There are multiple recommended tourist routes around Yining City in Xinjiang, and here are a few classic ones:?
Route 1: Yining City – Horgos City – Huocheng County – Yining City?
This is a leisurely slow-paced tourism route. You can visit the China-Kazakhstan International Cooperation Center and Gate Scenic Area to feel the border atmosphere; then head to Huocheng County to visit the Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden, Yili General’s Mansion, and Huiyuan Ancient City Scenic Area to experience the romance of lavender and the richness of history; finally, return to Yining City to visit the Yili Prefecture Museum, Lin Zexu Memorial Hall, and take a night tour of the Liuxingjie Scenic Area to feel the bustling and tranquility of the city.?
Route 2: Yining City – Gongliu County – Tekes County – Zhaosu County – Yining City?
This route focuses on viewing the scenery around the Tianshan Mountains. You can visit the Kuerdining Scenic Area to admire its magnificent natural scenery; then head to Tekes County to visit the Karakun Scenic Area and experience the charm of the ‘Most Beautiful Three-Dimensional Grassland’; next, proceed to Zhaosu County to visit the Tianma Tourism and Culture Park and Wetland Park Scenic Area to watch the spectacular sight of Tianma horses galloping; finally, return to Yining City via the Yizhao Highway, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Baishi Peak Tourism Scenic Road along the way.?
Route 3: Yining City – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yizhao Highway – Zhaosu?
This is a classic short-distance tourism route. You can visit Sayram Lake, known as the ‘Last Drop of Tears of the Atlantic Ocean’, to feel the purity of the lake water and the majesty of the snow-capped mountains; then head to the Guozigou Bridge to admire its spectacular view and the depth of the gorge; then take the Yizhao Highway to Zhaosu, where you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery and unique ethnic culture along the way; in Zhaosu, you can visit attractions such as Tianma Bathing River to feel the charm of Tianma horses.?
Route 4: Xibo Ancient City – Huiyuan Ancient City in Huocheng – Tukai Desert – Princess Jieyou Lavender Manor?
This route covers multiple famous attractions around Yining City. You can visit the Xibo Ancient City and Xibo Ethnic Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Xibo people; then head to the Huiyuan Ancient City and Yili General’s Mansion in Huocheng to feel the richness of history and the transmission of culture; next, proceed to Tukai Desert to experience its vastness and mystery; and finally, visit Princess Jieyou Lavender Manor to admire the romance and beauty of lavender.?
Each of the above routes has its own characteristics and can be selected based on personal interests and schedules. During the trip, you can also taste local cuisine and specialty drinks, such as mare’s milk wine and hand-grabbed rice, to experience the unique flavor of Xinjiang.?