Xinjiang Yili Apricot Valley: A Guide to the Divine Flower Sea in April

🌸Yili Apricot Valley Travel Guide: A Spring Limited "Fairyland" Every April, Yili Apricot Valley transforms into a "fairyland." The largest original wild apricot forest left over from the Middle Ages blooms wantonly. More than 30,000 acres of flower sea are set against the snow-capped mountains and grasslands, as if nature has spilled a pink palette 🎨 Come and unlock this spring limited romance together! I. Scenic Area Introduction Yili Apricot Valley📍 is located in Turgen Township, Xinyuan County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It has an original wild apricot forest left over from the Middle Ages, covering an area of more than 30,000 acres, the largest in the world 🌍 Every April, the pink and white apricot flowers all over the mountains and plains, together with the snow-capped mountains in the distance, the grasslands at your feet, and the galloping horses, outline the "Most Beautiful Spring in China" certified by National Geographic. Every shot is a wallpaper-level blockbuster! II. Best Time to See Flowers - Regular flowering period: Early April to mid-April. The flowering period is short, lasting only about 7–10 days, so be sure to plan your trip in advance and seize this fleeting beauty! 🌸 - Key variables: - Temperature: The temperature in March is key. If it is warmer, the flowering period will be earlier, and if there is a cold snap, the flowering period will be delayed. It is important to pay close attention to the weather forecast. - Altitude: Apricot flowers on low slopes bloom early, while apricot flowers on high slopes will bloom 3–5 days later. Strolling along the hillside, you can see apricot flowers blooming at different stages. - Real-time tracking: Follow the "Xinjiang Tourism" official account, or browse the Moments of local homestay owners to get first-hand information on the actual flowering of apricot flowers, so you don't miss the full bloom. III. Transportation Guide 1. Main transportation: - Plane ✈️: First fly to Urumqi Diwopu Airport, then transfer to Yining Airport (1.5 hours). After arrival, charter a car or share a car to Apricot Valley (2.5 hours), and enjoy the scenery outside the window along the way to go to the spring date. - Train 🚄: Take a bullet train from Urumqi Station to Yining Station (about 5 hours), and then charter a car to Apricot Valley. The bullet train journey can also enjoy the unique Northwest scenery. 2. Local transportation: - Yining → Apricot Valley: Chartering a car is a good choice, about CNY 500 a day (you can bargain with the driver); you can also take a bus to Xinyuan County first (CNY 30), and then take a taxi to the scenic spot (CNY 50). - Inside the scenic area: You can walk through the sea of flowers and feel the romance; or ride a horse (about CNY 80/hour) to experience a different kind of freedom; it takes 30 minutes to climb to the viewing platform. Although it is a bit tiring, the scenery at the top of the mountain is definitely worth it. IV. Must-Visit Spots and Ways to Play [Classic Photography Spots] 1. East Slope Summit Viewing Platform 🌄: At sunrise, this is an excellent shooting spot. Shoot apricot flowers and morning mist against the light, and the light penetrates the sea of flowers, creating a full sense of layering! But remember to arrive before 5:30 to grab the best spot. 2. Horseshoe Bend in the Valley 📏: Use a telephoto lens to compress the sea of flowers and snow-capped mountains. When the horses pass by, capture the dynamic of running, and the picture is super expressive. 3. Herdsmen's Wooden Houses and Apricot Flowers 🏠: Full of humanistic atmosphere, take a group of folk-style blockbusters. Remember to get the herdsmen's consent before shooting. You can bring some snacks to express your gratitude and make the shooting smoother. [In-depth Experience] - Ride a horse through the sea of flowers 🐎: Under the guidance of local Kazakh guides, go deep into the valleys and explore places rarely visited by tourists, and immerse yourself in the charm of the sea of flowers (about CNY 150/2 hours). - Stargazing camping 🌌: The Milky Way rises at about 2am in early April. In the Apricot Valley, where there is no light pollution, set up a tent, shoot the beautiful "Apricot Flower Milky Way", and enjoy the