[2025 Xinyuan ] Travel Guide for Xinghua Ditch (Updated Mar)

Spring has arrived! The sea of flowers across Xinjiang is a luxurious visual feast. Afraid of missing the blossoms? We've compiled a super detailed guide to Xinjiang's flower viewing spots and blooming periods for 2025. Save it now! ———— ⭕ Northern Xinjiang 💐 Apricot Blossoms in Toksun, Turpan 🔸 Blooming Period: Mid-to-late March - early April 🔸 Features: The "vanguard" of spring in Northern Xinjiang, boasting thousands of acres of apricot blossoms stretching as far as the eye can see, resembling a dreamy snowfield when in full bloom. . 💐 Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley 🔸 Blooming Period: Early April 🔸 Features: Home to the largest primitive wild apricot forest dating back to the Middle Ages. However, the blooming period is short and heavily influenced by weather, with the peak lasting around 7 days. The apricot blossoms cover the mountains and plains like pink clouds. . 💐 Wild Lilies in Nalati 🔸 Blooming Period: Late March - early April 🔸 Features: An early spring exclusive landscape. While the ice and snow haven't completely melted, wild lilies emerge from the ice, blooming amidst the remaining snow and grasslands. The golden yellow stamens intertwine with pure white petals, vibrant with life. . 💐 Apricot Blossoms in Daxi Valley 🔸 Blooming Period: Mid-to-late April 🔸 Features: With a later blooming period, Daxi Valley not only has vast apricot blossom clusters but also over 60 varieties of wild fruit trees blooming in competition, painting the mountains and plains in a myriad of colors. . 💐 Peach Blossoms in Shihezi 🔸 Blooming Period: Mid-to-late April 🔸 Features: 8,000 acres of peach blossoms in full bloom transform Shihezi into a wonderland. A grand and lively Peach Blossom Festival is also held here, offering a chance for everyone to revel together. . 💐 Wildflower Clusters at Sayram Lake 🔸 Blooming Period: Mid-May - mid-June 🔸 Features: Dense clusters of wildflowers, with wild tulips on the sunny slopes gleaming golden under the sunlight, reflecting against the azure Sayram Lake, creating a picturesque scene. . 💐 Roses in Hotan 🔸 Blooming Period: Mid-May 🔸 Features: Mostly cultivated rose gardens. Wandering through the dense rose bushes, you'll feel like a flower-picking maiden. The roses here are not only for viewing but also used to make rose jam or for medicinal purposes. . 💐 Tianshan Safflower in Nileke 🔸 Blooming Period: Mid-May 🔸 Features: On the gentle slopes of the Tianshan Mountains in Mus Township, Nileke County, grow fiery wild safflowers. Bathed in gentle sunlight, the blooming safflowers dye the grasslands a blazing red. Under the scorching sun, the flowers quietly close, leaving only a hint of resilient poetry. . 💐 Sunflowers, Perilla, and Rapeseed Flowers in Zhaosu 🔸 Blooming Period: Early July - mid-August 🔸 Features: Undulating golden waves of flowers spread from the foot of the mountains to the clouds, intertwining with the snow-capped Tianshan peaks in the distance and the faintly visible purple perilla fields, creating a visual marvel of "snow reflecting golden silk, sunset glow falling upon the earth." . 💐 Windswept Wheat Waves in Jiangbulak 🔸 Blooming Period: July-August 🔸 Features: Hundreds of thousands of acres of wheat fields in Jiangbulak shed their greenness, transforming into a rolling golden ocean. Wheat waves surge from the foot of the mountains to the clouds, interweaving with the azure sky, snow-white peaks, and dark green spruce trees to form a giant palette. This is also a filming location for the movie "Fengshen." . 💐 Tianshan Flower Sea in Ili (Huocheng) 🔸 Blooming Period: May-October 🔸 Features: A wide variety of flowers, each with its own blooming period. The most eye-catching is lavender, with its long blooming period and vast area. Strolling through it, every frame feels like stepping into a fairy tale. ———— ⭕ Southern Xinjiang 💐 Apricot Blossoms on the Pamir Plateau (Along Datong Township) 🔸 Blooming Period: Late March - early April 🔸 Location: Along Datong Township, Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture, including Kukosiluk Township, Tal Township, etc. 🔸 Features: Apricot trees fill the ancient villages, blending with the towering snow-capped mountains in the distance. Along the Tasha Ancient Road, passing through Datong Township, Kukosiluk Township, Tal Township, all the way to the No. 5 Happiness Bridge and Apricot Blossom Island, the yellow earth houses and pink-white apricot blossoms complement each other, giving the apricot blossoms of Southern Xinjiang a touch of resilience and tenacity. ———— 📈 Recommended Flower Viewing Itinerary D1: Arrive in Urumqi D2: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Five Colored Beach - Stay in Burqin D3: Burqin - Birch Forest - Beautiful Peak - Stargazing at Night - Stay in Hemu D4: Hemu - Kanas Lake - Fish Viewing Platform - Stay in Kanas D5: Kanas - Light Hike in the Three Bays - Devil City Sunset - Stay in Karamay D6: Karamay - Sayram Lake Loop - Stay at Sayram Lake D7: Sayram Lake - Nalati Aerial Grassland - Snow Lotus Valley - Stay in Nalati D8: Nalati - Kurdening + Forest-themed Afternoon Tea - Ili Tianshan Flower Sea - Stay in Yining D9: Yining - Kazanqi - Liuxing Street - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Stay in Kuitun D10: Kuitun - Urumqi Return Trip . D1: Arrive in Kashgar D2: Kashgar - Oytagh Red Mountain - White Sand Lake - Karakul Lake - Distant View of Muztagh Ata - Pamir Scenic Area - Taxkorgan D3: Taxkorgan - Kukosiluk - Tal Township - No. 5 Happiness Bridge - Apricot Blossom Island - Tasha Ancient Road - Taxkorgan D4: Taxkorgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Lake Bandi - China-Pakistan Friendship Highway - Kashgar D5: Kashgar Return Trip ———— 📌 Flower Viewing Tips ⚠️ Check the blooming periods before traveling and plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid missing the best viewing time. ⚠️ Xinjiang, especially Northern Xinjiang, covers a vast area with long distances between attractions. It's recommended to arrange transportation in advance and avoid self-driving if unfamiliar with the roads. ⚠️ Xinjiang experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. Pack warm clothes and sun protection. ⚠️ Appreciate the flowers responsibly and protect the environment. Please do not pick flowers.

