The Dragon Boat Festival travel guide for Yili, Xinjiang mainly recommends the following must-visit attractions and classic itinerary arrangements.?
Must-visit attractions include:?
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine pearl with sapphire-blue waters. Driving around the lake can offer you different perspectives of the lake and mountains.?
Guozigou Bridge: A magnificent and spectacular modern bridge that perfectly blends with the natural scenery of mountains and rivers, making it an excellent spot for photography.?
Huocheng Lavender Field: In June and July, when the lavender blooms, it transforms into China’s ‘Provence’, with a vast sea of purple flowers that are romantic and charming.?
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, it features snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwined. You can ride horses or hike to appreciate the beautiful scenery.?
Kalajun Grassland: It integrates grassland, forest, and canyon, with breathtaking landscapes such as colorful meadows.?
Classic itinerary arrangement (taking 7 days as an example):?
D1: Depart from Urumqi, circle around Sayram Lake, visit Lavender Manor, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and arrive in Qingshuihe.?
D2: Depart from Qingshuihe, head to Yining (Kazanqi), cross the Yizhao Highway, climb Baishi Peak, and arrive in Zhaosu.?
D3: Depart from Zhaosu, visit Xiata, stroll through Bagua City Lijie, and stay overnight in Tekes.?
D4: Depart from Tekes, explore Qiongkushitai, and arrive in Gongliu in the evening.?
D5: Depart from Gongliu, visit Tianshan Flower Sea, arrive at Nalati Aerial Grassland, and stay overnight in Nalati.?
D6: Depart from Nalati, cross the Duku Highway, visit Tangbula Fairy Lake Hundred-Mile Gallery, and arrive in Kuitun.?
D7: Depart from Kuitun, visit Anjihai Grand Canyon, and return to Urumqi.?
In addition, there are some precautions to take:?
The weather in Xinjiang is changeable, and itinerary arrangements need to be made according to the weather forecast. However, there is no need to worry too much because the weather changes quickly, and rain comes and goes rapidly.?
The Dragon Boat Festival period is the peak tourist season in Yili, so it is recommended to book accommodation and tickets in advance.?
I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable Dragon Boat Festival trip to Yili!?