2025 Nilka County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

## **Xinjiang Travel Guide: Encounter West Region Charm, Explore Magnificent Landscapes** ### **🌍 Before You Go** ✅ **Best Time to Travel** - **May-October** (Northern Xinjiang's summer grasslands, Ili flower sea, Southern Xinjiang's autumn poplars) - **Winter** (Altay skiing, Kanas snow scenery) ✅ **Transportation** - **Airplane**: Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (main hub), Kashgar Airport, Yining Airport, etc. - **Train**: Xinjiang's railway network is well-developed, suitable for long-distance travel (e.g., Urumqi → Kanas) - **Self-drive/Chartered Car**: Recommended! Xinjiang is vast, self-driving offers more freedom (but be aware of speed limits on some roads) ✅ **Essential Items** - Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat (strong UV rays) - Warm clothes (large temperature difference between day and night) - ID card (Xinjiang security checks are strict, carry it with you) --- ### **🏞️ Must-See Attractions** **📍 Northern Xinjiang (Natural Scenery)** 1. **Kanas Lake**: "God's Back Garden," most beautiful in autumn 2. **Hemu Village**: Fairytale-like Tuvan village, morning mist like a wonderland 3. **Sayram Lake**: "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," azure blue lake water 4. **Nalati Grassland**: Aerial grassland, roam on horseback 5. **Duku Highway**: One of China's most beautiful highways (open from June to October) **📍 Southern Xinjiang (Culture + Desert)** 6. **Kashgar Old City**: Thousands of years of West Region charm, full of exotic atmosphere 7. **Pamir Plateau**: Muztagh Ata Peak, Panlong Ancient Road 8. **Taklamakan Desert**: Cross the "Sea of Death" 9. **Luntai Poplar Forest**: Golden ocean in October 10. **Kuqa Grand Canyon**: Red cliffs, a photographer's paradise **📍 Eastern Xinjiang (Turpan + Hami)** 11. **Flaming Mountains**: Filming location for "Journey to the West," high-temperature spectacle 12. **Grape Valley**: Taste sweet grapes, experience Uyghur customs 13. **Kumtag Desert**: The closest desert to a city --- ### **🍢 Xinjiang Food Recommendations** - **Dapanji** (Big Plate Chicken), Pepper Chicken - **Roasted Lamb Skewers**, Nang Pit Meat - **Pilaf**, Banmian (Noodles with various toppings) - **Baked Buns**, Thin-Skinned Buns - **Yogurt Rice Dumplings**, Handmade Ice Cream - **Fruits**: Hami melon, grapes, watermelon (super sweet!) --- ### **📅 Sample Itineraries** **Northern Xinjiang 7-Day Loop (Natural Scenery)** - **D1** Urumqi → Tianchi Lake → Fuyun - **D2** Koktokay → Burqin - **D3** Burqin → Kanas Lake - **D4** Kanas → Hemu Village - **D5** Hemu → Devil's City → Karamay - **D6** Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining - **D7** Nalati Grassland → Duku Highway → Urumqi **Southern Xinjiang 6-Day Highlights Tour (Culture + Desert)** - **D1** Kashgar → Baisha Lake → Karakul Lake → Taxkorgan - **D2** Panlong Ancient Road → Bandi'er Lake → Kashgar - **D3** Kashgar Old City → Id Kah Mosque → Apak Hoja Tomb - **D4** Kashgar → Hotan (visit the night market) - **D5** Hotan → Cross the Taklamakan Desert → Kuqa - **D6** Kuqa Grand Canyon → Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves → Return --- ### **⚠️ Important Notes** 1. **Strict Security Checks**: Entering and exiting shopping malls, gas stations, etc., requires ID card swiping. 2. **Time Difference**: Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but the actual schedule is 2 hours later (e.g., sunset at 22:00). 3. **Language**: Mandarin is common in Northern Xinjiang, while Uyghur is the main language in some parts of Southern Xinjiang. 4. **Respect Customs**: Do not bring outside food to halal restaurants, avoid discussing sensitive topics. 5. **Self-driving Notes**: Strict speed limits on some roads, gas stations require ID card swiping to enter. --- ### **📌 Summary** Xinjiang, a treasure land integrating snow-capped mountains, grasslands, deserts, lakes, and culture. Whether it's the stunning scenery of Northern Xinjiang or the exotic charm of Southern Xinjiang, it's worth exploring in depth! **✨ Travel Tips:** - If time is limited, prioritize Northern Xinjiang (natural scenery) or Southern Xinjiang (cultural experience). - In-depth travel is recommended for 10 days or more, self-driving/chartered cars are more flexible. - Check epidemic prevention policies in advance (reservations are required for some scenic spots). Ready to go? Xinjiang awaits your discovery! 🚗💨

Xinjiang's summer is gifted by Ili! Snow mountains, grasslands, flower seas, lakes, forests... This place is as beautiful as God's overturned palette🎨" ——Just returned from Ili, and compiled this super detailed guide, including routes, accommodation, photography, and pit avoidance guide, it is recommended to collect! 📅 Itinerary (7 days and 6 nights) Day 1: Urumqi → Yining (high-speed rail 5h) - Arrive in Yining in the afternoon, visit **Kazanqi Folk Village** (blue town, super suitable for taking pictures📸) - Dinner recommendation: **Aierkasir** (hand pilaf + baked buns are amazing!) - Accommodation: Yining city (recommended **Tumalis Grand Hotel**, convenient location) **Day 2: Yining → Sailimu Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng Lavender** - **Sailimu Lake** (self-driving/chartered car around the lake, tickets 145 yuan, must-visit spots: **Songshutou, S-bend Highway, Swan Lake**) - **Guozigou Bridge** (free, cliff location navigation "Guozigou Observation Deck Resort") - **Huocheng Lavender** (best from mid-June to early July, recommended **Princess Jieyou Farm**, tickets 35 yuan) - Accommodation: Qingshuihe Town (convenient to go to Xiata the next day) **Day 3: Huocheng → Xiata Ancient Road** - **Xiata Scenic Area** (tickets + shuttle bus 80 yuan, a paradise for hiking lovers🏔️) - How to play: Take the shuttle bus to the **Hot Spring Hotel**, then hike/ride to **Xianhuatai** - Note: It is easy to rain in the afternoon, bring a jacket! - Accommodation: Zhaosu County (recommended **Zhaosu Hotel**) **Day 4: Zhaosu → Joan Kushtai** - **Joan Kushtai** (free, but need to book in advance!) - How to play: ✅ **Back Mountain** (drive to the middle of the mountain, then ride for 1h to the top of the mountain, the view is amazing) ✅ **Wusun Ancient Road** (light hike, along the stream is super healing) - Accommodation: Joan Kushtai Village (recommended **Shanye Homestay**, but it is difficult to book in peak season, you can stay in a yurt) **Day 5: Joan Kushtai → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes** - **Kalajun Grassland** (all-area ticket 275 yuan, "Human Body Grassland" is super shocking) - Go to **Tekes Bagua City** in the evening (drone aerial photography is super cool, Ferris wheel night view is average) - Accommodation: Tekes (recommended **Wanbang International Hotel**) **Day 6: Tekes → Nalati Grassland** - **Nalati Grassland** (self-driving 300 yuan/person, recommended **Air Grassland + River Valley Grassland**) - The internet celebrity bridge location is at the **Nomadic People** station, go early to queue up! - Accommodation: Nalati Town (recommended **Natila Yinqi Caolu Homestay**) **Day 7: Nalati → Duku Highway North Section → Urumqi** - **Duku Highway** (open from June to September, experiencing four seasons along the way❄️→🌿) - Must-stop spots: **Qiaerma Martyrs Cemetery, Hashlegen Daban (playing in the snow)** - Return to Urumqi in the evening and end the trip 🍖 Food recommendations ✅ **Yining City**: - **Aierkasir**: Hand pilaf, baked buns - **Gulan Danm Ice Cream**: Century-old shop, original flavor 9 yuan - **Liuxing Street**: Liuba Russian Rye Bread House ✅ **On the grassland**: - Lamb skewers (freshly slaughtered lamb, 5-10 yuan/skewer) - Kazakh milk tea (salty, with baursaki) 🚗 Transportation advice 1️⃣ **Chartered car/self-driving**: - Ili attractions are scattered, it is recommended that 4 people share a car (about 1000 yuan/day) - Only vehicles with 7 seats or less are allowed on the Duku Highway 2️⃣ **Money-saving method**: - Urumqi → Yining by high-speed rail (128 yuan), and sign up for a small group locally 3️⃣ **Note**: - Xinjiang has strict speed limits, don't speed when driving! - Gas stations require ID cards, passengers get off and wait 📸 Photo spots 1️⃣ **Sailimu Lake**: White dress + straw hat, take a "Little Switzerland" feel 2️⃣ **Joan Kushtai Back Mountain**: The light is soft in the evening, riding a horse is super cool 3️⃣ **Nalati Internet Celebrity Bridge**: No one before 10 am, take pictures as you like ### **⚠️ Pit Avoidance Guide** 1️⃣ **Weather**: The grassland weather is changeable, bring a **jacket + raincoat** 2️⃣ **Sunscreen**: Super strong ultraviolet rays, SPF50+ sunscreen is a must 3️⃣ **Accommodation**: Book Joan Kushtai and Nalati 1 month in advance during peak season! 4️⃣ **Cash**: Some grasslands have no signal, prepare 500 yuan in cash

