Ili Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Nalati Scenic Area Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
I regret going to Yili Narati in Xinjiang in the summer! The disappointment is comparable to a heartbreak
But if you don't want to go to Xinjiang in winter, then you definitely shouldn't miss it in summer! 😍
Visiting Yili after April is simply a divine level of beauty! The ice and snow melt away, the grass and spruce are dripping with greenery😀, passing through snow-capped mountains, steep ridges, and meadows, you can also see the adorable flocks of sheep🐏. The little houses on the green slopes and the clouds in the sky☁ make you feel like you're in a fairy tale world.
The most beautiful season of the Yili grassland has arrived, come and feel it! 👣
✅Must-see attractions in Yili:
🌲Shata Tourist Area: The dreamy staircase to the snow mountains.
🌲Zhao Su·Yili: A beautiful two-dimensional fairy tale world.
🌲Tianma Yuhe: The homeland of the heavenly horses.
🌲Kalajun Scenic Area: Here is the summer of Miyazaki's manga.
🌲Qiongkushitai: The village from the fairy tales.
🌲Narati Grassland: Stroll through the endless sea of flowers on the aerial grassland.
🌲Sailimu Lake: The last tear of the Atlantic.
🌲Lavender Manor: The Eastern Provence, encounter the purple romance.
8-day tour itinerary recommendation for Yili: 👇👇
🔷Day 1: Urumqi→Pick up from the airport
🔷Day 2: Urumqi→Sailimu Lake→Lavender Farm→Yining
🔷Day 3: Yining→Shata→Zhao Su Wetland Park→Zhao Su
🔷Day 4: Zhao Su→Qiongkushitai→Tekes
🔷Day 5: Tekes→Kalajun→Xinyuan/Narati
🔷Day 6: Xinyuan/Narati→Narati Aerial Grassland→Bayinbuluke
🔷Day 7: Bayinbuluke→Duku Highway→Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery→Urumqi
🔷Day 8: Urumqi→Send off to the airport
Xinjiang food recommendations:
🔴Xinjiang's internet-famous big plate chicken, Xinjiang barbecue, roasted buns...😍
Nalati
🌌The Nalati Tourist Center can go to the Sky Prairie and Valley Prairie. The Valley Prairie is located in Xinyuan County, Yili State, Xinjiang, with an altitude of more than 2,000 meters. It is a place that Xinjiang people admire.
🏔Looking far away, you can see the Kabamba main peak covered with ice and snow all year round. At the foot of the mountain, the grass is like shade, the forest is dense on the waist of the mountain, the top of the mountain is covered with snow, the rushing Gongnais River roars past, the spruce stands tall, the grass is green, it is a veritable sky prairie. Its large scale, beautiful scenery and pleasant scenery make tourists feel as if they are in a beautiful painting.
🏞Nalati Valley Prairie is one of the four major valley prairies in the world, and it is as famous as the famous Swiss mountains. The Valley Prairie has the Wusun Camp, the Wusun Horse Team statue, the Prairie Tribe, and the Kazakh herders' felt tents and local delicacies such as roast buns, roast naan, handmade yogurt, and daily necessities.
China's Most Beautiful ◆ Six Great Grasslands
Grasslands,
Our country's grasslands are diverse,
Stretching thousands of kilometers from east to west,
The ingenious work of nature,
Has created these pure lands.
Hulunbuir Eastern Grassland
The sky is high and the clouds are low, the grass is fragrant, herds of cattle and sheep, fine horses, thousands of crisscrossing rivers, they meander and twist, forming the unique brilliant scroll of the grassland.
Ili Grassland
The Ili Grassland is the Narati Grassland, "Narati" means: the first place to see the sun, in summer, it is the most beautiful "Jiangnan outside the Great Wall".
Xilingol Grassland
Xilingol Grassland is a treasure, a green ocean, various flowers compete for beauty, herdsmen ride horses, cattle and sheep roam, it is a feast for the eyes.
Mao Ya Alpine Grassland
In the embrace of the mountains, the grassland is lush like the sea, the wild flowers are blooming in purple and red, and a roll is full of fragrance.
Naqu Alpine Grassland
Naqu is located between the Tanggula Mountain Range and the Nyainqentanglha Mountain Range, it is a sparsely populated virgin land, every summer, the vegetation is most lush.
Qilian Mountain Grassland
The scenery of Qilian Mountain Grassland is picturesque, the sky is high and the clouds are light, summer is like spring, the blue waves are vast, horses, cattle, and sheep are dotted among them, returning to nature in an instant, returning to simplicity, like a fairyland.
A comprehensive guide to Xinjiang tourism! Beautiful scenery, delicious food, none can be missed!
