If you are planning a trip to Yili, Xinjiang, you can refer to the following guide:?
I. Best Travel Time?
The best travel time in Yili is usually from March to October each year. From early March to mid-April is the season when apricot blossoms bloom in Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley, covering the entire valley with tens of thousands of acres of wild apricot forests, creating a breathtaking view?
From May to June, the grasslands in Yili are lush and green, with wildflowers blooming in competition, making it an excellent opportunity to enjoy natural scenery?
From July to August, temperatures rise across Xinjiang, and fruits ripen in succession, making it a good time to taste local delicacies. It is also the peak season for visiting northern Xinjiang scenic spots such as Kanas and Hemu?
From September to October, autumn in Xinjiang is colorful, with the trees and poplar forests in Kanas presenting a mesmerizing golden yellow, making it a paradise for photographers?
II. Must-Visit Attractions Recommendations?
Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley: A globally renowned gathering place for primitive wild apricot forests. The flowering season is greatly affected by temperature, and the peak blooming period is expected to be from early March to mid-April each year. Standing at the top of the hillside, you can overlook the magnificent panorama of the entire apricot blossom valley?
Sayram Lake: It is recommended to enter from the East Gate and exit from the South Gate, and do not miss Songshutou. Climbing to the top of the mountain allows you to overlook the beautiful scenery of the entire Sayram Lake and also see the magnificent Guozigou Bridge?
The lake water changes colors from blue to green with the light, and in June, the golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake. Cycling around the lake and camping under the stars are particularly recommended experiences?
Nalati Grassland: As one of the four major alpine valley grasslands in the world, Nalati Grassland is renowned for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, and the Air Grassland Observation Deck is an excellent spot to overlook the stunning view of snow-capped firs and grasslands intertwined?
Kalajun Grassland: It is famous for its unique landform and grassland lines, resembling the curves of the human body, full of artistic sense and mystery. The scenic area has complete facilities and diverse accommodation options, and now self-driving is also allowed, allowing you to freely travel between the grasslands?
III. Practical Travel Tips?
Grassland Selection: There are many grasslands in Yili, and it is recommended to choose 2-3 of them to avoid aesthetic fatigue. If you like snow-capped mountains, you can choose Xiata; if you prefer forests, Qiongkushitai or Qiaxi are good choices; if you are partial to grasslands, Nalati will definitely not disappoint you?
Shopping and Food: For specialties, you can go to Jinquan Market, which offers a rich variety and affordable prices; for delicious food, Hetian Second Street and Lingguan Lane are food paradises with all kinds of authentic snacks?
Transportation and Itinerary: The distances between attractions are relatively far, so it is recommended to reasonably arrange your itinerary to avoid military-style tourism. If you have limited time, it is suggested to spend 7-8 days in Yili. When booking a tour group, avoid large groups and low-price tours, and preferably choose a small group of 2-6 people to ensure travel comfort and team atmosphere?
I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Yili, Xinjiang!?