In the blue alleys of Kazanqi, I found the most healing everyday life atmosphere in Xinjiang!

Yili is located in the northwest of Xinjiang, ❤️ known as the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall," featuring magnificent landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and flower seas 🦋, blending Kazakh and Uyghur cultures. --- ### **1. Best Travel Time** - 💞**April-May**: Apricot and wild apple blossoms bloom, perfect for photography. - ❤️**June-August**: Lavender blooming season (mid-June to early July), the grasslands are the greenest, ideal for summer retreats. - ❤️**September-October**: Colorful autumn scenery, great for hiking and self-driving. - 💗**Winter (November-March)**: Sailimu Lake’s blue ice and snowy landscapes, fewer tourists. --- ### **2. Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Sailimu Lake** - 💗 Known as "the last drop of the Atlantic," wildflowers bloom in June-July, and blue ice cracks can be photographed in winter. - 💗 Recommended to drive or cycle around the lake, with the best light in early morning or evening. 2. **Nalati Grassland** - ❤️ The "Sky Grassland" offers three-dimensional scenery, wildflowers bloom in summer, and skiing is available in winter. 3. **Kalajun Grassland** - 💗 A World Natural Heritage site, famous for its "human body grassland" curves, perfect for photography. 4. **Shata Ancient Trail** - ❤️ A hiking paradise with views of the Muzart Glacier, recommended for horseback riding or light hiking. 5. **Qiongkushitai** - 🌃 A primitive wooden house village, suitable for hiking the Wusun Ancient Trail, with stargazing opportunities at night. 6. **Huocheng Lavender** - 💗 Blooms from mid-June to early July, the Princess Jieyou Manor and surrounding free flower fields are great for photos. 7. **Guozigou Bridge** - 💗 Excellent for aerial photography, can be combined with a Sailimu Lake trip. 8. **Tekesi Bagua City** - 💗 The world’s largest Bagua layout city, stunning drone footage. 9. **Zhaosu Grassland** - ❤️ The hometown of Tianma (heavenly horses), with rapeseed flowers and snow-capped mountains in July. 10. **Duku Highway** - ❄️ Opens June 1st, featuring magnificent snow mountains, canyons, and grassland scenery along the way. --- ### **3. Transportation** - ❤️**Flight**: Fly to Yining Airport (direct flights from Beijing/Shanghai/Chengdu) or transfer via Urumqi. - 🚘**Self-driving**: SUV recommended; some sections of Duku Highway and Yizhao Highway require four-wheel drive. - 🚘**Car rental with driver**: 7-seater business vans cost about 800 RMB/day, suitable for families or small groups. - ❤️**Public transport**: Direct shuttle buses to scenic spots (e.g., Yining-Sailimu Lake round trip 150 RMB), but with limited schedules. --- ### **4. Food Recommendations** - *💗*Hand-grabbed mutton*: Boiled lamb with onions, recommended at Ailekasier Restaurant. - ❤️*Jiao Ma Chicken*: Erzi Wawa Jiao Ma Chicken (local chain). - *💖*Grilled buns*: Black Ram themed restaurant. - *💗*Ice cream*: Gulan Danmu (a century-old brand). - ❤️*Night market snacks*: Hanren Street grilled lamb kidneys, Liuxing Street grilled goose eggs. --- ### **5. Notes** 1. **Documents**: ID card and border pass (for Horgos Port) are essential. 2. **Sun and cold protection**: Strong UV in summer requires sunscreen and sunglasses; large temperature differences in mountainous areas require windbreakers. 3. **Environmental protection**: Smoking is prohibited on grasslands; carry out all trash. 4. **Accommodation**: Book homestays in advance during peak season (June-August). 5. **Cultural etiquette**: Respect local customs, such as not stepping on the threshold of Kazakh yurts. --- ### **6. Recommended Itineraries** - **5-day classic tour** Day 1: Yining (Kazanqi Folk Village + Liuxing Street) Day 2: Sailimu Lake circle + Guozigou Bridge Day 3: Shata Ancient Trail hiking Day 4: Kalajun Grassland + Tekesi Bagua City Day 5: Qiongkushitai or Huocheng Lavender. - **7-day in-depth tour** Add Duku Highway, Nalati Grassland, Zhaosu Tianma Festival, etc. --- Yili offers a rich and diverse travel experience, ❤️ whether it is natural scenery or cultural charm, it is worth exploring.