March to April is the best time to visit Yili. At this time, Yili’s lakes, flower fields, and snow-capped mountains intertwine to form beautiful landscapes, which are perfect for tourism and photography. Here is a detailed travel guide for Yili in March and April:
Weather and Clothing:
In March, the temperature ranges from -10℃ to 10℃, with mostly sunny and cloudy weather, and a large temperature difference between morning and evening. It is recommended to wear sweaters, jackets, thick jeans during the day, and down jackets and cotton-padded pants at night, along with warm footwear.
In April, the temperature ranges from 0℃ to 20℃, with sunny and cloudy weather dominating. The Yili area often rains. During the day, it is suitable to wear thin hoodies, jackets, and jeans; at night, you will need a waterproof jacket and fleece-lined clothing.
Best Time for Flower Viewing:
Tuergen Apricot Flower Valley: Blooming from early to mid-April, it is the largest gathering place for wild apricot blossoms in China. The apricot blossoms only bloom for about ten days.
Daxigou Apricot Flower Valley: Blooming in mid-April. Besides wild apricot trees, there are over 60 species of wild fruit trees, creating a breathtaking scene.
Pamir Plateau Apricot Blossoms: Blooming from mid-to-late March to early April, they are a perfect combination of harmony and nature.
Sayram Lake: Known as the
Nalati Grassland: One of the four major grasslands in the world. In April, the grass gradually turns green, and wild lilies bloom through the ice, making the grassland full of vitality.
Guozigou Bridge: An important part of the ancient Silk Road’s Northern Route. You can allocate sufficient time to take the old road and climb the wooden栈道 to view the panoramic view of Sayram Lake.
Kumtag Desert: Witness the sunset spectacle, perfect for taking photos.
Recommended Travel Routes:
Departing from Urumqi, passing through the S101 National Defense Highway, visiting scenic spots such as Anjihai, and then proceeding to Tuergen Apricot Flower Valley, Sayram Lake, Nalati Grassland, etc.
You can also choose the 8-day, 7-night itinerary of Urumqi – Hami Dahai Road – Mars Base – Kumtag Desert – Tuyugou Mazhavillage – Flaming Mountains – Hejing – Nalati Grassland – Tuergen or Daxigou – Qingshuihe – Sayram Lake – Kuitun – Urumqi.
In addition, Yili Prefecture has also launched flower appreciation boutique routes and popular flower season check-in spots, such as Nalati Saffron, Kalajun Five-Flower Meadow, Kurdining Tianshan Saffron, etc. Tourists can choose according to their interests and time.
. During the trip, please pay attention to the large temperature difference between morning and evening in Xinjiang, as well as the climatic characteristics of the plateau region, and take corresponding protective measures.