The Kanas-Yili travel guide mainly covers best travel times, must-visit attractions, modes of transportation, and itinerary planning.
Best Travel Time:
Xinjiang is vast, and the best travel times differ in different regions. Generally speaking, from May to October is the prime time to visit Xinjiang. Specifically, from July to August, temperatures rise and fruits ripen, making it the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang attractions like Kanas and Hemu, but with relatively more tourists; while from May to June, the grasslands in the Yili region are lush and wildflowers bloom, offering an excellent opportunity to enjoy natural scenery.
Must-Visit Attractions:
Kanas Scenic Area: Located in the Altay Mountains, it is known as the ‘God’s Back Garden’. It is picturesque throughout the seasons, especially in autumn, where the Three Bays (Shenxian Bay, Moon Bay, Wolong Bay) offer breathtaking scenery.
Nalati Grassland: The summer pasture of the Kazakhs. Starting from May, large groups of Kazakh herdsmen will bring their cattle and sheep here to graze. The grassland is divided into valley grassland, aerial grassland, and Dragon’s Spine Ancient Road, offering diverse ways to enjoy it.
Sayram Lake: A typical alpine lake with clear and blue water, beautiful in every season, especially spectacular during winter with ice eyes and blue ice wonders.
Modes of Transportation:
You can choose to travel by plane, train, self-drive, or local chartered/shared car. Flights can first land at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, then take a connecting flight to Yining Airport; trains have overnight services from Urumqi to Yining; for self-drive, it’s necessary to understand road conditions beforehand and prioritize safety; local chartered or shared cars are worry-free and enjoyable, and you can also meet new friends.
Itinerary Planning:
9-day self-drive tour of Kanas + Yili: Departing from Urumqi, visit attractions like Tianchi, Koktokay, Kanas, Hemu, Urho Devil’s City, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Bayinbrook Grassland, Nalati Grassland, Yining Kazanqi Folk Street, Sayram Lake, and finally return to Urumqi.
7-day tour of Kanas + Yili: Starting from Urumqi, pass through places like the Colorful Beach, Kanas, Hemu,魔鬼城 (Devil’s City), Karamay, Sayram Lake, and Lavender Garden, eventually arriving at Yining and Nalati, before returning to Urumqi.
When planning your itinerary, you can flexibly adjust the attractions and stay duration based on your personal schedule and preferences. Remember to bring necessary travel items such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and windbreakers to cope with Xinjiang’s changeable weather conditions.