If you travel to Yili in July, you will be able to appreciate the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Best Travel Time and Attraction Recommendations?
Best Travel Time: July is the most charming season in Yili, with nature presenting a visual feast. The Duku Highway is open, and the lavender is also in bloom.?
Must-visit attractions:?
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine gem, with sapphire-blue water and scenery around it resembling a fairy tale. You can drive around the lake to encounter the lake and mountains from different angles.?
Huocheng Lavender Fields: From June to July, the lavender blooms, transforming it into China’s Provence. The vast purple flower sea is romantic and charming, providing excellent photo opportunities.?
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, it is intertwined with snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands. It is suitable for horse riding or hiking to admire the beautiful scenery.?
Kalajun Grassland: A combination of grasslands, forests, and valleys, with stunning landscapes such as five-flower meadows. It is suitable for hiking to overlook the magnificent scenery of the grasslands.?
II. Itinerary Planning Suggestions?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake. After arriving in the afternoon, take a clockwise tour of the lake and stay nearby in the evening to taste specialties such as roast whole sheep.?
Day 2: Continue exploring Sayram Lake and then proceed to Guozigou Bridge to experience the lavender aroma of the Eastern Provence. In the afternoon, visit Nalati Aerial Grassland to feel the charm of the grasslands.?
Day 3: Spend the day at Nalati Grassland and then head to Kuerding in the afternoon to enjoy the beauty of grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. Alternatively, you can visit Kazanqi Folk Customs Street to experience the charm of the blue town of the Kazakhs.?
Day 4: Depart from Kuerding or Tekes and head to Kalajun Scenic Area for a full day of exploration, experiencing three-dimensional grassland landscapes. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Xiata Scenic Area to admire the breathtaking beauty of snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and rolling flower fields.?
Future itinerary: Depending on your time and interests, you can continue to explore other beautiful scenery in Yili, such as Qiongkushitai Village and Bayinbrook Grassland.?
III. Precautions and Preparations?
Prepare for long car rides: More than 1/3 of your time in Xinjiang travel will be spent in a car. Make sure to stay hydrated, prevent heatstroke, and bring motion sickness medication if needed.?
Respect local customs: Respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities, such as Muslim dietary restrictions on pork. When shopping, try to be friendly and avoid haggling for items you’re unsure about wanting.?
Safety tips: Security checks in Xinjiang are strict. Pay attention to the items you carry and be prepared to remove your shoes for inspection. Also, there are many military restricted areas in Xinjiang that prohibit visiting and taking photos. Make sure to remember this.?
Dressing advice: Bring a set of long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as comfortable flat shoes or sneakers to cope with different weather and terrain. Additionally, prepare a thin blanket or jacket to prevent catching a cold.?
With the above travel tips, I believe you can have an unforgettable travel experience in Yili in July.?