Yili Apricot Blossom Valley is an original wild apricot forest left over from the Middle Ages. Every year, in early April, apricot flowers bloom in abundance, making it a famous tourist attraction in Xinjiang. Here is a detailed introduction to traveling to Yili Apricot Blossom Valley:
Location and Flowering Season
Yili Apricot Blossom Valley is located in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, and is an original wild apricot forest left over from the Middle Ages.
The flowering season usually occurs from early to mid-April, when apricot flowers bloom all over the mountains, creating a picturesque rural landscape.
Landscape Features
The apricot flowers in Apricot Blossom Valley come in white, pink, deep red, and other colors, contrasting beautifully with the verdant grass and distant snow-capped mountains, like a hidden paradise forgotten by time.
Strolling through Apricot Blossom Valley, with petals falling like snow and a faint flower fragrance filling the air, makes people feel like they have entered a dreamlike fairy tale world.
Tourist Activities
Visitors can walk up the wooden plank road for about 20 minutes to reach the observation deck and enjoy the panoramic view of Apricot Blossom Valley.
The best time for photography is two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset, when the sky turns red and the entire hillside is adorned with a radiant glow, creating a breathtaking scene.
The scenic area also offers helicopter low-altitude flights, horse riding, and other recreational activities, allowing visitors to fully experience the charm of Apricot Blossom Valley.
Transportation and Accommodation
Visitors can fly directly to Nalati Airport and then drive for 40 minutes to reach Apricot Blossom Valley; alternatively, they can fly to Yining Airport and rent a car or take a chartered bus, which takes about 3 hours one-way.
There are accommodation facilities within the scenic area, which visitors can book in advance. Additionally, there are some restaurants nearby where visitors can taste local specialty dishes.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to Apricot Blossom Valley itself, nearby attractions such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, and Kazanqi are also worth visiting.
In spring, Sayram Lake’s water is clear like a jewel, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wildflowers; the Guozigou Bridge spans the峡谷, creating an awe-inspiring sight; Kazanqi is a small town perfect for strolling.
In summary, Yili Apricot Blossom Valley is a tourist attraction that combines natural beauty with cultural charm. Whether visitors come to admire flowers, take photos, or experience local culture, they will find it hard to leave.