The guide to traveling Yili in Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, and itinerary arrangements.?
Best travel time:?
The best travel time for the Yili region in Xinjiang is from May to October. From May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush with green grass and wildflowers blooming, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy the natural scenery; from July to August, temperatures rise and fruits are ripe, which is the peak season to visit northern Xinjiang scenic areas such as Kanas and Hemu; from September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful and a paradise for photographers.?
Must-visit attractions:?
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the "God’s Back Garden". It is picturesque in all seasons, especially in autumn. The scenery of the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) is superb.?
Nalati Grassland: Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, and grasslands intertwine, resembling a fairy tale world. The facilities are mature and suitable for traveling with the elderly and children.?
Kalajun Grassland: It boasts the human-shaped grassland in Koksu Valley, with unique landforms that are amazing. The facilities are complete and accommodation is convenient.?
Sayram Lake: A typical alpine lake with clear and blue water. It is beautiful in every season, especially in winter with the ice holes and blue ice wonders being particularly spectacular?
Example itinerary arrangements:?
Four-day itinerary:?
Day 1: Depart from Yining, visit Kazanqi, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and arrive at Sayram Lake.?
Day 2: Depart from Sayram Lake, proceed to Zhaosu, visit the Jade Lake, and experience the Xiata Ancient Road.?
Day 3: Depart from the Xiata Ancient Road, visit Tekes, explore the Qiaxi Forest Park, and overnight in Nalati Town.?
Day 4: Depart from Nalati Town, visit Kurdining, enjoy the beauty of the Nalati Grassland, and return to Yining?
Six-day itinerary:?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi, take a tour around Sayram Lake, pass through the Guozigou Bridge, and arrive in Qingshuihe or Yining.?
Day 2: Explore the Xiata Ancient Road, take a distant view of the Muzart Glacier, and proceed to Zhaosu.?
Day 3: Depart from Zhaosu, visit the online celebrity village of Qiongkushitai, tour the Bagua City, and arrive in Tekes.?
Day 4: Visit the online celebrity Qiaxi National Forest Park and proceed to Xinyuan.?
Day 5: Visit the sky meadow and the online celebrity bridge in Nalati, and return to Nalati.?
Day 6: Depart from Nalati, cross the Tianshan Mountains, take a distant view of the windmills in Dabancheng, and return to Urumqi?
During the trip, you also need to pay attention to the temperature difference between morning and night in Xinjiang?