Here are some key travel information for traveling from Urumqi (Urumqi City) to Yili Nalati:?
I. Modes of Transportation?
Airplane: You can fly directly from Urumqi Airport to Nalati Airport, and then take a direct bus to reach the Nalati scenic area. This is the fastest way.?
Train/Bus: From Urumqi, take a bus or train to Yining City, and then transfer to a direct bus at the Yili Prefecture Passenger Transport Station to reach the Nalati scenic area. The journey time for trains and buses is relatively longer, but you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Xinjiang along the way.?
Self-driving: Starting from Urumqi, there are multiple self-driving routes to choose from. For example, you can follow National Highway 312, passing by Sayram Lake and Jinghe to Yining City, and then take the Dunna Expressway from Yining City to reach the Nalati scenic area in about two and a half hours. Alternatively, you can drive along G30 Lianhuo Expressway and then turn onto Provincial Highway S201 to reach Nalati. A self-driving tour takes about 7-8 hours, but the scenery along the way is picturesque and is an excellent way to experience the natural scenery of Xinjiang.?
II. Tour Routes?
The Nalati Grassland offers multiple tour route options to meet the needs of different tourists:?
One-day tour route: Tourist Service Center – Tawusani – Wusun Ancient Relics – Yitigense – Daigelasi – Forest Park – Tourist Service Center. This route is suitable for tourists with limited time and allows them to experience the essence of the Nalati Grassland within a day.?
Two-day tour route: Visit attractions such as Tianjietai, Tianmutai, and Youmurenjia on the first day; and explore Tawusani, Wusun Ancient Relics, and Jiaolongchuhai on the second day. The two-day tour route is more in-depth and suitable for tourists who wish to fully experience the Nalati Grassland.?
III. Accommodation and Food?
Accommodation: There are multiple hotels and homestays within the Nalati scenic area, and tourists can choose according to their needs and budget. Additionally, various accommodation facilities are also available in Toksun County and Yanqi Hui Autonomous Prefecture along the way.?
Food: The cuisine in Nalati is mainly based on traditional Kazakh dishes, such as roast whole sheep, hand-seized rice, and milk tea. Tourists can taste these authentic dishes in restaurants within the scenic area or in towns along the way.?
IV. Precautions?
The Nalati Grassland is at a high altitude with intense ultraviolet rays, so tourists need to take sunscreen measures.?
The weather in the grassland can change drastically, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing with you.?
Respect local customs and religious beliefs, and refrain from damaging grassland vegetation.?
During your self-driving tour, please be sure to abide by traffic rules, maintain an appropriate speed, and take breaks when needed. Additionally, the temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, so please bring long-sleeved clothing. The weather in mountainous areas is unpredictable, so it is advisable to carry rain gear with you.?
I hope the above information can help you plan a pleasant trip from Urumqi to Nalati!?