If you are a solo traveler planning a trip to Ili, you can refer to the following detailed guide:?
Transportation guide:?
Airplane: You can fly to Yining Airport, or first fly to Urumqi and then transfer to other transportation options to get to Ili. Yining Airport has public transportation and taxis to get to the urban area?
Train: You can choose to take a train to Yining Station or Urumqi Station, and then select other transportation options as needed. Please note that train tickets are relatively scarce, so it is recommended to book in advance?
Self-driving or renting a car: It is convenient to rent or charter a car in the urban area of Ili to visit various attractions?
Route planning:?
You can choose a 7-day, 6-night itinerary of the Ili loop, including attractions such as Urumqi, Dushanzi Grand Canyon, Sayram Lake, Yining, Xiata Scenic Area, Tekes, and Qiongkushitai?
You can also choose a flower-viewing route in May-June or a route with the best viewing period for grasslands in July-August, based on your personal interests and schedule?
Travel Tips:?
Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference, so you will need to adjust your schedule after entering Xinjiang?
The ultraviolet rays in scenic areas are strong, so it is recommended to wear a hat or use sunscreen. Additionally, Xinjiang has many mountainous areas with large temperature differences between morning and night, so it is recommended to bring cold-weather clothing?
The scenic areas are generally large, with transportation options such as shuttle buses and horseback riding, but hiking is also required. It is recommended to wear comfortable and convenient shoes?
Cost budget:?
Transportation expenses: Round-trip airfare is about 2000-3000 yuan, and local chartered or rented car fees are about 500-1000 yuan/day?
Accommodation expenses: Budget hotels are about 200-400 yuan/night, while mid-to-high-end hotels are about 400-800 yuan/night?
Dining expenses: About 100-200 yuan per person per day?
Scenic spot tickets: Tickets for various scenic spots range from about 100-300 yuan?
The total budget is approximately 4000-8000 yuan, specifically varying based on personal spending habits?
Other precautions:?
Understand and respect local customs and culture?
Bring cameras and other photographic equipment to record the beautiful scenery and cultural atmosphere?
Taste local specialties such as roasted whole sheep and hand-grabbed meat?
Pay attention to personal and property safety, and abide by local laws and regulations?
I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Ili!?