Visiting Yili, Xinjiang, in National Day holiday is an excellent choice. It boasts rich natural landscapes and unique ethnic cultures, suitable for in-depth exploration. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Recommended Itinerary
You can choose an 11-day in-depth tour route to fully experience the beauty and culture of Yili.
D1: Airport pick-up in Yining, check into the hotel, and start the journey relaxed.
D2: Head to Sailimu Lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery, and stay at the RV campsite within the Sailimu Lake Scenic Area.
D3: After visiting Sailimu Lake, head to Guozigou Bridge, Lavender Base, and Kazanqi Folk Village, and stay overnight in Zhaosu.
D4: Head to Xiata National Park to enjoy natural beauty and stay at the hot spring hotel within the Xiata Scenic Area.
D5: Head to Qiongkushitai to admire the grassland scenery and stay overnight in Qiongkushitai Village.
D6: One-day tour of Qiongkushitai Village to deeply experience local folklore and culture.
D7: Head to Nalati Valley Grassland and stay overnight in Nalati Town.
D8: Explore Nalati Aerial Grassland and continue staying in Nalati Town.
D9: Head to Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery and Fairy Lake, and stay overnight in Dushanzi.
D10: Visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Colorful Danxia, and stay overnight in Urumqi.
D11: Airport transfer in Urumqi, ending a pleasant journey.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
The following attractions are a must-see when traveling in Yili.
Sailimu Lake: A typical alpine lake with clear and blue water, known as “Sailimu Lake Blue”.
Nalati Grassland: The summer pasture of the Kazakhs, surrounded by green mountains on three sides with a river running through the middle, presenting a picturesque scene.
Duku Highway: One of the most beautiful highways in China, with a total length of 561 kilometers. It boasts various landscapes and is renowned for its “four seasons in one day and different skies every ten li”.
Kalajun Grassland and Qiongkushitai Grassland: The vast grassland scenery makes it an excellent destination for photography and outdoor activities.
Zhaosu Xiata Scenic Area: A beautiful place integrating grasslands, snow-capped mountains, streams, and other natural landscapes.
III. City Exploration and Food Recommendations
If time permits, you can also explore Yining City and feel its unique charm.
Liuxing Street: A must-visit attraction in Yining City. You can visit the Accordion Museum, taste local snacks, and enjoy ice cream.
Kazanqi Folk Village: Experience local folk culture and admire traditional architecture.
Yili River: Enjoy the scenery of the river and feel the tranquility and grandeur of nature.
In terms of cuisine, Yili also has many special dishes worth trying, such as Yibazhua (a type of fried pastry), kebab, and Mianfeizi (a type of lung-like dish made from flour).
IV. Precautions
The temperature in Xinjiang varies greatly between day and night, so it is recommended to bring a thick coat to cope with temperature changes.
The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang are strong, so be sure to take sunscreen measures.
When driving on a self-drive tour, please pay attention to safety, especially on mountainous sections such as the Duku Highway.
I hope this travel guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Yili!