There are multiple recommended options for travel routes from Yili, Xinjiang to Urumqi. Here is a recommended route that combines natural scenery, cultural landscapes, and driving experience.
Recommended route: Yili → Gongliu → Nilka → Tekes → Zhaosu → Xinyuan → Urumqi, with multiple attractions to visit selectively along the way.
Departure and preliminary exploration:
Starting from Yili, you can first head to Gongliu County. With its rich natural landscapes and cultural ambiance, it is a great start to your journey.
Next, head to Nilka County, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Tianshan Mountains and lush green grasslands along the way.
Deep into the heart of Tianshan Mountains:
Upon arriving in Tekes County, it is recommended to visit the Nalati Grasslands. This is a famous summer pasture in Xinjiang, with lush grasslands surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a paradise for photography and hiking.
You can also visit the Karajun Grasslands, known as the "King of Tianshan Grasslands", where grassland scenery and stone forest landscapes complement each other, making it enchanting.
Continue heading north to enjoy more scenery:
When passing through Zhaosu County, take a brief stop to feel the unique charm of this border town.
Next, head to Xinyuan County, which is not only the location of the Nalati Grasslands but also a necessary route to Urumqi.
Magnificent experience on the Duku Highway:
At an appropriate time (note the highway opening hours), you can choose to take the Duku Highway to Urumqi. This highway is known as the "Most Beautiful Highway in China", with diverse and spectacular scenery along the way, including majestic snow-capped mountains, lush grasslands, winding rivers, and more.
Final stretch before arriving in Urumqi:
As you near Urumqi, you can arrange to visit some nearby attractions such as Tianshan Tianchi to bring your journey to a satisfactory conclusion.
Exploration of Urumqi:
After arriving in Urumqi, you can continue to explore the culture and cuisine of this city. For instance, visit the International Bazaar to experience the folk customs of Xinjiang; or head to the Xinjiang Museum to gain a deeper understanding of Xinjiang’s history and culture.
Furthermore, based on personal time and preferences, you can choose other routes or attractions for sightseeing. For example, G30 Lianhuo Expressway and G218 National Highway are also important corridors connecting Yili and Urumqi, with multiple service areas and attractions along the way for tourists to rest and enjoy.
When planning your itinerary, please be sure to pay attention to weather and road condition information to ensure the safety and smoothness of your journey. Additionally, it is recommended to book accommodation and tickets in advance to avoid inconvenience during peak periods.