Xinjiang, this mysterious and rich land, under the influence of the Silk Road, has bred a unique style. This time, let me share with you a travel experience in Xinjiang, as well as some precautions and accommodation recommendations.
First of all, for those who go to Xinjiang for the first time, my suggestion is to choose Urumqi as the first stop. The transportation here is convenient, and the time difference is two hours later than Beijing time, remember to adjust your biological clock! In Urumqi, you can visit the natural scenery such as Tianshan Tianchi and Nanshan Pasture, and feel the magnificence of Xinjiang.
In terms of accommodation, different regions have different places to stay. For Kanas, Hemu and Sayram Lake, you can choose to stay in Beitun City, Jiadengyu and Burqin. These places are not only close to the attractions, but also have complete facilities, which can allow you to get sufficient rest during the journey.
If you come to Narati Grassland, I strongly recommend you to stay in the log cabins in the scenic area. There, you can better appreciate the starry sky and increase the play time. Imagine, on the quiet grassland, looking up at the stars, do you feel extremely relaxed and comfortable?
Speaking of self-driving routes, I want to recommend an Yili ring line. This route starts from Urumqi, passes through Sayram Lake, Huocheng, Zhaosu, Tekes, Qiongkushitai, Narati and Duku Highway, and finally returns to Urumqi from Dushanzi. The entire route is about 2300 kilometers, requires 12 days, and drives an average of 5-6 hours a day. On this route, you will appreciate the magnificent scenery and rich cultural landscape of Xinjiang.
In terms of attractions, I recommend Qiongkushitai, Huocheng Lavender, Tangbula Fairy Lake, Narati Grassland, Sayram Lake and Duku Highway. Qiongkushitai is a charming fairy tale forest with tall pine trees and clear streams; Huocheng Lavender is a romantic purple flower sea, which makes people intoxicated; Tangbula Fairy Lake is a small popular secret, the lake is green as jade; Narati Grassland is a beautiful air grassland and valley grassland, with herds of cattle and sheep, picturesque scenery; Sayram Lake is a beautiful lake, the lake is clear and bottomless; Duku Highway is a journey that makes people feel the four seasons, and the scenery along the way is changeable and beautiful.
Of course, the food in Xinjiang is also not to be missed. Big plate chicken, lamb skewers, roasted lamb chops, rack meat, roasted buns and other delicious foods make people drool. In addition, there are old yogurt, cold water fish, hand-grabbed rice, bagged meat and latiao and other special foods waiting for you to taste. Here, your taste buds will be greatly satisfied.
In general, this trip to Xinjiang is an unforgettable experience. From Urumqi to the Yili ring line, to the Narati Grassland and the Duku Highway, I have felt the unique style and beautiful scenery of Xinjiang. At the same time, I have also summarized some precautions and accommodation recommendations, hoping to provide some help and reference for your trip to Xinjiang.
Now plan your trip to Xinjiang! On this beautiful land, you will gain unforgettable memories and wonderful experiences. Wish you a pleasant journey!
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Duku Highway Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
I stayed in Xinjiang for a month to tell you some things not to do
Don't ask how much the ticket is, ask how many years of youth are left. I decided to embark on a journey to Xinjiang in the northwest of my motherland, using a month to find my lost soul. After coming back, I am full of motivation, often staring at the photos in a daze.
To help friends who want to go to Xinjiang, I have compiled this travel guide, hoping to help everyone!
Where should I go first when I go to Xinjiang for the first time?
Urumqi, as the transportation hub of Xinjiang, is very convenient whether it is South Xinjiang or North Xinjiang. It is recommended to choose Urumqi as the first stop, because whether it is a group tour or self-driving, almost all vehicles start from here.
Precautions:
Time difference: There is a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland
Many ethnic minorities are used to saying Xinjiang time
Security check: Xinjiang's security check is very strict, train stations and airports require multiple security checks, it is recommended to go to the train station/airport in advance
Accommodation recommendation:
Urumqi: Recommend Friendly Business Circle or Zhongshan Road Business Circle
Kanas: Recommend Beitun City, secondly, Jadunyu and Burqin can be recommended
Hemu: Recommend staying in the scenic area log cabin, watching the stars all over the sky at night, increasing the play time during the day, and the experience is better
Sailimu Lake: Accommodation is recommended to stay in Qingshuihe Town or Huocheng County
Our self-driving route:
Starting from Urumqi, go to Sailimu Lake—Huocheng—Zhaosu—Tekes—Qiongkushitai—Nalati—Duku Highway, and finally return to Urumqi from Dushanzi.
The route is just a circle, which is a classic Yili ring line.
ps: The above self-driving journey is 12 days in total, a total of 2300 kilometers, without rushing to the road and rushing to the scenic spots, often 5-6 hours of self-driving time every day. I feel that rest and maintaining a good state are necessary.
