Traveling the Ili Grand Loop in Xinjiang is an all-around journey combining natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and culinary experiences. Here are detailed travel planning suggestions:?
Itinerary Planning?
The Ili Grand Loop usually takes 6-8 days. Here is a classic 7-day itinerary:?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery of Xinjiang’s unique cities, military regions, hills, and grasslands. In the afternoon, arrive at Sayram Lake, known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, and take photos as souvenirs 12.?
Day 2: Depart from Sayram Lake, pass through Guozigou Bridge, and head to Yining. Along the way, you can visit the Lavender Base in Huocheng (blooming in July) and feel the charm of the purple sea of flowers 12.?
Day 3: Depart from Yining and head to Zhaosu along the Yizhao Highway. The Yizhao Highway is a picturesque fairy road that only allows small vehicles to pass, with breathtaking scenery along the way 12.?
Day 4: Depart from Zhaosu, visit Qiongkushitai, and then head to Tekes. Tekes is the only preserved intact Bagua City in the world, worth exploring 23.?
Day 5: Depart from Tekes, visit Qiaxi Scenic Area, and then arrive in Nalati. Nalati Aerial Grassland is a must-visit destination, where you can stand atop the mountain and overlook wildflowers everywhere 23.?
Day 6: Depart from Nalati, optionally visit attractions such as Six Star Street, then return to Yining for accommodation 3.?
Day 7: Depart from Yining, visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon, and return to Urumqi to conclude your pleasant journey 3.?
Must-visit Attractions?
Sayram Lake: Known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the lake glimmers with distant snow-capped mountains reflected in it, making it a sacred place for photography 12.?
Guozigou Bridge: The ‘Bridge in the Sky’ spanning the Tianshan Mountains, standing on the bridge and looking down, the feeling of leg weakness is incredibly thrilling 1.?
Yizhao Highway: An 180-kilometer fairy road with picturesque scenery along the way, only allowing small vehicles to pass 12.?
Nalati Aerial Grassland: Stand atop the mountain and see wildflowers everywhere, experiencing the vastness and tranquility of the grassland 23.?
Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Spectacular canyon scenery, a must-visit attraction for self-driving tours in Xinjiang 3.?
Food Recommendations?
Xinjiang’s cuisine is diverse and abundant, and should not be missed during your journey:?
Nang Series Cuisine: Xinjiang’s nang comes in various types and flavors, making it an excellent choice for filling up during a trip 4.?
Laghman Noodles: Chewy noodles paired with abundant side dishes, the taste is delicious 4.?
Big Plate Chicken: One of Xinjiang’s signature dishes, with tender and juicy chicken, paired with potatoes, green peppers, and other ingredients, the flavor is rich 4.?
Mutton skewers: Xinjiang’s mutton skewers have delicious meat, perfectly grilled, and are a great choice for late-night snacks 4.?
Travel Tips?
Xinjiang has a large temperature difference in summer, remember to bring a jacket and sunscreen products 4.?
Prepare trekking poles and thermal insulation?