There are multiple routes to choose from for short-haul travel in Ili. Here are some recommended itinerary arrangements:
3-day short-haul travel:
Day 1: Try the local specialty breakfast in Yining City, such as mutton buns, pilaf, or naan. Afterward, head to Sayram Lake to admire the peaceful lake and the surrounding magnificent snow-capped mountains. Have a picnic lunch on the grassland by the lake, and in the afternoon, drive to Huocheng Lavender Garden to take photos of the beautiful lavender fields. For dinner, it is recommended to try the specialty dinner provided by the local lavender manor homestay.
Day 2: Head to Bayinbuluke Grassland to experience the vast grassland scenery
Day 3: Free activities based on personal interests and time arrangements. You can choose to tour within Yining City or visit nearby attractions.
5-day short-haul travel:
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Yining
Day 2: Yining – Karakun – Zhaosu
Day 3: Zhaosu – Xiata – Tianma Bathing River – Tekes
Day 4: Tekes – Qiongkushitai – Gongliu/Xinyuan
Day 5: Gongliu/Xinyuan – Nalati – Duku Road
Another 5-day short-haul travel option:
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Qingshuihe
Day 2: Qingshuihe – Qiongkushitai Primitive Village – Tekes
Day 3: Tekes – Qiaxi Forest Park – Nalati
Day 4: Nalati – Crossing Duku Road – Tangbula Grassland -百里画廊 (百里画廊 can be translated as ‘Hundred-Mile Gallery’) – Kuitun
Day 5: Kuitun – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – S101 National Defense Highway scenery – Urumqi
In addition, there are short-haul travel routes of 7 days or even longer for you to choose from, such as the 7-day Ili-Duku Road trip and the 10-day Kanas-Ili trip. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal preferences and time.
. When traveling in Ili, you can enjoy numerous scenic spots such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, lavender fields, Nalati Grassland, and experience the local customs and food culture.