July is the perfect time to experience the natural beauty and cultural charm of Yili. Below is a detailed travel guide:?
I. Best Travel Time and Attraction Recommendations?
Best Travel Time: July is the most charming season in Yili, with mountains, lakes, grasslands, and flower seas all exhibiting unparalleled beauty.?
Must-visit attractions:?
Sayram Lake: Xinjiang’s largest alpine lake, with sapphire-blue water resembling a gem, and surrounding scenery that resembles a fairy tale. You can drive around the lake and encounter the beauty of the lake and mountains from different angles.?
Huocheng Lavender Field: In June and July, when the lavender blooms, this place instantly transforms into China’s Provence, with vast fields of purple flowers that are romantic and enchanting.?
Nalati Grassland: Known as the aerial grassland, it’s a perfect place for horse riding or hiking, with snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands intertwining.?
Kalajun Grassland: A beautiful integration of grassland, forest, and canyon, with breathtaking landscapes such as colorful meadows.?
II. Itinerary Planning Suggestions?
6-day Yili Loop Tour:?
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Yining. Visit Sayram Lake and admire the beauty of the lake and mountains.?
Day 2: Yining – Lavender Field – Xiata/Zhaosu. Visit the lavender field to feel the romance of the purple flower sea, and then head to Xiata or Zhaosu.?
Day 3: Xiata/Zhaosu – Kalajun Grassland. Go hiking on Kalajun Grassland and admire the magnificent scenery of the grassland.?
Day 4: Kalajun Grassland – Nalati Grassland. Head to Nalati Grassland to experience the unique charm of the aerial grassland.?
Day 5: Nalati Grassland – Duku Highway – Bayanbulak. Travel on the Duku Highway, enjoy the scenery along the way, and arrive at Bayanbulak Grassland.?
Day 6: Bayanbulak – Return to Urumqi. End the trip and return to Urumqi.?
Notes:?
Be prepared for long periods of sitting in the car, as more than one-third of the time spent on a trip to Xinjiang is typically on the road.?
Pay attention to drinking water and protecting yourself from heatstroke, as the distances between attractions are far and travel times are long.?
If you’re prone to carsickness, please bring motion sickness medication.?
The bus will have the air conditioning on during the trip, and the temperature may be low. Please prepare a thin blanket or jacket to prevent catching a cold.?
III. Unique Experiences and Local Customs?
Unique experiences:?
Self-drive on the Duku Highway: The scenery along the way, from mountains to valleys, and from forests to grasslands, is breathtakingly beautiful.?
Camping to watch sunrises and sunsets: Camp by the side of Sayram Lake or on the Kalajun Grassland to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of sunrises and sunsets.?
Experience Kazak folk customs: Get up close and personal with the local customs and culture of the Kazak people, and taste their unique local cuisine.?
Notes on local customs and culture:?
Respect the customs and traditions of ethnic minorities, such as Muslim taboos on pork.?
Try to be friendly when shopping. Don’t haggle casually for items you’re not sure about.?
Security checks are strict. Pay attention to the items you carry and be prepared to remove your shoes for inspection.?
There are many military restricted areas in Xinjiang that prohibit visiting and taking photos. Please make sure to remember this.?
By following the above travel guide, you can fully appreciate the natural beauty and cultural charm of Yili in July, enjoying an unforgettable travel experience.?