A travel guide from Urumqi to Ili can be planned based on different itinerary lengths and preferences. Here is a comprehensive overview of the travel guide:?
Core attractions and routes:?
Dushanzi Grand Canyon: As the first highlight after departing from Urumqi, Dushanzi Grand Canyon impresses visitors with its cliffy cliffs and rugged landscapes.?
Sayram Lake: Next, head to Sayram Lake, a high-mountain lake with clear and azure waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grasslands, making it an excellent spot for photography and self-driving.?
Guozigou Bridge: Passing through Guozigou Bridge, you can admire its spectacular architectural features and surrounding natural scenery.?
Lavender Manor: In the Ili region, lavender manors are must-visit attractions, such as Huocheng Lavender Farm, which is at the same latitude as Provence and exudes the fragrance of lavender.?
Yining City and Kazanqi Folk Village: Yining is the capital of Ili Prefecture, and Kazanqi Folk Village attracts many tourists with its unique blue buildings and exotic charm.?
Nalati Grassland: Known as the ‘Aerial Grassland’, Nalati Grassland boasts herds of cattle and sheep and picturesque scenery, making it a great place for hiking or horse riding.?
Itinerary suggestions:?
Short-distance itinerary (5 days): You can choose the route of Urumqi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Sayram Lake – Yining – Nalati Grassland – Urumqi, focusing on visiting several core attractions.?
Midway itinerary (7 days): Based on the short-distance itinerary, you can add attractions such as Karajun Grassland, Qiongkushi Village, and Zhaosu to experience more diverse natural scenery and cultural landscapes.?
Long-distance itinerary (9 days or more): You can further expand your itinerary to include attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi, Xiata, Bayanbulak Grassland, and the Duku Highway, to fully appreciate the magnificent scenery of Xinjiang.?
Accommodation and dining:?
For accommodation, you can choose hotels, homestays, or RV camping near attractions based on personal preferences and budget.?
In terms of dining, Xinjiang offers a rich variety of delicious foods, such as grilled mutton skewers, hand-grabbed rice, and lagmen, all of which are must-tries.?
Precautions:?
The climate in Xinjiang is changeable. Please be sure to check the weather forecast before traveling and take sunscreen and warm clothing measures.?
When self-driving, please pay attention to driving safety, abide by traffic rules, and be especially careful when driving in mountainous areas and on rainy days.?
Respect local customs and religious beliefs to avoid unnecessary trouble.?
I hope this travel guide can provide useful reference for your trip from Urumqi to Ili.?