This travel guide for departing from Changsha to Ili mainly covers transportation modes, itinerary planning, recommended attractions, and budget.?
I. Transportation Modes?
Plane: Departing from Changsha Huanghua International Airport and flying to Yining Airport is the fastest way. The flight time is expected to be around 4 hours, but note that ticket prices may fluctuate depending on the season and purchase time.?
Train: Currently, there is no direct train from Changsha to Ili, and a transfer is required. Train ticket prices vary based on seat type and purchase time, and the journey takes a long time, so it is not the preferred option.?
Self-drive: The distance from Changsha to Ili is far, but a self-drive trip allows for flexible itinerary planning. Note that fuel, tolls, and other miscellaneous expenses for a self-drive trip need to be budgeted in advance.?
II. Itinerary Planning?
Taking an 8-day itinerary as an example:?
Day 1: Depart from Changsha and fly to Yining to begin your Ili trip.?
Days 2-4: Arrange visits to attractions such as Sayram Lake, Guozigou Bridge, Kazhanqi, and Kalajun Grassland, and experience the natural scenery and folk culture of Ili.?
Days 5-6: Head to Qiongkushitai for hiking or horseback riding activities, experience the local customs, and then visit Tekes Bagua City.?
Day 7: Return to Yining, visit local attractions such as Liuxingjie, and taste local cuisine.?
Day 8: Fly back to Changsha from Yining, ending the trip.?
Of course, you can also adjust the itinerary based on your time and preferences, and choose attractions that you are more interested in for sightseeing.?
III. Recommended Attractions?
Ili Grassland: One of the most beautiful grasslands in Xinjiang, where you can breathe fresh air and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature to your heart’s content.?
Guozigou Bridge: A spectacular suspension bridge spans over the steep valley, offering breathtaking views overlooking the depths of the canyon.?
Kalajun Grassland: The vast grassland and continuous mountains complement each other, making it a paradise for photographers.?
Tekes Bagua City: Its unique urban layout and architectural style are filled with mystery.?
IV. Budget?
The budget will vary depending on factors such as transportation mode, accommodation conditions, dining expenses, and attraction tickets. If you choose to travel by plane, the estimated total cost per person (including airfare, accommodation, dining, and attraction tickets) is between 4,250 and 5,750 yuan during the off-season.?
The cost of self-drive travel needs to be calculated based on specific expenses such as fuel, tolls, accommodation, and dining.?
In summary, to travel from Changsha to Ili, one needs to make adequate preparations and plans. I hope this guide can provide useful reference and help for your trip.?
