The Ili travel guide mainly includes key points such as the best travel time, must-visit attractions, route planning, and practical tips.
Best Travel Time:
Spring in Ili (from early March to mid-April) is the best time to appreciate apricot blossoms. The apricot blossoms in Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley are particularly spectacular. They first bloom around March 10th in low-altitude areas and are most spectacular from April 10th to 20th in high-altitude areas.
From June to August is the peak beauty period of Ili, with lush grasslands, wildflowers blooming freely, and pleasant weather, making it an excellent destination for summer retreats.
Must-Visit Attractions:
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley: A globally renowned gathering place for primitive wild apricot forests. Ticket price is 30 yuan, with a shuttle bus fee of 10 yuan. The best viewing point is at the top of the hillside.
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, with azure lake water resembling a gem and surrounding scenery like a fairy tale. It is suitable for driving around the lake and camping to watch sunrises and sunsets.
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, it features snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwined, suitable for horse riding or hiking to appreciate the scenery.
Kalajun Grassland: It integrates grasslands, forests, and canyons, with unique landforms and human-shaped grassland landscapes, making it ideal for taking photos.
Route Planning:
6-Day Ili Loop Route: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Yining – Lavender Fields – Xiata – Zhaosu/Tekes, etc., allowing you to experience multiple famous attractions in Ili.
7-Day Itinerary: Starting from Yining, visit the Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Xiata Ancient Road, Qiongkushitai Ancient Village, Nalati Valley Grassland, and Aerial Grassland in sequence.
Practical Tips:
Weather: The temperature difference between day and night in the Ili area is large. In March and April, the daytime temperature ranges from 10°C to 20°C, and it may drop to 0°C to 5°C at night. Bring along a windbreaker and a thin down jacket. Meanwhile, Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays, so sunscreen measures should be taken.
Transportation: Long-distance buses and self-driving tours are convenient travel methods in Xinjiang. You can choose suitable transportation according to your own time and budget.
Diet: Xinjiang cuisine is rich and diverse, but during the trip, pay attention to food hygiene to avoid gastrointestinal discomfort.
In addition, you can visit attractions such as the Huocheng Lavender Fields (blooming from June to July) and the Guozigou Bridge, and experience the romance and grandeur of Ili. Before traveling, it is recommended to learn about the opening hours and ticket information of each attraction in detail to better plan your itinerary.