Visiting Ili in July and August is an excellent choice. At this time, Ili’s natural scenery reaches its peak beauty, with lush green grasslands, wildflowers blooming freely, and a particularly pleasant climate, making it a paradise for escaping the summer heat. Here are some specific travel recommendations:?
Must-visit attractions?
Sayram Lake:?
Known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic’, the lake water is clear and blue, backed by snow-capped mountains. The lakeside is adorned with vast grasslands and wildflowers everywhere, creating a breathtaking beauty.?
You can drive around the lake and encounter the lake and mountain scenery from different angles. Camping by the lake to watch the sunrise and sunset is also an excellent experience.?
Nalati Grassland:?
Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwine. You can ride a horse or hike to appreciate the beautiful scenery.?
The small wildflowers on the grassland and the valley peaks are so beautiful that they will make you mesmerized.?
Xiata:?
Xiata is the phonetic transcription of the Mongolian word ‘Shatu Aman’, meaning ‘ladder’. By crossing the forest, stepping through the grassland, and walking over wooden bridges, you can feel the grandeur and tranquility of nature.?
At the end of the forest are glacier-capped mountains, so beautiful that it takes your breath away.?
Qiongkushitai:?
This is a peaceful village hidden deep in the mountains, where villagers live the most primitive nomadic life and enjoy a truly original natural environment.?
Guozigou Bridge:?
This majestic modern bridge perfectly integrates with the beautiful mountains and rivers. Standing on the observation deck, you can easily capture the full view of the bridge.?
Huocheng Lavender Field:?
Lavender blooms in June and July, transforming this place into China’s ‘Provence’ instantly, with vast purple flower fields that are romantic and charming.?
Recommended travel routes?
Route 1 (7-day tour of Ili, round trip from Urumqi):?
Day 1: Assembly in Urumqi?
Day 2: Urumqi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Jinghe?
Day 3: Shuanghe/Jinghe – Circumnavigating Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yining?
Day 4: Yining – Qiaxi Forest Park – Nalati Grassland?
Day 5: Nalati – Nalati Aerial Grassland – Tangbula Grassland?
Day 6: Tangbula Grassland – Crossing the Duku Highway – Urumqi?
Day 7: Urumqi – Return trip?
Route 2 (Ili Grand Circle Route, departing from Urumqi):?
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake?
Day 2: Huocheng Lavender Field – Yizhao Highway – Xiata Tourist Area?
Day 3: Kalajun Grassland – Tekes?
Day 4: Nalati Aerial Grassland?
Day 5: South Section of the Duku Highway – Bayanbulak Grassland?
Subsequently, you can arrange your return trip or continue exploring other attractions based on your time and interests.?
Outfit and travel suggestions?
Outfit: In July, you can wear short-sleeved shirts, shorts, short skirts, and other cool summer clothes, but don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun; in August, you can try dresses, shirts, and other summer clothes, and you need to prepare a thin jacket for the slight chill in the evening.?
Necessary items for travel: ID card, driver’s license (if self-driving is needed), student ID card, etc.; sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, daily toiletries; coat, thick jacket (for wearing when the temperature difference between morning and night is large); knitwear, sweater, bottoming shirt, casual pants, flat shoes, sneakers; mask, tripod, daily medications, sunglasses, etc.?
If you travel to Ili in July and August, you will find yourself in a picturesque fairyland. Both natural scenery and human landscapes will make you reluctant to leave.?