quiet night. - Folk customs 🎶: Walk into the herdsmen's home, drink a bowl of hot milk tea, taste the crispy Baursak (fried pastry), listen to the Dongbula playing and singing, and feel the strong folk customs. V. Food and Accommodation Guide [Accommodation Recommendations] - Near the scenic spot: - Mongolian yurt/felt tent: Experience nomadic life, lie in it and have a beautiful grassland dream. It costs about CNY 200 a night (the price may increase during the peak season), but there is no private bathroom. - Apricot Valley Villa: The accommodation conditions are better. A standard room costs about CNY 400 a night. You need to book 1 month in advance to check in smoothly. - Xinyuan County: There are more accommodation options, such as Xinyuan Haichuan Hotel (about CNY 300/night). If you stay here, you can enter the valley again the next morning and start a new day of flower viewing. [Food Recommendations] - Kazakh cuisine 🥩: Hand-grabbed mutton, fresh and juicy; Naren (horse meat noodles), unique flavor; Su You Nang, crispy and delicious. - Xinjiang specialties 🍲: Dapanji, tender chicken and soft potatoes; roasted buns, full of meaty aroma in one bite; Kvass (honey fermented beverage), sweet and sour, refreshing and thirst-quenching. - Picnic essentials 🧺: Bring Nang, raisins, and nuts for a pleasant picnic in the sea of flowers and enjoy the beauty of nature, but remember to take away the trash. VI. Photography and Equipment Tips - Lens: A wide-angle lens is used to shoot panoramic views of the sea of flowers, showing the spectacular scene; a telephoto lens compresses the snow-capped mountains and flower bushes, highlighting the sense of layering; a drone can record the beauty from the air, but pay attention to the height limit of 120m. - Filter: CPL filter eliminates reflections and makes the picture clearer; ND neutral density filter shoots slow motion and captures the flowing feeling of the sea of flowers. - Dress: Wear a white or light-colored long dress, matched with a straw hat or ethnic-style shawl, which is super photogenic; then wear non-slip hiking shoes to easily cope with muddy slopes. - Others: Bring a spare battery, the power consumption is fast in low temperature environment; a tripod is used for long exposure shooting; a windproof jacket is essential, the temperature difference between morning and evening is 15℃+, don't let the cold affect your mood. VII. Precautions 1. The weather is changeable: The weather in Yili is like a baby's face, you can experience four seasons in one day. Bring down jackets, raincoats, sunscreen, and sunglasses to deal with all kinds of weather. 2. Environmental protection guidelines: Take care of this beautiful sea of flowers, do not break flower branches or trample on flower fields, and take away the garbage with you to keep the beauty pure forever. 3. Respect customs: Do not shoot the faces of herdsmen without permission, and do not bring outside food to halal restaurants. Respect local customs and habits. 4. Signal problem: The mobile network in mountainous areas is unstable, so download offline maps in advance to avoid getting lost. 5. Travel at off-peak times: There are fewer people at sunrise and sunset, so you can enjoy the scenery to the fullest; tour groups gather at noon, so try to avoid this time. VIII. Itinerary Reference (3 Days and 2 Nights) - Day 1: Yining → Kazanqi Folk Street (check in at the blue houses and feel the exotic customs) → Lunch at Six Star Street (taste special delicacies) → Drive to Apricot Valley → Stay near the scenic spot (feel the spring atmosphere in advance). - Day 2: Apricot Valley Sunrise (freeze the most beautiful moment) → Horse riding adventure (go deep into the sea of flowers) → Lunch in Xinyuan County (replenish energy) → Narat Grassland (early green period, feel the charm of the grassland) → Return to Apricot Valley to shoot the starry sky (under the dreamy starry sky, have a romantic dream). - Day 3: Enter the valley again to reshoot (don't miss any beauty) → Return to Yining (pass by the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform and admire the grandeur of the bridge and the surrounding scenery). Yili Apricot Valley is the most romantic gift in spring, and the short 10-day flowering period is fleeting. Plan ahead, bring this guide, and chase your pink romance! 🌸📷🐎