Every March, there's a lot of hype about the apricot blossoms in Yili, Xinjiang. Many people blindly guess the blooming season online, saying that the flowers bloom early. But when you go there according to the time they say, you find that there are few flowers. This random estimation of the flowering period turns the flower viewing trip into a disappointment. - ⭕3 major apricot blossom viewing spots 1️⃣ Nalati Apricot Valley 📍Location: Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture 🌸Best viewing time: Early April This is the place with the most concentrated wild apricot forests in Northwest China, with the entire hillside covered with wild apricot trees. When the wild apricot blossoms are in bloom, standing high and looking far away👀, white, pink, and light purple intertwine, as if you are in a fairy tale world. 2️⃣ Turgen Apricot Valley 📍Location: Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture 🌸Best viewing time: Mid-April The primeval wild apricot forest🌲, dating back to the 14th century AD, covers more than 30,000 mu and has been featured on the cover of *China National Geographic* many times. The entire apricot forest is scattered and well-proportioned, with cattle and sheep scattered like pearls among the flowers and on the grassy slopes, creating stunning natural scenery. 3️⃣ Daxi Valley Apricot Valley 📍Location: Daxi Valley Township, Huocheng County 🌸Best viewing time: Late April 400 km away from Turgen, at the foot of the snow-capped mountains and by the wild valley streams🌊, wild apricot blossoms, wild cherry blossoms, wild plum blossoms, wild wintersweet blossoms, wild hawthorn blossoms, and wild apple blossoms bloom in turn, with a flowering period of up to one month✌️. - ⭕Some tips 🌡️It is still quite cold in Yili in April, with an average temperature of around 5℃~15℃. It is cooler in the morning and evening, so be sure to bring a thick coat. 📷The best shooting time is in the morning and evening, and using a telephoto lens will produce better photos. 🌸The apricot blossom season is fleeting, so be sure to do your research before your trip and keep an eye on the blooming situation.

Who dares to say that March is the off-season for tourism? Spring in Xinjiang is quietly coming with a light snow. The glaciers are still magnificent, and the apricot blossoms are already in bloom. Come and save this great guide to a place with few people and beautiful scenery. Duration of the trip: 5 to 7 days. Expense: Half price for air tickets and hotels in the off-season! You can enjoy the fun for only 3k per person [Must-visit attractions] Sailimu Lake blue ice wonder The "Last Tear of the Atlantic" in March is so beautiful that it makes people intoxicated! The bubble ice sparkles like broken diamonds in the sun. Using a drone to take photos of the ice cracks, it feels like being on an alien planet (wearing a white coat is perfect for taking photos!) Yili Xinghuagou The pink flower sea storm is coming! Ten thousand mu of wild apricot forests spread from the river valley to the waist of the snow-capped mountains. It is recommended to go there to take pictures at sunrise. The morning mist and the sea of ​​flowers are intertwined, just like the scene in "Three Lives Three Worlds" (the peak flowering period will arrive at the end of March) Nalati Grassland Take an off-road vehicle to break into the secret realm of the snowfield! Smoke rises from the Kazakh yurts, and the chance of encountering a little fox is high (remember to wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness) Kazanqi Folk Village Uyghur alleys full of Moroccan style! Buy a cup of handmade yogurt and sit in front of the blue wooden door. The moment when a flock of pigeons fly by, you can capture it and it will look like a movie. [Recommended Xinjiang Food] Crispy baked buns baked in a naan pit Freshly slaughtered lamb stewed in clear water at herdsmen’s homes Old cream ice cream and apricot jam at Yili Night Market Hidden way to eat: pilaf with kava honey beer [Tips for dressing in Xinjiang] Onion-style dressing: thin sweater + down vest + windproof jacket Must-have items: waterproof Martin boots/bright scarf/wool hat Little trick: ethnic earrings + red makeup Precautions: The temperature difference between day and night is large (-5~15), so be prepared with enough hot packs Some scenic spots require a border pass (contact the travel agency in advance) Recommend charter tour! Driving in the snow is risky Recommended lazy routes: D1 Urumqi-International Grand Bazaar D2 Sailimu Lake Ring-Guozigou Bridge D3 Narat Sky Grassland-Horseback Riding Adventure D4 Kazanqi-Liuxing Street Afternoon Tea Time D5 Turgen Xinghuagou-Picnic Photography Tour D6 Return (bring two boxes of raisins as souvenirs!) Photography props list: Ethnic carpet, INS style camping chair, retro lantern Hollow straw bag, transparent umbrella (photographing falling snow is super dreamy) Sisters, come to the comment section to leave a message for a trip that you can take on a whim! The spring in Xinjiang is full of infinite charm, the ultimate experience of traveling in March, the new beginning of niche travel, the stunning scenery along the way, the healing and charming views, and the unique charm of Altay tourism.

