Yili is a charming tourist destination with magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural landscapes. If you plan to travel to Yili, here are some suggestions:?
I. Best Travel Time?
The peak tourist season in Yili is from April to October each year, with May to August being the best time to visit. From May to June, the mountains are adorned with wildflowers and lavender in full bloom, creating a fascinating scenery; in July and August, the fruits are fragrant, representing the summer of Yili; in September, the forest and valleys begin to show autumn colors; by the end of October, Yili transforms into a world of white snow.?
II. Must-Visit Attractions Recommendations?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati Grassland is renowned for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, and in winter, the grassland is covered with snow, providing opportunities for activities such as horseback riding and visiting Kazakh homes. The viewing platform on the Aerial Grassland offers a breathtaking panorama of the intertwined snow-capped fir trees and grasslands.?
Sayram Lake: Although belonging to Bozhou, it is a core attraction on the Yili loop route. The lake’s color shifts from blue to green with changing light. In June, golden lotus flowers bloom by the lakeside, and winter brings breathtaking ice pushing phenomena. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are particularly recommended.?
Karakun Grassland: Certified by the United Nations as a "World Natural Heritage Site", famous for its human-shaped grassland curves. From May to June, Huadiantai transforms into a colorful carpet, and Yingyingtai offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. The Crocodile Bay in Kuokesu Grand Canyon is a geological wonder.?
Xiata Ancient Road: A perilous gorge that Xuanzang traveled through on his way to obtain Buddhist scriptures, integrating glaciers, hot springs, and ancient roads. Take a shuttle bus through the fir corridor and hike to the foot of the Muzart Glacier to feel the vicissitudes of the millennium-old road.?
Qiongkushitai Village: A primitive village hidden deep in the Tianshan Mountains, with wooden houses scattered like a fairy tale world. The hind mountain grassland, the starting point of the Wusun Ancient Road, and the Kurdai River forest trail constitute a trio of secret spots, suitable for in-depth hiking and photography.?
Guozigou Bridge: The "Most Beautiful Viaduct in Xinjiang", resembling a huge dragon coiled in the valley. The viewing platform offers a stunning shot of the bridge framed by snow-capped mountains. In spring, wildflowers blanket the mountains, autumn brings a riot of colors, and winter sees rime ice gleaming.?
Huocheng Lavender: The Provence of China, where tens of thousands of acres of purple flower fields bloom in mid-to-late June. Xieyou Princess Manor and Sigong Village both offer experiences such as flower field photography and essential oil production, with a romantic aroma filling the air.?
Kuerdining: The gene pool of snow-capped firs, the most biodiverse area in the western Tianshan Mountains. The Qimengde viewing platform offers a view of the reflection of Kabanbay Peak, and within the valley, wild apple forests coexist with firs, creating an autumn scenery that resembles an oil painting.?
Tekes Bagua City: The world’s largest bagua-layout ancient city, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel to overlook the streets arranged in the pattern of the Book of Changes. The folk customs area of Lijie Street is full of Uyghur flavor, and drone aerial photography yields the best results.?
Yili River Scenic Area: The Central Asian river runs through the city, and the sunset at Yili River Bridge is praised as the "Most Beautiful Evening in the Western Regions". Bird watching in the wetland park, ethnic dances by the riverbank, and winter swan habitat show the beauty of a lively ecosystem.?
III. Travel Precautions?
Plan Your Itinerary: Xinjiang is vast in size, so it is recommended to visit in different seasons and batches. In summer, you can immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of Yili, while in winter, you can explore places like Kanas and Hemu.?
Avoid Congested Road Sections: Popular road sections such as the Duku Highway may be congested during peak tourist seasons, so it is recommended to plan your travel route in advance to avoid wasting time on the road.?
Book Accommodation in Advance: During peak tourist seasons, accommodation can be tight, so it is recommended to book hotels or homestays in advance to avoid the embarrassment of having no place to stay.?
Pay Attention to Weather Changes: In Yili, the temperature difference between day and night is large in summer, so it is recommended to bring warm clothing such as a windbreaker to cope with weather changes.?
Carry Cash: In some areas of Yili, the network signal is not good, so it is recommended to carry a certain amount of cash for unexpected needs.?
IV. Recommended Special Cuisine?
The cuisine in the Yili region is rich and diverse, including handmade yogurt, big plate chicken, naan wrapped with meat, baked naan, Xinjiang barbecue, Xinjiang lamb kebabs, Xinjiang hand-grabbed rice, baked stuffed buns, pole meat, Xinjiang fried rice noodles, pulled noodles, spicy lamb hooves, and more, all of which are delicious and not to be missed.?
In general, Yili is a charming tourist destination that is worth exploring both for its natural scenery and cultural landscapes. I hope you have a pleasant journey in Yili!?