I. Seasonal Weather and Clothing Guide (Focus on Spring and Summer) 1️⃣. Climate Characteristics Northern Xinjiang: Extreme temperature differences between day and night (20-35°C during day, 5-15°C at night), Ili Valley is humid and rainy, Kanas area is cool in summer Southern Xinjiang: Dry with little rain (extreme summer temperatures can reach 40°C), smaller day-night temperature difference than Northern Xinjiang 2️⃣. Spring/Summer (May-August) Clothing Guide Scenarios and Recommended Gear Daily Sightseeing: Short-sleeve + sun protection clothing/light jacket, quick-dry pants/long skirt (UV protection), breathable sports shoes Mountain Areas/Morning & Evening: 3-in-1 jacket/light down jacket, fleece liner, windproof scarf (essential for Kanas and Xata) Special Scenarios: Waterproof snow boots (Sayram Lake snow melting period), sun protection arm sleeves (Devil City Gobi), raincoat (Ili showers) Essential Accessories: UV400 sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, moisturizing skincare products (Xinjiang is extremely dry) II. Core Attractions Analysis of Northern Xinjiang + Ili ■ Northern Xinjiang Scenic Corridor Kanas (5A Level) Features: Three Bays (Moon/Fairy/Dragon) morning mist, Fish-Viewing Pavilion panorama, Baihaba border village Seasonal recommendation: Wildflowers in June, autumn colors in September, summer Tuva family visits Hemu Village Highlights✨: Wooden house stargazing spots, Harden Platform sunrise, horseback riding through birch forest Hidden experiences: Milky Way photography at 3am, autumn morning mist photography Keketuohai Geological wonders: Shenzhong Mountain granite peak, No.3 Mine pit (Merit Mine), Irtysh Grand Canyon hiking Tips: Recommended to combine with hot spring hotel experience World Ghost City Photography timing: 🌄2 hours before sunset (golden yardang landforms) Combined tour recommendation: Karamay Hundred-Mile Oil Field landscape Ili Grassland Matrix Sayram Lake (Lake Circuit Guide) East bank: Genghis Khan's Command Post (panoramic position) South bank: Swan Lake, S-curve road photo spot West bank: Songshu Trail (overlooking Guozigou Bridge) Nalati Grassland Route options: Sky Grassland route (popular bridge photo spot) River Valley Grassland route (Kazakh cultural experience) Panlong Valley route (self-driving exclusive) Xata Ancient Road In-depth experience: Hike to Flower Platform (June), close view of Muzart Glacier Note: Advance horse team booking required, hiking poles recommended Kurdening/Qiaxi Comparison: Kurdening: King Spruce + Heritage Exhibition Center (educational) Qiaxi: Best value with 30 yuan entrance fee, self-driving friendly III. Classic Itinerary Planning (8-12 days) Plan A: Northern Xinjiang Panoramic Circuit (10 days) Day 1: Home - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - passing Ulungur Lake - Colorful Beach - Burqin Day 3: Burqin - Kanas Lake - Kanas Three Bays - Hemu Day 4: Hemu - Ahe Highway (subject to opening) - passing Tuole Great Grassland - Tongba Forest - Wuxilike - Altay Day 5: Altay - Urho Ghost City - Kuitun Day 6: Kuitun - Sayram Lake circuit drive - Dopamine Six-star Street - Yining Day 7: Yining - Qiaxi - Xinyuan Day 8: Xinyuan - Nalati Sky Grassland - Nalati Day 9: Nalati - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Duku Highway - Urumqi Day 10: Urumqi - Departure point Alternative route if Duku Highway is closed: Day 8: Nalati - Nalati Sky Grassland - Jinghe Day 9: Jinghe - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Urumqi Plan B: Ili In-depth Tour (8 days) Day 1: Departure point - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Sayram Lake stroll - Sayram Lake sunset - Sayram Lake East Gate Day 3: Second Sayram Lake drive - in-depth lake circuit - Guozigou Hanging Rock - Dopamine Six-star Street - Yining Day 4: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xata - Zhaosu Day 5: Zhaosu - Qiafuqihai - Kurdening - Nalati River Valley Grassland - Nalati Day 6: Nalati - Nalati Sky Grassland drive - Tangbula Day 7: Tangbula - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Duku Highway - Urumqi Day 8: Urumqi - Departure point IV. Practical Tips 🪪Document Management: Carry ID card at all times (numerous checkpoints) Border permits required for Baihaba/Xata (obtain from hometown or Burqin) 🚘Transportation Recommendations: Prefer 6-person small groups (comfortable vehicle + local driver) Duku Highway/Yizhao Highway limited to vehicles under 7 seats Cultural Taboos: No shorts in mosques, don't point at Muslims Don't trespass fences at nomad homes, ask permission before photographing people Special Notes: Scenic area price reference: Hemu horseback riding 80-150 yuan/hour, Sayram Lake sailing 120 yuan/person Drone flights need advance registration (No-fly zones in Nalati/Baisha Lake) V. Four-Season Travel Calendar Month Northern Xinjiang Highlights Ili Highlights Mar-Apr: Keketuohai ice melt observation, Turgen Apricot Valley bloom May-Jun: Kanas Lake ice breaking period, Sayram Lake wildflowers + Huocheng lavender Jul-Aug: Hemu summer retreat/river rafting, Zhaosu rapeseed fields + Xata hiking golden period Sep-Oct: Kanas autumn scenery + Baihaba morning mist, Nalati golden autumn pasture + pre-closure Duku Highway

This 10-day itinerary for Northern Xinjiang–Urumqi is sure to please every travel enthusiast. With unique scenery, diverse cuisine, and countless surprises, this journey is waiting to be discovered! -- Itinerary 🗺️: D1-D2: Arrive in Urumqi and enjoy a half-day city stroll. The next day, depart for Altay City, driving along the desert highway where you might encounter wildlife🐾. D3-D4: Depart from Altay City to Kanas Tuwa Village, passing through Hemu Scenic Area along the way. Enjoy the sunrise and sunset🌄, and spend the night in a Tuwa village cabin, listening to the unique legend of the Kanas Lake monster🏞️. D5-D6: Head to Karamay and admire the scenery of the oil city🏭. The next day, take a self-drive boat trip⛵️ around Sayram Lake and enjoy the pink sunset🌆 at the edge of the scenic area in the evening. D7-D8: Depart from Sayram Lake to the Xueling Spruce Meadow, passing through the Nalati Grassland. Experience the freedom of walking on the grassland🌱, accompanied by the picturesque scenery of the "Hundred-Mile Gallery." D9-D10: Depart for Urumqi, experiencing the change of seasons. Upon returning to Urumqi, enjoy a half-day city stroll🚶. The next day, conclude your Xinjiang journey with airport/station transfer☺️. -- Some tips: 1️⃣ Airport Transportation: The main transportation hub in Northern Xinjiang is Urumqi. The airport is not far from the city center, and buses, taxis, and subways are readily available. It generally takes about half an hour to reach the city center.🚕💨 2️⃣ March Climate: Spring in Urumqi is still as cold as winter, especially at night, when temperatures can even drop below zero. Be sure to bring warm clothing!🧥🧣 3️⃣ Local Customs: The people of Xinjiang are warm and hospitable. Respecting local customs, especially the dietary habits of ethnic minorities, is essential. Avoid wasting food.🍛🍇 4️⃣ Prices of Local Specialties: Xinjiang is abundant in fruits, and prices fluctuate slightly. Fresh fruits like passion fruit and figs are reasonably priced and offer great value. For dried fruits, it's recommended to visit established markets and don't forget to bargain!💰🍈🍷 -- Having traveled far and wide, we're here to meet the wonderful you: Urumqi, we await your return for the next journey!✨️

