Back from Ili, sharing some honest truths.

🌅 “Spring water is born, spring forest flourishes, but none compare to you.” As the gentle March breeze sweeps across the land, Ili is like a painter's palette overturned by nature, brimming with vibrant life and romance. This March, I packed my bags and headed to Ili, embarking on a dreamy spring journey. Now, I'm sharing this ultimate guide to traveling in Ili in March with you all 👇 📅 Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive in Yining → Kazantqi Folk Village → Liuxing Street - Morning: Arrive in Yining, take a short break, and experience the laid-back atmosphere of this city. - Afternoon: Head to Kazantqi Folk Village, ride a distinctive blue horse-drawn carriage, and wander through the colorful Uyghur houses, feeling like you've stepped into a fairy tale 🎠 - Evening: Arrive at Liuxing Street, stroll along the exotic streets, admire handicrafts, savor local snacks, and immerse yourself in the cheerful music and dance 💃 - Day 2: Day trip to Sayram Lake - Full day: Sayram Lake is truly the highlight of this trip! In this season, the ice and snow by the lake haven't completely melted, and the azure lake water contrasts with the pure white snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene 🤩 You can stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, experience the clear lake water up close, or take a sightseeing bus to admire its beauty from different angles. - Day 3: Huocheng Lavender Manor → Return trip - Morning: Although the lavender isn't in full bloom in March, you can already see scattered purple flowers, and the air is filled with a faint lavender fragrance 🌱 Taking photos in the manor is highly recommended. - Afternoon: Pack your luggage and return with wonderful memories. 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions - Kazantqi Folk Village: This is a vivid portrayal of Ili's ethnic customs. The colorful houses and hospitable residents allow you to experience the rich Uyghur culture. - Liuxing Street: The unique hexagonal street layout brings together a variety of ethnic cultures. Handicraft shops, specialty restaurants, and street performers create a lively atmosphere 🎪 - Sayram Lake: The largest alpine pearl in Xinjiang, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean," the lake's color changes with the light, a true masterpiece of nature. - Huocheng Lavender Manor: The hometown of lavender in China. Although March isn't the best viewing season, you can still get a taste of that romantic purple sea. 📌 Practical Tips - The temperature difference between day and night in Ili in March is significant, so remember to bring a thick coat 🧥 - Check the weather forecast for Sayram Lake in advance. The lake's color is more beautiful on sunny days. - There are many unique shops in Kazantqi Folk Village and Liuxing Street. Take your time browsing, but remember to bargain when buying souvenirs. - If you're driving to Sayram Lake, pay attention to the speed limit signs 🚗 🍜 Shopping and Food - Shopping: You can buy lavender products, such as essential oils and dried flowers, as well as exquisite handicrafts, like Kazakh embroidery and Uyghur flower hats 🎩 - Food: You must try Xinjiang's baked buns, hand-pulled rice, lamb skewers, and Ili's specialty milk tea and horse meat and intestines. You can find many authentic restaurants in Liuxing Street and Kazantqi Folk Village. 🏠 Accommodation - Yining: It's recommended to stay in the city center for convenient transportation. There are numerous hotels and guesthouses to choose from. You can choose based on your budget, with budget-friendly options like Hanting Express Hotel, and higher-end options like JI Hotel. - Sayram Lake: There are some guesthouses within the scenic area, but the prices are relatively high. If you want to watch the sunrise and sunset over Sayram Lake, consider staying overnight and experiencing the tranquility of the lakeside at night. 🌈 This trip to Ili was a close embrace with nature and an in-depth exploration of diverse cultures. The beauty of Ili cannot be fully described with words; you have to experience it yourself. I hope you too can set foot on this magical land and create your own beautiful memories 💕