Huocheng County, Yili is a place full of natural beauty and human history. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Main Attraction Recommendations
Guozigou Bridge
Location: Located in Huocheng County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, it is an important passage connecting northern and southern Xinjiang.
Feature: With a total length of 700 meters and a clear height of 200 meters from the bridge deck to the valley bottom, it is known as the "First High Bridge in Xinjiang". It is recommended to overlook the bridge from a nearby hill for a breathtaking view.
Ticket Price: Free
Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn
Sayram Lake
Location: 74.1 km from Huocheng.
Feature: Beautiful lakeside grasslands and flower fields. Moon Bay and Qinshuitan are great spots for taking photos.
Ticket Price: 70 yuan/person (not including shuttle bus), self-driving tour service fee 145 yuan/person
Best Time to Visit: Morning and evening
Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm
Feature: One of the world’s three largest lavender bases. Lavender blooms from mid-June to early July each year, forming a sea of purple.
Ticket Price: 35 yuan/person
Best Time for Photography: Before 11 am or after 8 pm
Zhonghua Fushou Mountain
Feature: Over 60 types of wild fruit with a flowering period of more than a month. The scenic area has thrilling projects such as glass bridges, glass slides, and high-altitude swings.
Suggestion: Wear thick-soled shoes and pay attention to sun protection and hydration.
Tukai Desert
Feature: Expansive desert scenery with undulating dunes. You can ride camels, play desert off-road, and other activities.
Note: Wear thick-soled shoes and protect against sunburn.
Huiyuan Ancient City
Feature: An important witness to late Qing Dynasty history, with attractions such as the Bell and Drum Tower and the Yili General’s Mansion.
Food: There are many Xinjiang specialties in the ancient city, such as mutton skewers and hand-grabbed rice.
II. Itinerary Suggestions
Three-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Guozigou Bridge → Sayram Lake. Stay at a hotel in Huocheng County or an RV campsite within the Sayram Lake scenic area at night.
Day 2: Huanghuang Village → Jieyou Princess Lavender Farm. Experience the lavender sea and local specialties.
Day 3: Zhonghua Fushou Mountain or Tukai Desert → Huiyuan Ancient City. Feel the charm of natural beauty and historical culture [choose according to interest].
III. Other Precautions
Transportation: Transportation in Huocheng County is relatively convenient. You can choose to drive or take a coach to various attractions.
Accommodation: There are various accommodation options in Huocheng County and its surroundings, including hotels, RV campsites, etc. You can choose according to your needs.
Food: There are many local specialties, such as mutton skewers and hand-grabbed rice, which are recommended for tasting.
Safety: Please pay attention to safety while visiting, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and do not touch or damage historical sites.
I hope this travel guide can help you better plan your trip to Huocheng County, Yili.