A self-guided tour of Yili is an excellent journey to experience magnificent scenery and unique folklore. Here is a detailed self-guided tour guide:
Itinerary planning
The Yili Grand Circle Route is a classic self-guided tour route, covering various natural landscapes such as forests, canyons, grasslands, lakes, deserts, and wetlands. The recommended loop itinerary includes
Urumqi-Anjihai Grand Canyon-Kuitun
Kuitun-Sayram Lake-Yining City/Qingshuihe
Yining-Jade Lake-Zhaosu
Zhaosu-Qiongkushitai-Tekes
Tekes-Qiaxi Forest-Gongliu
Gongliu-Nalati-Nalati Town
Nalati-Kumtag Desert-Shanshan
Shanshan-Mazhavillage-Urumqi
In addition, you can also choose a 6-day, 5-night itinerary based on personal time and preferences.
or 8 days
self-guided tour itinerary.
Must-visit attractions
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, with sapphire-blue water被誉为, known as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", it is a sacred place for photography and camping.
Nalati Grassland: A vast grassland where you can rent a horse and gallop, feeling the freedom and exhilaration of the grassland. At night, you can stay in the traditional yurt of the Kazak people.
Kalajun Grassland: It integrates grassland, forest, and canyons, with beautiful landscapes such as five-flower meadows, suitable for hiking and off-road driving.
Qiongkushitai: A beautiful little village where you can visit little sheep, taste pilaf, and experience horse riding.
Guozigou Bridge, Anjihai Grand Canyon, Huocheng Lavender Fields, and other attractions are also not to be missed.
Food recommendations
Xinjiang is rich in diverse cuisine, including Nang series dishes, Lagmen (pulled noodles), Dapanji (big plate chicken), mutton skewers, mutton rib noodles, Gulandanmu ice cream, etc. Each dish is mouthwatering.
. At the night markets and specialty restaurants in Yili, you can indulge in these authentic local delicacies.
Travel tips
Clothing preparation: Xinjiang has large temperature differences in summer, so it is recommended to bring a jacket, quick-drying clothes, sunglasses, fleece hats, sun hats, windbreaker pants and jackets, down jackets, and other outdoor equipment.
Sunscreen and moisturizing: Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays, so make sure to apply enough sunscreen. Additionally, the weather is changeable, so be prepared with moisturizing skincare products.
Safety tips: Security checks in Xinjiang are strict, please carry your ID card with you and take care of your personal belongings.
Transportation options: You can choose various transportation methods such as airplanes, taxis, and chartered cars, flexibly selecting based on personal budget and itinerary arrangements.
With the above guide, I believe you will be able to plan an unforgettable self-guided tour of Yili.