Northern Xinjiang attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and rich ethnic culture. The following are some famous attractions in northern Xinjiang: 1. Kanas Scenic Area: Known as the "paradise on earth", the lake is crystal clear and the mountains are stacked, like a natural ink painting. This is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, where you can capture beautiful images whether it is sunrise or sunset, or the changing of seasons. Kanas Lake is also famous for the "Kanas Lake Monster", which adds a touch of mystery to the scenic area. 2. Hemu Village: A primitive and peaceful village where the houses are all built with logs and exude a faint wood fragrance. In the early morning, when the first ray of sunlight falls on the village and curls of smoke rise, a beautiful picture of a peaceful and quiet life comes into view. Hemu Village is also the concentrated residence of Tuvan people, where tourists can experience the unique Tuvan culture. 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Warm home-Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi-Tianshan Tianchi-Fuyun Day 3: Fuyun-Keketuohai-Wucaitan-Burqin Day 4: Burqin-Kanas Sanwan-Hemu Day 5: Hemu-Hemu Chenxi-Yunxiao Peak-Burqin Day 6: Burqin-Devil City-Kuitun Day 7: Kuitun-Sai Limu Lake Ring-Yining Day 8: Yining-Yizhao Highway-Xiata-Zhaosu Day 9: Zhaosu-Qiongkushitai-Tekes Day 10: Tekes-Nalati Sky Grassland-Bayinbuluke Day 11: Bayinbuluke-Dukku Highway-Urumqi Day 12: Urumqi-Warm home 3. Sai Limu Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", the lake water is pure and deep blue, as if it can cleanse the soul. There is a vast grassland beside the lake, with wild flowers in full bloom and herds of cattle and sheep, forming a harmonious pastoral picture. Visitors can ride horses on the grassland here, or sit quietly by the lake and enjoy the tranquility and comfort. 4. Tianshan Tianchi: Located in Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, the lake has clear water and is surrounded by lush spruce and wild plants. Visitors can take a cruise on the lake or hike up the mountain to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. 5. Wucai Beach: It is famous for its Yardang landform, unique hilly geology and brilliant and fantastic colors. Here, visitors can see red rocks, yellow sand and green vegetation intertwined together to form a colorful picture. On the other side of the river is a dense forest of poplars. The golden leaves sparkle in the sunlight, which is breathtakingly beautiful. 6. Keketuohai Scenic Area: Located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, it is a comprehensive tourist resort integrating natural landscapes such as canyons, rivers, lakes, and forests. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent canyon scenery, clear rivers and lakes, lush forest vegetation and other beautiful scenery, and can also participate in various outdoor sports such as rafting and hiking. 🍩【Must-eat food】: Big plate chicken + baked buns + lamb skewers + roasted whole lamb + hand-pulled rice + grilled fish 🏨【Accommodation guide】: Ctrip Four Diamond + Golden B&B = Century-old cabin 🚌【Transportation guide】: Seven-seater business car or luxury seven-seater 🧡【tips】: 1. Respect local customs and habits: Northern Xinjiang is mainly composed of Uyghurs and Kazakhs. When entering ethnic minority gathering areas, tourists should maintain a friendly attitude and respect their religious beliefs and living habits. For example, Muslims do not eat pork, so avoid mentioning or showing pork products in front of them. 2. Pay attention to sun protection and moisturizing: Some areas in Xinjiang are at high altitudes and have strong ultraviolet rays. Tourists should bring sun protection products such as sunscreen, sunglasses and sun hats. At the same time, due to the dry climate in northern Xinjiang, tourists also need to bring moisturizing skin care products and try not to wear contact lenses. 3. Keep warm: There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening in northern Xinjiang. Tourists should add clothes according to the weather conditions. Adjust the air conditioner to a suitable temperature when sleeping at night. Avoid being too cold or not covering yourself with a quilt to prevent physical discomfort. 4. Pay attention to food hygiene: There are abundant fruits and vegetables in northern Xinjiang. Tourists should be careful to prevent diarrhea when eating. In addition, northern Xinjiang cuisine is mainly beef and mutton. The prices are slightly higher but the portions are large. Please order in moderation to avoid waste.

【Introduction】: Located in the northwest of Xinjiang, Ili is known as the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall." It boasts a rich variety of natural landscapes and cultural attractions, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and canyons. Here are some must-see attractions in Ili: ⛺【Must-See Attractions】: Day 1: Home - Grand Bazaar - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - S101 National Defense Highway - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Jinghe Day 3: Jinghe - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Lavender - Liuxing Street - Yining Day 4: Yining - Kalajun Grassland - Tekes Day 5: Tekes - Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery - Fairy Lake - Xinyuan Day 6: Xinyuan - Nalati Grassland - Bayinbuluke Day 7: Bayinbuluke - Duku Highway - Urumqi Day 8: Urumqi - Home 1. Nalati Grassland: As one of the world's four largest alpine valley grasslands, Nalati Grassland is famous for its three-dimensional grassland landscape. In summer, wildflowers bloom all over the mountains, while in winter, the grassland is covered in snow. Visitors can enjoy activities such as horseback riding and visiting Kazakh families. The Sky Grassland Viewing Platform is the perfect spot to overlook the stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains and grasslands. 2. Sayram Lake: Although Sayram Lake is located in Bortala, it is a key attraction on the Ili loop. The lake water changes color with the light, displaying shades of blue and green. In June, the golden lotus flowers bloom by the lake, and in winter, you can see the spectacular ice push phenomenon. Cycling around the lake and stargazing camping are highly recommended experiences. 3. Kalajun Grassland: This UNESCO World Natural Heritage site is famous for its human-like grassland curves. In May and June, the Flower Terrace transforms into a colorful carpet, while the Falcon Terrace offers a distant view of the main peak of the Tianshan Mountains. The Crocodile Bay in the Koksu Grand Canyon is a geological wonder. 4. Tekes Bagua City: This is the world's largest ancient city with a Bagua layout, a mysterious city without traffic lights. Visitors can take a Ferris wheel ride to overlook the streets resembling the Eight Trigrams of the I Ching. The Lijie Folk Custom Area is full of Uyghur charm, making it perfect for drone photography. 5. Ili River Scenic Area: The Ili River, a major river in Central Asia, flows through the city. The sunset over the Ili River Bridge is known as the "most beautiful sunset in the Western Regions." The Wetland Park is a great place for birdwatching, and you can also enjoy ethnic song and dance performances by the river. In winter, swans inhabit the area, showcasing the beauty of a vibrant ecosystem. 🍩【Must-Try Food】: 1. Local Snacks: Milk tea, pilaf, noodle soup, flavored buns (including baked buns, pan-fried buns, and thin-skinned buns), Naren (a grassland-style noodle dish), spicy pot, and blood sausage are all local specialties. Among them, noodle soup is a Hui people's delicacy with excellent color, aroma, and taste, while Naren is a unique dish of the Xibe people, known for its delicious flavor. 2. Fruits and Specialties: Ili is also famous for its various fruits, honey products, famous wines, deer antlers, and snow lotus. Especially the apples in Ili, known as the "hometown of apples," offer a wide variety of apples for visitors to taste. 3. Traditional Flavors: Stuffed lung and stuffed rice sausage are traditional Uyghur snacks, soft, tender, and delicious. Smoked horse sausage is a top-quality smoked meat, with a rich aroma and long shelf life. 4. Specialty Drinks: In addition to milk tea and kumis, the Russian-style drink Kvass, unique to Yining, is also worth trying. It tastes a bit like honey-flavored beer, appetizing and intoxicating. 🏨【Accommodation Guide】: Trip.com 4-Diamond and Classic Homestays 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Customized according to guest needs (7/9/14/16/21/25/35 seats) 🧡【Tips】: 1. Clothing: Ili's climate is mostly dry, with long sunshine hours and a rainy season concentrated in June and July. The temperature difference between day and night is large, so in summer, pay attention to sun protection and warmth. 2. Safety: Ili offers many interesting tourist activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, and photography. Visitors can choose suitable activities based on their interests, but safety should be a priority. 3. Environmental Protection: During the tour, visitors should protect the ecological environment and avoid damaging vegetation and cultural relics. 4. Itinerary Planning: It is recommended to plan the itinerary reasonably based on the opening hours of attractions and traffic conditions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience. Dushanzi Grand Canyon Sayram Lake·Bole Guozigou Bridge Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden Liuxing Street, Yining Kalajun Scenic Area Tangbula Grassland Nalati Tourist Scenic Area Bayinbuluke Scenic Area Duku Highway

Duku Highway, the miraculous road that traverses the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, is a paradise for self-driving enthusiasts. Here is my travel guide for the Duku Highway: 🏞️Scenic Overview: Nalati Grassland: Vast and boundless, filled with wildflowers, it's a natural beauty on the Duku Highway that you can't miss. Bayinbuluke Grassland: The winding sunset with its nine bends and eighteen turns is picturesque and a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Xiaolong and Dalong Pools: Alpine lakes surrounded by snow-capped mountains, resembling a fairyland. Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon: The billion-year-old Yadan landform is mysterious and awe-inspiring. 🚗Travel Tips: Self-driving: Recommended for vehicles with seven seats or fewer, and be mindful of the speed limits throughout the journey. Opening Time: From June to October each year, subject to weather conditions and official notifications. ❗️Precautions: Safe Driving: Some sections of the Duku Highway are treacherous, so drive safely and avoid nighttime driving. Warm Clothing: The high-altitude areas have lower temperatures, so prepare enough warm clothing. Environmental Awareness: Do not litter along the way and protect the natural environment. 🏠Accommodation Recommendations: Nalati Town: Multiple homestays and hotels are available, making it convenient to visit Nalati Grassland. Bayinbuluke Town: The accommodation conditions are relatively mature, and you can book in advance. 📷Best Photo Spots: Duku Highway Starting Stone: A must-visit spot for self-driving on the Duku Highway. Hashilegen Daban: The highest pass on the Duku Highway, offering magnificent snow mountain views. Xiaolong and Dalong Pools: The perfect blend of lakes, snow mountains, and grasslands, making it an ideal photography background. 📢Hey, let me tell you about the member benefits of trip.com during your travels, it's really awesome! ⚠️How to Use Trip Coins? These are the membership points of trip.com. Every time you book a hotel, flight, or buy a gift card, you can accumulate Trip Coins. Once you have accumulated enough, you can use them as cash for your next booking, saving you a lot of money! I've used them many times and saved thousands! ⚠️Free Airport Lounge Experience, Isn't That Great? This is an exclusive benefit for premium members! Once you become a Platinum or Diamond member, you can redeem free airport lounge services. You can have a quiet and comfortable place to wait at the airport, with free food and drinks! ⚠️No Refund Fees for Train Tickets, More Flexible Travel? That's right! Sometimes plans change, and you need to refund your train ticket, but the fees can be painful. However, with train tickets booked on trip.com, members can refund without fees, making your travel plans more flexible! ⚠️Priority Customer Service Support, Quick Problem Solving? Of course, it's fast! Trip.com members can enjoy priority customer service support, getting quicker responses and solutions to your problems. This makes your travel more worry-free! In short, the member benefits of trip.com are really amazing, you should give it a try!

