Traveling to Yili in early May allows you to appreciate natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and flower seas, and experience rich cultural activities. Below is a detailed travel guide:
I. Must-Visit Attractions
Nalati Grassland
Scenery: From April to August is a good time to visit. In May, the newly green grass and colorful little flowers intertwine on the grassland, along with fairy-tale-like forest streams and endless green carpets, as well as spruce forests halfway up the mountain, providing an extremely healing experience.
Cost: 95 yuan/person, valid for 48 hours
Sayram Lake
Scenery: Known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic’, in May, the lake water is azure and the ice has melted. If you’re lucky, you can also see white swans.
Special Feature: Extremely beautiful lake and mountain scenery, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Qiaxi Grassland
Scenery: With snow-capped mountains, river valleys, pine forests, and yellow wildflowers covering the ground, it is praised as ‘The Jiangnan (southern China-like scenery) beyond the Great Wall lies in Yili, and the most beautiful place in Yili is Qiaxi’.
Kuerdining
Scenery: Close by are vast grassland forests, with distant, continuous snow-capped mountain ranges, creating a spectacular view suitable for hiking.
Qiongkushitai
Scenery: You can clearly see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, swings, and log cabins. It is suitable for hiking or horse riding, and you can also stay to chase a romantic sunset in the clear sky.
Cost: Free
Karajun Grassland
Scenery: Renowned for its pristine natural scenery and unique landforms, in May, the grass is lush and dotted with colorful wildflowers.
Activities: Suitable for hiking and photography, it is a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Cost: 140 yuan/person
II. Itinerary Suggestions
Day 1: Arrive in Yining, acclimatize, and visit Liuxing Street first.
Day 2: Visit Karajun Grassland and Wuhua Meadows to feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Day 3: Explore Sayram Lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery.
Day 4: Visit Nalati Grassland to admire the flower sea and experience grassland culture.
Subsequent Days: Depending on personal interests and time, you can continue to visit other scenic spots, such as Bayin布鲁克 Grassland and Guozigou Bridge.
III. Preparations Before Departure
Transportation: Public transportation within Yili Prefecture is relatively inconvenient, so it is recommended to rent a car for self-driving or join a local tour group.
Items to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats for sun protection; thin sweaters, windbreakers, and thick coats to cope with the temperature difference between morning and night in the mountains; hiking shoes for convenience; water bottles and food for emergencies; photography equipment to capture beautiful moments.
Notes: Some scenic spots at higher altitudes may cause altitude sickness, so rest promptly if you feel unwell; respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of your words and actions.
With the above guide, you can fully experience the natural beauty and cultural activities of Yili in early May.