Must-visit attractions:
Qiongkushitai: The grassland covering the sky, the fairy tale forest like a mist, the small wooden house with grass on the head, every eye is super healing
Huocheng Lavender: The purple sea of flowers tumbling with the wind is really romantic
Tangbula Fairy Lake: A small popular secret that needs to ride a horse up the mountain, accompanied by flowers all the way, it seems to be Alice in Wonderland
Nalati Grassland: The aerial photography and self-driving of the grassland and valley in the sky are absolutely amazing!
Sailimu Lake: "The last tear of the Atlantic"
If you have plenty of time, you must go for a self-driving tour around the lake
Duku Highway: Duku Highway that must be self-driving once in a lifetime! It will open around mid-June every year, and you will feel the four seasons along the way.
Xinjiang cuisine:
The big plate chicken, lamb skewers, roasted lamb chops, and roasted buns in Xinjiang are really amazing, and those who like heavy tastes can close their eyes.
ps: There are also old yogurt, cold water fish, hand-grabbed rice, wrapped meat, pulled strips and other delicacies waiting for you to taste!
Duku Highway: A magnificent journey across the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains
Are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you long for a spontaneous trip to experience the grandeur of nature and the charm of Xinjiang? Then, Duku Highway is your best choice!
Duku Highway, connecting the north and south of Xinjiang, crossing grasslands, canyons, snow mountains, Gobi and other places, is a must-visit place for tourists. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons and feel the magic of nature.
Tourist Route
The entire Duku Highway is divided into the north, middle and south sections.
North section: From Dushanzi to Qia'erma
Starting from Dushanzi and heading south, you will pass through large canyons, snow mountains, grasslands, etc., to feel the grandeur of nature. In the north section, you can see the Dushanzi Grand Canyon, which is a shocking place, with towering cliffs, like a knife and axe, which is amazing. In addition, you can also try extreme projects such as step-by-step surprises, and feel the excitement of accelerating heartbeat.
Middle section: From Qia'erma via Narati to Bayinbuluke
Starting from the middle section, you will enter the Narati grassland, which is a vast green ocean, which is refreshing. Here, you can ride horses, slide grass, watch folk performances, etc., to experience the local customs of Xinjiang. Then, you will go to Bayinbuluke grassland, where there are beautiful lakes and winding rivers, and the scenery is pleasant.
South section: From Bayinbuluke to Kuche
In the south section, you will see the mysterious Tianshan Grand Canyon, which is a place full of mystery. The reddish-brown mountains shine under the sun, making people feel the mysterious charm of nature. Here, you can hike and explore, and feel the magic of nature. Finally, you will arrive in Kuche, a city full of historical heritage, with many scenic spots worth visiting.
Ticket Price
There are many scenic spots along the Duku Highway, and the ticket prices of each scenic spot are different. Generally speaking, the ticket price ranges from tens to hundreds of yuan. When buying tickets, you need to prepare in advance, you can check and buy tickets online in advance to avoid waiting in line at the scene.
Precautions
During the trip, there are some precautions you need to keep in mind. First, protect the environment, do not litter, do not destroy vegetation. Second, respect local customs and cultural traditions. Finally, pay attention to safety issues, especially when doing some extreme projects, ensure your own safety.
In general, Duku Highway is a tourist route full of surprises and challenges. Here, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of nature and feel the local customs of Xinjiang. Whether you like adventure or natural scenery, it can meet your needs. Come on a spontaneous trip!