Mengke Ancient Trail: A Breathtaking Fairyland Journey! 😲What kind of place is this, how can it be so beautiful! Mengke Ancient Trail, it's truly a killer! Coming to Xinjiang, this has become the place that surprised me the most, it's simply stunning, I love it! For friends who like beautiful scenery with fewer people, hurry up and go! In a few years, when more people come, the experience will be different! 📍Navigate to Mengke Ancient Trail Scenic Area, you will encounter the Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery on the way, with picturesque scenery all the way, it's breathtaking. 🎫Ticket information: Pay and buy tickets after signing the commitment letter. 200 yuan per car, 50 yuan for each additional person. Shuttle bus 30 yuan per person. After buying the ticket, you can drive into the scenic area. The front part is a smooth paved road, and the back part is an ordinary hardened dirt road, but driving in is no problem. Visitors' cars can drive up to the Snowfield Hot Spring point. There is only one road in the scenic area, no need for any strategy. When you see beautiful scenery, find a place to park your car and rush over. Everywhere is beautiful, as long as you are willing, you can take great photos anywhere. There is a small hot spring at the terminal, where many elderly people soak their feet. There are also mutton skewers made from fresh mutton by herdsmen, which are very tender. Further up, you can only ride a horse or hike. There is a campsite under construction near the Stone Forest, where you can consider staying in tents and RVs, the prices are quite reasonable. Highly recommend to all friends coming to Xinjiang, especially those who like niche attractions, you must come here! It's really surprising, photos can't capture even half of its beauty. Sitting by the stream, listening to the babbling water, watching cattle and sheep graze leisurely, basking in the warm sunlight, the feeling of comfort is indescribable! It's best to set off early in the morning, allowing five or six hours for Mengke, so you can enjoy every place. I entered the scenic area at four in the afternoon and didn't come out until eleven at night, and I still hadn't had enough! ps: There is no signal in the scenic area, but with such beautiful scenery, you will definitely not be bored. You can't take enough photos! It's best to bring some cash, in case you want to eat skewers or ride a horse!

Xinjiang flights are so expensive! Of course, you should visit both Northern and Southern Xinjiang in one go 😏 👉 This route takes a total of 13 days (including 2 days for round-trip transportation and 1 flexible day 🉑 for adjustments), covering the Northern Xinjiang Ili Loop ➕ Southern Xinjiang Kashgar/Pamir Plateau ⛰️ Suitable for those with tight schedules who want to check off both Northern and Southern Xinjiang in one go 💖 Not for special forces❗ Not for special forces❗ Not for special forces❗ Important things are said three times! 【📸 13-day Northern ➕ Southern Xinjiang Route】 (Route map on p2) Day 1: Various locations → Urumqi, stay in Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi → Kuitun, via S101 National Defense Highway, stay in Kuitun Day 3: Kuitun → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Yining, stay in Yining Day 4: Yining → Tekes → Kalajun, stay in Kalajun Grassland Cabin Day 5: Kalajun Hiking → Tekes, stay in Tekes Day 6: Tekes → Nalati, stay in Nalati Day 7: Deep tour of three routes in Nalati Grassland, stay in Nalati Town Day 8: Nalati → Kuqa, via the southern section of Duku Highway (super beautiful!), stay in Kuqa Day 9: Flexible day in Kuqa (prices here are super low!) or continue the journey, stay in Kuqa Day 10: Kuqa → Kashgar, stay in Kashgar Day 11: Kashgar → Glacier Park → White Sand Lake → Tashkurgan, stay in Tashkurgan Day 12: Tashkurgan → Kashgar, stay in Kashgar Day 13: Kashgar → Various locations 【⚠️ Route Notes】 ❶ In Xinjiang, it gets dark around 10:30 PM, the time difference will affect your schedule, and the attractions are far apart with long journeys, so be sure to leave a flexible day for adjustments❗ ❷ If you feel tired during the trip, you can rest in Kuqa on Day 9. The reason for recommending Kuqa is: prices here are really low 😭, I booked a four-star hotel with buffet breakfast and lunch 🍜 for 290R. This is the birthplace of 'Naan', and there are many nearby attractions, making it a good place for a mid-journey rest 🌿 ❸ S101 National Defense Highway: Worth a visit! Here's a navigation route for you 👉 'Urumqi → Qigu Bridge → Hundred Mile Danxia → Kentes Reservoir → Lujiaowan → Anjihai Grand Canyon', you can choose attractions based on time and road conditions, and if you encounter road closures, you can directly get on the highway❗ ❹ Day 3 Sayram Lake ➕ Guozigou is highly recommended ❤️ If you have enough time, it's suggested to stay for 2 days, if only 1 day, be sure to start early as the journey is long❗ ❺ Note ⚠️ For the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform, be sure to navigate to 'Guozigou Viewing Resort' to reach it, otherwise, you will directly get on the highway 🛣️ ❻ Kalajun is the pinnacle in my heart, it's recommended to stay for 2 days 🙈 But make sure to open it correctly ⭕ 👣 On the first day, go directly to 'Jiasagan' and stay in a grassland cabin or yurt 👣 On the second day, hike from Flower Terrace → Falcon Terrace (highly recommended❗), about 5/6 km, mostly boardwalk, beginner-friendly, be sure to bring a raincoat and wear a windbreaker ❼ Nalati is beautiful, but crowded 😥 Self-driving is 🉑, if you take the sightseeing bus, it's not recommended ❌ The internet-famous bridge is really hard to rate ❽ Kashgar → Kuqa can be chosen by train/plane Limited space, specific car rental ➕ transportation guide in the next article 😭

Xinjiang's summer has no rival in China! Isn't it an exaggeration to say that🤩? Especially from June to August is the most beautiful period Mountains of flowers, snowy lakes, forest🌳 cabins, meadows with flocks of sheep 📸 Incredibly picturesque check-in spots 🎀 Sayram Lake: Wildflowers💐 bloom on the grasslands around the lake, complementing the azure waters under the snowy mountains, with no end in sight. 🎀 Nalati Grassland in the Sky: A verdant green🍃, dotted with wildflowers, river valleys, mountain peaks⛰️, deep gorges, and forests reflecting each other, where you can also ride horses, dress up for photos, and see many cute sheep🐑. 🎀 Duku Highway: It runs through the Tianshan Mountains from north to south, experiencing the changes of the four seasons in one day, and three-quarters of Xinjiang's scenery can be seen here. 🎀 Shat Ancient Trail: Grasslands, forests, glaciers, seas of flowers, the end of the forest is the glacier and snowy mountains, the scenery here is refreshing! 👔 Yili Temperature & Clothing Recommendations From June to September, the summer is a bit hot☀️, it is recommended to wear short sleeves and shorts, you can also bring some thin coats to cope with the temperature difference in the morning and evening, don't forget to bring sunglasses🕶️ and sunscreen, protect your skin! 🌟Essential items Documents: ID card, driver's license, student ID, etc. Personal items: Sunscreen, moisturizing skincare products, daily toiletries Clothing: Coats, thick jackets, knitwear, sweaters, base shirts, casual pants, flat shoes, sports shoes Others: Masks, tripods, daily medicines, sunglasses, etc. 🥢Xinjiang Specialty Cuisine Chicken dishes: Pepper chicken, big plate chicken, spicy chicken Lamb dishes: Lamb skewers, roasted meat with red willow branches, pot meat, spicy lamb trotters, rack of lamb, roasted kidneys, roasted whole lamb Staple food: Fried rice noodles, pilaf, mixed noodles, naan Drinks: Kvass, Wusu beer, yogurt, camel milk 💕Little tips: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is significant, so be sure to prepare thick clothes for unexpected needs Xinjiang is vast, and some scenic spots require walking, so choosing a pair of suitable sports shoes is very important Xinjiang's ultraviolet radiation is strong, be sure to remember to prepare sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sun hats, etc.

