The mid-May travel guide to Yili mainly recommends the following scenic spots: Nalati Grassland, Tuergen Apricot Blossom Gorge, Yili River Valley, and Huocheng Lavender Field. Here are detailed travel suggestions:?
Nalati Grassland:?
Recommendation Reason: In mid-May, Nalati Grassland is covered with green grass and livestock, making it an excellent time to experience the grassland scenery and the life of Kazakh herdsmen.?
Activity Suggestions: You can engage in activities such as horse riding, hiking, and picnicking on the grassland to fully experience its vastness and beauty.?
Scenic Area Features: Nalati Grassland is composed of aerial grassland and valley grassland, offering rich landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, forests, streams, and other natural scenery.?
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Gorge:?
Recommendation Reason: Although the best viewing period is in early May, mid-May still allows you to appreciate the aftermath of Xinghua Gorge, where wild apricot trees bloom in the valley like a pink ocean, perfect for photographers.?
Yili River Valley:?
Recommendation Reason: The Yili River Valley is full of spring vitality in May, allowing you to enjoy the field scenery of the plain and feel the rural life under the snow-capped mountains. Walking along the Yili River and viewing the wetlands, orchards, and farmland on both sides offers a unique experience.?
Huocheng Lavender Field:?
Recommendation Reason: Although lavender blooms most vigorously in June, some lavender also starts to bloom from late May to mid-May, allowing you to experience the romantic purple flower sea journey early.?
Additional Experience: Visit a lavender essential oil extraction factory, experience aromatherapy, and learn about the various uses of lavender.?
In addition, there are some other scenic spots and activities worth visiting:?
Guozi Gorge: The natural scenery is picturesque, perfect for self-driving tours and hiking. You can also taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine and familiarize yourself with the local folk culture.?
Kalajun Grassland: Renowned for its pristine natural scenery and unique landforms, it is suitable for hiking and photography.?
Grassland Nadam Fair: From May to June, various tourism activities such as the Grassland Nadam Fair, horse racing, and archery are held on the Yili Grassland in Xinjiang, allowing you to deeply experience the charm of grassland culture.?
When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to arrange it reasonably according to personal interests and time. Yili region boasts numerous scenic spots, and you can choose to rent a car for self-driving or join a local tour group to explore more flexibly. Meanwhile, remember to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and other sun protection items, as well as light sweaters, windbreakers, and other warm clothing, because the temperature difference between morning and night in the mountains is relatively large.?