Only when apricot blossoms fall on your head can you truly say you've seen spring in Yili. As a low-key blogger who chases flowers year-round, I'm sharing this apricot blossom chasing guide, which has been requested countless times after I posted it on my WeChat Moments, with you, who will be chasing apricot blossoms in a month: 📍Route Recommendation Day 1: Your City → Yining 🌟After getting off the plane, head straight to the Kazantqi Folk Custom Tourism Area! It's full of rich ethnic customs. The blue alleys hide dreamy apricot blossom window views. If you're lucky, you can capture photos of Uyghur children laughing and running past the blossoming trees. It's naturally beautiful, much better than posed shots! 🌟Near dusk, rush towards the Yili River Bridge to watch the sunset glow over the river. The whole world is enveloped in a gentle embrace, and words seem inadequate at this moment. Day 2: Yining → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Huanghuang Village 🌟Sayram Lake in summer is a vibrant sapphire, while in early spring, it's cold and noble, like a fairy who doesn't eat earthly food, making people intoxicated. 🌟Pass by the Guozigou Bridge and be stunned by its majestic momentum. 🌟Stay overnight at Simu Guesthouse in Huanghuang Village. The next morning, step onto the rooftop balcony to encounter the surprise of the first apricot blossoms blooming in the next-door courtyard, starting a beautiful day. Self-driving tip: Be sure to visit Sayram Lake before Guozigou Bridge, otherwise, the route is not smooth, and turning around will take more than an hour. Day 3: Huanghuang Village → Daxi Valley → Xinyuan County 🌟Don't rush. In the morning at Huanghuang Village, enjoy a cup of fragrant coffee and let the leisurely time flow. This is the meaning of travel. 🌟In the afternoon, head to Daxi Valley (it is recommended to pay attention to the flowering progress, fly a drone outside the scenic area, or ask tourists who have just left the scenic area. If the apricot blossoms in the valley haven't bloomed, don't enter the scenic area). Day 4: Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley → Apricot Blossom Grand Canyon → Yining ✅A day with MAX apricot blossom concentration‼️ Nalati Apricot Blossom Valley and the Turgen Apricot Blossom Grand Canyon, 5 km away, are a feast of apricot blossoms. The layers of apricot blossoms are like clouds falling from the sky. Walking into them is like stepping into a dreamy fairy tale world, every step is a stunning scenery. Day 5: Yining → Return Trip ✅Before leaving, don't forget to visit Liuxing Street, taste local specialties, and choose some souvenirs to conclude this trip perfectly. 🌸If the spring breeze has feelings for flowers, could it grant me youth again? This route hides all my greed for the spring of Yili. If you are also moved, take this guide in April and fall in love with the apricot blossoms all over the mountains.

🌈🌈 From March, the temperature in Xinjiang ☁ rises continuously, the ice and snow ❄ begin to melt, and various flowers 💐 bloom one after another, indicating that spring 🍀 is coming to Xinjiang. The following Xinjiang will be as beautiful as a painting. 🌟 Recommended activities for March and April: Go to Yili in early spring. Don't hesitate to see the apricot blossoms 🌸 in Xinjiang in spring, which is a unique scenery, with endless grasslands 🌿 and wildflowers blooming all over the mountains. ✅ 5-day tour of Yili Grassland in March and April 🍃 DAY 1: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Yining 🍃 DAY 2: Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes 🍃 DAY 3: Tekes → Nalati Grassland → Nalati 🍃 DAY 4: Nalati → Bayanbulak → Hejing/Hoxud 🍃 DAY 5: Hejing/Hoxud → Urumqi. ⚠ If you come to Xinjiang to see apricot blossoms 🌸 in March and April, we recommend you choose this route 👇. ✅ Tourgen Apricot Blossom + Daxigou Apricot Blossom + Nalati + Sayram Lake 🌸 DAY 1: Urumqi → Sayram Lake → Qingshuihe/Yining 🌸 DAY 2: Qingshuihe/Yining → Nalati Grassland → Nalati/Xinyuan 🌸 DAY 3: Nalati/Xinyuan → Tourgen Apricot Blossom Valley → Kazanqi Folk Street → Yining 🌸 DAY 4: Yining → Daxigou Fushou Mountain → Kuitun 🌸 DAY 5: Kuitun → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Erdaoqiao Grand Bazaar → Urumqi. [Tourgen Apricot Blossom] 🎫 Ticket: 30 🌸 Flowering period: It blooms in mid-April, and the flowering period is about one week. The flowering period will move slightly every year due to different temperatures. The earliest flowering period can be advanced to the end of March and early April 📍 Address: Tourgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. [Daxigou Apricot Blossom] 🎫 Ticket: 60 🌸 Flowering period: It is about mid-April, and the flowering period lasts for more than one month, which is about one week later than that in Tourgen Township 📍 Address: Daxigou Township, Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang.

National Geographic didn't lie, the apricot blossoms in Yili are a must-see! At the end of March every year Apricot blossoms cover the valleys of Yili The colorful apricot blossoms and green hills create a beautiful picture How to get there Bus/train: 1. Take a bus or train to Yining City, then take a car or bus from the Yili Prefecture Bus Station to Nalati; 2. Take a bus to Xinyuan County Bus Station, then take a bus or shuttle bus to Nalati. Plane → Nalati Airport (transfer at Urumqi Airport); There are two flights a day from Urumqi to Nalati Airport. You can take a direct bus from Nalati Airport to the scenic area, which takes 1 hour. Self-driving: Since the Duku Highway is not open in April, it is not recommended to depart from Urumqi. It is recommended to rent a car in Yining City and drive to Nalati, which takes only 2.5 hours. Recommended flower viewing route: Day 1: Arrive in Yining Arrive in Yining City, get used to the climate, and taste local food (smoked horse sausage and mian feizi are recommended) Day 2: Yining → Tuergen Apricot Valley Morning: Drive to Tuergen (about 3 hours), enjoy the scenery of Gongnaisi Grassland along the way Afternoon: Take photos of the sunset in Apricot Valley, it is recommended to bring a telephoto lens to capture the light and shadow. Accommodation: Xinyuan County Hotel Day 3: Xinyuan → Nalati → Kuerdening → Gongliu Morning: Go to Nalati Apricot Valley, where the grassland and apricot blossoms meet. Climb the hill to see the undulating grassland. Wild lilies are blooming along the way, and you can also see apricot trees in the distance. Afternoon: Visit Kuerdening Apricot Valley, where apricot blossoms look purer against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. You can arrange a light hike. Day 4: Gongliu → Huocheng Daxigou Apricot Valley → Huocheng Go to the sea of flowers where wild apricot blossoms and wild sour plums are intertwined. The light is softer in the evening, which is better for taking photos. Day 5: Huocheng → Sayram Lake → Yining Morning: Drive to Sayram Lake. In early April, the blue ice on the lake has not completely melted, which is suitable for taking photos of the wonder of "ice and flowers". Evening: Return to Yining, visit Kazanqi Folk Street (Blue Town) Day 6: Return from Yining

