Yining Travel Guide

Yining is a charming tourist destination. Here's a travel guide to help you better plan your trip. Transportation Guide Getting There: You can fly to Yining Airport, though most flights from mainland cities require a transfer in Urumqi. The airport is close to downtown, about a 20-minute taxi ride costing around CNY 30-40. Alternatively, you can take a train from Urumqi to Yining, which runs overnight. Getting Around: Taxis and public buses are convenient within the city. For visiting surrounding areas, driving is the most convenient option, followed by shared rides or joining day tours. Some attractions are also accessible by public transportation. Recommended Attractions Ili River Scenic Area: A 4A-rated scenic spot, open all day, offering beautiful river views. Six Star Street Scenic Area: Ranked #1 on Ili's city sightseeing list, free admission, featuring exotic charm. Kazanqi Folk Custom Tourism Area: Showcasing Uyghur culture, free admission, perfect for experiencing local customs. Sayram Lake National Scenic Area: A 5A-rated scenic spot, known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic," featuring crystal blue waters and stunning surroundings. Food Recommendations Tefeng Pilaf Gulandam Ice Cream Gaxiangzi Noodle Soup Wusun Tea House Tatar Courtyard Bakery Blue Wall Lung Restaurant Best Time to Visit Spring (April-June): Apricot blossoms bloom in Xinyuan Apricot Valley in April; grasslands turn green and wildflowers bloom in May and June. Summer (July-August): Cool climate, perfect for summer retreat, lush grasslands and ripe fruits. Fall (September-October): Golden autumn with yellow grasslands and colorful foliage. Important Tips The UV radiation is strong in Ili - bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. For Sayram Lake visits, pack food and water as prices are higher within the scenic area. When hiking Shata Ancient Road, plan your route according to your physical condition and prioritize safety. Respect local customs and avoid trampling the grassland. Tekes Eight Diagrams City has a unique road layout - pay attention to navigation when driving to avoid getting lost. Pack warm clothes regardless of season due to large temperature differences between day and night. Download offline maps as signal might be weak in grassland areas. Follow the horse handler's instructions when horseback riding for safety.