Early September is a good time to visit Yili, Xinjiang. The scenery is still beautiful at this time, and the price is more affordable compared to summer. Here is a detailed travel guide for Yili in early September:?
Itinerary Planning Suggestions?
Day 1: Arrival in Yining?
Depart from major cities in China and choose to arrive in Yining by direct or connecting flights. Yining is the capital of Yili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture and has convenient transportation.?
After arrival, check in at the hotel for a short rest. In the afternoon, you can tour the urban area of Yining, such as People’s Park and Liuxing Street, to feel the local cultural atmosphere.?
Day 2: Sayram Lake Tour?
In the morning, drive to Sayram Lake, which is expected to take about 2 hours. Sayram Lake is called the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", with clear blue water surrounded by snow-capped mountains, presenting a breathtaking scenery.?
Take a walk along the lake, enjoying the lake and mountain scenery. You can have a picnic by the lake at noon and taste Xinjiang’s specialty foods.?
Day 3: Nalati Grassland Exploration?
In the morning, drive to Nalati Grassland, which is expected to take about 2.5 hours. Nalati Grassland is one of the world’s four major alpine valley grasslands, with perfect infrastructure and rich landscapes.?
Upon arrival, you can ride a horse or hike deep into the grassland to feel its vastness and freedom.?
Day 4: Karajun Grassland and Folk Experience?
Head to Karajun Grassland, which boasts vast grasslands and magnificent mountains, making it a paradise for photographers.?
In the evening, you can arrange a visit to Kazanqi Folk Village to experience the traditional architecture and lifestyle of the Uyghurs.?
Day 5: Duku Highway and Preparation for Return?
Wake up naturally and drive to the Duku Highway, enjoying the magnificent natural scenery and steep mountain roads along the way.?
Return to Yining in the afternoon to prepare for the return trip the next day. You can take free activities in the urban area, shop for souvenirs and specialties.?
Precautions?
Sunscreen: The sunshine in Yili is intense in September. Sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and other essentials must be brought.?
Warm clothing: The temperature difference between morning and night is large. It is recommended to bring a windbreaker or a thin down jacket.?
Diet: The diet in Yili mainly consists of beef, mutton, and wheat-based foods. The taste is relatively heavy, so pay attention to food hygiene. At the same time, you can taste local specialty foods such as roasted whole sheep and hand-grabbed rice.?
Safety: Please pay attention to safety when horse riding and hiking, and follow the guidance of the tour guide or locals.?
Transportation: It is recommended to rent a car for travel. The price is not expensive during the off-peak season, and the distance between attractions is far.?
I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Yili in early September and enjoy an unforgettable travel experience.?