Hey, you must visit Yili to enjoy the springtime apricot blossoms! 💕 When the apricot blossoms bloom all over the mountains, the scene is breathtaking! Flowering period: Around April each year, apricot blossoms gradually bloom in the spring breeze. However, the flowering period may vary due to the climate, so be sure to check before you go! - 🌸Recommended apricot blossom viewing spots: Nalati Apricot Blossom Valley ✅Location: Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture ✅Flowering period: Early April to mid-April This is a famous spot where grasslands and apricot blossoms meet. Climb the hills to see the undulating grasslands. · Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley ✅Location: Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture ✅Flowering period: Early April to mid-late April A primitive wild apricot forest left over from the 14th century, the entire apricot forest is scattered and grows freely, with cattle and sheep scattered like pearls among the flower forest and grass slopes. · Huocheng Daxigou Apricot Blossom Valley ✅Location: Daxigou Township, Huocheng County ✅Flowering period: Late April 400 km from Turgen, at the foot of the snow-capped mountains 🏔️ and by the wild valley stream, apricot blossoms and cherry blossoms bloom alternately, presenting a unique spring scene of flower forests. - 🏞️Beautiful scenery nearby: ⭐Sayram Lake: In spring, the lake is as clear as a gem, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wildflowers. ⭐Kuerdening: A combination of lakes, canyons, forests, grasslands, and other landscapes. ⭐Guozigou Bridge: A bridge in the canyon 🌉, particularly stunning. ⭐Kazanchi: Stroll through the small town and experience the blue romantic aesthetics. - 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: Pick up at Yining Airport - Free time Day 2: Yining - Nalati Grassland Day 3: Nalati - Nalati Apricot Blossom Valley - Kuerdening Day 4: Kuerdening - Yining Kazanchi Day 5: Yining - Daxigou Apricot Blossom - Sayram Lake Day 6: Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Yining - ‼️Travel tips: 🔹The UV rays in Xinjiang are strong all year round, so sunscreen and moisturizing products are essential. 🔹Yili has more rainy weather in April 💦, so it's recommended to bring an umbrella ☂️. 🔹The temperature difference between day and night is large (about 15 degrees), so it's recommended to bring long sleeves and a jacket 🧥. 🔹Xinjiang is vast, and the distance between attractions is far, so it's recommended to choose a customized tour for a hassle-free experience. - 【Chartered Tours】【Customized Tours】【Private Tours】are all available~ How to get the same itinerary Click the bottom left of the screen [Chat with TA] to get a plan! -

🌸 Xinjiang in spring is a paradise on earth. You will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't visit! 😘 🌼 When spring arrives in Xinjiang, the vast land becomes a painting carefully drawn by nature. You can feel the spring vibes from the photos. 🌸 Apricot Valley is a must-see in Xinjiang in spring. The apricot flowers bloom like pink clouds. From a distance, the white and pink apricot flowers fill the valley. The petals fall like snowflakes in the breeze, like a romantic petal rain. Walking among the flowers, you will feel like you are in a paradise, far away from the hustle and bustle of the world. 💕 🌼 Sayram Lake is also a must-see in spring. In early spring, the ice on the lake has not completely melted, and the ice and water form a unique blue and white landscape. As spring deepens, the grass around the lake turns green, and wildflowers begin to bloom. The lake sparkles in the sunlight like a sapphire inlaid on the earth. Sitting by the lake, feeling the gentle spring breeze and listening to the sound of the lake water lapping against the shore, you will be intoxicated by the tranquility and comfort. 😌 🌸 Nalati Grassland in spring is like a green carpet covering the earth. The new grass is tender and green, like a new coat for the earth. The streams on the grassland thaw and flow, playing a cheerful spring tune. The distant mountains become softer in the spring sun. You can ride a horse on the grassland, get close to nature, and feel the free wind whistling in your ears. 🐎 🌼 Xinjiang in spring also has warm sunshine. Under the warm spring sun, whether you are walking through the ancient Uyghur villages, admiring the ethnic architecture, or tasting the local delicacies, such as sweet melons and delicious roasted lamb skewers, you will fully feel the unique charm of Xinjiang. 😋

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Nalati Apricot Blossom Valley, located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, is a dreamlike scene in spring when thousands of acres of apricot trees bloom, as if the glow of the sunset is scattered over the valley. The apricot trees in the valley are scattered and uneven, the mountain breeze gently blows, and the petals dance like rain, creating a picturesque scene with the distant snow-capped mountains and grasslands. This place is not only a paradise for photographers but also an excellent place for travelers to seek tranquility in nature and their hearts. The sound of pastoral songs, the sight of cattle and sheep, and the continuation of traditional Kazakh customs give the Apricot Blossom Valley a unique cultural charm. Wandering here feels like traveling through time and space, experiencing the harmonious beauty of man and nature, making it hard to leave, with only memories remaining forever.

