There are multiple options for three-day tours from Urumqi to Yili. Here are two recommended itineraries:?
Itinerary 1: Classic Natural Scenery Tour?
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake?
Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake along National Highway 312 or G30 Lianhuo Expressway.?
Upon arrival, enjoy the beautiful scenery dotted with yellow flowers by the lake, as well as the stunning view of sapphire-like lake water and distant snow-capped mountains.?
In the evening, you can choose to stay overnight by the lake and taste local high-mountain fish.?
Day 2: Sayram Lake – Yining City?
Enjoy the scenery at Sayram Lake in the morning, then drive to Khorgos Port, appreciating the natural scenery of Guozigou along the way.?
After visiting the port, continue to Yining City, the capital of Yili Prefecture.?
If time allows, you can take a detour to Group 65 to experience the romantic lavender fields (best in mid-June).?
Day 3: Yining City – Gongnais or Nalati Grassland?
After breakfast, depart from Yining and drive east along National Highway 218 to reach Xinyuan County.?
Choose to visit the Gongnais Grassland or the Nalati Grassland to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the grasslands.?
After the tour, return to Urumqi or choose to continue exploring other beautiful scenery.?
Itinerary 2: Adventure and Cultural Experience Tour?
Day 1: Urumqi – Mount Tianshan Tian Chi?
It only takes 50 minutes to reach Mount Tianshan Tian Chi from Urumqi.?
Take the cable car directly to Mayashan Observatory to overlook the beautiful scenery of the Tian Chi Lake and visit the West Queen Mother Temple to experience ancient culture.?
Return to Urumqi for overnight stay in the evening.?
Day 2: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Yining?
In the morning, depart from Urumqi and drive to Sayram Lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the lake and visiting popular attractions such as Moon Bay and Santai Grassland.?
Afterwards, drive to Yining City. In the evening, you can taste local cuisine and stay overnight in Yining.?
Day 3: Yining – Duku Highway – Urumqi?
Departing from Yining, drive into the northern section of the Duku Highway, enjoying the magnificent scenery of continuous snow-capped mountains and picturesque landscapes along the way.?
On the way, you can visit attractions such as Dushanzi Grand Canyon.?
Finally, drive back to Urumqi to end the three-day adventure.?
Both itineraries above cover the classic attractions and natural scenery from Urumqi to Yili. You can choose based on your personal preferences and schedule. During the trip, please drive safely and abide by local tourism regulations to ensure a pleasant journey.?