A May Day trip to Yili, Xinjiang is a great opportunity to experience natural beauty and unique culture. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Must-Visit Attractions?
Sayram Lake: In May, Sayram Lake is in the ice-melting period, allowing you to observe the spectacular sight of blue, transparent ice pushing and the dreamlike white swans, feeling the winter-spring transition of the Tears of the Atlantic.?
Nalati Grassland: A must-visit here is the Aerial Grassland, where you can encounter snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, sheep flocks, grasslands, wildflowers, and pine forests, and experience the life of nomadic people.?
Guozigou Bridge: Exiting from the South Gate of Sayram Lake leads to Guozigou Bridge. Snow-capped mountains, forests, and the bridge frame the same scene, creating a very stunning view.?
Qiaxi Forest Park: This is a great place to see primitive forests, with scenery reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s anime world. Marmots often appear here, and they are very cute.?
Qiongkushitai: A place where just hearing the name makes you want to go, and seeing the scenery makes you not want to leave. Here, there are beautiful wild apricot flowers, as if entering a world out of an anime.?
II. Travel Routes?
You can choose the following routes for sightseeing:?
Route 1: Yining-Kalajun-Qiongkushitai-Gongliu-Qiaxi-Yining. This route allows for an in-depth exploration of the grasslands and mountains of Yili, experiencing different natural scenery.?
Route 2: Yining-Sayram Lake-Guozigou Bridge-Tekes-Qiongkushitai-Qiaxi-Kuerdining-Yining. This is a relatively comprehensive route, covering multiple famous scenic spots in Yili.?
III. Precautions?
Weather and Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, so be prepared with thick clothing for unexpected needs.?
. Meanwhile, weather changes may also affect the scenery at scenic spots such as Sayram Lake, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast in advance.?
Transportation and Accommodation: It is recommended to rent a car for self-driving or to charter a car or carpool for sightseeing, in order to more flexibly arrange your itinerary.?
. In terms of accommodation, you can choose to stay at homestays, youth hostels, yurts, etc., to experience the local customs and traditions.?
Sunscreen and Hiking: Xinjiang has strong UV radiation, so remember to prepare sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sun hats, and other sun protection items.?
. Additionally, some scenic areas require walking or hiking, so it is important to choose a pair of suitable sports shoes.?
IV. Special Experiences?
Taste Local Delicacies: During your trip to Yili, be sure to try local delicacies such as handmade ice cream, grilled mutton skewers, and big plate chicken, and experience the unique flavors of Xinjiang.?
Camping and Starry Skies: Camping at scenic spots like Qiaxi allows you to feel the tranquility and beauty of nature, and you can also enjoy the dazzling starry skies at night.?
In summary, a May Day trip to Yili, Xinjiang, is an unforgettable travel experience, captivating both with its natural scenery and cultural landscapes. I hope this guide can provide useful reference for your trip.?