10-Day Panoramic Tour Guide of the Northern Xinjiang Duku Highway
Explore the Northern Xinjiang grasslands, Gobi, snow mountains, and lakes for 10 days
Pure travel guide to Baihaba
Quality small group tour to Kanas and Hemu
Colorful Beach and Keketuohai
Burqin
Fuyun
Wuerhe Devil City
Karamay
Guozigou Bridge and Sayram Lake
Huocheng Lavender Manor and Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains
Kalajun
Duku Highway
Zhaosu to Urumqi
Tekes
Nalati
Shata Ancient Trail
D1 Urumqi ---------- Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains --------- - Fuyun County
D2 Fuyun County ------ Keketuohai ------- Colorful Beach ------------ - Burqin
D3 Burqin ------------- Kanas ------------- Baihaba
D4 Baihaba ---------- Kanas ---------- Hemu
D5 Hemu -------- Devil City -------- Karamay
D6 Karamay ----- Sayram Lake ----- Guozigou Bridge ----- Qingshui River Town
D7 Qingshui River ----- Lavender Manor ----- Kalajun Prairie ----- Zhaosu
D8 Zhaosu -------- Shata -------- Tekes
D9 Tekes --------- Nalati Sky Grassland --------- Nalati Town
D10 Nalati ----- Duku Highway ----- Qiaojima ----- End of the tour in Urumqi
North Xinjiang 7 Days, enjoy the full panorama without retracing your steps
North Xinjiang Panoramic 7-Day Tour
Sayram Lake Kuitun
S101 Urumqi
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Yining
Tangbula Grassland
Tekes
Nalati
Kalajun Grassland
Bayinbuluke
D1: Urumqi-S101 National Defense Highway-Kuitun 300 kilometers
D2: Kuitun-Sayram Lake Circuit-Stay at Sayram or Yining 320 kilometers
D3: Sayram Lake Sunrise-Yining 180 kilometers
D4: Yining-Kalajun Grassland-Tekes 280 kilometers
D5: Tekes-Nalati-Bayinbuluke+most beautiful sunset 380 kilometers
D6: Tangbula Grassland+Fairy Lake Horse Riding 200 kilometers
D7: Tangbula Grassland-Duku Highway-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi 400 kilometers
Duku Highway
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Qiongkushitaicun Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
I stayed in Xinjiang for a month to tell you some things not to do
Don't ask how much the ticket is, ask how many years of youth are left. I decided to embark on a journey to Xinjiang in the northwest of my motherland, using a month to find my lost soul. After coming back, I am full of motivation, often staring at the photos in a daze.
To help friends who want to go to Xinjiang, I have compiled this travel guide, hoping to help everyone!
Where should I go first when I go to Xinjiang for the first time?
Urumqi, as the transportation hub of Xinjiang, is very convenient whether it is South Xinjiang or North Xinjiang. It is recommended to choose Urumqi as the first stop, because whether it is a group tour or self-driving, almost all vehicles start from here.
Precautions:
Time difference: There is a 2-hour time difference between Xinjiang and the mainland
Many ethnic minorities are used to saying Xinjiang time
Security check: Xinjiang's security check is very strict, train stations and airports require multiple security checks, it is recommended to go to the train station/airport in advance
Accommodation recommendation:
Urumqi: Recommend Friendly Business Circle or Zhongshan Road Business Circle
Kanas: Recommend Beitun City, secondly, Jadunyu and Burqin can be recommended
Hemu: Recommend staying in the scenic area log cabin, watching the stars all over the sky at night, increasing the play time during the day, and the experience is better
Sailimu Lake: Accommodation is recommended to stay in Qingshuihe Town or Huocheng County
Our self-driving route:
Starting from Urumqi, go to Sailimu Lake—Huocheng—Zhaosu—Tekes—Qiongkushitai—Nalati—Duku Highway, and finally return to Urumqi from Dushanzi.
The route is just a circle, which is a classic Yili ring line.
ps: The above self-driving journey is 12 days in total, a total of 2300 kilometers, without rushing to the road and rushing to the scenic spots, often 5-6 hours of self-driving time every day. I feel that rest and maintaining a good state are necessary.
Must-visit attractions:
Qiongkushitai: The grassland covering the sky, the fairy tale forest like a mist, the small wooden house with grass on the head, every eye is super healing
Huocheng Lavender: The purple sea of flowers tumbling with the wind is really romantic
Tangbula Fairy Lake: A small popular secret that needs to ride a horse up the mountain, accompanied by flowers all the way, it seems to be Alice in Wonderland
Nalati Grassland: The aerial photography and self-driving of the grassland and valley in the sky are absolutely amazing!
Sailimu Lake: "The last tear of the Atlantic"
If you have plenty of time, you must go for a self-driving tour around the lake
Duku Highway: Duku Highway that must be self-driving once in a lifetime! It will open around mid-June every year, and you will feel the four seasons along the way.
Xinjiang cuisine:
The big plate chicken, lamb skewers, roasted lamb chops, and roasted buns in Xinjiang are really amazing, and those who like heavy tastes can close their eyes.
ps: There are also old yogurt, cold water fish, hand-grabbed rice, wrapped meat, pulled strips and other delicacies waiting for you to taste!
The flower sea in Yili is so beautiful!
Yili is famous for its wildflower sea, and there is none like it. This year, with abundant rainfall, we chose to come to Yili during the May Day holiday, attracted by the blooming wildflowers. Our plan is D1 from Sayram Lake to Qiongkushitai, D2 to Chaxi, D3 to Kuerdening, D4 to Tangbula, and D5 back to Changji.