In the summer, travel to Yining, the capital of Ili, to escape the heat, explore the border culture, and cool off in the grasslands. Attraction Recommendations Xinjiang Yining Liuxing Street, a century-old hexagonal street where people can experience the rich ethnic minority customs of Xinjiang. See traditional local dwellings, learn about the construction history of Liuxing Street, understand the cultural traditions of Yining City and the Xinjiang region, and the architectural heritage over the past century. You can also taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine and appreciate the unique costumes and culture of the Uyghur and Kazakh ethnic groups. Kazanchi Kazanchi Village in Yining City, Xinjiang, is a Uyghur village with a long history. It retains a large number of Uyghur residences, showcasing the rich Uyghur customs. Admission is free. Transportation: Kazanchi Folk Village is located in the southern urban area of Yining City. You can take a bus or taxi from the train station, which takes about half an hour. Apricot Blossom Valley A remote small valley in Tuergen Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. The green grassy slopes stretch along the valley, with lush vegetation and exotic scenery of cattle and sheep grazing. Transportation: Take a bus from Yining City to Xinyuan County, then carpool or take a taxi to Apricot Blossom Valley. The entire journey takes more than 4 hours. Accommodation: Recommended in Xining City, close to the train station, with convenient transportation. Standard rooms start at 200 yuan. Food: Hand-grabbed rice, old bread, baked naan, lamb skewers

For photographers, Xinjiang seems to always fit a popular internet phrase— 'Xinjiang is so vast, I want to go see it.' Xinjiang has summer's flowers, autumn's trees, winter's snow, but what is there to see in the still-too-cold spring? By April, the south of the Yangtze River has already passed the season of cherries and apricots, with slanting rain and gentle breezes, and the quiet fall of petals. Yet, at this time, Xinjiang has the extremely famous 'Apricot Valley'. Located in the Turgene Township of Xinyuan County in Yili, the Apricot Valley is the largest remaining wild apricot forest from the 14th century, covering more than 30,000 acres, and is one of the areas in Xinjiang where wild apricot forests are relatively concentrated. By mid-April, the apricot blossoms on the sunlit slopes of Turgene Township are already budding and blooming. Watching the 'live broadcast' of online selfies every day, timing the visit to attend this Xinjiang 'flower feast' punctually, only to encounter 'unexpected changes in the weather', a sudden spring rain. A sigh, 'The forest flowers have withered away with the spring, all too hastily.' Spring is both a grand feast of flowers and a time when the feast ends, leaving nothing but fallen petals. Time cycles through the blooming and falling of flowers, intoxicating a period of fleeting years. The apricot trees on the slopes of the valley grow naturally, without any pattern, haphazardly clustered together. Following the Apricot Valley upwards, with the increase in altitude, the apricot blossoms gradually become sparse, until higher up there are only little red dots of buds waiting to bloom. A wind and rain leave only a few white flowers on one or two branches of the apricot trees on the slopes of the valley, which the tourists treat as the remaining stars and photograph incessantly. Not content with not capturing this pink cloud, we went to several other mountain valleys in search of survivors after the storm, and in front of the house of an elderly Kazakh woman, I took my first photo of an apple tree full of flowers. Rushed to Turgene to photograph the apricot blossoms only to find 'loneliness', but it turned out to be 'if one place doesn't shine, another will; lost a sesame seed, but found a big watermelon.' At this time in Yili, the slopes are green, the trees are lush, pleasing to the eyes, intoxicating the heart. Wang Anshi's 'A stream wraps around the green fields, and two mountains form a gate to welcome the greenery.' It's as if paint has been splashed here, but only one color: green. The gentle slopes shaped like steamed buns, one beautiful curve after another. At this moment, I recall the recently popular dance 'Only This Green', who else but someone could unfold this 'Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains' painting in the great beauty of Xinjiang. 'Mountains and waters as if dyed with ink As though the cinnabar painting is still wet The sky a deep indigo blue The shimmering light like satin...'

This is truly not a fairy tale world🤩 2024 Xinjiang Apricot Blossom Season Guide||Apricot blossoms are not 🙅‍♀️exclusive to the south of the Yangtze River. In fact, the apricot blossoms in Xinjiang are also very beautiful. Every early spring, the apricot blossoms 🤩 on both sides of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang bloom in succession. On the slopes, in the valleys, under the snow-capped mountains, in the solitary villages, beside the cattle and sheep, The apricot blossoms 🌸 bloom majestically everywhere, interpreting the spring colors of Xinjiang in an exaggerated, bold, yet just right manner. Spring Apricot Blossom 4️⃣ Top Viewing Spots & Times 🔹 Along the Datong Township in the Pamir Plateau 📆 Best viewing period: From late March to early April 🎫 Ticket: Free Coming here is like entering a paradise. Centuries-old apricot trees cover the sky, and cloud-like blossoms proudly bloom on the branches. The white and pink apricot blossoms, set against the distant snow-capped mountains and the tall dark mountains, resemble a fine watercolor painting. 🔹 Turgen in Xinyuan County, Ili Region 📆 Best viewing period: From early to mid-April 🎫 Ticket: Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley ticket 30 yuan/person; Kuerdening scenic area ticket 60 yuan The entire Ili River Valley can be called a huge 'Apricot Blossom Valley'. Among them, Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley is the largest primitive wild apricot forest left from the Middle Ages. Stretching for more than ten kilometers, the pink and white apricot blossoms decorate each mountain top and ridge. In addition to wild apricot trees, there are also about 60 other types of wild fruit trees in Daxigou. Generally speaking, after the wild apricot blossoms in Daxigou bloom, wild sour plum blossoms, wild hawthorn blossoms, and wild apple blossoms follow closely behind. One type blooms after another, and sometimes they bloom together, with the entire blooming period lasting for more than a month. In the early spring of Xinjiang, the apricot blossoms of Turpan are considered the first spring of Xinjiang. With the arrival of spring, the apricot blossoms in Toksun County bloom as expected, and the scenery is extremely beautiful. The apricot blossoms are like gauze and dreams, like fog bathing in the spring sunshine, adorning the majestic mountains.

