September is a good time to visit Ili, Xinjiang. The climate is pleasant and the scenery is charming. Here is a detailed travel guide for Ili in September:?
Itinerary Planning Suggestions?
Arrival and Initial Exploration of Yining?
Arrive in Yining City, the capital of Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, which has convenient transportation and is the starting point for exploring Ili.?
After checking into the hotel, you can visit the cultural attractions in the urban area of Yining, such as People’s Park and Liuxing Street, to feel the local cultural atmosphere.?
In the evening, taste the specialty foods of Yining, such as roast whole sheep, hand-seized rice, and big plate chicken.?
Grassland Tour?
Head to Karajun Grassland, which is about a 2-hour drive away. The vast grassland and magnificent mountains here make it a paradise for photographers.?
Stroll on the grassland and admire the beautiful scenery of golden grass intertwining with blue sky and white clouds, or ride a horse and gallop across the grassland.?
Consider camping on the grassland to admire the starry sky and experience the tranquility and beauty of the grassland.?
Lake and Canyon Exploration?
Drive to Sayram Lake and take a scenic drive around the lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature. Sayram Lake is known as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", with clear blue water surrounded by snow-capped mountains.?
Head to Anjihai Grand Canyon and enjoy the natural scenery of Xinjiang along the way. The rivers, gullies, and mountains within the canyon intertwine to form a colorful abstract landscape of the earth.?
In-depth Experience and Return Trip?
Head to Narati Grassland, one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, with perfect infrastructure and rich landscapes. You can enjoy yourself here and participate in grassland games such as horse riding and archery.?
Finally, depending on the schedule, you can drive to the Duku Highway to enjoy the magnificent natural scenery and steep mountain roads along the way, and then return to Urumqi to end your pleasant trip to Ili.?
Recommended Attractions?
Xiata: A perfect combination of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and forests. You can choose to ride a horse or hike to feel the magnificence of the snow-capped mountains and grasslands.?
Sayram Lake: The lake water is clear and blue, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it an excellent location for taking photos and relaxing.?
Narati Grassland: With rich landscapes including snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and streams, it is the first choice for experiencing grassland scenery.?
Karajun Grassland: The vast grassland and magnificent mountains make it a great place for photography and camping.?
Precautions?
Sunscreen: The sunlight in Ili is intense in September. Be sure to take sunscreen measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing a sun hat, and sunglasses.?
Warmth: Due to the large temperature difference between morning and night, it is recommended to bring a windbreaker or thin down jacket to cope with temperature changes.?
Diet: The Ili area mainly consists of beef, mutton, and wheat-based foods with a heavy taste. Pay attention to food hygiene.?
Safety: Be cautious during activities such as horse riding and hiking, and follow the guidance of tour guides or locals.?
Through reasonable itinerary planning and attraction selection, you can fully appreciate the natural scenery and cultural charm of Ili in September. I hope this guide can provide useful reference for your trip to Ili.?