There is a Kazakh proverb that says: "The spruce's roots run deeper than its crown." Here in Ili, underneath the vertical face of ancient forests and the snow-capped summit of Aktas, each person, each story, becomes a line in the region’s unfolding poem.
Immersed in this mountain kingdom, guests from near and far gather for a grand wedding banquet. Long wooden tables heaped with dishes of lamb and platters of flatbread stretch across the meadow. Elders share toasts of fermented mare's milk, while children dart between fir trunks like lively punctuation marks in Ili’s storybook.
Against the backdrop of gleaming ice fields, traditional Kazakh music swells. Stringed instruments strike melodic chords that echo through the valleys. Dancers in vibrant felt hats and embroidered robes weave between guests, bridging past and present with each step. It is a celebration that invites you to witness centuries of tradition in a single, unforgettable evening.
For young global citizens and curious travelers, this feast offers more than a taste of local cuisine. It’s an open door to conversations across cultures, a chance to witness how deep cultural roots shape modern celebrations. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or simply craving a fresh perspective, Ili’s snow-draped world promises stories that run as deep as those towering spruces.
Reference(s):
Talk Xinjiang｜Wedding Banquet Surrounded by Snow-capped Mountains
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