"Where is the tavern? Ask the cowherd boy," he points to the Apricot Blossom Village." In many people's impression, apricot trees🌳 seem to be closer to the fish and rice region of Jiangnan, perhaps in the eyes of the world, apricot trees are a kind of "delicate" tree species, only growing in mild regions. Little do they know, Northwest China is one of the centers of apricot origin, and this land of the Western Regions has been covered with apricot forests for a thousand years🌳 Apricot trees in Xinjiang🌳: cold-resistant, wind-resistant, drought-resistant, extremely adaptable, and grow freely and unrestrained. Spring in Xinjiang is the season of apricot blossoms everywhere🌸. Where can you see apricot blossoms 👉The apricot blossoms in Xinjiang are mainly distributed in the following places (the flowering period varies from place to place): Turpan's Toksun County (mid to late March) Toksun County is the earliest place in Xinjiang where spring arrives and apricot blossoms bloom. Along the Datong Township of the Pamir Plateau (late March) Nearly 300 kilometers long, the ancient Tashkurgan River has formed a spectacular long corridor of apricot blossoms🛤. Xinyuan County's Turgan in the Ili region (early to late April) A vast primitive wild apricot forest dating back to the 14th century🌳. Huocheng's Daxigou wild fruit forest (mid to late April) The apricot blossoms here bloom on the ridges, adding a sense of layering. Grassland Wild Apricot Blossoms (late April to early May) Every year in late April The wild apricot blossoms on the slopes of the Nalati Grassland gradually bloom. The most important factor affecting the flowering period of apricot blossoms is temperature. Generally speaking, the lower the temperature, the later the flowers bloom. When the pink and white apricot blossoms envelop this land of Xinjiang, no matter who it is, coming to Xinjiang during the apricot blossom season can experience the most romantic spring

The verdant grasslands stretch out, with the continuous snow-capped mountains The azure lakes, the blossoming flowers Spring in Yili comes with its unique charm The green grasslands and the little yellow flowers everywhere are very beautiful The healing prairie Run freely on the vast grasslands Go see the different blue of Sayram Lake And the pink romance of the apricot blossom valley in Yili Turgen Xinjiang Yili Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley 🌸Flowering forecast: Start of flowering period: March 28th to 30th Peak flowering period: March 31st to April 3rd! Daxigou: Blooms the latest, in late April Turgen's tens of thousands of acres of wild apricot forests are spectacular and magnificent, and any spot can capture the atmosphere you want! Let's take a look at two apricot blossom viewing spots! 1⃣Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley🌸 📍Location: Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture 🎟Ticket: 30 yuan/person This is a primitive wild apricot forest left from the Middle Ages, covering more than 30,000 acres. They grow freely according to their own will, so every place can present a different beauty. Whether it's before sunrise, during sunrise, before sunset, or at sunset, each will be a different scene! 😍 2⃣Huocheng Daxigou Apricot Blossom Valley🌸 📍Location: Inside Daxigou Township, Huocheng County 🎫Ticket: 40 yuan/person The wild apricot forest of Daxigou Township and the apricot blossom valley of Turgen Township can be considered sister valleys. Daxigou opens later, so you can start by taking photos of the wild apricot blossoms in Turgen Township, and then go to Daxigou Township for more shots. Moreover, in Huocheng Daxigou, you can also see wild apricot flowers, wild cherry blossoms, wild plum blossoms, wild sour plum blossoms, wild hawthorn flowers, and wild apple blossoms, with this series of flowering periods lasting for more than a month~🌺 📸Photo taking suggestions: 1-2 hours after sunrise, and 1 hour before sunset Because the sunlight will make the apricot blossoms even more beautiful and moving, don't miss it! 🔥Surrounding attractions that are stunningly beautiful🔥 ✔Sailimu Lake: In spring, the lake water is as clear as a gem💎, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and wildflowers ✔Guozigou Bridge: Known as 'Yili's No.1 Scenery', the bridge in the canyon is particularly stunning ✔Nalati: An alpine prairie over 1600 meters above sea level, where you can ride horses across the grasslands🖼 ✔Kazanqi: Stroll through the small town and feel the blue romantic aesthetics🦋 ⚠Travel tips⚠ 1. There is a large temperature difference between day and night (up to 15 degrees), so it is recommended to bring long sleeves and a jacket 2. Remember to check the weather forecast before setting out each day, and be prepared for rain 3. The signal will be weaker after entering the mountains, so it is advisable to prepare some cash💰

🌸 The Apricot Blossom Valley is located in Turgan Township, Xinyuan County, Yili, Xinjiang This is a huge primitive wild apricot forest left from the 14th century Covering more than 30,000 acres. Every spring, when the apricot blossoms bloom, it's like a surging tide The oncoming waves of pink and white flowers cover the sky and earth All the flowers of spring seem to be gathered in this valley.🚞 🌸 Blossom Period 🌸 1⃣️ The blooming period of apricot flowers is very short, lasting only about ten days without sudden weather changes under clear and sunny conditions 2⃣️ The best viewing period is usually from the end of March to the beginning of April, better early than late ✈️ How to Get There 1⃣️ It is recommended to fly directly from Urumqi to Nalati, which is less than an hour's drive from Turgan Township, and there is a shuttle bus to the Apricot Blossom Valley from the airport 2⃣️ Alternatively, fly directly from Urumqi or take a train or bus to Yining City and rent a car from Yining Airport to drive to Turgan Township, a 4-hour one-way trip The Apricot Blossom Valley scenic area has only about ten days of peak tourist season each year Take a heart ready for a picnic And have the most romantic flower-treading picnic deep in the sea of flowers~

