Recommended 5-day travel itinerary for Ili is as follows:?
Day 1: Yining City and Sayram Lake?
Arrive in Yining City in the morning, check into your hotel, and take a short break.?
Visit the urban area of Yining City in the morning. You can visit the Ili Prefecture Museum to learn about the history and culture of the Ili region.?
Enjoy local specialty dishes such as hand-grabbed rice and roast whole lamb for lunch.?
In the afternoon, head to Sayram Lake to admire the picturesque lake and mountains. Known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic,’ its beauty is breathtaking, so take photos to remember.?
Return to Yining City in the evening and stroll through the night market to taste more local delicacies.?
Day 2: Nalati Grassland?
After breakfast, take a bus to the Nalati Grassland to feel its vastness and the tranquility of nature.?
Explore the Nalati Grassland, admire the beautiful grassland scenery, and experience ethnic activities such as horse riding and archery.?
Enjoy a special lunch within the Nalati scenic area during lunchtime.?
In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Gongnais Forest Park or continue exploring other attractions within the Nalati Grassland.?
Stay overnight in Nalati Town and enjoy the tranquility of the grassland night.?
Day 3: Zhaosu and Xiata Ancient Road?
After breakfast, take a bus to Zhaosu County to visit the ancient city of Zhaosu and understand the history of the ancient Silk Road.?
Enjoy local cuisine in Zhaosu County.?
In the afternoon, visit the Xiata Ancient Road, walking through fields of flowers and snowy mountains, as if immersed in an oil painting world, feeling the vicissitudes of history.?
Stay overnight in Zhaosu County.?
Day 4: Tekes Bagua City and Qiongkushitai?
After breakfast, head to Tekes County to visit the Bagua City, a city uniquely and mysteriously laid out in the shape of a bagua.?
Then head to Qiongkushitai, known as a fairyland on earth. It’s free of charge and a great place for taking photos.?
In the evening, you can choose to camp at Qiongkushitai or return to Yining City for accommodation.?
Day 5: Guozigou Bridge and Return Journey?
After breakfast, head to the Guozigou Bridge to admire this magnificent structure spanning the mountains, as if connecting the horizon.?
Afterwards, you can choose to visit other nearby attractions or shop for local specialties as souvenirs.?
Return to Yining City in the afternoon to end your pleasant trip to Ili.?
This itinerary covers the main attractions of Ili while ensuring a rich and comfortable travel experience. During the trip, the itinerary can be flexibly adjusted according to personal interests and time.?