The best months to visit Ili are from March to October, with early March to mid-April being the apricot blossom season and May to August being the optimal travel times. Below is a detailed Ili travel guide:
Best Travel Time
Early March to mid-April: This is the apricot blossom season in Ili, with the apricot blossoms in Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley in full bloom. It is the best time to view apricot blossoms. Apricot blossoms in low-altitude areas begin to bloom around March 10th, while those in high-altitude areas are most spectacular from April 10th to 20th.
May to August: The grasslands in Ili are lush and wildflowers are in full bloom, making it an excellent time to admire natural scenery and taste local cuisine. During this period, attractions like Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Huocheng Lavender Fields, Nalati Grassland, and Kalajun Grassland all present captivating scenery.
Must-visit Attractions
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley: A globally renowned gathering place for primitive wild apricot groves, with an entrance fee of 30 yuan and a shuttle bus fee of 10 yuan. The best viewing point is on the high slope, offering an overview of the magnificent panorama of the apricot blossom valley.
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, with sapphire-blue waters and scenery around it resembling a fairy tale. Driving around the lake offers different perspectives of the lake and mountains.
Guozigou Bridge: A magnificent modern bridge perfectly integrated with the natural scenery of mountains and rivers. Standing on the observation deck, you can easily capture a panoramic view of the bridge.
Huocheng Lavender Fields: From June to July, the lavender blooms, transforming this place into China’s Provence, with a romantic and enchanting sea of purple flowers.
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Sky Grassland’, it is a beautiful intersection of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands, ideal for horse riding or hiking to appreciate the scenery.
Weather and Clothing
March to April: Daytime temperatures range between 10°C-20°C, while nights can drop to 0°C-5°C. The diurnal temperature variation is significant. It is advisable to bring a windbreaker and a thin down jacket, and also take sun protection measures.
May to August: Temperatures gradually rise, but the diurnal temperature variation is still large. It is recommended to wear lightweight and comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen products.
Route Recommendations
You can opt for classic routes such as the 6-day Ili Loop Tour, which covers must-visit attractions like Sayram Lake, Lavender Fields, Xiata Scenic Area, and Nalati Grassland.
In summary, the best months to visit Ili are from March to October, with the apricot blossom season and summer being the optimal travel times. When planning your itinerary, you can choose suitable attractions and routes based on your own schedule and interests.