The travel guide for Yili in July mainly includes visiting attractions such as Sayram Lake, Lavender Fields, and Nalati Grassland, experiencing routes such as the Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway, and paying attention to relevant travel preparations and precautions.?
Core Attractions and Routes:?
Sayram Lake: The largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, it is known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. The lake scenery is breathtaking and suitable for a self-drive tour around the lake to appreciate the lake and mountain scenery from different angles.?
Lavender Fields: From June to July, lavender blooms in full force. The Huocheng Lavender Field is known as the Chinese version of Provence, with a romantic and charming purple sea of flowers, making it an excellent location for photos.?
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, it features an interplay of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands, making it suitable for horse riding or hiking to appreciate the beautiful scenery.?
Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway: These two highways offer picturesque scenery along the way and are excellent routes to experience the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang. The Yizhao Highway is only open to small vehicles, with scenery along the way resembling a fairyland; the Duku Highway is famous for its unique experience of ‘traveling through four seasons in a single day, with different weather in every ten li’.?
Travel Preparations and Precautions:?
Transportation: More than one-third of the time spent on a tour in Xinjiang is in the car, so be prepared for long periods of sitting. At the same time, note that the air conditioning in the bus may be set to a lower temperature during the trip, so bring a thin blanket or jacket to prevent getting cold.?
Sunscreen and Hydration: The sunshine in Xinjiang is intense, so pay attention to sunscreen and hydration. The distances between attractions are far, and the travel time by car is long, so be prepared in advance.?
Respect Local Customs: Respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities, such as Muslims’ taboo on pork. When shopping, try to be friendly and do not haggle for items you are unsure about.?
Security Checks and Military Restricted Areas: Security checks in Xinjiang are strict, so pay attention to the items you carry and be prepared to remove your shoes for inspection. At the same time, there are many military restricted areas in Xinjiang where visiting and taking photos are prohibited, so please make sure to remember this.?
In addition, you can visit scenic spots such as the Guozigou Bridge, Karajun Grassland, Qiongkushitai Village, and Xiata Scenic Area to experience the unique natural scenery and cultural customs of Xinjiang. The specific itinerary can be arranged according to personal time and preferences, such as the 6-day Yili Loop Route or the Yili Grand Loop Route.?