Yili Travel Guide
I. Must-visit Attractions
Nalati Grassland
Characteristic: Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, and grasslands intertwine, resembling a fairy tale world.
Advantage: The facilities are mature and suitable for traveling with elderly and children.
Disadvantage: The cost of self-driving is high, and there are limited bus stops.
Sayram Lake
Characteristic: The lake water is as blue as a gemstone and is called the "Last Tear of the Atlantic".
Experience: You can self-drive around the lake and camp by the lake to watch sunrises and sunsets.
Surroundings: The Guozigou Bridge is magnificent and blends with the scenery of mountains and rivers.
Kalajun Grassland
Characteristic: The human-shaped grassland in the Koksu Canyon features unique landforms.
Advantage: Well-equipped facilities, convenient accommodation, and self-driving is allowed.
Disadvantage: During peak seasons, it is crowded, and it is easy to lose one’s way on scenic routes.
Qiongkushitai
Characteristic: Hidden in the alpine forest and grassland, the quaint village is full of poetry.
Advantage: Free entry, and cars are allowed.
Disadvantage: The winding mountain road has poor conditions, so those prone to carsickness should proceed with caution.
Tangbula Grassland
Characteristic: The Hundred-Mile Gallery is breathtakingly beautiful, and Fairy Lake is mysterious and enchanting.
Advantage: Free entry, good road conditions for self-driving, stunning starry skies.
Disadvantage: Visiting Fairy Lake requires horseback riding or hiking, which is a test of physical strength.
II. Itinerary Recommendations
3-day, 3-night itinerary
Day 1: Visit Nalati Grassland, rent a horse, and stay in a traditional Kazakh yurt.
Day 2: Visit Sayram Lake, take a leisurely walk along the lake, and taste local cuisine.
Day 3: Visit the urban area of Yining, feel the city’s hustle and bustle, and visit the Six Star Street.
7-day, 6-night itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi and enjoy free activities.
Day 2: Circumnavigate Sayram Lake and pass by the Guozigou Bridge.
Day 3: Explore the Xiata Ancient Road and pass through the eight-trigram city of Tekes.
Day 4: Deep dive into the ancient village of Qiongkushitai.
Day 5: Head to Xinyuan/Nalati Town to experience the valley grassland and aerial grassland.
Day 6: Return to Yining City and prepare for the return trip.
III. Travel Experiences
Horseback riding: Gallop on the grassland and feel the grandeur of nature.
Ghee making: Experience making ghee yourself and learn about local specialties.
Hand-brewed coffee: Enjoy a cup of hand-brewed coffee at a café and savor the local flavor.
View natural wonders: Watch sunrises, sunsets, and starry skies at different locations.
IV. Pre-trip Preparations
Clothing: Windbreaker and jacket; the temperature difference between morning and night is large, so warmth is needed.
Sunscreen: Xinjiang has strong UV rays, so prepare both physical and chemical sunscreen.
Skincare: Hydrating masks, lip balm, lotion, and milk; moisturizing is necessary due to the dry climate.
Snacks: The distance between attractions is long, so bring some snacks for the road.
This Yili travel guide covers must-visit attractions, itinerary recommendations, travel experiences, and pre-trip preparations, hoping to help you easily embark on a dream journey.