The self-drive tour guide for Yili is as follows:?
Core Recommended Route: Sayram Lake – Guozigou – Xiata – Jongkushitai – Nalati – Duku Highway?
Itinerary Planning?
Day 1: Depart from Yili and head to Sayram Lake to admire the spectacular scenery of the melting blue ice. Pass by the Guozigou Bridge and return to Yili for overnight stay.?
Day 2: Head to the Xiata Tourist Area, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike, bike, and enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way. Stay overnight in Zhaosu.?
Day 3: Visit Jongkushitai, one of the most beautiful villages in Xinjiang, with quaint dwellings and peaceful pastures. It is perfect for photo opportunities. In the evening, proceed to Tekes for overnight stay and visit the Tekes Bagua City, the only bagua-shaped city in China, with a unique urban layout and rich folk customs.?
Day 4: Head to Nalati Grassland, where picturesque scenery of snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, and grasslands intertwine. Stay overnight in Nalati Town.?
Day 5: Drive along the Duku Highway, which crosses the Tianshan Mountains and boasts spectacular scenery along the way. It is known as the most beautiful highway in Xinjiang and is very suitable for self-drive tours.?
Afterward, you can visit the Hundred-Mile Gallery and finally return to Yili.?
Precautions?
An ID card is a must, as security checks in Xinjiang are strict.?
Sunscreen and warm clothing are essential, as the temperature difference between day and night in Yili is large.?
Skin moisturizing is also important due to the dry weather in Xinjiang.?
Bring motion sickness pills, stomach medicine, and mosquito repellent just in case.?
Food Recommendations?
Grilled Meat: Rich in variety, with delicious meat and a delightful aroma.?
Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Tender and juicy, served with local special spices, it retains its original flavor.?
Pilaf: Made mainly from mutton and carrots, the rice is fragrant and delicious.?
You can also taste fragrant milk tea, mare’s milk liquor with unique flavors, and other special drinks.?
Accommodation Recommendations?
Around Sayram Lake: You can choose to stay in nearby hotels or homestays to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the starry sky and sunrise.?
Nalati Town: The accommodation facilities are relatively complete, and you can choose inns with a grassland atmosphere to experience local folk culture.?
Yining City: As the capital of Yili, there are abundant accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to economical homestays.?
When planning a self-drive tour in Yili, it is recommended to arrange the itinerary reasonably according to personal interests and physical condition to ensure a pleasant and safe journey.?