Visiting Yili in December allows you to experience the rich natural scenery and unique ethnic culture. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
Itinerary Planning?
Day 1: Initial Experience of Yining City?
Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area: Walk among the blue and white Uyghur houses, feel the rich folk customs, and taste local specialties.?
Liuxingjie: Explore the unique hexagonal street layout, admire various architectural styles, visit specialty shops, and enjoy a leisurely coffee time.?
Day 2: Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge?
Sayram Lake: Winter Sayram Lake resembles a huge blue gem, with parts of the lake frozen, presenting a breathtaking spectacle of ice bubbles. It is a paradise for photographers.?
Guozigou Bridge: Stand on the viewing platform to overlook the valley. The bridge looks even more spectacular against the snow, feeling the perfect fusion of architecture and nature.?
Day 3: Nalati Grassland and Gongnaisi National Forest Park?
Nalati Grassland: The grassland is covered with snow in winter, where you can experience activities such as horse riding and snowmobiling, feeling the passion and vitality of the winter grassland.?
Gongnaisi National Forest Park: Take a horse-drawn sleigh through the snowy forest, admire the rime ice scenery, and enjoy tranquility and beauty.?
Day 4 and Beyond: In-depth Exploration and Leisure?
Swan Pond: Explore the Swan Pond, observe the swans dancing in the winter, and feel the harmonious beauty of nature.?
Nalati Resort Ski Area: Experience winter sports such as skiing and snow play, and enjoy the fun brought by ice and snow.?
Kuerdining: Engage in activities such as hiking in dense forests and snow biking to explore the unknown winter wonders.?
Precautions?
Warm Clothing: Xinjiang’s winters are cold, so bring enough warm clothing, such as thick down jackets, thermal underwear, gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof snow boots.?
Anti-slip Measures: When walking on snow, wear anti-slip shoes or snowshoes to avoid slipping and getting injured. Trekking poles or ski poles are also good auxiliary tools.?
Photography Equipment: Bring a camera, spare batteries and memory cards, as well as a tripod and remote control to capture the beautiful snowy landscapes and blue ice.?
Respect Local Customs: Xinjiang is a region inhabited by multiple ethnic groups. It is important to respect the local culture and customs to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.?
Transportation and Accommodation?
Transportation: You can choose to fly, take a high-speed train, or a regular train directly to Urumqi, and then rent a car for self-driving or join a local tour group to Yili.?
Accommodation: It is recommended to book hotels with four diamonds or above in advance to ensure a warm and comfortable night even in icy and snowy conditions.?
With the above itinerary planning and precautions, you can fully experience the natural beauty and unique culture of Yili in December and enjoy an unforgettable winter trip.?