The travel guide for Yili, Xinjiang mainly includes the best travel time, must-visit attractions, travel suggestions, precautions, etc.
I. Best Travel Time
The best travel time for Yili is from March to October each year, with the apricot blossoms blooming from early March to mid-April, which is the best time to view them. At this time, the apricot blossoms in Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley bloom competitively, forming a romantic sea of flowers.
II. Must-Visit Attractions
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley: A globally renowned gathering place for primitive wild apricot forests, with a ticket price of 30 yuan and a shuttle bus fee of 10 yuan. The best viewing point is on the high slope of the hill, where you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of ten thousand acres of wild apricot forests.
Sayram Lake: A typical alpine lake with clear and blue water, beautiful in every season, especially in winter with ice holes and blue ice wonders being particularly spectacular. It is recommended to enter from the East Gate and exit from the South Gate, and don’t miss the beautiful scenery at Songshutou.
Nalati Grassland: The summer pasture of the Kazakhs, with a unique terrain, offering various ways to play such as valley grassland, aerial grassland, and the盘龙古道 (a winding mountain road). The scenic area has mature supporting facilities, suitable for traveling with the elderly and children.
Kalajun Grassland: Famous for the human-shaped grassland in Koksu Canyon, its unique landform is amazing. The scenic area has complete facilities and diverse accommodation options, and now self-driving tours are also allowed.
Qiongkushitai: A quaint village hidden under the alpine forest and grassland, full of poetry and tranquility. Free entry, and you can also drive in, saving money and being convenient. However, the mountain road conditions are poor, so those prone to carsickness should proceed with caution.
III. Travel Suggestions
Grassland Selection: There are many grasslands in Yili, and choosing 2-3 is sufficient to avoid aesthetic fatigue. If you like snow-capped mountains, choose Xiata; if you prefer forests, choose Qiongkushitai or Qiaxi; if you are partial to grasslands, choose Nalati.
Shopping Locations: For local specialties, visit Jinquan Market, which offers a rich variety at affordable prices; for delicious food, Hetian 2nd Street and Lingguan Alley are food heavens; for fruits, go to supermarkets or farmer’s markets, and avoid high-priced fruits at roadside stalls and within scenic spots.
Ways to Play: The distances between scenic spots are far apart, so special forces-style tourism is not recommended. If you have limited time, it is suggested to spend 7-8 days in Yili. If you join a tour group, avoid large groups and low-price tours, and it is best to join a small group of 2-6 people.
IV. Precautions
Weather: In Yili, the temperature difference between day and night is large from March to April. The daytime temperature ranges from 10℃-20℃, and it may drop to 0℃-5℃ at night. Remember to bring a windbreaker and a thin down jacket, and also take sunscreen measures.
Transportation: Some scenic spots in the Yili area have poor road conditions, so driving yourself needs caution. If the cost of self-driving is high or you don’t want to rush through the sights, you can consider taking a shuttle bus or joining a tour group.
Above is the travel guide for Yili, Xinjiang, hoping it will be helpful for your trip.