Yili, Xinjiang: Not Recommended for March-May, Because...

Friends, Yili is truly a dream destination! With snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower seas, the scenery is as beautiful as a fairy tale. If you also want to embark on this northern Xinjiang journey, take this guide and explore Yili! Travel Time: March-May is spring in Yili. The weather gradually warms up, everything comes back to life, and the scenery is charming. Late March to mid-April is the best time to view apricot blossoms. The apricot blossoms bloom all over the mountains and plains, as beautiful as pink clouds. In May, you can see the grasslands gradually turning green, and various wildflowers begin to bloom, making it a good time to enjoy the grassland scenery. Transportation Guide: Airplane: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport: This is the main transportation hub for travel to and from Xinjiang. If you want to take the northern Xinjiang + Yili loop, you can start from here. Yining Airport: Suitable for traveling only within the Yili area, starting and ending in Yining City. Some cities have direct flights. If you want to go to Sayram Lake or see lavender, this airport is more convenient, but the price is relatively high. Xinyuan Nalati Airport: Suitable for transferring within Xinjiang, with direct flights from a few cities. If you plan to visit Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland, Bayinbuluke Grassland, or Kalajun, this airport is a good choice. Train: Train tickets are tight, so be sure to book in advance. The main train stations are Yining, Kuitun, Khorgos, Nileke, and Huocheng. Itinerary: 3 Days and 2 Nights: Day 1: Arrive in Yining, take a short rest, and then go to Liuxing Street to experience the unique street layout and rich ethnic customs, and taste local delicacies. Day 2: Go to Sayram Lake to admire the azure lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. You can stroll along the lake or take a sightseeing bus. Then go to the Guozigou Bridge to appreciate its magnificence. Day 3: Go to Daxi Valley in Huocheng to enjoy the beautiful scenery of apricot blossoms and wild sour plums, and return in the afternoon. 4 Days and 3 Nights: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi and transfer to Yining. After arrival, visit the Kazanch 민속 Village to experience the traditional life of the Uyghur people. Day 2: Go to Sayram Lake for a full day of sightseeing, enjoying the lake views at different times of the day, and watch the sunset by the lake in the evening. Day 3: Go to the Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley, where there are 30,000 acres of wild apricot trees left over from the Middle Ages. Feel the romance of spring in the sea of flowers. Day 4: Return to Yining and prepare for the return trip. 5 Days and 4 Nights: Day 1: Depart from Urumqi, pass through the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, enjoy the unique canyon scenery, and then go to Jinghe or Shuanghe for accommodation. Day 2: Go to Sayram Lake for in-depth sightseeing, participate in sailing experiences and other activities, then go to Yining and stroll around Liuxing Street. Day 3: Go to Kurdening, where there are spruce forests reaching into the clouds, and the scenery is very beautiful. Day 4: Go to the Nalati Grassland to experience the vastness and magnificence of the grassland. You can ride horses or stroll. Day 5: Return to Urumqi via Gongnaisi, enjoying the natural scenery along the way. Tips: The temperature difference between day and night in Yili in spring is large. You may only need to wear a light jacket during the sunny daytime, but you may need to wear a thick sweater and a jacket in the morning and evening. Be sure to bring clothes of different thicknesses. Some scenic spots are far away, so it is recommended to prepare some snacks and water to replenish energy at any time. Although it is spring, the sun in Yili is still strong. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat for sun protection. Respect local religious and cultural customs, especially when visiting religious sites, keep quiet and tidy. Friends, Yili is really beautiful. Pack your bags and set off to encounter a spring romance that belongs to you!