Yili, Xinjiang: Not Recommended for March–May, Because…

🌈Many of you have asked me how to enjoy Yili, Xinjiang, from March to May. Today, I'll give you a clear plan. Yili's beautiful scenery and delicious food are all in this post🥳 What to Do in Yili from March to May 🎈March: Yili is just beginning to awaken from winter. The temperature is still relatively low, but it has a unique charm. Although the grasslands haven't completely turned green, you can see snow-capped mountains and unmelted snow, a silvery-white world, perfect for taking winter blockbusters📸 🎈April: This is the best time to see apricot blossoms in Yili. Apricot blossoms bloom all over the mountains and plains, white and pink, like walking into a fairy tale world. Especially the Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley, it's breathtakingly beautiful😍 🎈May: The grasslands are completely green, and various wildflowers are also in bloom. The green meadows are dotted with colorful small flowers. The Kalajun Grassland and the Nalati Grassland are incredibly beautiful, with cattle, horses, and sheep grazing leisurely on the grasslands. It's so healing🥰 Temperature and Clothing from March to May ☁️March Weather: The temperature ranges from a few degrees below zero to more than ten degrees above zero. The snow hasn't completely melted yet, and it's still quite cold. 👔March Clothing: A thick down jacket is a must, plus warm sweaters, scarves, and gloves. Pants should also be thick and fleece-lined. Snow boots are also essential. Don't get cold🧣 ☁️April Weather: Around 10°–20°. It's still cool in the morning and evening, and sometimes it rains. 👔April Clothing: A jacket and fleece are very practical, paired with thermal underwear. This combination is both warm and convenient for activities, and you won't be afraid of rain💪 ☁️May Weather: Around 15°–27°. It's warm during the day, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is still quite large, and the weather is occasionally unstable. 👔May Clothing: You can wear pretty dresses and short sleeves during the day, but be sure to bring a jacket for the evening. Don't forget sun protection: hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are all necessary🌞 5-Day Yili Itinerary Apricot Blossom Viewing Route Day 1: Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Qingshuihe/Yining Depart from Urumqi in the morning, arrive at Sayram Lake, see the jewel-like blue lake water, then go to the Guozigou Bridge to admire the magnificent bridge and the surrounding scenery. Rest in Qingshuihe or Yining in the evening😴 Day 2: Qingshuihe/Yining - Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley - Nalati/Xinyuan Spend the whole day at the Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley, immerse yourself in the apricot blossoms, take photos, and check in. In the afternoon, head to Nalati or Xinyuan for accommodation🛏️ Day 3: Nalati/Xinyuan - Early Spring Snow-capped Nalati - Kazanqi Folk Village - Yining In the morning, go to the Nalati Grassland to experience the combination of snow-capped mountains and grasslands. In the afternoon, go to the Kazanqi Folk Village to experience the local folk customs. Return to Yining for the night. Day 4: Yining - Tekes Desert - Kuitun Go to the Tekes Desert to experience the desert scenery. Camel riding and sand sliding are super fun. Rest in Kuitun in the evening. Day 5: Kuitun - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Urumqi (End) See the unique canyon landforms at the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, enjoy some exciting amusement projects, and then return to Urumqi to end the pleasant journey🎊 In-depth Grassland Tour Route Day 1: Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Qingshuihe/Yining Same as the first day of the apricot blossom route, enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sayram Lake and the Guozigou Bridge. Day 2: Qingshuihe/Yining - Kalajun Grassland - Bagua City - Tekes Go to the Kalajun Grassland to experience the vast grassland scenery. In the evening, go to Bagua City (Tekes) and stroll through the streets shaped like a Bagua. Day 3: Tekes - Nalati Grassland - Nalati Spend the whole day playing on the Nalati Grassland, take a sightseeing bus, ride a horse, and fully enjoy the beauty of the grassland. Day 4: Nalati - Bayanbulak - Hejing/Heshuo Go to Bayanbulak to see the beautiful wetlands and sunset. If you're lucky, you can even see the spectacle of nine suns🌄 Day 5: Hejing/Heshuo - Baluntai - Urumqi Enjoy the scenery along the way, and finally return to Urumqi to end the trip. Yili Cuisine 🍜Xinjiang cuisine is truly amazing. You must try Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken). The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft and glutinous, and the noodles are coated in the sauce. One bite is super satisfying. There's also barbecue, sizzling with oil, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, so fragrant😋 La Tiao Zi (pulled noodles), fried rice noodles, pilaf, and clear stewed mutton all have their own characteristics, and you must try them all. Don't miss the Nang Pit Meat and baked buns, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. One bite and your mouth will be full of fragrance. Pair it with a bowl of yogurt, which is both refreshing and delicious. The fruits in Yili are also very sweet: grapes, apples, and fragrant pears. You won't be able to stop eating them. Important Notes⚠️ 1. Be sure to bring your ID card. You need it for security checks everywhere in Xinjiang. You can lose anything but your ID card. 2. The distance between scenic spots in Yili is long, and the travel time is long. Bring some snacks, a power bank, and a U-shaped pillow so you won't be bored or tired on the road. 3. The weather in Yili is dry and the ultraviolet rays are strong. Moisturizing skincare products and high-SPF sunscreen are essential. You can also bring a few more facial masks. 4. Although most areas in Yili are not at high altitude and altitude sickness is rare, if you go to some high-altitude scenic spots, you should still pay attention to rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Friends, pack your bags and go to Yili to encounter the romance of spring!