The Yili tourism planning scheme can be customized according to the tourists’ time and interests. The following is a 7-day Yili tourism planning scheme, covering the main attractions and unique experiences in Yili:
I. Itinerary Arrangements
Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi
After arriving in Urumqi, you can freely explore and feel the local atmosphere.
Day 2: Urumqi – Sayram Lake
Depart for Sayram Lake in the morning to enjoy the sunrise.
Drive around the lake and feel the grandeur and tranquility of Sayram Lake.
Day 3: Sayram Lake – Qiongkushitai Village
Enjoy the sunrise at Sayram Lake again.
Cross the Fruit Valley Bridge and head to Qiongkushitai Village to experience its pristine beauty.
Day 4: Qiongkushitai Village – Qiaxi Grassland
Depart from Qiongkushitai Village and visit Qiaxi Grassland.
Stay overnight in Gongliu or Xinyuan.
Day 5: Gongliu/Xinyuan – Nalati Grassland
Enjoy the charm of Nalati Grassland.
Day 6: Nalati – Duku Highway – Urumqi
Cross the Duku Highway and experience the amazing changes of four seasons in one day.
Check in to Urumqi and prepare for the return trip the next day.
Day 7: Return to Urumqi
Return home with full memories and beautiful scenery.
II. Highlights of the Itinerary
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, it is known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean’.
Qiongkushitai Village: A well-preserved Kazakh pastoral village where you can experience the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakhs.
Nalati Grassland: One of the world’s four major valley grasslands, it is known as the ‘Sky Grassland’.
Duku Highway: A highway connecting southern and northern Xinjiang, with magnificent scenery along the way, it is hailed as ‘one of China’s most beautiful highways’.
III. Food Recommendations
Lung Tissue with Noodles: A dish made from sheep lungs and flour, with a sour and spicy taste.
Pilaf: A representative of Yili cuisine, it is irreplaceable.
Spicy Chicken with Pepper and Sesame Oil: The skin of the hand-torn chicken, paired with onions and tofu sheets, is crispy and sweet.
Grilled Buns: It is best to buy round puff pastry, and it is not recommended to buy flat square ones on the street.
Grilled Meat: Yili’s grilled meat is rich in variety, including grilled intestines, grilled kidney, grilled mutton, grilled beef, and various grilled vegetables.
IV. Accommodation Recommendations
Urumqi: You can choose hotels like Universal International.
Sayram Lake: Dianjiangtai, Muyunye Luxury Camp, etc., are good choices.
Qiongkushitai Village: Shirt and Qingkongyiji Homestay, Ruwanguguli Homestay, etc.
Nalati Grassland: Wusun Shirt Cloud Residence, etc.
V. Precautions
Sunscreen: Xinjiang’s ultraviolet rays are very strong. It is recommended to bring sunscreen with SPF ≥50 and prepare sun-protective clothing, sun umbrellas, sun hats, etc.
Hydration and Moisturizing: Xinjiang’s climate is dry, so be sure to hydrate and moisturize in time.
Warm Clothing: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between day and night. It is recommended to bring a thick coat for emergencies.
Cash: In some mountainous areas and locations, the signal may be poor, so it is recommended to prepare some cash.
Respect Local Culture: Xinjiang is an ethnic minority area with a strong religious atmosphere. Please respect the local ethnic culture and customs.
This planning scheme combines Yili’s natural scenery, ethnic culture, and food experiences, aiming to let tourists fully feel the charm of Yili. Of course, specific itinerary arrangements and choices can be adjusted according to personal interests and actual situations.