As soon as we entered Yili, we could see the hillsides covered with tiny scattered flowers, mainly yellow, with some white flower seas, and also mixed yellow and white, creating a romantic atmosphere everywhere. Along the way, we passed many lush wildflower seas, some charging fees, some free, and some within scenic areas. After comparison, we found the best spot, which not only has yellow and white flower seas but also allows us to see the snow-capped mountains and the Tekes River. Sharing with everyone:
Use Gaode Navigation to search for 'Aortakir'. About 200 meters before the destination, you will see a dirt road that leads into the flower sea. There is a barbed wire fence around it, and a lady at the entrance. This place charges a fee; you can drive in to take photos and camp, 5 yuan per person, and sedans can enter as well. If you drive a vehicle with a higher chassis, you can go further inside, where you will see a road under construction. Follow the road base to find the yellow and white flower sea and the snow-capped mountains and Tekes River, all for free. But be careful to follow the tracks pressed by the herders' vehicles and do not harm the little flowers! ❤️
Ili is wonderful in summer, but you need to know how to enjoy it
Ili is the only region in China that combines a sense of oppression and relaxation perfectly.
But to truly enjoy it, you need some experience and 'principles':
1. Choose between Kuerdening Qiaxi and Shata. It is recommended to use early June as the dividing line, before which Kuerdening Qiaxi is preferable, and after which Shata is better.
2. The way to enjoy Ili is inherently outdoorsy. The difference in scenery between hiking trails and regular routes is huge, and incorporating some outdoor elements into your itinerary is a standard for a profound experience. Some parts can be accessed by off-road vehicles, some by horse, and many only on foot. Qiaxi Kuerdening can include the tail end of the Kalajun traverse, Kalajun can extend to Qiongkushitai or Gazagan Camp, Shata has the Shata Ancient Trail, and even the Yisai Shepherd Trail and Tuhulasi Grassland hiking routes. If you really have no outdoor experience, you could also ride a horse for the first ten kilometers in front of Wusun or behind Qiongkushitai to get a taste, which is much better than just visiting scenic spots every day.
3. The golden period for Ili is mid-May to late June. This is based on a comprehensive score of 'grass + forest + low snow line + temperature'. Too early, and there are fewer grassland options, such as Kalajun not being very green, and Shata having a high frequency of bad weather in the afternoon. Too late, and the weather becomes hot, the snow line disappears, and having only grasslands and forests loses the advantage of the snow-capped mountains.
4. 'There's no point in going to Qiongkushitai if you're not staying overnight' makes sense because Qiongku's absolute advantage lies in its scattered homestay cabins and a leisurely travel mindset, all predicated on 'staying at least one night'; otherwise, you won't be able to relax.
5. In summer, the priority for accommodations in Ili should be lonely homestays with good conditions near scenic spots, followed by homestays with average conditions but good scenery, then experienced camping, then county town hotels, and lastly, homestays with poor conditions and not much scenery. However, the latter is what most people will choose, because they want both... but that's difficult.
6. Ili during the May Day holiday is good, but there are a few things to note. First, try not to attempt pure wilderness camping, as the weather is extremely unstable during May Day, with heavy snowfall every year. Second, don't apply your aesthetic expectations to flowers and vast greenery; appreciating Ili's snow-capped mountains is important.
7. The summer sunsets in Ili are incredibly beautiful, and it's not dangerous to return to your accommodation later, but missing the pink hues in the mountains would be a great pity.
8. Don't think that regular scenic spots are too 'mainstream'. Every scenic spot was once niche and equal in the eyes of the beholder. By using scenic spots as a base for further exploration, rather than blindly heading straight for the mountains, you're more likely to find 'good stuff', just as it's easier to succeed with a franchise than starting an independent brand.
Kujung Qostai is a paradise in my heart, where beautiful scenery is everywhere
After crossing mountains and ridges, I finally saw the long-anticipated Kujung Qostai. The entire village of Qiongkushitai is situated on a plateau, which in the local Kazakh language means 'big platform'. The so-called 'big platform' refers to a relatively large hillside, which is not a single piece but is divided into several 'blocks' by many crisscrossing ravines, with the small village hidden above this green grassland. Moving forward from the entrance of the village, one will find the famous 'Wusun Ancient Trail'. This ancient trail, connecting the Junggar Basin in the north and the Tarim Oasis in the south, traverses the Tianshan Mountains from north to south.
The beauty of Qiongkushitai cannot be fully captured in photos. The Wusun Ancient Trail with its river valleys and streams, the log cabins embraced by snowy ridges and spruce trees, the misty clouds winding through the canyons – all the beautiful adjectives you can think of can be applied here~
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Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Ili is wonderful in summer, but you need to know how to enjoy it
Ili is the only region in China that combines a sense of oppression and relaxation perfectly.
But to truly enjoy it, you need some experience and 'principles':
1. Choose between Kuerdening Qiaxi and Shata. It is recommended to use early June as the dividing line, before which Kuerdening Qiaxi is preferable, and after which Shata is better.
