A cultural and tourism promotional event for Ili's spring-summer season was held in Qingdao on April 3, bridging over 3,000 kilometers between the mountain heartland and the coastal city.

During the warm-up session, the air was filled with multi-ethnic charm. The Nalati band opened with a melodic folk song about the grasslands of the Tianshan Mountains.

Then came the deep, mysterious tones of traditional throat singing, followed by a lively horse-riding dance and a heartfelt local ballad. In just twenty minutes, the warm-up had already made the Qingdao guests feel their hearts had traveled far, even though their bodies had not yet left.

Ili's tourism ambassador presented the region's spring and summer wonders. The Nalati Scenic Area highlighted its sky meadow and river valley routes. Yining showcased its blue-tiled old town. And Huocheng promoted its lavender fields. 

A lively Q&A session offered gifts of lavender to the winners. "Qingdao's marine culture and Ili's mountain-flower landscapes create an irresistible contrast," said an Ili tourism official. A local travel agent was inspired to plan a family trip this summer.

The roadshow ended with an invitation: from Qingdao westwards, Ili awaits with seas of blossoms.

A cultural and tourism promotional event for Ili's spring-summer season is held in Qingdao on April 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]