Summer is the best travel season in Yili, Xinjiang. At this time, the grasslands are blooming with flowers, and the climate is pleasant, making it ideal for sightseeing and experiencing nomadic life. Below is a detailed summer travel guide to Yili, Xinjiang:
I. Recommended Attractions
Nalati Grassland
Feature: Snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, and grasslands intertwined, resembling a fairy tale world.
Experience: You can experience activities such as horse riding and Kazakh family visits. The Aerial Grassland Observation Deck is an excellent location to overlook the stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains, spruce trees, and grasslands intertwined.
Sayram Lake
Feature: The lake water is clear and blue, known as “the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean”.
Experience: Cycling around the lake and stargazing camping are particularly recommended experiences. In June, the golden lotus by the lake blooms, creating a breathtaking view.
Karakun Grassland
Feature: The Human Body Grassland in Koksu Canyon, with unique landforms that amaze people.
Experience: Well-equipped facilities, convenient lodging, and now you can also self-drive, filling you with a sense of freedom.
Qiongkushitai
Feature: A quaint village hidden under the alpine forest and grassland, full of poetry.
Experience: You can drive in, saving money and convenient, suitable for photography and enjoying tea breaks in the valley.
Duku Highway
Feature: One of China’s most beautiful highways, 561 kilometers long with varied scenery.
Experience: Self-driving experience, feel the amazing changes of “four seasons in a day, different weather every ten miles”.
II. Itinerary Planning
Below is an example of a 7-day summer self-driving tour plan in Yili:
D1: Gather in Yining, free activities, enjoy local cuisine.
D2: Depart from Yining, visit lavender fields, and head to Sayram Lake.
D3: One-day tour of Sayram Lake to feel the beauty of lakes and mountains.
D4: Head to Nalati Aerial Grassland to experience the charm of the grassland.
D5: Visit Qiaxi Scenic Area or Kuerdening to admire the beauty of alpine grasslands.
D6: Depart from Gongliu, explore the Human Body Grassland, and experience horse riding on the ancient Wusun Road.
D7: One-day tour of Qiongkushitai, enjoy tea breaks in the valley, and finally return to Yining for解散
III. Food Recommendations
Grilled Bun: Crispy skin, tender meat, delicious and oily.
Xinjiang Large Plate Chicken: Authentic and delicious, only in Xinjiang.
Xinjiang Grilled Meat: Authentic mutton skewers, unique to Xinjiang.
Handmade Yogurt: Rich in milk fragrance, sour and sweet.
Xinjiang Hand-Grabbed Rice: Oily and glossy rice, a Xinjiang specialty.
IV. Lodging Tips
You can choose high-quality accommodations such as Ctrip’s four-diamond or classic homestays to enjoy comfort and tranquility during your trip.
V. Precautions
The climate in Yili is mostly dry with long sunshine hours. The rainy season is concentrated in June, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Please pack clothes reasonably.
Please pay attention to road conditions and safety when self-driving, especially on mountain roads.
Hope this summer travel guide to Yili, Xinjiang can provide useful reference for your trip!