2. The way to enjoy Ili is inherently outdoorsy. The difference in scenery between hiking trails and regular routes is huge, and incorporating some outdoor elements into your itinerary is a standard for a profound experience. Some parts can be accessed by off-road vehicles, some by horse, and many only on foot. Qiaxi Kuerdening can include the tail end of the Kalajun traverse, Kalajun can extend to Qiongkushitai or Gazagan Camp, Shata has the Shata Ancient Trail, and even the Yisai Shepherd Trail and Tuhulasi Grassland hiking routes. If you really have no outdoor experience, you could also ride a horse for the first ten kilometers in front of Wusun or behind Qiongkushitai to get a taste, which is much better than just visiting scenic spots every day.
3. The golden period for Ili is mid-May to late June. This is based on a comprehensive score of 'grass + forest + low snow line + temperature'. Too early, and there are fewer grassland options, such as Kalajun not being very green, and Shata having a high frequency of bad weather in the afternoon. Too late, and the weather becomes hot, the snow line disappears, and having only grasslands and forests loses the advantage of the snow-capped mountains.
4. 'There's no point in going to Qiongkushitai if you're not staying overnight' makes sense because Qiongku's absolute advantage lies in its scattered homestay cabins and a leisurely travel mindset, all predicated on 'staying at least one night'; otherwise, you won't be able to relax.
5. In summer, the priority for accommodations in Ili should be lonely homestays with good conditions near scenic spots, followed by homestays with average conditions but good scenery, then experienced camping, then county town hotels, and lastly, homestays with poor conditions and not much scenery. However, the latter is what most people will choose, because they want both... but that's difficult.
6. Ili during the May Day holiday is good, but there are a few things to note. First, try not to attempt pure wilderness camping, as the weather is extremely unstable during May Day, with heavy snowfall every year. Second, don't apply your aesthetic expectations to flowers and vast greenery; appreciating Ili's snow-capped mountains is important.
7. The summer sunsets in Ili are incredibly beautiful, and it's not dangerous to return to your accommodation later, but missing the pink hues in the mountains would be a great pity.
8. Don't think that regular scenic spots are too 'mainstream'. Every scenic spot was once niche and equal in the eyes of the beholder. By using scenic spots as a base for further exploration, rather than blindly heading straight for the mountains, you're more likely to find 'good stuff', just as it's easier to succeed with a franchise than starting an independent brand.
10-Day Panoramic Tour Guide of the Northern Xinjiang Duku Highway
Explore the Northern Xinjiang grasslands, Gobi, snow mountains, and lakes for 10 days
Pure travel guide to Baihaba
Quality small group tour to Kanas and Hemu
Colorful Beach and Keketuohai
Burqin
Fuyun
Wuerhe Devil City
Karamay
Guozigou Bridge and Sayram Lake
Huocheng Lavender Manor and Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains
Kalajun
Duku Highway
Zhaosu to Urumqi
Tekes
Nalati
Shata Ancient Trail
D1 Urumqi ---------- Tianchi Lake in Tianshan Mountains --------- - Fuyun County
D2 Fuyun County ------ Keketuohai ------- Colorful Beach ------------ - Burqin
D3 Burqin ------------- Kanas ------------- Baihaba
D4 Baihaba ---------- Kanas ---------- Hemu
D5 Hemu -------- Devil City -------- Karamay
D6 Karamay ----- Sayram Lake ----- Guozigou Bridge ----- Qingshui River Town
D7 Qingshui River ----- Lavender Manor ----- Kalajun Prairie ----- Zhaosu
D8 Zhaosu -------- Shata -------- Tekes
D9 Tekes --------- Nalati Sky Grassland --------- Nalati Town
D10 Nalati ----- Duku Highway ----- Qiaojima ----- End of the tour in Urumqi
One-day tour to Kala Jun
Today, there aren't many tourists, and the self-driving tour ticket is considered off-season at 160 RMB per person
Address: Navigate to 'Kala Jun Self-driving Tour Entrance'
Before buying tickets, there is a tour guide lady who will explain the route details!! As shown in Example 5
Route: Self-driving Tour East Gate Service Center—Wanna Service Center—Badanmu Viewing Point—Shenmu Forest Viewing Point—Flower Sea Yao Pool (the flowers are not blooming yet)—Gazagan Town Viewing Point—(Shenying Tribe Viewing Point—Bata Prayer Platform) Wusun Xiadu Service Area—Shiquan Service Area—Kala Jun Cableway Station Service Area——Bulak Tourist Service Center
‼️There are two important places here, one is the Wanna Service Center, where you can transfer to a shuttle bus to go to the Fresh Flower Platform and Falcon Platform. At the Fresh Flower Platform, you can hold a lamb for a photo for 10 RMB, and the nearby food is quite cheap (our instant noodles were 6 RMB a bowl). The Falcon Platform is a place where you can take close-up photos of the snow-capped mountains.
