There are multiple options for the travel route from Turpan to Ili. The following is a relatively classic route plan covering the main attractions and experiences along the way:?
Route Overview?
Departure Point: Turpan?
Destination: Ili?
Total Distance: About 800 kilometers (the specific distance may vary due to route selection and actual road conditions)?
Estimated Time: About 9 hours of driving (excluding sightseeing time)?
Itinerary Arrangement?
Day 1: Turpan to Ili?
Departure in the Morning: Depart from Turpan City at around 7:00 am and head west along G30 Lianhuo Expressway.?
First Stop: Flaming Mountain: Pass by the famous Flaming Mountain scenic area, famous for its unique landforms and the setting of Sun Wukong borrowing the Bamboo Fan three times in "Journey to the West". You can stop for a moment to take photos.?
Second Stop: Kumtag Desert: Continue onward to Kumtag Desert to experience the fun of desert off-road driving. In the evening, you can choose to camp in the desert and enjoy the tranquility under the stars (or choose to continue onward).?
Lunch: Enjoy lunch in a small town near Kumtag Desert and taste local cuisine.?
Third Stop: Tianshan Tianchi: Arrive at Tianshan Tianchi in the afternoon to admire the sparkling pearl in the Tianshan Mountains, with its emerald-green lake surrounded by mountains.?
Arrival in Ili: Arrive in Ili in the evening and arrange accommodation to rest.?
Day 2: Ili Grassland?
Spend the whole day exploring Ili Grassland, admiring the Tianshan Mountains, grassland scenery, and Kazak culture. You can ride horses across the grassland or stroll by the stream to feel the charm of nature.?
Day 3: Nalati Grassland and Sayram Lake?
Nalati Grassland: Drive to Nalati Grassland in the morning, known as the "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall", to appreciate the magnificent natural scenery.?
Sayram Lake: In the afternoon, head to Sayram Lake, take a yacht tour on the lake, and enjoy the clarity and beauty of the lake up close.?
Day 4: Yining City and Surroundings?
When visiting Yining City, you can visit landmarks such as Liuxing Street and Yili River Bridge, and taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine.?
Precautions?
Road Conditions and Weather: Understand the road conditions and weather along the way in advance and make corresponding preparations.?
Accommodation and Dining: Book accommodation and dining in advance to ensure comfort and convenience during your trip.?
Safe Driving: Be sure to drive safely on long-distance self-drive trips, abide by traffic rules, and ensure driving safety.?
This route covers the classic attractions and experiences from Turpan to Ili, but the specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal interests and time. I hope this route will bring you a pleasant experience during your trip!?