Here is a travel guide for your trip from Korla to Ili, recommending the following routes and attractions:?
Day 1: Korla to Hejing County?
Leaving Korla in the morning, drive northwest along G30 Expressway, passing through Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, and finally arrive at Hejing County. This journey takes about 3-4 hours, with views of the unique desert and Gobi landscapes of southern Xinjiang along the way.?
Upon arrival in Hejing County, you can visit the local museum or taste specialty foods.?
Day 2: Hejing County to Bayanbulak Grassland?
Turning from Hejing County onto Provincial Highway S101, cross the Tianshan Mountains, pass through Baluntai Town, and finally arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland. This journey takes about 4 hours, with stunning views of the Tianshan Mountains along the way.?
At Bayanbulak Grassland, you can choose to ride horses, hike, or have a picnic to feel the charm of nature. You can also enjoy the sunrise over the grassland in the morning and feel its grandeur.?
Day 3: Bayanbulak Grassland to Yining?
Departing from Bayanbulak Grassland, drive to Yining City. This journey is expected to take 4-6 hours, during which you can continue to admire the magnificent scenery of the Tianshan Mountains.?
Upon arrival in Yining, it is recommended to take a rest first to adapt to the plateau climate. In the evening, you can stroll through the local night market to experience the local customs.?
Day 4: Tour around Yining?
Leaving Yining in the morning, drive to Sayram Lake. Known as the "Last Teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean", Sayram Lake has azure and clear water, surrounded by snowy mountains, creating a picturesque scene. Here, you can take a walk by the lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, or rent a boat to paddle on the lake.?
Or head to the Lavender Base in Huocheng County. Huocheng is one of China’s larger lavender planting bases. Every summer, the purple sea of flowers decorates the entire valley like a dream. You can take photos here and also purchase lavender essential oil, dried flowers, and other specialties.?
Day 5: Yining to Kalajun Grassland?
Leaving Yining in the morning, drive to Kalajun Grassland. Located in Tekes County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Kalajun Grassland is a typical alpine grassland and a famous tourist attraction. The grassland here is vast and boundless, with herds of cattle and sheep, fresh air, and picturesque scenery. Here, you can ride horses, hike, camp, and taste local specialty foods.?
Suggestions for subsequent itinerary:?
If you have enough time, you can continue to visit famous attractions such as Tekes Bagua City and Nalati Grassland.?
Finally, according to the return schedule, visit the downtown area or surrounding attractions of Yining again, and then drive back to Korla.?
During the trip, please drive safely, arrange your itinerary reasonably, and enjoy this journey from Korla to Ili filled with natural beauty and cultural charm!?