City Introduction of Xinjiang, China: Lli Autonomous Prefecture

Major Economic Indicators (2007)

Source: Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture Economic and Social Development Report 2007

Introduction

Ili Autonomous Prefecture is located in the western part of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, bordering Kazakhstan, Russia and the Republic of Mongolia. Ili covers an area of approximately 350,000 sq km. Ili is the most populous prefecture in Xinjiang. Its population was 4.3 million at the end of 2007. The Kazak people account for approximately 25.5% of Ili's total population, while populations of the Uygur and the Hui contribute to about 15.9% and 8.3% to the prefecture's total population.

Ili is rich in water resources. There are 208 rivers and streams running through the prefecture. Average surface water runoff amounts to 32.0 billion cubic meters, contributing 41% to Xinjiang's total, while reserves of hydro-energy total 12.5 million kw, accounting for 37% of Xinjiang's total. In addition, mineral resources such as beryllium, dolomite, potassium feldspar, chromium, and cesium are abundant.

Transportation in Ili is very convenient. There are highways connecting Yining, the political and economic center of Ili, with Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, and with the surrounding prefecture-level cities, which include Shihezi, Bortala and counties under the administration of Ili. In addition, Yining Airport operates daily flights to Urumqi.

Economic Features

Ili realized GDP of RMB 54.0 billion in 2007, representing a rise of 12.5% year on year. The prefecture's GDP accounted for 15.3% of Xinjiang's total and ranked second after Urumqi.

The agricultural sector generated value-added output of RMB 15.6 billion in 2007, accounting for 28.9% of the prefecture's GDP. Output of grain amounted to 1.2 million tons during the same year, contributing approximately 14.5% to Xinjiang's total.

Secondary industry (industry and construction) realized value-added output of RMB 19.0 billion, accounting for 35.1% of Ili's total.

The industrial sector realized value-added industrial output of RMB 14.6 billion in 2007, contributing 76.9% to the industrial sector's total. Sugar production, food processing, tobacco manufacturing, electricity, and ferrous metal smelting are the pillar industries of Ili.  

In 2007, the construction sector realized value-added output of RMB 4.4 billion, accounting for 23.1% of the secondary industry sector's total.

The service sector generated value-added output of RMB 19.4 billion, accounting for 36.0% of the prefecture's total GDP in 2007.  

In 2007, transportation, storage and postal services realized value-added output of RMB 2.8 billion, contributing 14.3% to the service sector, while wholesale and retail trades generated value-added output of RMB 2.6 billion, accounting for 13.2% of the sector's total.

During 2007, approximately 7.4 million tourists visited the prefecture, up 4% year on year, while tourism income totaled RMB 2.1 billion, increasing by 27.7% compared to the previous year.

There are eight national category-1 ports (opened with the approval of the State Council) located in Ili. In 2007, the total foreign trade of enterprises in Ili amounted to US$2.2 billion, representing a rise of 3.9% year on year. Export value rose 38.5% to approximately US$1.6 billion, while import value sank 41.7% to US$522 million. Major export goods are building materials, and agriculture and sideline products. Central Asian countries, Sudan, the U.S. and Malaysia are major export destinations.

Cultural Highlights

There are 41 ethnic groups living in Ili. Minority populations account for approximately 54.8% to the prefecture's total. The Kazaks are the largest minority ethnic group in terms of population.

The Kazak ethnic group originated from ancient nomadic tribes and mainly relies on animal husbandry. The Kazak culture is famous for its grassland characteristics. Traditional Akens Antiphonal Singing Assembly, which is a Grand Folk Art Gathering and the Girl Chasing Festival are unique cultural practices in the Kazak culture.

Tourist Attractions

There is a saying. If you've never been to Xinjiang, you can't tell how large China is. If you've never been to Ili, you'll never know how beautiful Xinjiang is. Ili is famous for its beautiful prairie scenery, interesting folk customs, and unique grassland culture and heritage.

The tourist attractions of Ili include Gongnaisi Grassland, Tangbula Grassland, Nalati Grassland, the Bronze Age Tombs, the Gongyue Town Ruins, and Linzexu Memorial Hall.

Staple foods in Ili are noodles and milk products. In addition, traditional Xinjiang snacks such as roasted lamb, nang (pancakes), and BBQ, are also popular amount local people.