The summer travel guide for Ili, Xinjiang mainly includes multiple attraction recommendations and self-driving tour route planning.?
Recommended attractions?
Sayram Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", its lake water is so blue that it captivates the heart. It is one of the landmark attractions in the Ili Valley.?
Each season has its unique scenery, and summer is particularly breathtaking with its lakeside scenery.?
Nalati Grassland: The summer pasture of the Kazakhs, with a unique terrain that has been praised as "three green mountains surrounding like a screen, with a river winding like a jade belt around it". It is divided into valley grassland, aerial grassland, and the Panlong Ancient Road, offering diverse ways to enjoy.?
The Nalati Aerial Grassland is lush and green, with wildflowers blooming, making it feel like you’re in Switzerland.?
Karakun Grassland: It boasts the Human Body Grassland within the Koksu Canyon, with unique landforms that amaze visitors. With well-equipped facilities and convenient accommodation, it is a great destination for self-driving tours.?
Qiongkushitai: A quaint village hidden under the alpine forest and grassland, full of poetry. Entry is free, and you can also drive in, which is both cost-effective and convenient.?
The undulating mountains and blue sky with white clouds form a breathtaking landscape.?
Duku Highway: One of China’s most beautiful highways, with a total length of 561 kilometers, stretching from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south. It is divided into three parts: the northern section, the middle section, and the southern section. Each section offers different scenery and is known for its "four seasons in one day and different weather every ten li".?
Self-driving tour route planning?
7-day, 6-night scenic route?
D1: Gather in Yining, free activities, and enjoy local cuisine.?
D2: Depart from Yining, visit the lavender fields, and head to Sayram Lake.?
D3: A one-day tour of Sayram Lake, feeling the beauty of the lakeside scenery.?
D4: Head to the Nalati Aerial Grassland and experience the charm of the grassland.?
D5: Visit the Qiaxi Scenic Area or Kurdening, and admire the beauty of the alpine grassland.?
D6: Depart from Gongliu, explore the Human Body Grassland, and experience horse riding on the ancient Wusun path.?
D7: A one-day tour of Qiongkushitai, enjoy tea breaks in the valley, and finally return to Yining for dismissal.?
5-day tour itinerary?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi, pass by Sayram Lake, cross the Guozigou Bridge, and finally arrive in Qingshuihe.?
Day 2: Set off from Qingshuihe, explore the Qiaxi Forest Park, and then head to Gongliu.?
Day 3: Depart from Gongliu, visit the Nalati Aerial Grassland, and stay overnight in Nalati Town.?
Day 4: Depart from Nalati Town, visit the Kazanqi Folk Village, and finally arrive in Yining.?
Day 5: Return to Urumqi from Yining, ending your pleasant journey.?
Furthermore, there is also an 8-day loop tour?
and a 9-day tour?
There are self-driving tour routes with even longer durations to choose from, and tourists can plan according to their own time and preferences.?
During your trip, please note that Xinjiang is a vast territory with long driving hours each day. Friends who are prone to carsickness should remember to bring carsickness medicine and prepare some dry food just in case. Additionally, Xinjiang has a dry climate and strong UV rays, so remember to take sunscreen measures and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.?
. I hope this guide can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Ili!?