🚗For those who want to come to Xinjiang from May to August: The consumption in Xinjiang will be higher than that in other cities, so if you don’t make a guide, you will really encounter a lot of pitfalls. When you go to Xinjiang for the first time, you must sum up everything and be prepared! Today, I will share these experiences and lessons for everyone to use as a reference! !I hope the sisters who are about to travel to Xinjiang can avoid lightning in time! I wish the sisters have a good time! 🙅If you are afraid that you will step into pitfalls when you come to Xinjiang, you can save it first. Although it cannot be said that you can avoid 100% of pitfalls, it is still possible to avoid 80-90% of troubles. Travel novices can rest assured to save it! All girls planning to go to Xinjiang from May to August should listen to my advice.. 😃Summer is the most beautiful season in Xinjiang. Those who plan to come to Xinjiang this year are in luck~ After staying in Xinjiang for 6 years, I compiled this super comprehensive "Xinjiang" guide today. It is recommended to collect it and copy the homework! ⚠Transportation upon arrival in Xinjiang ✈Airplane: Urumqi Diwopu Airport To get to the city, you can take the airport bus for 10 yuan, a taxi for 45 yuan, or take subway line 1. 🔅Kashgar Airport: Kashgar International Airport It's very close to the city. A taxi is 13 yuan (when taking a taxi, be careful not to negotiate with the driver, just ask him to use the meter. Especially at night, many drivers will ask for random prices. You won't lose money if you insist on using the meter) 🚅Train: You can take bus or ZFB taxi from Urumqi Station or Urumqi South Station to the city 〽Tips: It is recommended to go to Urumqi Station first. As the transportation hub of Xinjiang, Urumqi has convenient transportation. Regardless of group tour or self-driving, almost all bus sources depart from here. 🚘Self-driving: Suitable for experienced drivers who have enough time and rich driving experience, and wealthy people who are not afraid of fines for traffic violations 🚌Chartered car: High degree of freedom in itinerary, you can stop and go at any time, but the cost of chartering a car to travel in Xinjiang during the peak tourist season is indeed not low. 🌄【Inventory of Xinjiang Attractions】ㅤ 1️⃣Urumqi: Tianshan Tianchi, Hongshan Park, and International Grand Bazaar are waiting for you to exploreㅤ 2️⃣Kanas: Colorful Beach, Cocotuo Sea, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, Devil City, every place is picturesqueㅤ 3️⃣Ili: Sailimu Lake, Nalati Grassland, Xiata Ancient Road, Kalajun, Tangbula, Duku Highway, self-driving paradise is waiting for you to challengeㅤ 4️⃣Bazhou: Bayinbuluke, Bosten Lake, Luobu Village, experience different ethnic customsㅤ 5️⃣Southern Xinjiang: Kashgar Old City, Wensu Grand Canyon, Kuqa Grand Canyon, Pamir Plateau, Hotan, feel the mystery and depth of Southern Xinjiang 🏠【Accommodation Tips】ㅤ The peak season in Xinjiang is from June to October, and rooms are tight and prices are high. It is recommended to plan your trip and book accommodation in advance to avoid having no room to stay in the local area! Of course, prices in the off-season are relatively affordable, so you can compare prices and environment online to choose accommodation that suits you. 🍲【Food Recommendations】ㅤ Xinjiang’s delicacies are definitely not to be missed! 🍛ㅤ 🥢Xinjiang grilled buns: crispy on the outside, tender and juicy mutton fillingㅤ 🥢Crock Pork: An exquisite version of braised mutton, deliciousㅤ 🥢Red willow skewers: Large skewers of mutton, tender and juicyㅤ 🥢Big Plate Chicken: Authentic Xinjiang taste, the chicken is fresh and tender, and the potatoes are soft and glutinousㅤ 🥢Hand-picked rice: a perfect combination of mutton and rice, full of aroma ㅤ 🥢Stir-fried spicy mutton: The mutton is tender, juicy, full of spiciness, and endless aftertaste 😎The distances between various tourist attractions in Xinjiang are long, the territory is vast, and transportation back and forth is inconvenient. For Baozi who is visiting Xinjiang for the first time, it is recommended to sign up for a small local tour group. You can enjoy all the delicious food and fun in one place. You don’t have to worry about transportation, accommodation and tickets, they are all provided. After making arrangements, just play with the local experienced driver🥳🥳

The 8-day pure play travel guide. The combination of culture and natural scenery in Southern Xinjiang can be described as perfect. Visiting Kashgar allows you to experience the local customs of Xinjiang and see different beautiful landscapes, with the core being the Pamir Plateau. The main features are not flora, but the vast and magnificent snow mountains, lakes, rivers, and landforms... Suggested Itinerary: D1: Departure place - Urumqi D2: Urumqi - en route Wind Power Station - passing by Xinjiang Salt Lake Scenic Area - Korla D3: Korla - Loulan Village - Resitan Street - Kuqa D4: Kuqa - Flaming Spring - Xinjiang Tianshan Tumor Scenic Area·Grand Canyon - Aksu D5: Aksu - Kashgar Old Town - Kashgar D6: Kashgar - White Sand Lake - Muztagh Glacier Park - Golden Beach - Stone City - Taxkorgan D7: Taxkorgan - Panlong Ancient Path - Bandier Lake - Muztagh Peak - Karakul Lake Scenic Area - Kashgar D8: Kashgar - Warm Home Travel Tips: 🔸There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening, so bring seasonal clothes as well as some thick clothes 🔸When going to the Pamir Plateau, be prepared for wind protection and warmth, especially since the Panlong Ancient Path can be quite windy and sandy 🔸Panlong Ancient Path might cause motion sickness, so it's advisable to prepare some motion sickness medicine 🔸The altitude of the Pamir Plateau is high, be aware of altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise

Where to go for the holiday? It must be Xinjiang. With snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, grasslands, and more, the scenery is truly diverse. Especially in summer, the grasslands and snow mountains appear in the same frame, resembling scenes from an animated world. Itinerary D1: From all over the country to Urumqi D2: Urumqi → Heavenly Lake of Tianshan → Fuyun D3: Fuyun → Keketuohai → Burqin D4: Burqin → Kanas Lake → Jiadengyu D5: Jiadengyu → Roaming Hemu → Stay in Hemu D6: Hemu → Wuerhe D7: Wuerhe → Devil City → Jinghe D8: Jinghe → Sailimu Lake - Sailing Experience → Kaxgar → Yining D9: Yining → Qiongkushitai → Xinyuan D10: Xinyuan → Nalati Air Grassland → Nalati Town D11: Nalati → Duku Highway → Martyrs' Cemetery D12: Return flight from Urumqi 【tips】 1. Some areas in Xinjiang have poor signal, it is recommended to carry cash 2. There is a large temperature difference between morning and evening in Xinjiang, it is advisable to bring a coat 3. Some areas in Xinjiang are dry, be sure to drink plenty of water to avoid bleeding from dryness. 4. In Xinjiang, goods are sold by the kilogram

Sayram Lake is the highest-altitude, largest, and most scenic alpine lake in Xinjiang. It is also the last place cherished by the warm and humid Atlantic air currents, hence the saying that it is 'the last tear of the Atlantic'. The summer season is the perfect time to visit Sayram Lake, and for friends who want to play at Sayram Lake, this travel guide is highly recommended. Like and save it, and you'll definitely not get lost! 🌺Recommended Itinerary: 🎉A: 7-Day Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop 🎄D1: Urumqi - Colorful Beach - Burqin 🎄D2: Burqin - Kanas 🎄D3: Jiadengyu - Hemu 🎄D4: Hemu - Urho Ghost City - Urho 🎄D5: Urho - Sayram Lake - Yining/Qingshui River 🎄D6: Yining/Qingshui River - Nalati - Bayanbulak 🎄D7: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi 🎉B: 8-Day Grand Northern Xinjiang Loop 🎄D1: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Fuyun/Koktokay. 🎄D2: Fuyun/Koktokay - Koktokay - Colorful Beach - Burqin 🎄D3: Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu 🎄D4: Jiadengyu - Hemu 🎄D5: Hemu - Ghost City - Urho 🎄D6: Urho - Sayram Lake - Yining 🎄D7: Yining - Nalati Grassland in the Sky - Bayanbulak 🎄D8: Bayanbulak - Duku Highway - Urumqi

Duku Highway: It is the southern section of National Highway 217 that connects the north and south of Xinjiang, also known as the Tianshan Highway. Sayram Lake: It is the last place in Xinjiang where the warm and humid air currents of the Atlantic Ocean linger, known as 'the last teardrop of the Atlantic'. Naraty: It integrates grasslands, valleys, and forests, with a high vegetation coverage and rich wildlife resources. 10-Day Itinerary in Northern Xinjiang along the Duku Highway: D1 Home - Urumqi D2 Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - S21 Gurbantunggut Desert - Pass by Wulungu Lake - Burqin Night Market D3 Burqin - Kanas - Wolong Bay - Moon Bay - Fairy Bay - Jiadengyu D4 Jiadengyu - Hemu Tuwa Village - Hemu Viewing Platform - Hemu D5 Hemu - Wuerhe Devil City - Karamay D6 Karamay - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Lavender Farm - Yining City D7 Yining City - Kazanqi Six-Star Street - Qaxi National Forest Park - Naraty Town D8 Naraty - Naraty Sky Grassland - Xinyuan D9 Xinyuan - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Jor Madan Pass - Duku Highway - Urumqi D10 Urumqi - Home

May and June are the best months for tourism in Xinjiang. Snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, streams can be seen everywhere, and flowers in the fields sway in the wind from time to time. But in addition to grasslands, Yili also has cold black canyons, colorful lakes, and vast deserts. Pack your luggage and start a colorful trip to Yili. [Yili Loop | 8 days and 7 nights in-depth tour]: D1: Arrive in Urumqi → Pick up at the airport → Free activities → Accommodation D2: Urumqi → S101 National Defense Highway → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Sailimu Lake D3: Guozigou Bridge → Lavender Manor → Kazanqi National Village → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu D4: Xiata Tourist Area→Tekes Bagua City D5: Tekes → Qiongkushitai → Kalajun Scenic Area → Xinyuan D6: Yili River Valley → Flower Sea Nalati → Sky Grassland → Bayinbuluke D7: Bayinbuluke → Duku Highway → Tangbai La Baili Art Gallery → Urumqi D8: Urumqi → Airport transfer 【tips】For details, please consult the guide Wei Xianzhi

