Comprehensive Guide to Ili, Xinjiang: Encounter the Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall

🌄 At the northwestern frontier of our country lies a fairy-tale-like place—Ili, Xinjiang. Here, grasslands and seas of flowers intertwine, snow-capped mountains reflect in lakes, and ethnic customs are rich. This guide will take you to experience the beauty of Ili. Itinerary Day 1: Yining → Kazanqi Folk Village (ride the "Hadik" horse carriage, admire the blue-and-white traditional Uyghur houses, taste lamb stew and handmade ice cream) → Liuxing Street (listen to accordion performances, try Russian-style rye bread and kvass, shop for unique handicrafts) Day 2: Yining → Sailimu Lake (admire the "Last Tear of the Atlantic," drive along the lake ring road, take photos at the waterside beach and Dianjiangtai, watch the stunning sunset) → Guozigou Bridge (take photos of the breathtaking bridge and mountain scenery from the viewing platform) Day 3: Sailimu Lake → Huocheng Lavender Manor (a must-visit in June, enjoy 12 kilometers of purple flower sea, DIY sachets) → Nalati Grassland (appreciate the "Sky Grassland," see wildflowers in May-June, take sightseeing buses or hike and horseback ride) Day 4: Nalati Grassland → Panlong Ancient Road (drive to enjoy the mountain road, overlook the grassland panorama from the viewing platform) → Tangbula Grassland (stroll through the "Hundred-Mile Gallery," horseback ride, hike, or picnic by the stream) Day 5: Tangbula Grassland → Tekesi Bagua City (climb the viewing platform to overlook the Bagua layout, visit the night market and try local delicacies) → Kalajun Grassland (tour West Kalajun, East Kalajun, and Kuokesu Grand Canyon scenic areas, admire the "Human Grassland," Crocodile Bay, and the winding Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns) Day 6: Kalajun Grassland → Shata Ancient Road (light hiking, see the Muzart Glacier, occasionally spot marmots and snow lotuses) → Zhaosu (enjoy the rapeseed flower sea, visit the Tianma Cultural Park to see the galloping horses) Accommodation Recommendations • Luxury: Nalati Jinling Mountain Villa, located in the core valley grassland area, with snow-capped mountain views from the window and hot spring baths; Yining Tianyuan International Hotel, panoramic Ili River view rooms where you can watch swans skim the water. • Unique: Kazanqi Courtyard Inn, stay in a century-old Uyghur house and learn to play ethnic hand drums; Huocheng Lavender-themed rooms, located inside Kogurqin Manor, fall asleep surrounded by floral fragrance. • Comfortable: All Seasons Hotel (Yining branch), in the city center with convenient transportation, within walking distance to Liuxing Street; Mehao Lizhi Hotel offers thoughtful shuttle service, smart rooms, complete facilities, and is close to Ili Railway Station, airport, and Liuxing Street. Food Recommendations • Local Flavors: Jiang·Meet Ili Taste, various delicious kebabs, authentic Xinjiang staple foods; Mabai Kailai specialty lamb ribs with hand-pulled noodles, a must-try dish with fresh broth, tender meat, and chewy noodles. • Specialty Snacks: Gulan Danmu Ice Cream Shop, a century-old handmade ice cream shop with over 20 flavors, the "Classic Original" is rich and you can add nuts, dried fruits, and jam for free; Blue Wall Mianfuzi, sells only Mianfuzi (wheat gluten), which has a tofu-like texture, topped with oil and chili sauce, very fragrant and tasty. Travel Guide • Major Transport: Direct flights to Yining Airport (from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, and 21 other cities), or fly to Nalati Airport and transfer by bus; trains also arrive at Yining Station, with direct routes to Urumqi, Chongqing, and other places. • Local Transport: The grassland roads are in good condition for self-driving; SUV rentals are recommended (about 300 RMB per day), allowing you to stop anytime for photos; small groups of 4-6 can charter a car for about 800 RMB per day, with local drivers who can also act as guides.