Back from Ili - Not Recommended for April Visits

Hey everyone 👋! As a true travel enthusiast, I just returned from an amazing trip to Ili. April in Ili was absolutely stunning, and I must share this travel guide with you all. Let's head to Ili together! 📍【About Ili】 Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, located in northwestern Xinjiang, is truly nature's favorite treasure 👏. It boasts vast grasslands, rolling snow-capped mountains, sapphire-blue skies, and endless fields of flowers. In April, as the ice melts and grasslands turn green, apricot blossoms burst into pink clouds across the landscape. The air is filled with freshness and fragrance, with unexpected delights hiding in every corner, making it feel like a paradise that visitors never want to leave. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✈️By Air: Fly directly to Yining Airport. Though small, it serves multiple routes meeting most travelers' needs. Airport buses connect to various downtown locations, or take a taxi - you'll reach the bustling city center in about 20-30 minutes to start your journey. 🚄By High-speed Rail: With Xinjiang's expanding high-speed rail network, there are good train connections to Yining Station. Public transportation from the station is convenient, with easy access to popular spots like Kazanqi Folk Village and Ili River 😃. 🚗By Car: Self-driving to Ili offers stunning views but requires preparation for long-distance driving and vehicle checks. Some sections have challenging road conditions, like mountain roads, so drive carefully. 🗺【Recommended Itinerary】 Day1: Yining City - Kazanqi Folk Village Morning: Start in Yining, explore Six Star Street with its colorful houses and artistic shops - perfect for photos, like being in a fairy tale town. Noon: Try the local You Po Liang Pi (oil-tossed noodles) in the city. The noodles are chewy, with rich toppings and tender lamb - absolutely satisfying 😋. Afternoon: Visit Kazanqi Folk Village, walk through blue alleys, admire Uyghur architecture, watch traditional crafts being made, and experience local customs. Day2: Apricot Valley - Xinyuan County Morning: Head to Apricot Valley, April's highlight! Pink and white apricot blossoms cover the mountains, creating a poetic landscape. Walking through the flower sea feels like entering paradise. Noon: Enjoy a hearty Xinjiang meal. Try the Big Plate Chicken with large chunks of chicken, tender potatoes, and belt noodles soaked in rich sauce. Afternoon: Travel to Xinyuan County, enjoy grassland views en route, then rest in town to prepare for the next day. Day3: Nalati Grassland - Return Morning: Visit Nalati Grassland. Though not fully green in April, it's still charming with snow-capped mountains, tender grass, and blue skies creating a beautiful panorama. Try horseback riding to experience the vast grasslands. Noon: Try local baked buns with juicy lamb filling. After lunch, shop for souvenirs like lavender products and Kazakh embroidery before heading home. 📝【Practical Tips】 🎫Tickets: Book tickets for Apricot Valley and Nalati Grassland in advance for discounts. Kazanqi Folk Village is free. 🕙Opening Hours: Check official websites or call ahead for accurate times. 📸Photography: Wear light, solid colors like white or pink in Apricot Valley; bright or traditional clothes for folk villages and grasslands. 🍱【Food Recommendations】 1. Hand-pulled Lamb: Tender and authentic, perfect with just salt. 2. Nang Pit Meat: Lamb roasted in a traditional pit, crispy outside, juicy inside. 3. Ili Mare's Milk Wine: Sweet and sour with slight alcohol notes. 4. Smoked Horse Sausage: Rich-flavored sausage, great for snacking or cooking. 💡【Tips】 1. Large temperature differences in April - bring a warm jacket 🧥. 2. Strong UV rays - bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. 3. Respect local minority customs and traditions. Everyone, April in Ili is full of surprises. Pack your bags and go 💕 - you'll fall in love with this charming place!