The Nalati travel guide in Yili, Xinjiang mainly includes transportation options, recommended attractions, playing time, and ticket information.
Firstly, in terms of transportation, the transportation to Nalati Grassland is relatively convenient. Tourists can first arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and then take a connecting flight to Nalati Airport, where buses are available to the scenic area. If choosing a train, you can take a train from Urumqi Station or Urumqi South Station to Yining Station, and then transfer to a bus to Nalati, which takes about 3 hours. Of course, self-driving is also a good choice. Starting from Urumqi, head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, turn into the southern section of the Duku Highway after passing Dushanzi, and the scenery along the way is breathtaking, but be aware of road conditions and weather.
Next are the recommended attractions. The signature attraction of Nalati Grassland is the Aerial Grassland, where there are endless grasslands and the beauty of snow-capped mountains, offering a 360° panoramic view without any dead angles. The undulating grasslands and snow-capped mountains complement each other, with Kazakh tents scattered among them, as if stepping into a fairy tale world.
In addition, Valley Grassland is also worth visiting. There are no snow-capped mountains here, but there are many cows, sheep, horses, and more, giving it a more pastoral flavor.
If you have enough time, Snow Lotus Valley and Dragon Coiled Ancient Road are also good choices. Snow Lotus Valley requires an additional fee, but it allows you to appreciate the magnificent scenery of Nalati’s main peak, Kaban Bayi Peak, from a close distance; Dragon Coiled Ancient Road allows for self-driving in the forest, with winding mountain roads weaving through tall and straight snow firs, with various animals by the roadside, resembling a fairy tale world.
In terms of playing time, Nalati Grassland is very suitable for leisure activities. It is recommended to stay near the scenic area and spend at least one day until sunset. If you have enough time, it’s better to stay for two days, visiting the Aerial Grassland and Snow Lotus Valley on the first day, and the Valley Grassland and Dragon Coiled Ancient Road on the second day.
The best season for flower appreciation at Nalati Grassland is from April to June, with the Aerial Grassland being praised as an aerial garden; from July to September, the grassland is lush and green, making it a great place to escape the summer heat; from October to November, the Dragon Coiled Valley is colorful, providing an excellent period for photography.
Lastly, ticket information. The operating hours of the Nalati scenic area are from 9:30 am to 8:00 pm, and the tickets are valid for 48 hours, allowing for re-entry into the scenic area. The ticket price for the shuttle bus to the Aerial Grassland is 40 yuan/person, 24 yuan/person for the Valley Grassland, 60 yuan/person for the Snow Lotus Valley, and 40 yuan/person for the Dragon Coiled Valley Road. If you choose to self-drive, the ticket price is 300 yuan/person. Additionally, tourists are recommended to use the ‘Smart Nalati’ mini-program for ticket purchase and tour planning.
I hope this travel guide can help you better plan your trip to Nalati in Yili, Xinjiang.