May is an excellent time to visit Yili, Xinjiang. At this time, spring is in full bloom and flowers are fragrant, allowing you to explore the perfect combination of nature and culture. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Must-visit Attractions?
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley?
Time: Early May?
Highlight: Wild apricot trees bloom in the valley, like a sea of pink, which is a paradise for photographers. It is recommended to arrange 2-3 days for an in-depth experience.?
Nalati Grassland?
Time: Mid-to-late May?
Highlight: Green grass and cattle and sheep are everywhere, suitable for activities such as horse riding, hiking, and picnics on the grassland, experiencing the life of Kazakh herdsmen. Nalati Aerial Grassland is the core part of the Nalati Scenic Area, where you can watch sunrises and sunsets.?
Yili River Valley?
Time: The entire month of May?
Highlight: Full of spring vitality, you can enjoy the field scenery of the plain area and feel the pastoral life under the snow-capped mountains. Walk along the Yili River and view the wetlands, orchards, and farmland on both banks.?
Sayram Lake?
Time: May?
Highlight: View the blue and transparent ice-pushing spectacle and dreamlike white swans, feeling the winter-spring transition of the Atlantic Tears.?
Guozigou Valley?
Time: May?
Highlight: The natural scenery is picturesque, suitable for self-driving tours and hiking. Ancient villages and traditional buildings are scattered around, allowing you to taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine.?
Qiongkushitai?
Highlight: A place where you want to go just by hearing its name and don’t want to leave after seeing the scenery. There are beautiful wild apricot blossoms here, as if entering a world from an anime.?
II. Itinerary Suggestions?
Days 1-2: Arrive in Urumqi, adjust to the time difference, and take a plane or train to Yining City. Visit the downtown area of Yining, stroll around Hanren Street, and taste Xinjiang cuisine.?
Days 3-4: Visit Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley, leaving early and returning late to capture the best lighting effects. Afterwards, you can go to Nalati Grassland to experience grassland life.?
Subsequent itinerary: You can arrange to visit places such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Valley, Xiata, Qiaxi Forest Park, etc., to deeply explore the natural scenery and cultural landscapes of Yili.?
III. Precautions?
Transportation: If there are no direct flights to Yining, you can choose to transfer. If the transfer time is long, it is recommended to take the high-speed rail to Yining after landing in Urumqi.?
Time difference: There is a time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland, so please adjust your schedule during your visit.?
Activities: When activities are held on the grassland, please respect the local customs and habits, do not trample on flowers and grass casually, and protect the environment.?
Sunscreen: The ultraviolet rays in Yili are strong, so please take good sunscreen measures during your visit.?
With the above guide, you can better plan your trip to Yili, Xinjiang in May and feel the natural and cultural charm of this beautiful land.?