The recommended three-day Yili travel guide is as follows:
Day 1: Yining and surrounding exploration.
Morning: After arriving in Yining, first check in at the hotel and take a short rest. Afterwards, you can take a leisurely walk in Kazanqi Folk Village to feel the rich Uyghur culture. The blue houses and colorful doors and windows make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale world. You can also take a ride in a traditional horse-drawn cart to experience the leisurely slow life.
Noon: Taste local specialty foods, such as baked stuffed buns and hand-grabbed rice, to recharge for the afternoon itinerary.
Afternoon: Head to Liuxing Street, stroll through the specialty shops, listen to street performers’ singing and guitar playing, and enjoy a pleasant afternoon. The unique architectural style and artistic atmosphere here are captivating.
Evening: You can choose to continue exploring Liuxing Street or return to your hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s itinerary.
Day 2: A trip to Sayram Lake and Guozigou Bridge.
Morning: Depart from Yining and head to Sayram Lake, known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’. The lake water is azure, surrounded by mountains, and the scenery is breathtaking. Take a walk along the wooden栈道 along the lake, admire the lake views from different angles, and take photos as souvenirs.
Noon: Have lunch at a restaurant near Sayram Lake, tasting lake delicacies and local specialty dishes, such as fresh white salmon.
Afternoon: Leave Sayram Lake and head to Guozigou Bridge. This spectacular bridge lies like a giant dragon across the mountains. From the observation deck, you can enjoy its full view and feel the perfect fusion of architecture and nature.
Evening: You can choose to stay near Sayram Lake to admire the starry sky or return to Yining city for rest.
Day 3: Delve deeper into the grassland or explore historical relics.
Option 1: Head to Nalati Grassland, rent a spirited horse and gallop freely on the grassland, feeling the freedom and exhilaration of the breeze gently brushing against your face. As night falls, stay in a traditional Kazakh yurt, fall asleep under the starry sky, and immerse yourself in the local folk customs.
Option 2: Visit Kalajun Grassland and Qiongkushitai. Kalajun Grassland is known as the ‘Human Body Grassland’ with magnificent scenery. Qiongkushitai, like a haven of tranquility, allows you to hike, ride horses, and admire the natural paintings formed by blue skies, white clouds, flower-filled grasslands, and dark green forests.
Evening: After finishing the day’s itinerary, return to Yining city. Before leaving, why not stroll around Liuxing Street or Kazanqi Folk Village again and buy some interesting souvenirs to take home.
This three-day Yili travel guide covers natural scenery, folk culture, food experiences, and other aspects, hoping to bring you a pleasant travel experience.