Promise me you won't give up on visiting Xinjiang in your lifetime…

Yili, Xinjiang is known as "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall," boasting magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic minority customs. Here's a detailed travel guide to Yili, covering the best time to visit, classic routes, must-see attractions, and practical tips. --- ### **1. Best Time to Visit** - **June-October**: Yili's scenery is at its best, with lush green grasslands, blooming lavender (mid-June is the best time), and canola flowers, apricot blossoms, and other flowers in full bloom. - **March-May**: Enjoy early spring flowers, such as ice flowers and wild apricot blossoms. - **July-August**: The grasslands are at their lushest, perfect for horseback riding, hiking, and other outdoor activities. --- ### **2. Classic Itinerary Recommendations** **6-Day Highlights Tour (Suitable for Self-Driving/Chartered Car)** - **Day 1**: Urumqi → Sayram Lake (cycling around the lake, overnight stay at a lakeside guesthouse). - **Day 2**: Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining (visit Kazantqi Folk Street, taste Uyghur cuisine). - **Day 3**: Yining → Xiata Ancient Road → Zhaosu (hiking and exploring, overlooking the snow-capped mountains). - **Day 4**: Zhaosu → Qiongkushtai → Tekes (visit hidden ancient villages, experience the culture of the Bagua City). - **Day 5**: Tekes → Nalati Grassland (horseback riding across the "aerial grassland"). - **Day 6**: Nalati → Urumqi (return trip). **11-Day In-Depth Tour (Suitable for Group Tours/Customized Tours)** - Covers the highlights of northern and southern Xinjiang, including Kanas, Hemu, Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Bayinbuluk, with an average cost of about CNY 2,500 per person. --- ### **3. Must-See Attractions** 1. **Sayram Lake** - The highest alpine lake in Xinjiang, with azure blue water, perfect for cycling or driving around the lake. 2. **Nalati Grassland** - "Aerial Grassland" scenery, enjoy horseback riding through the Kazakh pastures. 3. **Xiata Ancient Road** - Light hiking and exploration, with views of the Muzart Glacier. 4. **Qiongkushtai Village** - A hidden ancient village, where wooden houses contrast beautifully with the snow-capped mountains. 5. **Lavender Fields (Huocheng County)** - In full bloom in mid-June, comparable to Provence. 6. **Kalajun Grassland** - A World Natural Heritage site, with three-dimensional grassland landscapes, ideal for photography. --- ### **4. Unique Experiences** - **Horseback Riding in the Pastures**: Experience the life of Kazakh herders in places like Nalati and Qiongkushtai. - **Lavender Festival (June)**: Huocheng County hosts a grand event where you can visit the Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden. - **Folk Culture**: Experience the diverse ethnic cultures at Kazantqi Folk Street in Yining and the Bagua City of Tekes. --- ### **5. Travel Tips** - **Transportation**: Self-driving or chartered cars are recommended, as the attractions are scattered and public transportation is inconvenient. The high-speed train from Urumqi to Yining takes about 5 hours. - **Accommodation**: Guesthouses at Sayram Lake, wooden houses in Qiongkushtai, and yurts on the Nalati Grassland are unique options. - **Food**: Roasted whole lamb, hand-grabbed rice, kumis, and Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken). - **Things to Note**: - Strong UV rays, so take sun protection measures. - Some scenic spots require advance booking (such as Nalati and Kalajun). - Respect the customs of ethnic minorities and avoid taking photos of locals without permission. --- Yili is beautiful in all seasons, whether it's the sea of flowers, the grasslands, or the snow-capped mountains, it will leave you mesmerized.