May is a great time to visit Yili, Xinjiang. The temperature is suitable at this time, the grasslands turn green, and flower fields emerge, allowing you to enjoy stunning natural scenery. Here is a detailed travel guide:
1. Weather and clothing
The temperature in Yili in May is about 15～26℃.
The weather starts to warm up but may be unstable. It is recommended to bring spring clothes, coats, windbreakers, or thin down jackets to cope with weather changes. At the same time, wear lightweight, non-slip, breathable, and waterproof shoes for outdoor activities.
2. Must-visit attractions
Sayram Lake: Known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean", it boasts beautiful scenery with distant snow-capped mountains, playful swans, and flower fields along the shore. It is a great place for taking photos and strolls.
Xiata Forest Park: You can encounter cute marmots at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, traverse grasslands, jungles, and rivers, and feel the grandeur of the Tianshan Mountains.
Nalati Grassland: You can enjoy the scenery of bridges and flowing water, and even hold cute little lambs, as if in a fairy tale world.
Qiata Loop: Including the dreamlike Yili Valley Qiaxi and the fairy tale-like Talimu Forest, every scene is unforgettable.
Qiongkushitai: With dense forests and pleasant scenery, it is a great place for hiking and photography.
3. Transportation guide
Airplane: You can choose to fly directly to Yining Airport. Currently, direct flights are available from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and other cities.
Train/coach: If you are in other parts of Xinjiang, you can also arrive in Yining City by train or coach.
Car rental and self-driving: It is one of the most convenient ways to explore the Yili Grassland. There are many car rental companies in Yining city that provide vehicle rental services.
4. Itinerary suggestions
Here is a suggested 8-day itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Yining, stay in Yining, visit Kazanqi or Liuxing Street, taste Yining handmade ice cream, and go to Yili River to watch the sunset in the evening.
Day 2: Rent a car to Tangbula, pass through the Hundred-Mile Gallery, and ride a horse to Xiannv Lake.
Day 3: Go to Nalati and it is recommended to purchase a self-driving ticket to enter and visit Kongzhong Grassland.
Day 4: Continue exploring Nalati or head to Qiaxi to admire the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Day 5: Travel to Karajun and arrive at Renti Grassland in the evening to enjoy the sunset.
Day 6: Head to Qiongkushitai, take photos along the way, and stay at a homestay on the mountain behind the village at night.
Day 7: You can choose to ride a horse or hike on the Wusun Ancient Road to Karajun, or continue to Xiata.
Day 8: Explore on foot in Xiata and end the trip.
5. Other precautions
Travel preparations: Besides clothes and shoes, you should also bring ID cards, student IDs, chargers, power banks, cameras, headphones, and other electronic devices, as well as skincare products, makeup, sunscreen, toiletries, and other personal hygiene items.
Flight ticket purchase: It is recommended to compare prices on multiple platforms and use airline member day discounts and other promotions to purchase flight tickets.
Safety tips: Take good care of your personal belongings, abide by local laws, regulations, and tourism rules to ensure a safe trip.
I hope this travel guide can help you have an unforgettable trip in Yili, Xinjiang in May!