The recommended 7-day travel route for Yili is as follows:?
Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi?
After arrival, you are free to explore and feel the local customs. You can choose to stroll around the downtown area and taste Xinjiang’s special delicacies such as big plate chicken and grilled mutton skewers?
Day 2: Urumqi – Sayram Lake?
Set out for Sayram Lake in the morning to admire the magnificent scenery of ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. You can take a self-driving tour around the lake or take a scenic area shuttle bus to feel the beauty of the lakeside scenery. It is recommended to stay at an RV campsite near Sayram Lake, such as the Dianjiangtai Starry Sky Campsite, to experience the joy of being in close contact with nature at night?
Day 3: Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Yining?
Get up early to enjoy the sunrise at Sayram Lake again, then head to Guozigou, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and overlook the magnificent canyon scenery. In the afternoon, arrive in Yining City, visit Yining Old Town, and taste local delicacies such as pilaf and lung soup noodles?
Day 4: Yining – Zhaosu/Tekes?
You can choose to go to Zhaosu or Tekes this day. If you choose Zhaosu, you can visit Zhaosu Jade Lake to admire the blue ice wonders (in winter) and visit Tianma Bathing River to feel the charm of equestrian culture. If you choose Tekes, you can visit Karajun Grassland to experience its three-dimensional grassland landscape and stay at a hotel in Tekes County at night?
Day 5: Zhaosu/Tekes – Nalati?
Regardless of whether you chose Zhaosu or Tekes the previous day, you can head to Nalati this day. Visit Nalati Aerial Grassland, known as the ‘Pearl of Tianshan Mountain’, and enjoy the beautiful grassland scenery here. You can choose to stay in Nalati Town at night to experience the peaceful night on the grassland?
Day 6: Nalati – Duku Highway – Tangbula/Qiaoerma?
Cross the Duku Highway, a picturesque road where you can enjoy landscapes such as grasslands, lakes, and deserts. Depending on time and interest, you can choose to visit Tangbula’s Hundred-Mile Gallery and Fairy Lake, or head to Qiaoerma to admire the magnificent natural scenery. Return to Urumqi or choose a nearby town to stay for the night?
Day 7: Urumqi – End of Journey?
End your pleasant journey in Urumqi by visiting the Erdaoqiao International Bazaar to buy some souvenirs with Xinjiang’s characteristics. Then prepare to return home and conclude this unforgettable trip to Yili?
This route covers the main attractions and unique scenery of Yili, but the specific itinerary may need to be adjusted according to actual conditions and weather. I hope this guide can help you with your trip to Yili!?