If you are traveling to Yili alone, you can refer to the following guide, including the best travel time, must-visit attractions, route planning, and practical tips.?
Best Travel Time?
The best travel time to Yili is from June to August. At this time, the grassland is lush and wildflowers bloom freely. The climate is also particularly pleasant, making it a paradise for escaping the summer heat.?
Must-visit Attractions?
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine pearl, with sapphire-blue lake water surrounded by scenic views like a fairy tale. You can drive around the lake to encounter the lake and mountain scenery from different angles. Camping by the lake to watch sunrise and sunset is also an excellent choice.?
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, with snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwining, creating a rich landscape. You can ride horses or hike to appreciate the beauty and experience the folk customs of the grassland.?
Karajun Grassland: A combination of grassland, forest, and canyon, with breathtaking landscapes such as five-flower meadows. It is suitable for hiking and overlooking the magnificent scenery of the grassland.?
Qiongkushitai: An ancient village hidden in the mountain forest and grassland, full of poetry. Entry is free, and you can also drive in, saving money and being convenient. It is suitable for hiking or horse riding, and the sunset scenery is also very beautiful.?
Guozigou Bridge: A magnificent and spectacular modern bridge that perfectly integrates with the mountain and river scenery. Standing on the viewing platform, you can easily capture a panoramic view of the bridge.?
Route Planning?
Below is a 7-day Yili tourism route plan:?
D1: Arrival in Urumqi from various locations?
D2: From Urumqi to Sayram Lake, then proceed to Yining?
D3: From Yining to Xiata Grassland, then to Tekes?
D4: From Tekes to Qiongkushitai, and finally to Nalati?
D5: From Nalati to Duku Highway, then proceed to Tangbula Grassland to visit Fairy Lake?
D6: From Tangbula to S101 National Defense Highway, then return to Urumqi?
D7: Return to Urumqi?
(The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal time and preferences)?
Practical Tips?
Dress Code Suggestions: Light-colored dresses are suitable for Sayram Lake, while bright colors are suitable for the grassland. Additionally, windbreak jackets and sunscreen equipment are necessary. Xinjiang has a large diurnal temperature variation and intense sunshine.?
Essential Items: Bring along gastrointestinal medicine, cold medicine, essential balm, painkillers, disinfectant and hemostatic drugs, etc. Wet tissues are also very practical. Xinjiang’s climate is dry, so remember to bring moisturizing skincare products and lip balm.?
Self-driving Precautions: The distances between attractions are far, and the average daily driving time is long. It is recommended to prepare water, snacks, and trash bags. In terms of self-driving, it is not recommended for beginners to try. If you want to self-drive, it is only recommended to drive on highways and in urban areas.?
Ticket Information: The ticket price for Nalati Grassland is 95 yuan per person, valid for 48 hours; the ticket price for Karajun Grassland is 140 yuan per person, etc. Understanding ticket information beforehand can help with trip planning.?
Hope this guide can help you better plan your Yili trip and enjoy a wonderful travel time!?