Visiting Yili during the May Day holiday allows you to experience the most beautiful scenery and rich cultural activities of Yili. Here is a detailed travel guide:
I. Itinerary Planning
Yili has many attractions, so it is recommended to plan your itinerary reasonably based on personal interests and time. Here are some recommended routes:
7 Days 6 Nights Itinerary:
D1: Urumqi – Free time to explore and eat, including spicy skin noodles, Grand Bazaar, Hongshan Park, etc.
D2: Drive along the Duku Highway – Overnight in Nalati, experience the 4D effect from the car window, take stunning highway photos
D3: Nalati Aerial Grassland – Bai Rui Campground stargazing, ride horses up to the Aerial Grassland, view the Milky Way at night
D4:库尔德宁秘境-Qiongkushitai horseback riding + bonfire dinner, hike across streams
Subsequent itineraries can be arranged according to personal preferences and physical condition.
5 Days 4 Nights Itinerary:
D1: Urumqi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Jinghe
D2: Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Yining
D3: Qiaxi – Nalati Town
D4: Aerial Grassland Nalati – Aikenda Pass – Hejing
D5: Gangou scenery – Dabancheng windmills – Urumqi
8-10 Days Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Yining, visit Kazanqi or Liuxingjie, taste Yining handmade ice cream, and watch the sunset over the Yili River.
Day 2: Rent a car to Tangbula, ride horses to Fairy Lake.
Day 3: Tangbula – Nalati, a must-visit to the Aerial Grassland.
Day 4: Nalati – Qiaxi, view snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Day 5: Qiaxi – Karakun, arrive at the Human Body Grassland in the evening.
Day 6: Tekes – Qiongkushitai, enjoy the starry sky at night.
Day 7 and beyond: Choose to ride horses or hike along the ancient Wusun trail, or continue to Xiata.
II. Transportation Methods
Public transportation within the Yili Prefecture is relatively inconvenient, so it is recommended to rent a car for self-driving or join a local tour group. In Yining, many guesthouses and youth hostels offer carpooling options, and renting a car in May is usually not very expensive.
III. Essential Items
Sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat: Summer sunshine is intense, so take proper sun protection measures.
Thin sweater, rain jacket, thick coat: The temperature difference between day and night in mountainous areas is large, so bring warm clothing.
Hiking shoes: Comfortable hiking shoes are important as some attractions require hiking.
Water bottle and food: Supplies may be inconvenient at some attractions, so bring your own water and food.
Photography equipment: To capture the beautiful scenery and memorable moments of Yili.
IV. Precautions
Altitude sickness: Some attractions at higher altitudes may cause altitude sickness, so rest promptly if you feel unwell.
Respect local customs and habits: Yili is inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, so be mindful of your words and actions, and respect the local culture.
Through the above guide, you can fully experience the natural scenery and cultural charm of Yili during the May Day holiday. Wishing you a pleasant trip to Yili!