Yili River "Lianxin Island" Secondary Forest Park

　　Located 21 kilometers from Yining City and 27 kilometers from Yining County, the Yili River "Lianxin Island" Secondary Forest Park is a dense secondary shrub forest on the relatively flat riverbanks of the Yili River. This area consists of several relatively large “islands” formed by the branching of multiple rivers. Within these islands, the river flows gently and quietly, with a refreshing breeze. The island is home to a wide variety of tree species, including oleaster, red willow, and many unnamed flowering plants and trees, densely layered and lush. It serves as an ideal spot for summer activities such as swimming, fishing, and picnicking, as well as winter activities like ice skating and hunting.

　　Tracing the origins of this island reveals a beautiful legend. In the mid-to-late 17th century, the Yarkent Khanate, founded by descendants of the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, saw its power wane due to the rise of the Khoja forces. Islamic sectarianism led to the gradual decline of the state’s strength, and eventually, the khanate was replaced by the Dzungar tribe. Islamic leaders of the Black Mountain and White Mountain sects, who were oppressed and exploited by the Dzungars, were confined to Yili and forced to lead the “Taranchi” people (Uyghurs relocated from southern Xinjiang to Yili) in farming for the Dzungar nobility. At that time, the beloved daughter of a White Mountain sect leader, who resided in Kutaiman Fortress (near present-day Arewusitang Township), fell in love with the second son of a “Taranchi” man named Balati, which met with her father’s disapproval. Not long after, a Dzungar nobleman over fifty years old encountered the maiden, became captivated by her beauty, and insisted on taking her as a concubine.

　　She refused to comply even at the cost of her life. With no other choice, her father agreed to her marriage with Balati and let them escape to this small island. Three days later, when the Dzungar nobleman came to claim her as his bride and learned she was already married, he flew into a rage, beat her father severely, and threw him into a dungeon, vowing to find the maiden. While searching for the island, the couple found nowhere to escape. Filled with hope for love and happiness, they embraced tightly and jumped into the Yili River. Since then, to honor the memory of this devoted couple, local residents have called the island "Lianxin Island" (Heart-Linked Island), and the beautiful story has been passed down through generations.

　　Address: Arewusitang Township, Yining County