Located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, the beautiful land of Ili becomes like a painting unfolding before our eyes every summer, attracting many tourists to come and check in! The route I'm going to recommend to you today not only allows you to appreciate the stunning scenery of Ili, but also lets you stay in Kanas Hemu, experiencing the unique beauty of the scenic area! Itinerary Day 1 Pick up - Urumqi Stay: Urumqi Day 3 Urumqi---Fuyun Attraction: Heavenly Lake of Tianshan Accommodation: Fuyun Day 3 Fuyun----Burqin Attraction: Keketuohai - Return to the Multicolored Beach. Accommodation: Burqin Day 4: Burqin--Jiadengyu Attraction: Kanas Stay: Jiadengyu Day 5: Jiadengyu-Hemu Attraction: Kanas Scenic Area Stay: Hemu characteristic log cabin Day 6: Hemu---Wuerhe Attraction: Hemu Scenic Area Accommodation: Wuerhe Day 7: Wuerhe--Jinghe Attraction: Devil's City Accommodation: Jinghe Day 8: Jinghe--Yining Attraction: Sayram Lake Accommodation: Yining Day 9 Yining----Qiongkushitai- Attraction: Qiongkushitai Accommodation: Qiongkushitai Day 10: Qiongkushitai----Gongliu Attraction: Tekes Bagua City return to Aktas Grassland Accommodation: Gongliu. Day 11: Gongliu---Bayanbulak Attraction: Bayanbulak Nine Curves Eighteen Bends Accommodation: Bayanbulak Day 12 Bayanbuluk---Nalati Attraction: Nalati Sky Prairie Accommodation: Nalati Day 13: Nalati--Tangbula Attraction: Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery. Accommodation: Tangbula Prairie Day 14: Tangbu----Urumqi Attraction: Return to Duku Highway Dushanzi Grand Canyon Stay: Urumqi Day 15 Urumqi drop off at the airport

💚Every day here is like living in a fairy tale, under the snow-capped mountains🏔️, it's so beautiful that it doesn't seem like the real world. 📝Every day on the small loop of Yili is like living in a fairy tale. 🙏Thanks to this healing and redemption from nature, every moment has enriched my life💚. ✨Sharing some personal experiences and tips for friends who are about to set off👇🏻 🚗Itinerary reference: 📅DAY1: Hangzhou-Lanzhou (transfer)-Yining Airport 📅DAY2: Yining-Sayram Lake-Guozigou-Qingshui River 📅DAY3: Qingshui River-Chaxi Forest Park-Tekes Bagua City 📅DAY4: Tekes-Junggar Plateau-Back Mountain (horse riding)-Tekes 📅DAY6: Tekes-Aktas-Tianma Bathing River-Yuhu-Zhaosu 📅DAY7: Zhaosu-Shata Hiking-Return to Yining 📅DAY8: Yining-Chengdu (transfer)-Hangzhou ✔Practical information: 💰Now the prices in Yili are rising, and the Duku Highway is about to open, book as early as possible! This year is not suitable for budget travel, the experience will not be too good. We average 1w per person (including airfare/charter/accommodation/buying special products, etc.) ✈It is recommended that friends with tight time fly directly to Yining, which saves a lot of car time than Urumqi. It only takes 2-3 hours to go anywhere from Yining, except for rushing to the plane at the beginning and end, five or six days of pure play is enough 🌿The several large grasslands in Yili have similarities, and you can choose two or three to go ✅Nalati: High-altitude grassland, popular place with large crowds, self-driving 300/person, good road conditions and complete supporting facilities, suitable for parent-child/family/self-driving tours ✅Karakojun: Human-shaped grassland, large scenic area, can't drive by yourself, can only take the shuttle bus, charge by section. More suitable for hiking enthusiasts to cross ✅Junggar Plateau: There are mountain roads inside, easy to get carsick and traffic jam. You can only ride a horse to the back mountain, but the scenery along the way is stunningly beautiful and shocking! There are many homestays but expensive, if conditions permit, you can stay for one night, or you can return to Tekes on the same day ✅Chaxi: High cost performance, 30/person can drive Chata loop line, can go to Chaxi Park and Tarim two places. But the loop line is a non-paved road surface, the road conditions are poor, it tests the vehicle and technology, it is recommended to use off-road vehicles ✅Shata: Ticket 80+shuttle bus 30/person. It is a must-go place for hiking enthusiasts, and it is the only scenic spot that can get close to the snow mountain! But the experience is good or bad related to the weather and the flow of people 📌There are also niche points such as Aktas/Kurdining/Tangbula Grassland, etc. ⚠️Sayram Lake/Junggar Back Mountain/Shata and other places are prone to change, the temperature difference is large, it is recommended to carry a thick coat 👗Wear white/red/light-colored slim and elegant dresses by the lake, floral/blue and white/bright/pastoral or mountain style in the forest and grassland, the principle is to wear high saturation colors, avoid black or green (black should wear suspenders to show more skin, green is easy to blend in) 🧳Must bring: U-shaped neck pillow/disposable slippers/face mask/moisturizing spray/body lotion/sunscreen/umbrella/sunglasses/power bank/motion sickness medicine/dental floss (eating meat every day is easy to get stuck in the teeth😂) 🤩Beautiful Xinjiang, it's worth us to go a long way!

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!

No regrets! Head straight for the Tangbula Munkte Ancient Road. Here is the perfect place for weekends, with free admission, mostly dirt and stone roads, and you can drive to the foot of the snow mountain. There are no crowded crowds here, no need to queue up to grab a photo spot, you can enjoy every view to your heart's content, and you can take as long as you want in the Tangbula Munkte scenic area. Here, there are magnificent snow mountains and mountains, as well as vast grasslands, streams, fir trees and wildflowers. This is not a corner of the world, but our great Xinjiang! Driving into here, you can see four or five cars along the way, and you can also walk, about 20 kilometers one way. Be careful when parking in narrow places. At present, the signal inside is general, the public toilet is still under maintenance and cannot be used, but there are many places to eat outside the scenic area, and there is a toll toilet across the road, priced at one yuan. Here, you can easily find the colors of the journey and enjoy the tranquility and beauty. Here is the recommended free check-in place for the minority lying in the thousands of rivers and mountains. Here is our Xinjiang's Tangbula Munkte Ancient Road! Don't hesitate, don't regret, let's rush to that beautiful scenery together!

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!

🚗🚗🚗Travel itinerary: Day1: Xinjiang International Bazaar → Honeycomb Hotel (Urumqi Xinjiang Agricultural University Store) Day2: Anjihai Grand Canyon → Jinghe County Wushe Homestay (Uyi Road Branch) Day3: Sailimu Lake → Yining City Qiezhan Courtyard Day4: Tangbula Prairie → Nileke Weilan Homestay Day5: Duku Highway → Kuitun Shangdong Lake Hotel Day6: World Devil City → Burqin Zexiang Hotel Day7: Kanas Scenic Area → Baihaba → Kanas Shanlan Boutique Homestay (Old Village Store) Day8: Hemu Scenic Area → Burqin Qinya Homestay Day9: Wuyi Beach → A Mountain Deer King Manor Day10: Keketuohai Scenic Area Day11: Fly home

Half a month in Ili If I could choose again, I would undoubtedly spend more days exploring this provincial road in depth! This is the Tangbula Grassland, a hidden treasure yet to be fully discovered. Tangbula Grassland doesn't have a specific location; it spans a large area parallel to Provincial Road 315. Since it hasn't been overdeveloped, the scenery here is even more precious. If you can't get a 🚗 self-driving ticket for Nalati, I suggest skipping Nalati altogether and heading straight to Tangbula—you won't be disappointed❗️ 🌊 Mengkete Ancient Path Among all the self-driving accessible scenic spots in Ili, this is the only one that charges "per car," making it highly cost-effective. Snow-capped mountains, streams, grasslands, cattle, and sheep... Everything Nalati offers can also be found here. 🧚‍♀️ Fairy Lake Check out my previous notes 📒 for detailed tips. The lake's color is incredibly unique, and there are plenty of wildflowers along the shore. Although you can only reach it by horseback or hiking, it's absolutely worth it❗️ 🌳 Hundred-Mile Gallery Viewing Platform Here, you can capture the S-shaped stream. There's a long wooden boardwalk viewing platform, and aerial shots look even better. In fact, there are a total of 113 valleys along the Tangbula Grassland. Most of them haven't been developed into scenic spots and can only be accessed by hiking. Accommodation options are limited; the better ones are concentrated in the western Honeybee Town. The rest are tents and felt houses.

