July is the best time to visit Yili, Xinjiang. At this time, Yili’s natural scenery reaches its peak, with lush green grasslands and wildflowers blooming freely. The climate is also particularly pleasant, making it a paradise for escaping the summer heat. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
Must-Visit Attractions?
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine gem, with lake water as blue as a sapphire and surrounding scenery like a fairy tale. It is recommended to take a self-drive tour around the lake to encounter the lake and mountain scenery from different angles. Camping by the lake to watch sunrises and sunsets is also an excellent choice.?
Guozigou Bridge: A magnificent and impressive modern bridge perfectly integrated with the natural beauty of mountains and rivers. Standing on the viewing platform, you can easily capture the full view of the bridge.?
Huocheng Lavender Fields: In June and July, when the lavender blooms, this place instantly transforms into China’s Provence, with large fields of purple flowers creating a romantic and charming scene perfect for photos.?
Nalati Grasslands: Known as the Aerial Grasslands, with snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwined. Here, you can ride horses or hike to admire the scenery.?
Kalajun Grasslands: A combination of grasslands, forests, and canyons, with stunning landscapes such as colorful meadows. While hiking, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the grasslands.?
Recommended Itinerary?
First Day: Airport pickup in Urumqi, rest and adjust, and prepare for the upcoming itinerary.?
Second Day: Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery, then proceed to the Lavender Farm to experience the purple romance.?
Third Day: Go to Xiata Forest Park, where the scenery is breathtaking. It is recommended to start early in the morning and explore on foot.?
Fourth Day: Visit Qiongkushitai, a picturesque place with few tourists, perfect for taking photos and enjoying a peaceful night.?
Fifth Day: Head to the Nalati Grasslands to experience the prairie atmosphere. Horseback riding is a great option.?
Sixth Day: Drive through the Duku Highway and enjoy the scenic views along the way. This is a must-experience for the Yili route.?
Subsequent Days: Depending on your personal schedule and interests, you can choose to continue exploring other beautiful scenic spots in Yili, such as the Zhaosu Wetland Park and the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery.?
Travel Tips?
Before departing, be sure to check the weather forecast and choose a sunny day to travel to avoid rainy weather affecting your itinerary.?
Xinjiang is vast, so plan your time reasonably and choose suitable areas to visit.?
Take sunscreen measures, such as wearing hats, sunglasses, sunscreen clothing, and applying sunscreen lotion, to protect your skin.?
If you’re worried about driving fatigue or handling difficult road conditions, consider hiring a driver. Drivers in Xinjiang often double as tour guides, providing you with more travel suggestions.?
In July, Yili, Xinjiang, offers both breathtaking natural scenery and cultural landscapes that make visitors reluctant to leave. I hope this travel guide can help you have an unforgettable journey in Yili!?