The Yili spring travel guide mainly includes multiple must-visit attractions and recommended itineraries.?
Must-visit attractions include:?
Sayram Lake: In spring, the ice on Sayram Lake begins to melt, allowing you to encounter the spectacular sight of large areas of blue, transparent ice pushing against each other and the fantastical white swans, feeling the transition from winter to spring of the "tear of the Atlantic Ocean". The ice and snow on the lakeshore have not completely melted, contrasting with the clear lake water to form a unique landscape. The distant snow-capped mountains are reflected in the lake, like a serene and distant ink painting.?
Nalati Grassland: In spring, the snow-capped mountains of Nalati Grassland remain, with the snow and ice on the ground just starting to melt. You can encounter snow-capped mountains, forests, lakes, sheep herds, grasslands, wildflowers, and pine forests, experiencing the life of nomadic people, which is very healing.?
Tender grass sprouts break through the soil, covering the earth with a soft blanket. You can choose to ride a horse and feel the vastness and beauty of the grassland.?
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley: This is a ten-thousand-mu primitive wild apricot forest. The apricot blossom season is limited to March and April. With apricot trees dotted among green grass and mountains, you will feel like you are in a sea of flowers, making it perfect for photo-taking and earning it the title of "the most beautiful April day on earth".?
Kazanqi Folk Village: Featuring blue wooden carved doors and windows, the streets are lined with hundreds of handicraft workshops where you can taste various delicacies and visit the popular "Blue House" to experience the unique ethnic customs.?
Guozigou Bridge: Exiting from the south gate of Sayram Lake, you will find yourself facing the Guozigou Bridge. The snow-capped mountains, forests, and bridge together form a breathtaking picture.?
In addition, attractions such as Xiata and Qiaxi Forest Park are also worth visiting.?
The recommended itinerary is as follows:?
Day 1: Depart from Yining and visit Swan Pond to admire the elegant posture of swans. Then proceed to Yining County to enjoy the winter rural scenery along the way. Stay at a hotel in Yining County in the evening.?
Day 2: Head to Kurdening, where you will find yourself in a world of Tian Shan firs. Stroll along the plank path and breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy a simple meal within the Kurdening scenic area at noon. In the afternoon, you can proceed to Nalati Grassland and stay overnight in Nalati/Xinyuan.?
Day 3: Explore the Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley to admire the beauty of the ten-thousand-mu apricot forest, then head to Kazanqi Folk Village to visit the popular "Blue House". Stay at a hotel in Yining in the evening.?
Day 4: Visit the Guozigou Bridge to marvel at the masterpiece of nature, then proceed to Sayram Lake to capture the sunset scenery. In the evening, you can choose to stay in a yurt within the Sayram Lake scenic area or at a hotel near the entrance of Guozigou.?
Day 5: If time permits, you can head to the lavender fields near Huocheng County to experience the atmosphere of the lavender sea in advance and then conclude your pleasant trip to Yili.?
Of course, the specific itinerary needs to be adjusted according to personal interests and time. During the trip, pay attention to safety, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, protect the natural environment, and enjoy an unforgettable spring trip to Yili.?