Overall Overview Yining, Sayram Lake, Tekes, Kalajun, Kansu Gully, Nalati, Tangbula, and Duku Highway. The entire trip offered both breathtaking grand landscapes and a relaxed pace, making it a journey of physical and mental relaxation, visual splendor, and strong family engagement. ✈️ Flight Experience: Both outbound and return flights were with Air China, from Beijing to Yining with a stopover in Korla. However, for unknown reasons, the stopover was changed to a direct flight just before departure, but delays of varying degrees still occurred. The outbound flight landed 2 hours later than scheduled, arriving at 17:30. Fortunately, the sunset in Xinjiang is late, allowing us to complete some shopping and a quick stroll; The return flight was delayed by 7 hours, arriving in Beijing at 1:30 AM. It is recommended to allow ample time when traveling during peak season. With this flight change, Trip.com automatically rebooked a more reasonable flight and confirmed it via phone, so overall, it didn't significantly impact the itinerary. ✅ Overall Itinerary: D1: Arrived in Yining, strolled around Liuxing Street. D2: Sayram Lake, passed by Jieyou Lavender Garden, Guozigou Bridge Observation Deck, arrived at a hotel near Sayram Lake East Gate for rest. The hotel offered distant views of Sayram Lake, and we took photos of the starry sky at night. D3: Departed from Sayram Lake East Gate, toured clockwise to Sayram Lake West Sea Grassland, checked in and rested. D4: Continued touring Sayram Lake from Sayram Lake West Sea, exited from the East Gate, and headed to Tekes via Yizhao Highway. D5: Toured Kalajun Grassland, returned to Tekes in the evening, strolled around Bagua City. Tekes Bagua City (2 days). D6: Traveled from Tekes to Nalati, visited Kansu Gully along the way, arrived at Nalati homestay in the evening. D7: Toured Nalati Grassland. D8: Departed from Nalati, via Duku Highway, Tangbula. Visited Mengket Ancient Trail along the way, returned to Yining. D9: Toured Yining city until 19:00, then went to the airport for the return flight to Beijing. 🚗 Driving Experience: Drove a Tank 400 throughout the trip. Its performance was strong and stable, but the in-car system had issues, with navigation anomalies occurring very frequently every day. Once, it couldn't shift gears, but it returned to normal after restarting the system. However, there were no overall performance issues. The suspension was quite comfortable, especially on unpaved roads, where it performed very smoothly. Particularly in unpaved/high-altitude areas like Kansu Gully and Mengket Ancient Trail, it performed very reassuringly. We recommend families with light off-road needs to prioritize this type of SUV. 🌄 Highlights of Scenic Routes: Sayram Lake: Entered from the East Gate and circled the lake clockwise. Two nights' accommodation were arranged at the eastern campsite and West Sea Grassland respectively. The road around the lake was in good condition, the scenery around Songshutou was excellent, and the starry sky was particularly stunning. Yizhao Highway: Exited from Sayram Lake South Gate via Wild Wolf Valley to Tekes. The scenery along the way was picturesque, and traffic was light, offering a far superior experience compared to conventional routes. Kalajun: The grassland is vast, and the horseback riding and ATV off-road experiences were good. The scenic area's operations are relatively mature, making it suitable for families visiting Xinjiang grasslands for the first time. Kansu Gully: Unpaved road. Although the experience was not as stunning as the core grassland areas, it's worth exploring for light off-roading. Nalati: Drove into the grassland plateau, away from the crowds, with ethereal scenery. Panlong Valley Road and the flower seas along the way were unrealistically beautiful, representing the hidden gems of the Nalati area. Duku + Tangbula + Mengket: Connecting Duku Highway, Baili Hualang (Hundred-Mile Gallery), and Mengket Ancient Trail in one day was the most tiring but most worthwhile day. From magnificent to picturesque to grand, the styles varied, and Mengket Ancient Trail, in particular, was more stunning than imagined. 🏕️ Accommodation Experience: In Yining and Tekes, we chose Hanting Hotels, both very close to the central areas, primarily for rest and shopping. It's recommended to choose 1-2 standard hotels for rest during transit on the road; Saihu Chaoke Stargazing Camp was comfortable, with an excellent location and beautiful scenery, very close to Sayram Lake East Gate, also offering distant views of Sayram Lake; Muye Stargazing Camp had a good location, making it a relatively good choice for a 2-day lake-circling itinerary. However, as it's within the scenic area and only offers tents for accommodation, the facilities were relatively basic; Nalati offers a wide range of accommodation options. Homestays with courtyards are recommended for a more authentic local feel. 🍴 Food Experience: Dining is recommended in Huocheng, Kansu Town, Tekes, and Yining Old City small eateries. Especially recommended are roadside BBQ stalls (before Wild Wolf Valley), Bagua City Night Market, and Han Chinese Grand Bazaar Food Court. Xinjiang cuisine portions are large, so it's recommended for multiple people to share dishes. 📷 Photography & Drone (Due to limited ability, all photos below are raw images and have not been edited): Sayram Lake, Wild Wolf Valley, Nalati Plateau, Panlong Valley Road, and Mengket Ancient Trail are the best places for aerial photography and telephoto lenses. If time permits, scheduling sunrise or sunset photography sessions daily will greatly enrich your visual material. 🧭 Advice for Future Self-Drivers: Don't plan too many routes; carefully select a few classic spots for in-depth exploration; Don't rush the pace; allow time for observation and relaxation; Xinjiang has vast attractions, and accommodation and dining heavily rely on pre-booking. During peak season, please book as early as possible. We were very fortunate to have chosen this route, creating precious memories amidst the plateau grasslands, canyons, and snow-capped mountains. This Ili loop trip was not just a simple journey, but also a process of deep family bonding, and it allowed us to witness the vastness and charm of Western China. 🎯 Summary: Having previously visited Tibet, I naturally compared Xinjiang to it. Xinjiang's scenery is incredibly, incredibly beautiful—grasslands, lakes, canyons, and snow-capped mountains, each with its unique charm, certainly worth the long journey. However, in comparison, Xinjiang's scenery feels softer and more expansive, lacking the 'stunning' impact and the vast, oppressive feeling of the plateau that Tibet delivers. Xinjiang is like an unfolding scroll, suitable for immersive slow travel; while Tibet is like a series of monuments that instantly shock the soul, each with its own merits and lingering impressions.

**⏰ Best Time to Visit** **May-October** (May-Jun: Wildflowers blanket the mountains💐; Jul-Aug: Perfect summer retreat❄️; Sep-Oct: Golden autumn foliage🍁) ⚠️ Avoid Nov-Apr (extreme cold, road closures, and scenic areas shut down) --- **🗺️ 5-Day In-Depth Itinerary** **Theme: Grasslands + Canyons + Hot Springs + Culture** A[Yining] --> B[Nileke County] --> C[Tangbula Grassland] --> D[Fairy Lake] --> E[Ancient Poplar Wetland] --> F[Qiaoerma] **Detailed Itinerary**: 1. **Day 1: Yining → Nileke County** (🚗2.5h) - **Highlights**: Visit **Jilintai Riverside Park**🌊 (filming location of *Children of the Tianshan Mountains*), savor authentic Uyghur laghman🍜 - Stay in the county town (convenient for supplies) 2. **Day 2: Nileke → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery** (🚗1.5h) - **Activities**: Horseback riding across the grasslands🐎, photograph **Aketas Red Mountain**⛰️, overnight in a Kazakh yurt (stargazing🌌) 3. **Day 3: Tangbula → Fairy Lake** (🐎2h horseback/4h hike) - **Core Experience**: Alpine lake reflecting snow-capped peaks🏞️ (bring a drone!), forage for wild mushrooms🍄 4. **Day 4: Tangbula → Qiaoerma** (🚗via Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway North Section) - **Must-See Spots**: ✅ **Martyrs' Cemetery** (tribute to road-building history) ✅ **Yuximolegai Daban** (3,400m altitude, snow-capped mountains within reach❄️) 5. **Day 5: Return to Yining** (Stop at **Bulong Hot Springs♨️** for a rejuvenating soak!) > 💡 **Key Tips**: Fairy Lake horseback riding ~¥200/person, arrange with local herders in advance; check Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway status! --- **🏞️ Must-Visit Attractions** | **Attraction** | **Highlights** | **Duration** | |-----------------|-----------------------------------|--------------| | **Tangbula Grassland** | Hundred-Mile Gallery🌿, free! Insta-worthy Windows desktop views | 1 day | | **Fairy Lake** | "Tear of the Snow Mountain"🧚♂️ (2,500m altitude) | Half-day | | **Ancient Poplar Wetland** | Millennial poplar forest reflections🌅 (stunning at sunset) | 2 hours | | **Bulong Hot Springs** | Natural sulfur springs♨️ (healing amidst snow-capped peaks) | 2 hours | --- **🏠 Accommodation Guide** - **Comfort in Town**: Nileke Grand Hotel (¥300-500/night, heating + 24h hot water🔥) - **Grassland Experience**: Tangbula Kazakh Yurts (¥150-300/night, stargazing🌠, no private bathroom) - **Hot Springs Luxury**: Bulong Hot Springs Resort (¥500-800/night, includes hot springs access) > ✅ Book early in peak season! Limit yurt stays to 1 night for the experience~ --- **👗 Packing List** - **May-Jun/Sep-Oct**: ✅ Daytime: Long-sleeve T + windproof jacket 🧥 ✅ Morning/Night: Fleece/light down + hiking pants - **Jul-Aug**: ✅ T-shirt + sun-protective clothing + arm sleeves (intense UV!☀️) ✅ Pack a raincoat for sudden showers🌧️ - **Essentials**: High-top hiking boots👟, wide-brim hat🧢, sunglasses🕶️, SPF50+ sunscreen --- **🍽️ Food Guide** **🔥 Must-Try Local Delicacies**: 1. **Black Bee Honey🍯**: One of China's top four honeys! (Fresh from roadside apiaries, ~¥50/jar) 2. **Coldwater Fish Feast**: - Steamed high-altitude whitefish🐟 (try at "Grassland Fish Village" in Tangbula) - Grilled pike (crispy yet tender!) 3. **Grassland Wild Flavors**: - Wild mushroom stew with free-range chicken🍲 (at Fairy Lake herders' homes) - Air-dried yak jerky🐂 (portable snack) 4. **Ethnic Bites**: - Milk tea with borsok🥟 (fried dough + jam) - Hand-pulled horse meat narin🍖 (noodles in horse broth) > 💡 **Tips**: Those with sensitive stomachs, avoid raw milk; carry digestive aids💊; "Halik Restaurant" in town serves authentic flavors! --- 💎 **Pro Tips** 1. **Transport**: Rent an SUV from Yining (¥600/day); Fairy Lake accessible only by horse/hike. 2. **Avoid Scams**: Buy honey with "Nileke Black Bee" certification; avoid unlabeled roadside jars! 3. **Eco-Care**: Pack out trash! Fairy Lake's ecosystem is fragile🚯. 4. **Connectivity**: No signal in remote grasslands📵, download offline maps. **Grab this guide and unlock Ili’s hidden paradise!** 🌈🐎💨

