Xinjiang Yili Loop Tour: Fourth Stop - Xiate Travel Guide

Stay here in Xiate, Xinjiang, and you won’t even need to enter the scenic area to see the grasslands! Today happened to coincide with the college entrance exams, so our driver contacted us early to depart for Xiate in case of road closures. There’s no direct route to Xiate—you’ll need to go from Yining to Zhaosu first, then to Xiate, costing 120 RMB per person. Along the way, you’ll pass the Yizhao Highway, which is absolutely worth it! I finally understood what it means to see the layers of mountains and herds of cattle and sheep grazing in the wind. The endless grasslands stretching through the towering canyons, the neatly aligned pine forests, and the snow-capped mountains 🏔️ right before your eyes—all of it is a visual feast. **About Accommodation 🏠** We stayed at Tingyun Designer Homestay, just 1.2 km from the scenic area entrance. Booked in advance, this place offers 1-on-1 butler service. The thoughtful hospitality began even before we arrived, with detailed recommendations on local food, Xiate travel tips, and the homestay’s unique features. It’s the ultimate lazy traveler’s dream—clean, comfortable rooms with separate wet and dry areas and smart toilets. Such attention to detail is rare in scenic areas. P.S.: Their afternoon tea is great too. On clear days, you can enjoy it on the 2nd floor with a view of the snow-capped mountains. At dusk, capture the sunset and later the starry sky. Even without entering the scenic area, you get to enjoy the same breathtaking views—totally worth it. **About Activities 🏃** **Xiate Self-Driving Guide** For a light experience of Xiate’s beauty, drive to Zhuanyun Bridge (not all the way to the final stop, Flower Terrace), park there, and walk along the wooden boardwalk. It’s about 2 km to General’s Bridge, then hike to Kara No. 1 House and back. This route covers Xiate’s most stunning scenery. For a deeper exploration, ride a horse from General’s Bridge (round trip ~8 km), then take the shuttle back to Zhuanyun Bridge to retrieve your car. If you’re carpooling like us, opt for the shuttle + hiking/horseback combo—but skip horseback riding on rainy days (trust me on this). **About Food 🍜** We expected mediocre food near the scenic area and packed snacks, but the homestay’s recommendation was a pleasant surprise. Yipare Food Restaurant (Xiate Branch) offers great value and authentic flavors. Xiate Township’s lively music bar is a Uyghur-style venue—if you’re lucky, you might catch people dancing 💃 upstairs. Check if it’s open when you pass by. That’s all for my Xiate travel tips! Feel free to leave questions below~