There are multiple options for travel route maps from Urumqi to Ili. Here are two classic self-drive routes:
Route 1: 7-Day Self-Drive Ili Loop
D1: Urumqi → S101 Provincial Highway → Kuitun (lodging)
D2: Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (lodging)
D3: Yining → Tianshan Flower Sea → Yizhao Highway → Tianma Bathing River → Zhaosu (lodging)
D4: Zhaosu → Kalajun → Tekes (lodging)
D5: Tekes → Kuerdining → Xinyuan (lodging)
D6: Xinyuan → Tangbula Grassland → Hundred-Mile Gallery → Fairy Lake
D7: Fairy Lake → Duku Highway → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Kuitun → Urumqi解散return trip
Route 2: 7-Day Self-Drive Travel Guide from Urumqi to Ili
DAY1: Urumqi → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Sayram Lake (overnight stay at lakeside camping)
DAY2: Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Kanzaqi, Yining → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu (overnight stay at Zhaosu Hotel or RV camping)
DAY3: Zhaosu → Xiata → Qiaxi (overnight stay at RV camping within Qiaxi Scenic Area)
DAY4: Qiaxi → Nalati → Bayinbuluke (optional, overnight stay at Nalati, Bayin hotels, homestays, or RV camping)
DAY5: Nalati or Bayin → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery (overnight stay at Tangbula Grassland RV camping)
DAY6: Tangbula Grassland → Fairy Lake → Northern Section of Duku Highway → Dushanzi (overnight stay at Dushanzi Hotel or RV camping)
DAY7: Dushanzi → Anjihai Grand Canyon (optional) → S101 Highway → Urumqi
Both routes cover the classic attractions from Urumqi to Ili, such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Yizhao Highway, Kalajun Grassland, etc. Tourists can choose the appropriate route based on their time and preferences. During the trip, please drive safely, take breaks when necessary, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and customs of Xinjiang.