As March ends and April begins, the wild apricot blossoms in the Ili River Valley bloom like clouds and dreams, covering the mountains and fields with flowers🌸. This sea of flowers, blanketed by wild apricot blossoms, is like a fairyland, attracting tourists from all directions. They embark on a journey just to witness this breathtaking scenery! The blooming period of wild apricot flowers is short and precious, and missing it means losing it. Some people greet the morning light with buds ready to bloom, while others encounter a scene of falling petals at sunset. Therefore, each bloom is exceptionally precious✨. Due to temperature changes, the blooming period of the apricot flowers also varies slightly each year. Deep in the Ili River Valley lies such an apricot blossom paradise, with vast flower seas that seem like pink clouds drifting down from the sky. Being there is like walking in an ocean of flowers, bathing in the fragrant breeze, making one feel as if they have stepped into a dreamy world🌺. For photographers, the season of apricot blossoms is their paradise. They weave through the sea of flowers, capturing the myriad forms of apricot blossoms: some are tender and dripping with beauty, some are budding, some cluster together, and some stand alone in their elegance. Each piece is a hymn to the beauty of nature and an awe of the miracle of life📸. Through their lenses, photographic artists hope to convey a reverence for nature and a passion for life. Their works not only showcase the beauty of apricot blossoms but also contain a call for environmental protection and contemplation of the value of life. Visiting Apricot Blossom Valley is not just a pursuit of natural beauty but also a deep experience of Xinjiang's local customs🌄. Along the journey, the beautiful landscapes are refreshing to the soul, and in Apricot Blossom Valley, visitors can also try local specialties, feel the unique folk culture of Xinjiang, interact closely with locals, and experience a different philosophy of life and worldview.

During March and April, as we enjoy the warmth of spring, the Ili River Valley enters its most romantic season. Here, apricot blossoms blanket the hills, and horses graze leisurely, creating a beautiful paradise on earth, known as the most beautiful April days in the world~ The vast apricot blossom forests in Turgene cover tens of thousands of acres, presenting a spectacular and majestic sea of flowers. Its frequent features in 'China National Geographic' are a testament to the breathtaking beauty of its spring. Best viewing times: Turgene Apricot Valley: Early to mid-April Daxigou: Blooms later, around late April The apricot blossom season is incredibly short, lasting less than a month. Miss it, and you'll have to wait until next year! Let's take a look at two apricot blossom viewing spots! Turgene Apricot Valley: Location: Turgene Township, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Admission: 30 RMB Introduction: The Ili Apricot Valley is a vast primitive wild apricot forest dating back to the 14th century, concentrated on the north bank of the Gongnaisi River, covering over 30,000 acres. In mid-April, the apricot blossoms on the sunlit slopes of Turgene Township begin to bud and bloom. Visitors gather in Ili Apricot Valley to enjoy the blossoms and the spring, and indeed, the Ili apricot blossoms are peerlessly enchanting. Lingcheng Daxigou Jiehua Valley Location: Inside Daxigou Township, Huocheng County Ticket: 40 RMB per person The wild apricot forest in Daxigou Township and Turgene's Apricot Valley are like sister valleys. Daxigou opens later, allowing you to first photograph the wild apricot blossoms in Turgene Township, followed by Daxigou. Moreover, in Huocheng Daxigou, you can also see wild cherry blossoms, wild plum blossoms, wild sour plum blossoms, wild hawthorn blossoms, and wild apple blossoms, with the blooming period lasting over a month~ Precautions: Xinjiang's ultraviolet rays are strong all year round, so bring sun protection It's possible for Xinjiang to have snow in early April, so be sure to bring warm clothes The Ili region has more rainy weather in April, so prepare an umbrella Turgene Apricot Valley is 200 kilometers from Yining City, 30 kilometers from Xinyuan County, and 30 kilometers from Turgene Township. It is recommended for first-time visitors to Xinjiang to join a small group tour Nearby attractions that are incredibly beautiful √ Sailimu Lake: The lake is as clear as a gem in spring √ Guozigou Bridge: The bridge of life across a natural moat √ Narat: One of China's four most beautiful grasslands √ Kanas: Stroll through the small town and experience the blue romantic aesthetics Flower viewing route: Day 1: Arrival at Urumqi by plane/train - Free time - Check into hotel Day 2: Urumqi - Sailimu Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Qingshui River Day 3: Qingshui River - Zhonghua Fushoushan Apricot Blossom - Kanas - Yining City Day 4: Yining City - Swan Spring - Narat Ice Lily - Narat Day 5: Narat - Turgene Apricot Blossom - Yining City Day 6: Yining City - Duzishan Grand Canyon - Urumqi Day 7: Departure from Urumqi by plane/train

