A trip to Yili in early September allows you to enjoy the charming autumn scenery and experience the rich natural landscapes and cultural activities. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Itinerary Planning?
Day 1: Downtown Yining tour?
Morning: Upon arrival in Yining, first check in at the hotel and take a short rest. Afterwards, you can visit the downtown area of Yining, including famous attractions such as Hanren Street (Ningyuan Ancient City) and People’s Park, to experience the local customs and traditions?
Afternoon: Visit the Ili Museum to learn about the history and culture of Ili. Then head to Liuxing Street, a neighborhood full of exotic charm with many specialty shops and food stalls worth visiting?
Day 2: Nalati Grassland?
Full day: Depart from Yining and drive to Nalati Grassland. Nalati Grassland is one of the most beautiful grasslands in Xinjiang, with picturesque scenery. Here, you can ride horses or hike to feel the grandeur of snow-capped mountains and grasslands?
Day 3: Kalajun Grassland?
Full day: Head to Kalajun Grassland. Kalajun Grassland has undulating terrain and lush meadows, making it a paradise for photographers. You can stroll here and enjoy the beautiful scenery of golden grass intertwined with blue skies and white clouds?
Morning: Visit Sayram Lake. Sayram Lake is known as the?
Afternoon: Visit the Guozigou Bridge. The Guozigou Bridge spans the Guozigou River, with a magnificent appearance and is another landmark attraction in Ili?
Day 5: Khorgos and Lavender Base?
Full day: Visit Khorgos, explore the Khorgos Port, and understand the trade situation at the China-Kazakhstan border. Afterwards, visit the Lavender Base. Although lavender may have been harvested in September, the purple flower sea at the base is still worth seeing (depending on the planting situation of the year)?
Day 6: Return to Urumqi or continue exploring?
Depending on your personal itinerary, you can choose to return to Urumqi to end your trip or continue exploring other attractions in Ili, such as Qiaxi and Kuerdining?
II. Precautions?
Sunscreen: The sunlight in Ili in September is intense, so sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and other essentials must be brought?
Warm clothing: Due to the large temperature difference between morning and night, it is recommended to bring a windbreaker or thin down jacket?
Diet: The Ili area mainly consumes beef, mutton, and wheat products, with a preference for heavier flavors. Pay attention to food hygiene. Meanwhile, try local specialties such as roasted whole sheep, hand-grabbed rice, and large plate chicken?
Safety: Be cautious when horseback riding and hiking, and follow the guidance of guides or locals?
III. Cost Budget?
Transportation expenses: approximately 2000 yuan for round-trip airfare (depending on the departure city), and approximately 1500 yuan for local chartered car services?
Accommodation expenses: approximately 300 yuan per night for a mid-range hotel, totaling about 1800 yuan (for 6 nights)?
Dining expenses: approximately 100 yuan per person per day, totaling about 600 yuan (for 6 days)?
Entrance fees: approximately 500 yuan in total for various attractions (depending on specific attractions)?
Other expenses: approximately 500 yuan for shopping and souvenirs (depending on personal consumption)?
In summary, traveling to Ili in early September is an unforgettable experience. I hope this guide can help you better plan your itinerary and enjoy a wonderful trip.?