Ili, Urumqi, and Kanas Travel Guide
I. General Overview
Ili, Urumqi, and Kanas are important tourist destinations in Xinjiang, each possessing unique natural scenery and cultural landscapes. Ili is famous for its grasslands and lakes, Urumqi is the political, economic, and cultural center of Xinjiang, while Kanas is renowned for its mysterious and beautiful natural scenery.
II. Urumqi Travel Guide
Transportation:
Airplane: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport is the main aviation hub of Xinjiang, with flights connecting to multiple cities both domestically and internationally.
Train: Urumqi Railway Station is the railway transportation hub of Xinjiang, with multiple railway lines connecting to various parts of the country.
Accommodation:
Urumqi offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury hotels, catering to various needs.
Cuisine:
Urumqi is a hub of Xinjiang cuisine, with dishes such as roasted whole sheep, hand-grabbed rice, and large plate chicken that are not to be missed.
Attractions:
Tianshan Tianchi: Not far from Urumqi, it is a famous tourist attraction in Xinjiang, with breathtaking lake and mountain scenery.
Xinjiang Museum: An excellent place to learn about the history and culture of Xinjiang, with a rich collection of unique exhibits.
III. Yili Travel Guide
Best Travel Time:
May-June: The grasslands are green with flowers blooming, making it an excellent time to enjoy the natural scenery.
Must-visit Attractions:
Nalati Grassland: One of the world’s four major alpine valley grasslands, with magnificent grassland scenery.
Sayram Lake: With its sapphire-blue water and surrounding snow-capped mountains, it is a paradise for photographers.
Cuisine:
The cuisine in Yili area is also abundant, featuring not only Xinjiang specialty dishes but also unique local ethnic flavors.
IV. Kanas Travel Guide
Transportation:
Airplane: Fly to Urumqi, then transfer to a flight to Kanas Airport, and finally take a car to the scenic area.
Train + Car: Take a train to Burqin Station, and then transfer to a car to Kanas Scenic Area.
Self-driving: Depart from Urumqi, take G30 Expressway to Burqin, and then take G216 National Highway to Kanas.
Accommodation:
There are multiple accommodation options within Kanas Scenic Area, such as Kanas Village Resort, Kanas Lakeside Hotel, etc., but the prices are relatively high.
You can also choose to stay in Burqin County, which is relatively affordable and convenient for visiting Kanas Scenic Area.
Cuisine:
The cuisine in Kanas area is mainly based on Xinjiang specialties, such as roasted whole sheep, hand-grabbed rice, etc. Additionally, Kanas Lake stewed fish is a must-try delicacy.
Attractions:
Kanas Lake: The core attraction of the scenic area, with crystal-clear water surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Fish Viewing Platform: Overlook the entire scenery of Kanas Lake and feel the grandeur of nature.
Kanas Primitive Forest: Walk among it and feel the breath of nature and the beautiful scenery along the way.
Precautions:
The diurnal temperature variation in Kanas is large, so warm clothing should be brought.
The ultraviolet rays in the scenic area are strong, so sunscreen measures need to be taken.
The ticket price and shuttle bus fare for Kanas Scenic Area need to be understood and purchased in advance.
V. Itinerary Suggestions
Urumqi – Yili – Kanas Grand Loop Route:
Day 1: Urumqi – Tianshan Tianchi – Urumqi
Day 2: Urumqi – Burqin (Wulungu Lake can be visited on the way)
Day 3: Burqin – Kanas (Visit Kanas Lake, Moon Bay, etc.)
Day 4: Kanas – Hemu (Experience the original rustic charm)
Day 5: Hemu – Burqin (魔鬼城 can be visited on the way)
Day 6: Burqin – Duku Highway – Bayanbulak (Experience the changing seasons)
Day 7: Bayanbulak – Nalati – Yining (Experience the stunning scenery of the grassland)
Day 8: Yining – Sayram Lake – Urumqi (End of trip)
This itinerary covers multiple famous attractions in Urumqi, Yili, and Kanas, and can be adjusted according to personal time and preferences. I hope this travel guide can help you with your trip to Xinjiang!