The best time to visit Yili, Xinjiang, is from May to August each year, especially from mid-to-late May to mid-July. Here is a detailed analysis:?
Mid-to-late May:?
Advantages: Fewer tourists, and attractions are not crowded; the grasslands are starting to turn green, not as lush yet but scenic; there is more snow on the mountains, providing good photo opportunities; car rentals, airfare, and hotel prices are relatively lower.?
Disadvantages: The weather is unstable, cloudy, and rainy, which may affect travel plans; the Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway may not be open yet, affecting part of the itinerary.?
June:?
Advantages: The weather is relatively stable with more sunny days, suitable for outdoor activities; the grasslands become greener and thicker, flowers start to bloom, and the scenery is very beautiful; the Duku Highway is open, allowing for an experience of this famous road trip.?
Disadvantages: Car rentals, hotels, and airfare are much more expensive than in May, and reservations may even be difficult; there are more people in scenic areas, which may affect photo-taking and the tourism experience; traffic jams may occur, making self-driving more tiring; some attractions may require advance ticket reservations.?
July:?
Advantages: The entire Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway are open, the weather is more stable, suitable for long-distance driving; almost all attractions are sunny, and it’s not too cold at night; the grasslands are the greenest and thickest, with scenery at its most beautiful.?
Disadvantages: Prices are the highest due to school holidays and a large number of tourists; during the Eid al-Adha festival, there are even more people, higher prices, and hotel reservations may be more difficult; some flowers may start to wither.?
Furthermore, according to the characteristics of the four seasons in Yili, spring (April to June) offers a vibrant scene of everything coming back to life, especially with flowers blooming on the grasslands; summer (July to August) is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities; autumn (September to October) brings golden leaves all over the mountains, as if the earth is covered with a golden coat; while winter (November to March of the next year), despite lower temperatures, has a serene beauty, suitable for activities like skiing and soaking in hot springs.?
In summary, the best time to visit Yili, Xinjiang, is from May to August, especially from mid-to-late May to mid-July. However, the specific time period to choose depends on personal preferences and itinerary arrangements.?