Traveling to Ili in early August, you will be able to appreciate the green grasslands and blooming wildflowers, experience the pleasant climate, and it is a great place to escape the summer heat. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Recommended Travel Routes
Arriving in Yining: As the starting point of Ili, Yining is a good place to begin your Xinjiang journey.
Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge: Take a scenic drive around Sayram Lake to admire its gem-like blue waters, and then head to Guozigou Bridge to take panoramic photos of the bridge from the viewing platform.
Lavender Field: June to July is the lavender blooming season. Although it may be past the peak blooming period in early August, you can still try to find lavender fields and feel the romance of the purple.
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, it is a place where snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwine, making it an excellent spot for horse riding or hiking to appreciate the scenery.
Other Recommended Attractions: Places such as Xiata Ancient Road, Bagua City, Qiongkushitai Ancient Village, and Karajun Grassland are all worth visiting.
II. Climate and Clothing Suggestions
Climate: The temperature in Ili in August is approximately between 18°C and 29°C, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. It is recommended to prepare a thin jacket or shirt.
Clothing: For tops, you can choose thin down jackets, shirts, light jackets, hoodies, sun-protective clothing, etc.; for bottoms, you can choose long pants, shorts, skirts, etc.; also prepare comfortable sneakers or boots.
III. Accommodation and Food Recommendations
Accommodation: Ili has a wide variety of hotels. You can choose suitable accommodation based on your needs. In Yining, Nalati, and other places, there are many high-quality hotels and homestays for tourists to choose from.
Food: The Ili area offers a rich variety of cuisine, mainly featuring Kazakh and Uyghur dishes. It is recommended to try mutton grabbed by hand, roasted whole sheep, mutton skewers, big plate chicken, and other local specialties. You can also taste fresh fruits and dried fruits.
IV. Other Precautions
Sunscreen Measures: The ultraviolet rays are intense in Xinjiang during the day, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun by bringing sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Cash Preparation: In some areas, the signal may be unstable, so it is recommended to carry cash for emergencies.
Means of Transportation: The attractions are relatively far apart, so renting a car or joining a tour group may be more convenient and worry-free. Alternatively, you can choose to self-drive and deeply experience the scenery along the way.
Tickets and Shopping: Find out in advance about ticket information and purchase channels for various attractions. Ili has many specialty goods and handicrafts, such as traditional Kazakh crafts and local dried fruits, which can be purchased as souvenirs.
I hope this travel guide to Ili in early August will help you enjoy yourself to the fullest!