The travel guide around Yili mainly includes multiple must-visit attractions and recommended itinerary arrangements.?
Must-visit attractions?
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine pearl, with lake water as blue as a gem and surrounding scenery like a fairy tale. Driving around the lake offers different perspectives of the lake and mountain scenery, and camping by the lake is also an excellent choice for watching sunrises and sunsets.?
Guozigou Bridge: A majestic and spectacular modern bridge perfectly integrated with the beauty of mountains and rivers. Standing on the viewing platform allows you to easily capture the full view of the bridge.?
Huocheng Lavender Field: From June to July, when lavender blooms, this place instantly transforms into China’s Provence, with a large sea of purple flowers that is romantic and charming, perfect for taking photos.?
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, with snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands interwoven. You can come here to ride horses or hike and admire the beautiful scenery.?
Kalajun Grassland: Integrating grassland, forest, and canyon, with breathtaking landscapes such as Five-Flower Meadow. Hiking here allows you to overlook the magnificent scenery of the grassland.?
Dukou Highway: One of China’s most beautiful highways, with a total length of 561 kilometers, spanning the Tianshan Mountains and featuring magnificent scenery along the way, suitable for self-driving tours.?
In addition, Qiongkushitai Grassland, Zhaosu Xiata Scenic Area, Yizhao Highway, Qiaxi Scenic Area, etc., are also worth visiting.?
Recommended itinerary arrangements?
Short itinerary (e.g., 3 days)?
Day 1: Arrive in Yining and adapt to the environment. Then head to Sayram Lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery. Camp by the lake at night or return to Yining for accommodation.?
Day 2: Head to Nalati Grassland, enjoy the beautiful scenery by horseback riding or hiking. In the afternoon, you can visit Huocheng Lavender Field to feel the romance of the purple sea of flowers.?
Day 3: Visit Kalajun Grassland and admire landscapes such as Five-Flower Meadow. Then return to Yining to end the journey.?
One-week itinerary?
Day 1: Arrive in Yining and prepare to start the adventure.?
Day 2: Depart from Yining, pass by Sayram Lake, explore the entire Guozigou area, and finally arrive at Huocheng to admire the beauty of Tianshan Red Flowers.?
Day 3: Cross Zhaosu, explore the mysterious Xiata, and finally arrive at Tianma Bathing River.?
Day 4: Continue exploring in Zhaosu, head to Saike Cloud Grassland, and then proceed to Aktas Grassland.?
Day 5: Depart from Tekes and take a trip around Qiata, finally arriving at Kuerdining.?
Day 6: Depart from Gongliu and explore Tangbula, enjoying the tranquility of nature.?
Day 7: Return to Yining from Tangbula and end the pleasant journey.?
Precautions?
June to August is the peak tourist season in Yili, and accommodation is very tight. It is recommended to book tickets and hotels in advance.?
The weather in Sayram Lake is unpredictable. Remember to bring a thick jacket.?
Lavender blooms from early June to early July. It is recommended to wear white clothes for better photo effects.?
Dukou Highway only allows vehicles with 7 seats or less to pass, while Yizhao Highway only allows 5-seat vehicles. Please note when self-driving.?
I hope this travel guide around Yili can help you with your trip!?