The best itinerary for a three-day trip to Yili is as follows:?
Day 1: Depart from Yining to explore Sayram Lake.?
Morning: Depart from Yining City and head to Sayram Lake, known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’. Along the way, you can admire the magnificent scenery of Northern Xinjiang and feel the amazing transition from city to wilderness.?
Noon: Arrive at Sayram Lake and taste local cuisine at a lakeside restaurant, such as fresh and tender highland whitefish.?
Afternoon: Drive along Sayram Lake to admire the lake and mountain scenery. Stop and take photos at attractions such as the Waterfront Beach and Command Platform. The lake water is clear and blue, contrasting beautifully with the distant snow-capped mountains.?
Evening: Choose accommodation at a homestay or hotel near Sayram Lake, and you can also enjoy the starry sky at night.?
Day 2: Depart from Sayram Lake to visit Guozigou Bridge and Lavender Manor.?
Early Morning: Get up early to admire the sunrise over Sayram Lake. When the first rays of sunlight hit the lake surface, the entire world is dyed gold.?
Morning: Leave Sayram Lake and head to Guozigou Bridge. This spectacular bridge lies like a giant dragon across the mountains, and you can view its entirety from the observation deck.?
Noon: Head to Huocheng Lavender Manor (June to August is the lavender blooming season), immerse yourself in the lavender fields, and feel the romantic atmosphere.?
Afternoon to Evening: You can choose to continue exploring other attractions or return to Yining City to prepare for the third day’s itinerary.?
Day 3: Depart from Yining to explore Nalati Grasslands or Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley.?
Plan A: Nalati Grasslands?
Morning: Depart from Yining and head to Nalati Grasslands. In spring, the Nalati Grasslands still have snow-capped mountains, with the ice and snow on the ground just starting to melt, and white wild lilies beginning to bloom.?
Afternoon: Play on the Nalati Grasslands and admire the magnificent scenery. You can purchase tickets to enter the scenic area and visit major attractions such as Aerial Grassland and Swan Lake.?
Evening: Return to Yining City to conclude your delightful journey in Yili.?
Plan B: Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley?
Morning: Depart from Yining and head to Tuergen Apricot Blossom Valley. This is a 10,000-mu primitive wild apricot forest, known as ‘the most beautiful April scenery on earth’.?
Afternoon: Stroll through Xinghua Valley, admire the blooming apricot blossoms, and take photos as souvenirs.?
Evening: Return to Yining City to end the trip.?
The above itineraries can be selected based on personal interests and schedule to ensure a full experience of the natural scenery and cultural charm of Yili during a three-day trip.?