Another is the Kala Jun Cableway Station, where you can transfer to the cable car to go to the Koksu Grand Canyon. The ticket for the Grand Canyon + cable car is 135 RMB per person (including the canyon ticket and round-trip cable car 🚡)
About the Grand Canyon📍 There are three scenic spots, as shown in Map 7🗺️, and there is a shuttle bus available (included in the ticket price)
1️⃣Crocodile Platform, the first stop. Walk down the plank road to reach the viewing platform, where you can see the torrent below shaped like a crocodile🐊
2️⃣Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends (Human Body Curve Aesthetics), walk along the plank road, there is also horse riding available (didn't ask the price), reach the viewing platform, and you can see the distant mountains undulating, their curves beautiful (Picture 9)
3️⃣Grand Canyon👌 After reaching the Grand Canyon, there are three activities: rafting, zip-lining, and flying fox, all of which are charged extra! There are bicycles for rent 🚲 at the Grand Canyon stop, and it takes about 20 minutes to walk from the stop to the zip-line and flying fox.
Now to the highlight of my trip! I came for the zip-line!! (price 80 RMB) There's also the flying fox, which seems to have a nice route (price 180 RMB), I don't remember clearly, the zip-line is really fun, you can buy tickets at the station, no need to buy at the Grand Canyon stop (check the live situation, see if you can accept it before buying tickets) as shown in Picture 10
North Xinjiang 7 Days, enjoy the full panorama without retracing your steps
North Xinjiang Panoramic 7-Day Tour
Sayram Lake Kuitun
S101 Urumqi
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Yining
Tangbula Grassland
Tekes
Nalati
Kalajun Grassland
Bayinbuluke
D1: Urumqi-S101 National Defense Highway-Kuitun 300 kilometers
D2: Kuitun-Sayram Lake Circuit-Stay at Sayram or Yining 320 kilometers
D3: Sayram Lake Sunrise-Yining 180 kilometers
D4: Yining-Kalajun Grassland-Tekes 280 kilometers
D5: Tekes-Nalati-Bayinbuluke+most beautiful sunset 380 kilometers
D6: Tangbula Grassland+Fairy Lake Horse Riding 200 kilometers
D7: Tangbula Grassland-Duku Highway-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi 400 kilometers
Duku Highway
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Sayram Lake Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)
Xinjiang | Travel Guide
Xinjiang Travel🔥|8 days 7 nights small group🏜️average 6k➕|||If autumn is very beautiful🍁
Northern Xinjiang accounts for seven points😆
God is not stingy
The most beautiful oil painting in the world🌅
All sprinkled on this land
If you have already missed the summer in Northern Xinjiang🍃
Then you must not miss the autumn colors of Northern Xinjiang🍂
Snow mountains and layered forests surround Hemu
Birch forest falls into a golden color🌅
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🌈Recommended route
Day1 All over the country—Airport/Station pick-up—Urumqi Stay: Urumqi
Day1 Urumqi—Tianshan Tianchi—S21 Desert Highway---Burqin Stay: Burqin
Day2 Burqin—Kanas Guanyutai—Kanas Lake—Kanas Stay: Kanas Scenic Area
Day3 Kanas—Kanas Sanwan—Hemu Stay: Hemu Scenic Area
Day4 Hemu—World Devil City—Karamay Stay: Karamay
Day5 Karamay—Sayram Lake—Jinghe Stay: Jinghe
Day6 Jinghe—Anjihai Grand Canyon—Urumqi Stay: Urumqi
Day8 Urumqi—Airport/Station drop-off—Warm home Happy end of the trip
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🌈Trip highlights
🔴No stop during the Spring Festival, set off immediately
🔴Deep play for 8 days, small group of 6 people, average 💰5K+
🔴2 nights in original log cabin accommodation
🔴24-hour online customer service, airport pick-up
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🔥What the trip includes
1. Transportation: Local comfortable car, guarantee one seat per person
2. Accommodation: Hotels listed in the package itinerary, 4 nights comfortable accommodation + 2 nights log cabin
3. Hotel: Clean and comfortable double standard room with private bathroom
4. Section car: Kanas, Hemu, Devil City, Sayram Lake, Tianchi, Keketuohai
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🍁——Travel Tips——🍁
✨The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is large, please bring enough clothes
✨The sunshine time is long, please bring sun protection products
✨Xinjiang has a 2-hour time difference, meal times are late
✨The climate in Xinjiang is dry, please bring hydration products etc.
✨Photo matching: sunglasses, scarves, ethnic costumes, decorations, etc.
✨In ethnic minority areas, please respect the local people's lifestyle etc.