🌄 Entering a Fairy Tale Tunnel: 80km Visual Overload The moment you turn right onto the Mengket Ancient Trail, it's like crashing into a Windows wallpaper masterpiece! Ahead: snow-capped peaks piercing through clouds. Side windows: emerald streams shattering against pebble banks. Rearview mirror: endless velvet grasslands chasing you—but the real showstopper? The conifer belt! Dark green firs stand like sentinels, sunlight dappling through their branches tap-dancing across your windshield. Passenger-seat Lao Wang yells, "Turn off the filters! They're useless here!" (📍Pin: Eastern Nilk County, Ili—secret connector between Tangbula's Hundred-Mile Gallery and Nalati's Sky Grasslands) 🏔️ Ancient Trail Trilogy: Every Frame Belongs in National Geographic ① Snow Mountain Symphony Even in July, the Tianshan snowline stays razor-sharp—close enough to scrape ice crystals with your hand. A herder points to the highest peak, chuckling: "That's 'Powdered Sugar Mountain'—sunrise turns it into frosted cake!" ② Stream Variations Meltwater carves S-curves—shallow stretches reveal crystal bottoms, while deep pools morph into Tiffany blue. Fill an empty bottle: teeth-chattering cold, sweetness that shames luxury mineral water. ③ Meadow Rhapsody Wheels flush knee-high grass, sending locusts skyward. Chubby marmots pop up on slopes, standing upright to squeak-protest your intrusion. ⚠️ Survival Guide for the Dusty Stretches 🚙【Road Truths】 ✓ Initial asphalt smooth as Dove chocolate ✓ Middle 8km "washboard" gravel: low-clearance vehicles beware! ✓ Only 5 passing zones: yield to trucks by veering onto meadows 🧭【Essential Gear】 Must-have! → Car vacuum (dust fills three shoes worth) Non-negotiable! → Sand mask + swim-goggle-style windproof glasses Local hack! → Wave red cloth from passenger seat to shoo road-blocking livestock (herder-approved) Tested: sedans can pass, but post-trail car washes cost double—enough lodged dirt to pot three succulents! 🌌 Hidden Gem: The Ultimate Stargazing Camp When GPS says "unnamed road," go west 2km: ▸ Divine campsite: riverside meadow (coordinates classified!) ▸ Midnight magic: post-23:00, the sky becomes a Milky Way chandelier—too many meteors for wishes ▸ Dawn exclusive: wild horses wade through mist, manes flinging rainbow droplets > Local whisper: "Drive 30 more minutes for wild hot springs—post-soak, no leg cramps on the road!" 📸 Shot List Cheat Sheet | Time | Subject | Gear | | 9:00-11:00 | Golden sunrise peaks + misty herding scenes | Telephoto | | 15:00-17:00 | Sun-dappled pine corridors | Wide-angle | | 21:00-22:30 | Firecloud reflections in streams | Phone Live mode | | Post-23:30 | Milky Way arching over snow peaks | Tripod + time-lapse | > While Nalati tourists queue for shuttle buses, > your tire tracks imprint unnamed wildflowers. > The fading Mengket peaks in your rearview > melt like stubborn vanilla ice cream— > sweetening a summer's worth of memories.

#summervacay I just found out about a truly breathtaking secret in Xinjiang's Yili region: the Mengket Ancient Trail! Located in Nileke County, this pristine destination offers an incredible blend of snow-capped mountains, hot springs, grasslands, and serene lakes. It sounds like a place where beauty genuinely takes my breath away. Best Time to Visit & Costs: Best Time: They say June to October is perfect. That means I could catch vibrant summer wildflower meadows or the golden, fairytale landscapes of autumn! Fees: Right now, the entrance ticket is free (temporarily)! Shuttle Bus: CNY 30 per person. Self-driving: CNY 200 per vehicle (limited to 5 people; an additional CNY 40 per person if I have more). Why Mengket Ancient Trail is a Must-Visit for Me: Untouched Beauty: Since it only started charging fees last year, it's pretty much untouched by commercialization. That means I can experience its truly original, wild landscapes with hardly any crowds! Diverse Scenery: I'm already picturing the visual feast! The trail promises an incredible variety of landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, vast grasslands, natural hot springs, tranquil lakes, and dense forests. Every turn sounds like a "wallpaper-worthy" view. Beginner-Friendly Trekking: This is great for me, as I'm more of a casual hiker. The classic route can be done in 4-5 days, and best of all, it doesn't require any river crossings, which makes it super accessible. Transportation & Itinerary Tips: Driving/Car Rental: I can get there from Yining to Nileke County, then take a car to the scenic area (around CNY 45 per person). Once inside the scenic area, I can self-drive 21 kilometers from the Visitor Center to the Snowfield Hot Spring. Along that route, there are six major viewing platforms – perfect for soaking in the scenery and taking photos! #Xinjiang #Yili #MengketAncientTrail #HiddenGems #NilekeCounty #SnowMountains #Grasslands #Lakes #HotSprings #NatureLover #HikingAdventures #ChinaTravel

In my eyes, the most breathtaking scenery is the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery in Nileke County. It has grasslands, towering mountains, winding rivers, serene lakes, wildflowers covering the slopes, herds of horses and sheep, camping sites—you name it! The stunning views along the drive are absolutely exhilarating, far beyond what the word "beautiful" can describe. Following the national highway, you'll feast your eyes on picturesque landscapes all the way until reaching the Qiaoerma section of the Duku Highway. I highly recommend visiting the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery in Nileke. Best of all? It's still undeveloped and completely free, free, FREE! Here’s a travel guide for the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery: [Heart][Heart][Heart] Preparations 📖 Documents: Bring essential IDs like your ID card and driver’s license. 👚 Clothing: The weather on Tangbula Grassland is unpredictable with large temperature swings. Even in summer, pack lightweight down jackets or windbreakers, along with sun protection like sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. 💊 Medicine: Prepare common medications for colds, stomach issues, and motion sickness. 📷 Other items: Bring power banks, cameras, and enough memory cards to capture the beauty. 🚍 Transportation Guide 🚒 Self-drive: Start from Urumqi via the Duku Highway or from Yining along G218 and S315. Driving allows you to stop freely and enjoy the scenery. [Taxi] Chartered car: A great option if you don’t want to drive. Local drivers know the routes and attractions well and can share fascinating stories. [Bus] Group tours: Hassle-free with accommodations, transport, and tickets arranged, though less flexible. [RoundNails][RoundNails][RoundNails] Attractions 🌊 Fairy Lake: Nestled on the Kuorke Snow Mountain at 2,500 meters, the emerald-green lake is surrounded by blooming wildflowers. Accessible by horseback (~30 mins) or hiking (~2 hours). [Sunflower] Mengket Canyon: A paradise for outdoor lovers, featuring interconnected ridges, canyons, waterfalls, forests, meadows, hot springs, glaciers, and ancient trails. [Tree] Bear Gully: A hidden gem with a viral bridge, snow-capped mountains up close, and vast grasslands—absolutely stunning. 🌳 Qiaoerma Martyrs' Cemetery: A solemn tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives building the Duku Highway, offering insights into frontier history. 🏨 Accommodation Options [LoveHotel] Hotels: Like the Nileke Black Bee Manor, centrally located in the Ten-Mile Gallery with great amenities. [Wedding] Homestays: Such as the Tangbula Grassland Cloud Peak Homestay, surrounded by lush greenery and featuring private outdoor courtyards. [Camping] Yurts: Experience local culture in honey towns or Nileke yurts, perfect for stargazing—book early during peak season. [Sakura][Sakura][Sakura] Food Recommendations 🍖 Hand-torn lamb: Freshly slaughtered lamb from pastoral families, tender and flavorful. 🍜 Horse meat Naren: A hearty Kazakh noodle soup, warm and filling. 🐝 Black bee honey: Freshly harvested in honey towns, perfect with yogurt. 🍜 Wild mushroom noodles: Hand-pulled noodles with wild mushrooms picked after summer rains—delicious!