Yili Travel Guide in Northern Xinjiang:?
The Yili region attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery, rich historical culture, and unique folk customs. Here is a detailed Yili travel guide to help you better plan your itinerary.?
I. Best Travel Time?
May to October: It is the golden period for visiting Yili. Among them, from May to June, the grasslands are green and wildflowers are blooming; from July to August, temperatures rise, fruits and vegetables ripen, making it a good time to taste local delicacies; from September to October, the autumn scenery is fascinating, making it a paradise for photographers?
II. Must-visit Attractions?
Sayram Lake?
Introduction: A typical alpine lake with clear and blue water, known as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean".?
Features: It is beautiful every season, especially the ice eyes and blue ice wonders in winter, which are particularly spectacular.?
Nalati Grassland?
Introduction: The summer pasture of the Kazak people, with unique terrain, it is said to have "three sides of green mountains as screens, and a river winding around like a jade belt".?
Activities: Divided into valley grassland, aerial grassland, and Panlong Ancient Road, with diverse activities?
Kalajun Grassland?
Introduction: Known as the "oasis of Tianshan Mountain", the grassland scenery is magnificent and is an excellent destination for photographers.?
Qiongkushitai Grassland?
Introduction: Combining ancient villages with grassland scenery, it is an excellent place to experience local folk culture.?
Duku Highway?
Introduction: One of China’s most beautiful highways, with a total length of 561 kilometers, the scenery along the way is different, and it is divided into three parts: the northern section, the middle section, and the southern section.?
Features: The northern section crosses Hashilegen Daban and you can play with snow in summer, the middle section is full of blooming flowers, and the southern section is a Gobi desert, with four seasons in a day and different weather within ten li.?
III. Transportation Guide?
Airplane: Fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport first, then transfer to Yining Airport.?
Train: There are direct trains from Urumqi to Yining, departing in the evening and arriving in the morning, saving both time and accommodation costs.?
Self-driving: Understand the road conditions in advance, safety first, don’t drive tiredly for beautiful scenery.?
Local chartered cars/carpooling: Find a formal chartered car company or participate in a carpooling group, with experienced drivers leading the way, and you can also meet new friends?
IV. Accommodation Recommendations?
Yining City: Hotels or homestays in the downtown area, convenient for transportation, shopping, and dining.?
Near scenic areas: Such as around Sayram Lake, near Nalati Grassland, etc., there are homestays and agritainment parks to choose from, waking up in the morning to the natural scenery all around?
V. Itinerary Planning?
3-day tour: Sayram Lake + Tuergen Apricot Blossom Village + Nalati Aerial Grassland, a classic route that cannot be missed?
8-day loop tour: Including Yining, Sayram Lake, Lavender Field, Xiata Ancient Road, Qiongkushitai, and many other scenic spots, deeply experience the natural scenery and folk culture of Yili?
I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Yili and enjoy the unique charm brought by this mysterious and beautiful land.?