https://ph.trip.com/moments/detail/bole-922-131098304
kaliyah_4658United States

Promise me you won't give up on visiting Xinjiang in your lifetime…

Yili, Xinjiang is known as "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall," boasting magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic minority customs. Here's a detailed travel guide to Yili, covering the best time to visit, classic routes, must-see attractions, and practical tips. --- ### **1. Best Time to Visit** - **June-October**: Yili's scenery is at its best, with lush green grasslands, blooming lavender (mid-June is the best time), and canola flowers, apricot blossoms, and other flowers in full bloom. - **March-May**: Enjoy early spring flowers, such as ice flowers and wild apricot blossoms. - **July-August**: The grasslands are at their lushest, perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. --- ### **2. Classic Itinerary Recommendations** **6-Day Highlights Tour (Suitable for Self-Driving/Chartered Car)** - **Day 1**: Urumqi → Sayram Lake (cycling around the lake, overnight stay at a lakeside guesthouse). - **Day 2**: Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (visit Kazantqi Folk Street, taste Uyghur cuisine). - **Day 3**: Yining → Xiata Ancient Road → Zhaosu (hiking and exploring, overlooking the snow-capped mountains). - **Day 4**: Zhaosu → Qiongkushtai → Tekes (visit hidden ancient villages, experience the culture of the Bagua City). - **Day 5**: Tekes → Nalati Grassland (horseback riding across the "aerial grassland"). - **Day 6**: Nalati → Urumqi (return trip). **11-Day In-Depth Tour (Suitable for Group Tours/Customized Tours)** - Covers the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang, including Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Bayinbuluk, with an average cost of about CNY 2,500 per person. --- ### **3. Must-See Attractions** 1. **Sayram Lake** - The highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, with azure blue water, perfect for cycling or driving around the lake. 2. **Nalati Grassland** - "Aerial Grassland" scenery, enjoy horseback riding through the Kazakh pastures. 3. **Xiata Ancient Road** - Light hiking and exploration, with views of the Muzart Glacier. 4. **Qiongkushtai Village** - A hidden ancient village, where wooden houses contrast beautifully with the snow-capped mountains. 5. **Lavender Fields (Huocheng County)** - In full bloom in mid-June, comparable to Provence. 6. **Kalajun Grassland** - A World Natural Heritage site, with three-dimensional grassland landscapes, ideal for photography. --- ### **4. Unique Experiences** - **Horseback Riding in the Pastures**: Experience the life of Kazakh herders in places like Nalati and Qiongkushtai. - **Lavender Festival (June)**: Huocheng County hosts a grand event where you can visit the Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden. - **Folk Culture**: Experience the diverse ethnic cultures at Kazantqi Folk Street in Yining and the Bagua City of Tekes. --- ### **5. Travel Tips** - **Transportation**: Self-driving or chartered cars are recommended, as the attractions are scattered and public transportation is inconvenient. The high-speed train from Urumqi to Yining takes about 5 hours. - **Accommodation**: Guesthouses at Sayram Lake, wooden houses in Qiongkushtai, and yurts on the Nalati Grassland are unique options. - **Food**: Roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed rice, kumis, and Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken). - **Things to Note**: - Strong UV rays, so take sun protection measures. - Some scenic spots require advance booking (such as Nalati and Kalajun). - Respect the customs of ethnic minorities and avoid taking photos of locals without permission. --- Yili is beautiful in all seasons, whether it's the sea of flowers, the grasslands, or the snow-capped mountains, it will leave you mesmerized.
View Original Text
*Created by local travelers and translated by AI.
Posted: Apr 13, 2025
e33***96
1 person found this moment helpful
Submit
1
Mentioned in This Moment
Attraction

Narat Scenic Spot

4.5/52489 reviews
Xinyuan
No.1 of Best Things to Do in Xinyuan
View
Show More
Related Moments
Nalati Grassland

Xinjiang Yili Apricot Valley: A Guide to the Divine Flower Sea in April

Wyatt Thomas
Sayram Lake

Xinjiang's Sayram Lake is breathtakingly blue! Netizens ask: Is this really Earth?

Benjamin Smith8 Stillness
Sayram Lake

The Last Teardrop of the Atlantic—Sayram Lake

V3l0c1fy_Thund3rst0rm
Sayram Lake

Spring in Xinjiang is amazing!! Here's a 7-day Xinjiang self-driving tour itinerary for you to copy

wren_8496
Sayram Lake

Sailimu Lake: A Must-Visit Destination

EmmaMcKenzie32
Sayram Lake

Welcome to the guide for a day trip for female college students!

Emily Donovan55
Sayram Lake

A Must-See in Your Lifetime: It's Truly Beautiful

Benjamin987 Harris
Sayram Lake

This is the Sailimu Lake mentioned by Sa Beining

SerendipityDreamer222
Sayram Lake

Ili is beautiful, but I don't recommend going in May–June because…

WESLEY WISE
Sayram Lake

10-Day Circuit in Northern Xinjiang | Romantic Tour

新疆向导李永权
Kalajun National Park

My Trip Moments from Xinjiang were all about:

ADDYSON BANKS
Sayram Lake

Sayram Lake: A Blue Promise for Eternity

Scarlett.Perry^47