8-Day Tour of Yili, Turpan, and Karamay - Super Detailed Guide, Must-See!

Planning a winter vacation to Xinjiang? This 8-day tour of Yili, Turpan, and Karamay will take you on a journey through the north of Xinjiang, without any detours! / 🚗 Suggested itinerary: Depart from Xi'an, embark on a fantastic journey across Xinjiang🌄 Day 1️⃣: Xi'an - Turpan - Urumqi Start from Xi'an, fly over the Tianshan Mountains, arrive in Turpan, and then transfer to Urumqi. Your Xinjiang journey officially begins! Day 2️⃣: Dushanzi Grand Canyon Explore the magnificent Dushanzi Grand Canyon and experience the wonders of nature. Day 3️⃣: Sayram Lake - Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden Stroll along the shores of Sayram Lake and admire the tranquility of the highland lake. Then, step into Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden and forget your worries amidst the fragrant lavender. Day 4️⃣: Karamay Scenic Area Wander through Karamay and experience the close connection between grassland and snow-capped mountains, as if you were in a fairyland. Day 5️⃣: Nalati Scenic Area Nalati boasts stunning scenery, with grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains all in one. Day 6️⃣: Tianchi Lake Ascend the Tianshan Mountains and overlook the shimmering Tianchi Lake, experiencing the mysterious charm of the highland lake. Day 7️⃣: Flaming Mountains Scenic Area - Kan'erjing Amusement Park Traverse the Flaming Mountains and experience the heat and wonder. Then, explore Kan'erjing Amusement Park and learn about the ancient irrigation culture. Day 8️⃣: Turpan - Xi'an End your wonderful Xinjiang journey, fly from Turpan, and return to Xi'an with memories. / **Must-visit attractions:** 🌟 Sayram Lake 🌟 🌠5 stars - Address: Next to National Highway 30, Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: 09:00-21:00 - Duration: 1-2 days - The lake water is clear and blue, making it a beautiful place for photos. The surrounding grasslands are full of colorful wildflowers, like a paradise on earth. ✨ Tianchi Lake ✨ 🌠5 stars - Address: No. 501, Junggar Road, Fuyuan County, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: 09:30-19:00 from November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 - Duration: 1 day - The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the majestic Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, every step is a beautiful scenery. 🔥 Flaming Mountains Scenic Area 🔥 🌠4 stars - Address: National Highway 312, Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: 08:30-20:00 - Duration: 3-4 hours - The reddish-brown sandstone landform is unique, as if you have entered the magical world of "Journey to the West." The magnificence of the Flaming Mountains is breathtaking. 🌾 Karamay Scenic Area 🌾 🌠4 stars - Address: South of National Highway 276, Tekes County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: 09:00-19:00 - Duration: 1-2 days - As a must-visit scenic area in the west of Xinjiang, it boasts vast greenery and abundant natural landscapes, making it a great place to relax and unwind. 🏞️ Dushanzi Grand Canyon 🏞️ 🌠4 stars - Address: Next to National Highway 217, Dushanzi District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region - Opening hours: 11:00-19:00 - Duration: 2-3 hours - The cliffs are steep and the desert grassland scenery is unique. It is a masterpiece of nature, and every place is full of mystery and grandeur. / Travel preparation: 👕 **Clothing:** Bring a windbreaker, hiking shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. Don't forget your sunglasses. It's still a bit cold in February, so bring your thermal underwear. 🎒 **Accessories:** Bring a U-shaped pillow, power bank, and phone charger. 📇 **Documents:** Bring your ID card, student ID, and driver's license. Some places offer discounts, and you may need to check on the road. 💊 **Other essentials:** Prepare some common medicines like motion sickness pills and cold pills. Also bring sunscreen and moisturizing spray, as the climate there is dry and you need to protect your skin. Oh, and don't forget your lip balm, as your lips may get dry. / Explore the customs of Yili, the sweetness of Turpan, and the wonder of Karamay. Don't miss any of the beauty of Xinjiang!