Tracing Ancient Paths, Exploring Hidden Realms—8 Days 7 Nights Ili Dreamland Journey

One highway spanning 561 kilometers connects snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons, and deserts. Experience an epic travel adventure, stroll around Lake Sayram, explore Kazakh culture, venture into Snow Lotus Valley. This 8-day 7-night tour takes you deep into Ili's secret realms with a detailed itinerary—save it now! 🛬【Itinerary】: DAY1: Meet in Urumqi - Stay in Urumqi DAY2: Urumqi - Hundred-Mile Danxia Provincial Road 101 - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Kuytun DAY3: Kuytun - Duku Highway - Qiaerma - Nalati Prairie in the Sky - Snow Lotus Valley - Stay in Nalati DAY4: Nalati - Kurdening Spruce Forest - Afternoon Tea - Bagua City - Stay in Tekes DAY5: Tekes - Qiongkushitai (Horseback riding, Kazakh home visit) - Stay in Qiongkushitai DAY6: Stroll around Qiongkushitai - Kalajun Kuoksu Grand Canyon - Kazanqi - Stay in Yining DAY7: Yining - Sayram Lake - Lavender fields - Stay in Yining DAY8: Departure from Yining ⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】: Crossing Duku: The Duku Highway, 561 kilometers long, runs from Dushanzi in the north to Kuqa in the south, crossing the Tianshan Mountains and condensing Xinjiang's most magnificent scenery. From gobi desert to snow-capped mountains, from grasslands to lakes, the views are endless. Light Hiking in Snow Lotus Valley: Get up close to snow-capped mountains where you can walk up and touch the snow. The melting snow flowing down the streams is absolutely stunning! Exploring Qiongkushitai: A hidden paradise in Ili, Xinjiang, where grasslands, snow mountains, forests, and rivers converge, like a world straight out of a fairy tale. 🍩【Must-Try Delicacies】: 1. 🍢Grilled Lamb Skewers: The champion of Xinjiang cuisine! Tender lamb sizzling over charcoal, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, the aroma is simply irresistible 😍 2. 🍖Nang Pit Meat: Slow-cooked in a nang pit, with a crispy golden crust and juicy tender meat inside, incredibly satisfying~ 3. 🐐Spicy Lamb Trotters: Tender and chewy lamb trotters in rich spicy sauce, deliciously hot with plenty of collagen—your skin will thank you 😜 4. 🍗Hand-Pulled Meat: Large chunks of perfectly cooked lamb, tender without gaminess, eaten with your hands for an authentic flavor experience! 5. 🐟Bachu Grilled Fish: A unique grilling method that makes the fish crispy outside and tender inside, topped with special seasonings—absolutely delicious 👍 🏨【Photo Spots】: Sayram Lake Pine Tree Head: Climb up the trail to see fields of yellow flowers and a panoramic view of the entire Sayram Lake! From the top of Pine Tree Head, you can see Guozigou Bridge and the surrounding continuous mountain landscapes—an unmissable spectacular view Hundred-Mile Danxia Viewing Platform: The most colorful section of Provincial Road 101, where you can capture the seven-colored rocks; there's also a viewing platform to see the Camel Peak (highly recommended to bring a drone for aerial shots) Qimengde Viewing Platform: Here you'll find wooden cabins just like in "Heidi," dense spruce forests, and walking paths leading to meadows, valleys, herds of cattle and sheep, and cabins—every step immerses you in nature 🚌【Transportation Tips】: Duku Highway: Limited to vehicles with seven seats or fewer, RVs limited to 4 meters in height. Speed limit throughout is 40-60 km/h. The entire route is toll-free, except for a 20 yuan fee at Yanshuigou near Kuqa. Snow Lotus Valley: An extension of the Sky Prairie route, no self-driving allowed, requires an additional ¥60 for minibus transportation Kalajun: Self-driving is not permitted in Kuoksu Grand Canyon, must take the scenic area shuttle bus 🧡【Important Notes】: 🌏About Climate and Clothing Xinjiang's climate is changeable with large temperature differences between day and night. Even in summer, evenings can be quite cool. Be sure to bring a thick jacket 🧥 just in case. During the day, the sun is intense, so sun-protective clothing, sun hats 👒, sunglasses 🕶, and sunscreen are essential. 💃Cultural Customs Xinjiang is home to many ethnic groups, and it's very important to respect local religious beliefs and customs. When entering mosques and other religious sites, follow relevant regulations and avoid wearing revealing clothing 🙅‍♀️. 🏞Sightseeing Tips When visiting scenic areas, protect the environment and don't litter. Some scenic spots are at high altitudes, so be prepared for possible altitude sickness. If you plan to go horseback riding 🐎 or participate in adventurous activities, prioritize safety and follow staff instructions.