Nalati Travel Guide: The Eighth Stop on the Xinjiang-Yili Loop Itinerary

Living in the Wind of Nalati, Turning Days into Prose Poetry A journey to Nalati feels like a tender rendezvous with the wilderness, and Xinyi Self-Driving Camp is the coziest pit stop along the way, bringing the romance of "living within the scenery" right before your eyes. ### I. Wander Nalati at Your Own Pace **(1) Self-Driving Adventure: Sky Grassland Route** Snagging a self-driving ticket for ¥300 is totally worth it! Arrive at the viral bridge by 8 a.m. to avoid the two-hour afternoon queues. At the Nomadic Family spot, follow the stream for ten minutes to stumble upon a sea of yellow wildflowers—no crowds, just endless photo ops with desktop-worthy, breathtaking views. **(2) Horseback Riding: Valley Grassland Route** This is the go-to for horseback riding! From Tawusani to the Ancient Wusun Ruins and then to the Forest Park, negotiate the rate—¥200 for three hours (originally ¥80/hour). Stop by Tianjie Terrace for a bird’s-eye view of the S-curved grassland road; catch the sunset at Tianying Terrace as the golden mountains melt into warm hues (bring an extra layer!); and find the lone tree at Wolta Jiaota for photos with a dreamy, wedding-worthy vibe. ### II. At the Camp, Embrace the Wild Nestled in the folds of Nalati Scenic Area, the camp sits right between the Forest Park and Valley Grassland. Open your window, and the vast grassland rushes in—spruce forests stand like silent sentinels along the horizon, with blue skies and white clouds as the backdrop. Mornings begin with birdsong; evenings gift golden-edged sunsets; and nights offer starry skies so close you could pluck them from your courtyard lounge chair. The rustling grassland wind quietly dissolves urban fatigue and anxiety. My stay at B03—a private, single-story cottage with its own yard—was pure bliss. Munching on camp-cut watermelon under the stars, the sweet breeze made me wish time would pause. The room had every thoughtful touch: disposable toilet covers, heaters, a bathtub, and plush bedding for deep sleep. For campers, the site provides tents, canopies, and furniture—effortless immersion in nature. RV travelers will also find their slice of paradise here. ### III. Handy Travel Tips • **Self-driving tickets**: Book 7 days in advance via "Zhiyou Nalati"—only 300 slots daily. Set that alarm! • **Viral bridge**: Skip long lines; head 200m downstream for clearer water and fewer people—better photos, less hassle. • **Sun protection**: Grassland UV is fierce. Pack extra sunscreen for drone shots and horseback rides—don’t let burns ruin the fun. Fall asleep under the stars at camp, chase adventures by day, and clutch Nalati’s wild romance tight. If you’re planning a trip, try this "live in the scenery, play in the wild" freedom—you might just find your days turning into prose poetry too.