Turns out, July and August in Yili are Xinjiang's divine-level summer! I really regret not coming to Yili sooner!

July in Yili is like God's spilled palette! This 5-day self-driving route avoids the crowds, taking you through grasslands, lakes, and flower fields to experience the purest charm of the Western Regions! 🗺️ Itinerary Overview (excluding round-trip transportation) Day 1: Ürümqi → Yining (by train) → Kazanqi Folk Street Day 2: Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes Day 3: Tekes → Qiongkushitai Village → Qiaxi Forest Park Day 4: Tekes → Nalati Grassland → Bayinbuluke Day 5: Bayinbuluke → Duku Highway → Sayram Lake 🌄 Day 1: First Encounter with Yili, Ethnic Charm Morning: Arrive in Yining Take an overnight train from Ürümqi (soft sleeper recommended for comfort) and arrive in Yining in the morning. The Hanren Street Morning Market near the train station is the perfect start to your journey! Enjoy steaming milk tea, crispy baked buns, and don’t forget to pair them with sweet-and-sour yogurt shaved ice. Afternoon: Explore Kazanqi Folk Street Ride a colorful "horse taxi" (carriage) through the blue-and-white Uyghur houses, soaking in the exotic vibe. Don’t miss the Kazanqi Blue Wall for Instagram-worthy shots! For dinner, try the locally loved Yizihai’er Ice Cream Shop—handmade ice cream with rich dairy flavor, topped with honey and nuts, absolutely addictive. 🌿 Day 2: Stroll the "Sky Grassland," Meet a Wildflower Feast All day: Kalajun Grassland in-depth tour In July, Kalajun is a sea of wildflowers! Get the "East & West Kalajun" combo ticket (includes shuttle bus) and focus on Eagle Platform and Flower Platform. Hike from Flower Platform to Five-Flower Meadow, where purple wild peonies and golden buttercups blanket the slopes. Food tip: Kazakh yurts in the area serve authentic lamb pilaf and milk tea—just ¥50 per person for a feast! 🏞️ Day 3: Discover Ancient Villages, Hidden Gems Morning: Qiongkushitai Village Head to Qiongkushitai, hailed as "China’s Most Beautiful Ancient Village," with scenery straight out of a Miyazaki film! Try horseback riding through the forest (¥150/hour) or visit century-old wooden houses. Afternoon: Qiaxi Forest Park A hidden treasure! Drive into the park along the "Qiaxi Scroll" route, with steep peaks on one side and babbling streams on the other. Stop for a picnic at the Sea of Pines viewpoint—bring naan bread and fruit for a peaceful afternoon. 🌄 Day 4: Gallop Across Grasslands, Chase the Nine Bends Morning: Nalati Grassland Take the Panlong Ancient Route shuttle to the 2,200m-high viewpoint, overlooking rolling green hills. The viral "Sky Platform" is a must-see, with snow-capped mountains framing the grasslands. Evening: Bayinbuluke Drive 2 hours to Bayinbuluke and reach the Nine Bends viewing platform before sunset! If you’re lucky, you’ll see nine suns reflected in the Kaidu River. 🌊 Day 5: Cross Duku Highway, Meet the "Last Tear of the Atlantic" Morning: Northern Duku Highway Drive the "Most Beautiful Highway in China," experiencing four seasons in one day! Key stops: Hashile Daban and Tangbala Hundred-Mile Gallery—pick wild strawberries and blueberries along the road! Afternoon: Sayram Lake Loop Cruise the lakeside road and stop at Kuleyongzhu for crystal-clear water, or feed swans at West Sea Grassland. At sunset, climb General’s Platform to watch the lake turn from blue to pink—absolutely breathtaking! 📌 Pro Tips Transport: Rent a car in Yining! Ürümqi to Yining is 10h by train or 7h driving. Choose an SUV for rough terrain. Attire: Daytime temps ~25°C, but pack a windbreaker, sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Food: Must-try roasted lamb, spicy chicken, and rack meat! Tekes’ "Gulebage Restaurant" serves massive portions of dapanji (big plate chicken). Stay: Book a B&B with a view of Tekes’ Bagua City, or stay in a yurt near Sayram Lake’s General’s Platform for sunrise views. This summer, chase poetry and adventure in Yili! 🌼 #YiliTravelGuide #XinjiangRoadTrip #DukuHighway #SayramLake #NalatiGrassland