The core of the two-day, three-night Yili travel guide lies in reasonably arranging the itinerary to fully experience the local natural scenery and folk culture.?
Day 1: Sayram Lake and Yining Urban Area?
Morning: Upon arriving in Yining City, rent a car or charter a vehicle to head to Sayram Lake. Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean,’ Sayram Lake features azure waters and picturesque surroundings, making it an excellent spot for photos.?
Noon: Taste local specialty foods at a restaurant by Sayram Lake, such as Arctic char, to treat your taste buds to a journey as well.?
Afternoon: Drive around Sayram Lake either by car or by taking the scenic area shuttle bus to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. Stop and take photos at attractions such as Qinshuitan and Dianjiangtai.?
Evening: Return to Yining urban area and stroll through Liuxing Street to feel the artistic atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of the city. The unique architectural style and specialty shops of Liuxing Street are captivating.?
Accommodation: It is recommended to choose a hotel in the city center for convenient transportation and a concentration of local cuisine.?
Day 2: Nalati Grassland and Folk Culture Experience?
Morning: Drive to Nalati Grassland. Nalati Grassland is vast and green, making it a great place for horseback riding and enjoying the charm of nature.?
Noon: Enjoy lunch in a traditional Kazakh yurt on Nalati Grassland to experience the unique folk culture of the area.?
Afternoon: Ride horses or engage in free activities on Nalati Grassland, feeling the freedom and exhilaration of the breeze gently caressing your face. You can also visit nearby attractions such as Tangbula Grassland to admire the fairy-tale-like scenery of flower fields, streams, and yurts.?
Evening: Return to Yining urban area or choose to stay at a homestay near Nalati Grassland to continue immersing yourself in the grassland lifestyle.?
Day 3: In-depth tour of Yining urban area and return trip?
Morning: Free activities in the urban area of Yining. You can stroll through local markets or museums to gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Yili.?
Noon: Taste the specialty foods of Yili, such as hand-grabbed rice, baked buns, and grilled mutton skewers, to bring a perfect conclusion to this trip.?
Afternoon: Arrange transportation to the airport or train station in advance according to your return schedule, marking the end of this two-day, three-night trip to Yili.?
Precautions?
Transportation: It is recommended to rent a car or charter a vehicle for sightseeing, which offers high freedom and convenience to visit major attractions.?
Accommodation: Book hotels or homestays in advance to ensure proper accommodation arrangements.?
Diet: The diet in Yili is mainly based on Xinjiang cuisine, which tends to be on the heavier side. It is recommended to adjust according to personal taste.?
Weather: The weather in Yili is changeable. Please keep an eye on the weather forecast and bring necessary sunscreen and warm clothing.?
With this guide, you can experience the most essential parts of Yili within a limited time and feel the grandeur of nature and the unique charm of folk culture.?