Xinjiang Ili Small Loop Travel Tips

It has been three days since we returned from our trip to Xinjiang, but I still can't calm down. I often recall the mountains and rivers there, the horses, cattle, and sheep, and the breathtaking natural scenery. I am filled with longing and anticipation for the next trip to Xinjiang. This was our first time visiting Xinjiang, and we spent ten days exploring the Ili Small Loop. ✈️ Transportation: Plane, SUV self-drive (if physically possible, it is recommended to self-drive the entire trip. This way, you won't be constrained by the time restrictions and lack of freedom that come with tour groups. Plan your itinerary reasonably, and avoid driving for too long each day so that neither adults nor children will feel too tired.) 🛣️ Route: 1. Beijing - Urumqi - Museum - International Grand Bazaar - Hotel 2. Hotel - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Bole City - Hotel 3. Hotel - Sayram Lake Scenic Area - Guozigou Bridge - Yining City - Liuxing Street - Hotel 4. Hotel - Yizhao Highway - Zhaosu - Tianma Tourism and Cultural Park - Homestay (Four-star recommendation) 5. Homestay - Xiata Tourist Scenic Area - Tekes Bagua City - Homestay (Five-star recommendation) 6. Homestay - Kalajun Grassland - Nileke - Hotel 7. Hotel - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Monkete Ancient Road - Homestay (Four-star recommendation) 8. Homestay - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Kuitun City - Hotel 9. Hotel - Urumqi City - Jinquan Mall - International Grand Bazaar - Erdaoqiao Bazaar - Hotel 10. Hotel - Tianshan Tianchi - Airport 🌞 Weather: It was mostly sunny throughout the trip. There was only a brief heavy rain in Xiata and Tekes, but it was at night and did not affect any of our plans. We were very grateful for the good weather. 👗 Clothing: Thick clothes were only needed at night in Xiata. A short-sleeved shirt inside and a jacket with a liner were enough for the children! In other places, even if the temperature seemed low, a sun-protective jacket was sufficient. It is recommended to bring thick clothes just in case. 🥬 Food: The food is generally spicy and greasy. Eat more vegetables and repeatedly emphasize no chili, otherwise, children won't be able to eat it. 🫙 Drinking water: To avoid acclimatization issues, we drank bottled water throughout the trip. 🌟 Other suggestions: 1. The terrain of Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway is dangerous. Do not overtake. The most important thing when traveling is to enjoy the scenery at a slow pace. 2. Pay attention to sun protection. 3. Bring some medicines. They are easy to buy in the city but not in villages. 4. Wear comfortable sports shoes; there's no need for yellow boots. 5. You can book hotels and homestays on the same day.