The following are recommended travel guides for Yili, Xinjiang, in July:?
I. Itinerary Planning?
In July, Yili, Xinjiang, is a great time for travel with its natural beauty and humanistic charm intertwined. Here is a recommended 5-7-day itinerary for Yili:?
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, have free activities, feel the local charm, and recharge for the next itinerary.?
Day 2: Depart from Urumqi and head to Sayram Lake. Enjoy the sunrise beauty of Sayram Lake, take a self-driving tour around the lake, and feel the grandeur of the ‘last tear of the Atlantic’.?
Day 3: Cross the Guozigou Bridge and arrive at Qiongkushitai Village to feel its original beauty. Alternatively, head to Huocheng to see lavender and experience the purple flower sea that is no less impressive than Provence.?
Afterwards, you can visit Xiata Forest Park and explore the beautiful scenery on foot.?
Day 4: Visit Qiaxi Grassland or Kalajun Grassland, and stay overnight in Gongliu/Xinyuan or Tekes. Don’t miss the sunset beauty on the grassland.?
Day 5: Enjoy the beauty of Nalati Grassland. Horseback riding is a good choice with high cost-effectiveness. Afterwards, travel through the Duku Highway to experience the amazing changes of the four seasons in one day.?
Day 6 (optional): If the itinerary is planned for six days, you can continue to explore other attractions in Yili, such as Kuerdening and Qiapuqi Lake.?
Or choose to visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon to experience the wonders of nature.?
Day 7 (optional): Return to Urumqi, taking home full memories and beautiful scenery.?
II. Transportation and Accommodation?
Transportation: You can choose small group tours, rent a car for self-driving, or hire a driver. Small group tours are suitable for 2-6 people, renting a car for self-driving is suitable for three or four friends traveling together, and hiring a driver is suitable for tourists who don’t want to drive themselves.?
The Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway are must-experience items on the Yili route, but pay attention to road conditions and vehicle requirements.?
Accommodation: It is recommended to stay in Qiongkushitai, Tekes, Nalati, and other places to enjoy a peaceful night and local charm. Accommodation options include hotel chains or homestays, depending on personal preferences and budget.?
III. Precautions?
Be prepared for long car rides: More than 1/3 of your daily travel time in Xinjiang will be spent in a car. Pay attention to drinking water, preventing heatstroke, and prepare motion sickness medication.?
Respect local customs and habits: For example, Muslims abstain from pork. When shopping, try to be friendly and don’t haggle for things you’re unsure about.?
Pay attention to safety: There are many military restricted areas in Xinjiang that prohibit visiting and taking photos. Make sure to remember this clearly. Also, be mindful of carrying items and remove shoes for inspections.?
Sunscreen and warmth: Xinjiang has strong UV rays and a dry climate. Prepare sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher, sunglasses, lip balm, and facial masks. Additionally, due to the large time difference in Xinjiang, the temperature drops at night, so bring a thin blanket or jacket to prevent getting cold.?
I hope this July travel guide to Yili, Xinjiang, can provide useful reference for your trip!?