The Yili loop in Xinjiang is an excellent tourism route that combines natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and food experiences. Here is a detailed travel guide for the Yili loop in Xinjiang:?
1. Itinerary Planning?
A self-drive tour around Yili, Xinjiang is usually recommended to be arranged for 7-12 days, so that you can fully appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way, experience the local culture and cuisine. The specific itinerary can be adjusted according to personal preferences and time arrangements, but here is a classic 10-day itinerary for reference?
Day 1: Depart from Urumqi, pass through G12 Desert Highway, explore Sea Devil City, enjoy the sunset at Wulunghu Lake, and overnight in Beitun.?
Day 2: Depart from Beitun, visit Colorful Beach, arrive at Kanas, and overnight in Jiadenyu.?
Day 3: Depart from Jiadenyu, watch the sunrise at Hemu, head towards Wuerhe Film and Television Base, enjoy the Gobi sunset, and overnight in Wuerhe or Karamay.?
Day 4: Depart from Wuerhe, visit Sayram Lake and Lavender Manor, and overnight in Yining.?
Day 5: Depart from Yining, visit Kazangqi (Six-Star Street) and Karajun Grassland, overlook the city from the Ferris wheel in Bagua City, and overnight in Tekes or Gongliu.?
Day 6: Depart from Tekes, visit Qiaxi and Nalati.?
Day 7: Depart from Nalati, head towards Bayinbuluke Grassland along the middle section of the Duku Highway, watch the sunset at Nine-Bend River, and overnight in Nalati or Bayinbuluke.?
Day 8: Depart from Nalati, head towards Tangbula Grassland along the northern section of the Duku Highway, enjoy wild luxury afternoon tea, visit Hundred-mile Gallery, and overnight in Kuitun.?
Day 9: Depart from Kuitun, visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and S101 Hundred-mile Danxia, visit Erdaohe International Bazaar, and return to Urumqi.?
Day 10: Depart from Urumqi, visit Tianshan Tianchi and Turpan, and end the trip.?
II. Must-visit Attractions?
There are several must-visit attractions in the Yili Loop Route that should not be missed?
Sayram Lake: Known as ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean’, the lake’s glittering surface and the reflected snow-capped mountains in the distance make it an excellent spot for photos.?
Karajun Grassland: The ‘Human-shaped Grassland’ here is a popular photo spot, with undulating hills resembling a lying beauty.?
Nalati Aerial Grassland: Stand on the mountaintop and look at the wildflowers all over the mountain, feeling the grandeur and beauty of nature.?
Bayinbuluke Grassland: With beautiful landscapes such as the Nine-Bend River and Swan Lake, it is an excellent place to experience the beauty of the grassland.?
Dushanzi Grand Canyon: The spectacular canyon scenery is breathtaking.?
III. Food Recommendations?
Xinjiang’s cuisine is also an indispensable part of the trip?
. While traveling on the Yili Loop Route, try the following delicacies:?
Nang series of delicacies: Such as Nang stuffed with meat, Nang stir-fried with meat, etc., are one of Xinjiang’s specialty foods.?
Lagman Noodles: Noodles with chewy texture served with a variety of sides, the taste is delicious.?
Big Plate Chicken: One of Xinjiang’s signature dishes, the chicken is tender and juicy, served with potatoes, green peppers, and other ingredients, offering a rich taste.?
Mutton skewers: Xinjiang’s mutton skewers are famous for their tender meat and rich flavor.?
IV. Travel Tips?
The temperature difference in Xinjiang is large in summer, remember to bring a jacket to cope with the cold weather in the morning and evening.?
Prepare hiking poles, insulated water bottles, lip balm, sunscreen, skincare products, and other essentials to cope with changes in the outdoor environment.?
Bring quick-drying clothes, sunglasses, fleece caps, sun hats, waterproof jackets and pants, down jackets, sports shoes, and other outdoor equipment.?
Security checks in Xinjiang are strict, please carry your ID with you to pass through security smoothly.?
UV rays are intense, so make sure to apply enough sunscreen to avoid sunburn.?
I hope this travel guide for the Yili Loop Route in Xinjiang can provide useful reference and assistance for your trip!?