pepper, grilled on street grills.

Plov (Pilaf)

A fragrant rice dish with lamb, carrots and onions.

Manty

Steamed dumplings stuffed with meat and onions.

Naan

Round flatbread baked in a tandoor, perfect for scooping up sauces.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ili River Bazaar

A lively market by the river offering dried fruits, nuts, spices, and street snacks.

Noodle stalls along the Old Town lanes

Where you can watch hand-pulled noodles being made.

Kazakh Nomad Market near the outskirts

Seasonal stalls with dairy products and smoked meats.

Climate Guide

Weather

Toli experiences an arid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation is low and irregular, with most rain in spring. Winters can bring strong winds and snow, while summers are dry and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and gestures

A simple nod or handshake; use the right hand; greet with warmth and politeness.

Dress modestly

Respect religious sites; shoulders and knees covered; ask before entering religious spaces.

Photography

Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in private settings or religious places.

Hospitality

Accept offered tea or snacks when offered; respond graciously even if in a hurry.

Safety Guide

Safety

Travelers should stay aware of petty crime in crowded markets and keep valuables secure. Road conditions can be challenging in rural areas, especially after rain. Drink only bottled or boiled water in doubt, and have travel insurance that covers medical needs and trip disruptions.

Tipping in Toli

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are not mandatory but appreciated for good service; small tips for guides and drivers are common.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted; mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat) are common; foreign cards may not be accepted in rural markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with dry heat and cool nights; carry water; occasional thunderstorms and dust in some areas.

Autumn

Mild temperatures and harvest colors; excellent for hiking and photography; generally clear skies.

Winter

Cold with possible snowfall; some rural roads can close; dress in layers and protect against wind chill.

Spring

Milder days with blooming valleys; possible rain and muddy trails; bring waterproof footwear.

Nightlife Guide

Toli at Night

Nightlife in Toli is low-key and local-focused. Evenings center on markets, tea houses, and cultural performances. Some hotels host live music or small gigs, and nearby nomad camps may offer evening storytelling and stargazing experiences.

Hiking in Toli

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Ili River Gorge Trail

Scenic route along riverbanks with basalt cliffs, farms, and viewpoints.

Tianshan Foothills Ridge

Moderate to strenuous hike offering alpine scenery and sweeping valley views.

Airports

How to reach Toli by plane.

Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)

Main international gateway for Xinjiang; serves long-haul flights and connections to major Chinese cities; typically requires a domestic hop from smaller towns.

Yining City Airport (YIN)

Regional airport offering domestic connections; closer to Ili region than Urumqi, useful for domestic travel.

Karamay Airport (KRY)

Regional hub with connections to several Chinese cities; alternative gateway for some itineraries in northern Xinjiang.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic town center is walkable with compact streets and pleasant riverside paths. Some neighborhoods have uneven sidewalks and dusty lanes, so comfortable footwear is recommended. For farther spots like hilltops or nomad camps, short taxi rides or guided tours are convenient.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Uyghur

A major local community contributing rich food, music, and cultural traditions.

Kazakh

Pastoral heritage and nomadic influences shape the region's culture and hospitality.

Han Chinese

Commercial activity and services; diverse neighborhoods in larger towns.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Horseback Riding

A staple of Kazakh culture; commonly offered for visitors in nomad camps and on the steppe.

Archery

Traditional sport often demonstrated at cultural events and camps.

Transportation

Traffic

In-town travel is mostly on local roads with taxis and buses. Public transit between Ili region towns is limited but available; roads to rural pastures and mountain trails can be narrow, winding, and sometimes dusty. Driving is common for flexibility, and check local status for weather-related road closures.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Toli.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy vegetable platters, mushroom dishes, naan, and dairy; ask for oil-free or minimal meat versions; order laghman with extra vegetables.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic care is available at local clinics; more advanced medical facilities are in larger cities such as Yining or Urumqi. Travel insurance with medical coverage is advised, especially if planning active outdoor activities or trips to remote areas.

Discover China

Read more in our China 2025 Travel Guide.

China Travel Guide