The recommended five-day tour itinerary for Yili Grassland is as follows:
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake
Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake. You can choose to drive around the lake and experience the 270° panoramic beauty of the lakeside, with distant snow-capped mountains reflected in the water, creating a harmonious blend of water and sky.
. You can camp by the lake at night and enjoy the beauty of sunrise or sunset.
Day 2: Sayram Lake – Karajun Grassland
Depart from Sayram Lake and head to Karajun Grassland. Karajun Grassland boasts magnificent mountains, clear lakes, and vast meadows. You can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, hiking, or photography, fully immersing yourself in the beauty of nature.
. In June, it is recommended to visit East and West Karajun, while in July, August, and September, Kuokesu Grand Canyon is recommended.
Day 3: Karajun Grassland – Nalati Grassland
Head to Nalati Grassland, one of the classic attractions in Yili. It is divided into Valley Grassland and Aerial Grassland. It is recommended to experience both. The scenery of Aerial Grassland is very beautiful. You can ride a horse or drive into the scenic area.
. In the evening, you can choose to camp on the grassland and admire the starry sky.
Day 4: Nalati Grassland – Bayinbrook/Tekes – Zhaosu County
There are two options: The first is to head to Bayinbrook to admire the spectacular scenery of Swan Lake and the Nine-Bend River, with the best viewing time being in the evening.
; The second option is to visit Tekes and explore the Bagua City, a city uniquely laid out in the shape of the Bagua, and then proceed to Zhaosu County to visit the Xiata Ancient Road, where you can see magnificent snow-capped mountains and grassland scenery along the way.
Day 5: Bayinbrook/Zhaosu County – Urumqi
Depart from Bayinbrook or Zhaosu County and return to Urumqi. If you choose the Bayinbrook route, you can return along the Duku Highway, but please note that vehicles with less than 7 seats are allowed on this highway.
. If you choose the Zhaosu route, you may pass through places like Yining, ending with a pleasant five-day tour of Yili, Xinjiang.
In addition, Yili has many other attractions worth visiting, such as Qiaxi Forest Park, Kurdining, Anjihai Grand Canyon, etc.
It can be appropriately adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, you can also experience the grassland customs, lavender tours, historical culture, and taste Xinjiang’s special cuisines, etc.