It's not that Chaxi is unaffordable, but rather that the Nanshan area of Urumqi offers better value for money

Don't need to go to Yili, there are such grassland landscapes around Urumqi as well! Urumqi suburbs, a day trip is possible 📍Xiaoquzi 🧭: 1.5 hours by car 🛣️: The whole journey is on asphalt roads, with a section of mountain bends 🍱: Many farm stays and camping bases along the way 📷: ❶ There is a viewing platform at the entrance of the village with a broad view ❷ It is recommended to choose a farm stay near the east side, as it is very convenient to go hiking in the back mountains, with separate shepherd's paths and wooden plank roads that you can walk on, offering much better scenery than the west side and is great for checking in ❸ On both sides of the river are camping bases, with the riverside campsites having better locations, but reservations are needed during peak times 💡 ❶ The place is also crowded on holidays, and if you want to go to a camping base, you must book in advance ❷ There are many bends on the scenic road, and there are often people parking and camping by the roadside, so drive carefully and slowly, and be sure to give way ❸ It is recommended to go to the mountains early to find a spot, as there is no entrance fee here but by noon there is almost no place to park