Ili is back to summer, I really don't recommend going for a summer escape; my spending habits were completely shattered.

Ili Travel Guide (Latest Edition 2025) ------ I. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Nalati Grassland ◦ Features: One of the world's four major grasslands, integrating snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands. Wildflowers bloom everywhere in summer, and it's covered in silver in winter. Experience Kazakh folk activities like horse riding and archery. ◦ Highlights: Sky Grassland Observation Deck, Panlong Valley Trekking, Snow Lotus Valley Trekking. ◦ Admission: 135 RMB (includes shuttle bus), Opening Hours: All day. 2. Sayram Lake ◦ Features: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean," with crystal blue waters, where the surrounding grasslands and snow-capped mountains complement each other. Lavender can be admired in summer, and the ice bubble spectacle is stunning in winter. ◦ Highlights: Lake-circling self-drive (78 km), Dianjiangtai panoramic view, Swan Habitat. ◦ Admission: 145 RMB (includes lake-circling shuttle bus), Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00. 3. Kalaqun Grassland ◦ Features: Kalaqun-Kuerdening Scenic Area is listed as a World Natural Heritage site. The grassland topography is distinct, with wildflowers like a sea in spring and summer, and colorful forests in autumn. ◦ Highlights: Xianhuatai Trekking, Lieyingtai Viewpoint, Canyon Rafting. ◦ Admission: 170 RMB (includes shuttle bus), Recommended duration: 4 hours. 4. Guozigou Bridge ◦ Features: Xinjiang's first cable-stayed highway bridge, spanning a canyon, forming a magnificent picture with Guozigou Waterfall, green mountains, and clear waters – a paradise for photography enthusiasts. ◦ Highlights: Bridge Observation Deck, Huocheng Lavender Farm (June), Hiking Boardwalk. ◦ Admission: Free (Observation deck charges 20 RMB). 5. Kazanchi Folk Tourism Area ◦ Features: A century-old Uyghur residential area in Yining City, with blue streets and horse-drawn carriages, offering a rich experience of ethnic customs and handicraft culture. ◦ Highlights: Horse-drawn carriage tour, handmade ice cream making, home visit experience. ◦ Admission: Free (some attractions charge a fee). ------ II. Special Experiences and Activities 1. Folk Culture ◦ Horgos Port: China-Kazakhstan border trade zone, where you can buy duty-free goods and experience the fusion of cross-border cultures. ◦ Grassland Naadam Festival (July-August): Participate in traditional activities like horse racing, wrestling, and 'Diao Yang' (goat snatching), and taste hand-grabbed lamb and mare's milk wine. 2. Nature Exploration ◦ Xiata Ancient Road Trekking: Traverse the ancient Silk Road, trek to the foot of the glacier, suitable for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. ◦ Wild Walnut Valley Trekking: Explore the Tertiary relict plant community, with red leaves covering the mountains in autumn. 3. Food Journey ◦ Yili Old City Food Street: Recommended are roasted buns, handmade pulled noodles, Naren, smoked horse sausage, etc. ◦ Liuxing Street Night Market: A century-old charming street area where you can taste Kvass, Gezili Xiang Nang, and Russian Lieba. ------ III. Classic Itinerary Routes 1. 3-Day Essential Tour ◦ Day 1: Yining → Kazanchi Folk Village (horse-drawn carriage tour) → Liuxing Street (food) → Overnight in Yining. ◦ Day 2: Yining → Sayram Lake (lake-circling self-drive) → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng Lavender Farm → Overnight in Huocheng. ◦ Day 3: Huocheng → Nalati Grassland (Sky Grassland) → Return to Yining. 2. 5-Day In-depth Tour ◦ Day 1: Yining → Tekes Bagua City (climb Baguatai for panoramic view) → Overnight in Tekes. ◦ Day 2: Tekes → Kalaqun Grassland (Xianhuatai trekking) → Kuerdening (photography) → Overnight in Gongliu. ◦ Day 3: Gongliu → Wild Walnut Valley → Xiata Ancient Road (light trekking) → Overnight in Zhaosu. ◦ Day 4: Zhaosu → Zhaosu Heavenly Horse Cultural Park (horse riding experience) → Tekes → Return. ◦ Day 5: Yining → Huiyuan Ancient City (Lin Zexu Memorial Hall) → Hanren Street (handicraft shopping). 3. Photography Route ◦ Best Time: June (lavender), September (autumn scenery), Winter (snow scenery). ◦ Recommended Spots: Sayram Lake sunrise, Kalaqun Grassland flower sea, Qiongkushitai starry sky, Bayanbulak Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset. ------ IV. Recommended Travel Times • June-August: Grasslands are at their greenest, lavender is in full bloom, suitable for summer escape. • September-October: Vibrant autumn colors, Kalaqun and Qiongkushitai are covered in colorful forests. • Winter (November-March): Pure snow scenery, can experience skiing and hot springs (e.g., Shawan Hot Spring). ------ V. Food Recommendations 1. Must-Try Snacks ◦ Roasted Buns: Crispy outside, fragrant inside, with rich lamb filling (Recommended: Ashe Liangfen Restaurant). ◦ Hand-Grabbed Lamb: Authentic flavor, served with onions and Piyazi (Recommended: No. 88 Old Delicious Lamb Ribs and Pulled Noodles). ◦ Naren: Traditional Kazakh noodle dish, noodles cooked in meat broth, seasoned with chili powder. 2. Special Main Courses ◦ Xinjiang Da Pan Ji (Big Plate Chicken): Yili improved version, more authentic with wide belt noodles (Recommended: Kashgar Time-Honored Brand). ◦ Mare's Milk: Fermented mare's milk drink, sour and sweet, refreshing in summer (Recommended: Herder's home in Kazanchi Folk Village). ◦ Russian Lieba: Traditional rye bread, served with jam and nuts (Recommended: Liuba Russian Lieba House). ------ VI. Transportation and Accommodation 1. Transportation ◦ Flights: Yining Airport (direct flights to Urumqi, Chengdu, etc.), Nalati Airport (direct flights to cities within Xinjiang). ◦ Self-drive: Duku Highway (open June-September), Yizhao Highway (open June-October), road conditions are generally good but pay attention to weather. ◦ Chartered car/Car-pooling: Recommended for 4 people to carpool, daily average cost about 500-800 RMB. 2. Accommodation ◦ Yining City: Yining Tianyuan International Hotel (near Ili River), Liuxing Street B&B (experience ethnic customs). ◦ Grassland Scenic Area: Nalati Muxinggu Starry Sky Tent, Tekes Lijie Special Inn. ◦ Winter Recommendation: Shawan Hot Spring Resort (wellness + skiing). ------ VII. Practical Tips 1. Altitude Sickness: Sayram Lake and Xiata are about 2000 meters above sea level; generally no altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous exercise. 2. Sun Protection and Insect Repellent: Strong UV rays, need SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses; many mosquitoes in grasslands, bring insect repellent. 3. Dressing Guide: Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a jacket even in summer; down jacket + non-slip boots needed in winter. 4. Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering mosques, do not casually photograph locals (especially women). 5. Environmental Protection Tips: Do not drive over grasslands, take your trash with you, protect wetland ecosystems. ------ VIII. Supplementary Niche Attractions • Qiongkushitai: Primitive village, wooden houses complementing snow-capped mountains, suitable for trekking and photography. • Gongnaisi River Valley: Autumn red leaf secret spot, suitable for camping and stargazing. • Huiyuan Ancient City: Site of the Qing Dynasty Ili General's Residence, rich in historical relics. ------