Travel Guide to Yili City, Xinjiang:
Yili City, located in the north of Xinjiang, is famous for its magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. Here is a travel guide to Yili City to help you better plan your itinerary.
I. Best Travel Time
March to April: Spring. The apricot blossoms in Yili are in full bloom, especially in Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley, which is a globally renowned gathering place for primitive wild apricot forests. This is the best time to view apricot blossoms.
June to August: Summer. The grasslands in Yili are lush and wildflowers bloom freely. The climate is also particularly pleasant, making it a great place to escape the summer heat.
II. Must-visit Attractions
Sayram Lake
Entrance fee + shuttle bus: 145 yuan/person, or you can self-drive around the lake.
Travel tips: Moon Bay, Waterside Beach, Command Platform, Kele Yongzhu (a unique geological feature), Pine Tree Hill, etc.
Feature: It is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. The lake water is clear and blue, earning it the nickname ‘The Last Tear of the Atlantic’.
Nalati Grassland
Feature: It is divided into valley grassland, winding ancient road, and air grassland. It is the summer pasture of the Kazakhs. The terrain is unique, with the saying, ‘The three sides are surrounded by green mountains, and the waist is adorned with a jade-like river running vertically and horizontally’.
Travel tips: Heavenly Platform, Heavenly Pasture Platform, Nomadic Families, etc.
Xiata Ancient Road
Entrance fee + shuttle bus + electric car: 80 yuan/person + 50 yuan/person
Travel tips: Hot Spring Hotel, General Bridge, Flower Platform, etc.
Kalajun Grassland
Entrance fee: 140 yuan/person (excluding Koksu Grand Canyon)
Feature: It integrates grasslands, forests, and canyons. The scenery such as colorful meadows is breathtakingly beautiful.
Qiongkushitai Grassland
Feature: No entrance fee. The ancient village is well-preserved, suitable for hiking and photography.
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley
Entrance fee + shuttle bus: 30 yuan + 10 yuan
Feature: Ten thousand mu of wild apricot forests. The best flowering season is from early March to mid-April, making it an excellent spot for apricot blossom viewing.
III. Route Recommendations
Yili Loop 6-day Tour
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Yining
Day 2: Yining – Lavender – Xiata – Zhaosu/Tekes
Subsequent itinerary: Continue to explore attractions such as Qiongkushitai Grassland and Nalati Grassland
Yili 8-day and 7-night Comprehensive Guide
Day 1: Arrive in Yining
Day 2: Take a tour around Sayram Lake, cross the Guozigou Bridge, visit the Lavender Garden, and return to Yining
Subsequent itinerary: Visit the Xiata Ancient Road, Qiongkushitai Ancient Village, Nalati Grassland, etc.
IV. Practical Tips
Weather and clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Yili is large, especially in March and April. The daytime temperature ranges from 10℃ to 20℃, and it may drop to 0℃-5℃ at night. It is recommended to bring a rain jacket, a thin down jacket, as well as sunscreen, sunglasses, and other sun protection products.
Self-driving precautions: The road conditions in Yili are complex. Drive carefully during self-driving and pay attention to driving safety. At the same time, it is recommended to plan your route and accommodation in advance.
Hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Yili,