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The most beautiful and comfortable place is Sailimu Lake
The recent sunset time of Sailimu Lake is 19:15, the sunrise time is 10:10, the highest temperature is -5, the lowest is -14, and the recent weather of Sailimu Lake is very good.
Moreover, the weather forecast of Sailimu Lake is not very accurate. Several times the forecast is cloudy or overcast, but when I arrive at Sailimu Lake, it is sunny. So I always tell tourists that Sailimu Lake really depends on luck!
It is suggested to drive by oneself or pack a small group for free travel to Sailimu Lake, which is very convenient. I have prepared a hot pot for the snow field. It's really comfortable to eat hot pot while watching the sunset! The ice pushing of Sailimu Lake is about to start.
Sayram Lake
Sayram Lake is a pearl at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China. It is the largest alpine moraine lake in China and one of the most famous attractions in the Tianshan Mountains. Here are some experiences you can try when visiting Sayram Lake:
1. Enjoy the lake and mountain scenery: Surrounded by mountains, the lake is clear and clean. You can walk along the lake or take a boat tour to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
2. Climb the surrounding peaks: There are some peaks suitable for hiking and climbing around Sayram Lake, such as Bogda Peak and Klar Peak. You can choose to climb the peaks and overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire Sayram Lake.
3. Experience ethnic culture: There are ethnic minorities such as Kazakhs and Kirgiz living around Sayram Lake. You can experience the local ethnic customs and culture, taste delicious food, enjoy ethnic song and dance performances, and understand their traditional way of life.
4. Watch wild animals and plants: The area around Sayram Lake is a unique ecological environment of the Tianshan Mountains. You can watch various wild animals and plants, such as brown bears, snow leopards, squirrels, etc., as well as alpine meadows and vegetation at different altitudes.
5. Photography: The scenery of Sayram Lake is beautiful and is a paradise for photographers. You can record the lake and mountain scenery, ethnic customs, and natural landscapes at any time, leaving beautiful moments.
6. Participate in outdoor activities: The scenery of Sayram Lake is different in all seasons. Summer is suitable for fishing, boating, and picnicking in the grassland, while winter is suitable for skiing, ice fishing, and other winter sports.
Sayram Lake is an ideal holiday destination. You can enjoy the gifts of nature here and feel the tranquility and peace that is isolated from the world. When visiting, please protect the environment, love nature, and visit in a civilized manner.
Just returned from Altay, to tell the truth
On the 6th day of coming to North Xinjiang, my aesthetic threshold has been blown up.
The grand snow and the scarce tourists are in stark contrast.
It's like walking into a real version of 'The Cold Wonderland and The End of the World'!!
Riding an off-road vehicle, traveling through the forest and snow.
From the fairy-tale Kanas Three Bays
To the fairy-tale Hemu Village, Frost Ice Ling, Unfrozen River, Sayram Lake Blue Ice
There is no most beautiful, the next second is always more beautiful!!
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Ride a sled during the day, stay at the Sayram Lake RV camp at night.
Stars and sunrise come to visit.
The southern child finally realized the wish of jumping in the snow with 80 cm thick snow.
P1-8 are all real shots.
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❄North Xinjiang Snow Season Forecast
The snow-watching period in Xinjiang is particularly long.
From October every year to April of the following year, it is the ice and snow period.
The weather forecast shows:
The Kanas area will usher in a medium to large range of snowfall.
November-December is the off-peak season for snow appreciation.
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❄Big Traffic TIPS:
Going to Xinjiang in November-December is considered off-season throughout the year.
The ticket price is equivalent to 20% of the peak season.
The one-way trip during the peak season costs 3k+, while the round trip is only 1k+ at this time.
Compared to the ticket prices of popular snow-watching places in the Northeast.
The cost performance is very high.
·
Gather in Urumqi.
There are multiple direct flights from Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with convenient transportation.
Disband in Altay, you can freely arrange skiing time.
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❄8-day itinerary in North Xinjiang:
Day 1-3
Gather in Urumqi-Sayram Lake-Urho Devil City
Day 4-6
Burqin-Kanas-Hemu
Day 7-8
Disband in Altay
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❄Highlights & Differentiated Experience:
√Bus + off-road vehicle, flexible and deep exploration of beautiful scenery
√Kanas + Hemu + Sayram Lake, connecting the most essence of winter snow scenery in North Xinjiang
√Take a cable car to the top of Jike Burlin, overlooking the powder snow paradise.
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❄Preferred Accommodation:
√Stay in the luxury RV camp at Sayram Lake, the peak season is as high as ￥3-4k/night.
You can enjoy the blue ice without going out.
Capture the beautiful sunrise and the starry sky without light pollution.
√Stay in boutique homestays in Kanas and Hemu scenic spots.
Independent bathroom, you can take a hot bath every day.
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❄
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