Both Altay and Ili are tourist attractions in Xinjiang. The choice mainly depends on individual travel preferences and itinerary arrangements. The following is a detailed comparison of the two places to help you make a decision:?
Natural Scenery and Scenic Spot Characteristics:?
Altay: It is famous for its plateau charm, such as Kanas Lake, Hemucun, and Baihaba Village. The temperatures are moderate in August and September, suitable for hiking and photographing mountains, rivers, and lakes. If you like natural scenery and plateau climates, Altay may be more suitable for you.?
. Although the summer in Altay comes late and is short, the strong light gives a sense of youth.?
Ili: It is characterized by flower seas and grasslands, such as the Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and Ili River Valley. The daytime temperatures are higher in August and September, suitable for activities such as horse riding on the grassland and picnicking by the lake. If you prefer vast grasslands and flower seas, Ili may be your best choice.?
. Ili’s scenery is particularly splendid in spring and summer, with vast grasslands and a rich variety of flowers.?
Travel Seasons and Climate:?
Altay: Although summer is charming, autumn and winter are even more spectacular, especially the snowy scenery. If you like winter sports or want to experience thick snowy landscapes, Altay is a good choice.?
Ili: Spring and summer are the best travel seasons, with grasslands and flowers constituting absolutely beautiful landscapes. In winter, Ili has relatively fewer people, but the temperature is higher compared to Altay, allowing for longer daily playtime.?
Travel Experience and Freedom:?
Altay: There may be relatively more people, but they are also scattered, allowing you to find places to play with almost no tourists. The temperature in Altay may be lower at certain times, but there is heating everywhere, providing a better travel experience.?
Ili: Winter is the off-season, with relatively fewer people, allowing for higher freedom in itinerary planning. The dining options are abundant and cost-effective, with more choices for accommodation conditions.?
Itinerary Arrangements and Time:?
Altay and Ili are located in different directions of Xinjiang, and each requires 5-7 days for a separate loop route. If you want to visit both, you will need at least about 10 days.?
. Therefore, when making a choice, you also need to consider your itinerary arrangements and time budget.?
In summary, Altay and Ili each have their own unique characteristics. The choice mainly depends on your personal preferences, travel season, travel experience needs, and itinerary arrangements. No matter which one you choose, you can leave unforgettable memories on this beautiful land of Xinjiang.?