If you think Xinjiang is too cold in winter, you can wait for the spring in Yili🍃 Xinjiang is a place where you can't find a substitute for beautiful scenery. Looking at the spring in China🌸, it's hard to find such a place where snow mountains, lakes, deserts, forests, and grasslands can coexist~ There are flowers and grass, romance and poetry, it's really hard not to like it💗 · 📝Travel tips ✏️Bring a storm jacket or thin down jacket in your luggage, the temperature difference in spring is quite large ✏️The apricot blossom period is only more than half a month, friends who want to go to see the flowers must book in advance ✏️The journey between scenic spots is long, it is recommended to find a local regular travel agency to join a small group, it is fun and not alone · ❗Note: Please do not arbitrarily pick and break flowers when you are watching, and do not litter♻️ · 🌺Flower viewing period The flowering period of apricot flowers is roughly from March to April every year. If the weather is windy and rainy, the flowers will wither faster. Sisters who are coming should arrange their time · ⭕Seven-day spring viewing route 💐D0: Urumqi pick-up/ pick-up station - check in hotel 💐D1: Urumqi - S101 National Defense Highway (Danxia landform, small Duku) - Dushanzi Grand Canyon 💐D2: Jinghe - Sailimu Lake (around blue tears, looking for wild swans) - Fushou Mountain apricot flowers (mountain apricot wild fruit trees) 💐D3: Yining - Kazanqi Folk Village (net red blue house, six-star street) - Aketas grassland - Tekes Bagua City (city without traffic lights) 💐D4: Tekes - Qiaxi Forest Park (Twilight Forest, Hundred Miles Picture Scroll) 💐D5: Gongliu - Tugergen Apricot Flower Gully (deep into the secret, flower valley) - Narati Aerial Grassland (into the forest, spruce, stream, village🏠) 💐D6: Narati - Gongnaisi Daban (viewing forest canyon landform) 💐D7: Tuokexun - Salt Lake Scenic Area - Dabancheng Windmill - Urumqi Disband · 🌈Essence Scenery 🐾Apricot Flower Gully: The original wild apricot forest left over from the Middle Ages, covering more than 30,000 acres, blooming wildly on the sloping hillside 🐾Grassland: It is divided into grassland and valley, here you can feel horse riding, running in the boundless grassland in beautiful clothes, this is the feeling of freedom 🐾Lake: The distant snow mountain, the swans playing on the lake, the lake water with some broken ice after melting is blown up by the wind · ☀️Unique experience in spring 🌱Riding a horse on the vast grassland 🌱Set up a sky tent for a leisurely afternoon tea 🌱You can camp on the grassland and in the forest 🌱Enjoy the song and dance performance of Uighur girls

In this earthly April, take a walk in the apricot blossom rain, apricot blossoms fall on your long hair, on your cheeks, washing away the dust on you, making your soul become clear, perhaps, this is why I love apricot blossoms so much. This is a primitive wild apricot forest left from the Middle Ages, covering more than 30,000 acres, without human construction, all growing freely according to their own wishes. The charm of the Apricot Blossom Gully lies in its ability to present different beauties with the flow of sunlight. Even standing in the same place, before sunrise, during sunrise, before sunset, and at sunset, there will be different scenes. ✅Recommended Ili Apricot Blossom Viewing Spots: 🌸Tulugou Apricot Blossom Valley Apricot Blossom Gully: Ticket🚪: Apricot Blossom Gully ticket 30 yuan, scenic area shuttle bus 10 yuan Sunrise and sunset are very sunny on the hillside, light and shadow, pink and green, incredibly dreamy~ 🌸Huocheng Daxigou Daxigou Scenic Area: Ticket🚪: Scenic area ticket + shuttle bus 50 yuan There are many types of flowers here, not just apricot blossoms. Apples, plums, hawthorns, etc. will bloom in spring, which is very special ✅Ili Apricot Blossom💐Blossom Period: The best viewing period is in April, and the flowering period is about a week. The specific time each year will change according to the flowering period. Every time the flowers bloom, in the green grassy valley, the wild apricot blossoms all over the mountains sway with the breeze, setting off a "apricot blossom rain", which is poetic and picturesque.

| A timeless exclusive romance. On the north bank of the Gongnaisi River, there are more than 30,000 acres of original wild apricot forests. The valley here blocks the cold air from the northwest and welcomes the warm sunshine from the southeast, creating a moist and mild climate here. Under the unique natural environment, this wild apricot forest has survived from the 14th century AD to the present. Curious about this gift of time, looking forward to the grand scene of apricot blossoms blooming all over the mountains, so I came. At the beginning, seeing the valley full of black branches, I was a little disappointed. Climbing up the valley, when I reached the middle of the valley, a group of enthusiastic Kazakh sisters were singing and dancing, the loud and clear singing and graceful dance infected everyone on the scene, and my mood became cheerful. After climbing to the top of the valley, looking far away, at the foot of the continuous mountains, a wisp of cooking smoke slowly rose in the crisscrossing fields, and my mood became clear and open. Then, following the route of the horse team, I explored the Apricot Blossom Gorge deeply. After crossing one valley after another, I finally saw the blooming apricot blossoms. Although they were not in groups, they were enough to soothe the fatigue of climbing. Unconsciously, the sun began to set, and the whole valley became particularly soft. Under the warm sunset, the originally white apricot blossoms became tender, the green edge of the valley added a touch of warm yellow, I saw the romance of flowers blooming like brocade. In the magic of light and shadow, a "human grassland" was formed in the gully. The originally somewhat lost mood has now been filled with surprises. 📍Location: Turgun Township, Xinyuan County, Yili, Xinjiang 💰Ticket: 30 yuan/person ⏰Opening hours: all day ⏳Playing time: about half a day 🗺Play method: hiking/horse riding. There is a plank road when you first enter the scenic area, you can go up the mountain along the plank road. Except for this plank road, the rest are dirt roads, mostly horse trails. 【Suggestion】 🌟There are ethnic costumes for rent and photo taking in the middle of the valley 🌟There will be more ups and downs, the slope is steep, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes 🌟There is basically no shade, remember to do sun protection, wear a hat 🌟There is a food square at the entrance of the scenic area, and there is no catering behind, it is recommended to bring your own food and water 🌟Drones can only fly outside the operating hours of the scenic area helicopter, otherwise they may be confiscated 🌟The blooming time of apricot blossoms is generally in mid-to-late April, the specific time will vary depending on the climate and weather conditions, and it will be better to take pictures of apricot blossoms at sunrise and sunset