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

| Just back from Xinjiang, this guide is super practical! I've prepared a super detailed Xinjiang travel guide for you today, hoping to help those planning a trip to Xinjiang! 🌸 Must-sees in Northern Xinjiang (4-7 day trip) Sayram Lake: In April, Sayram Lake boasts the spectacle of ice shoves and lakeside wildflowers, offering stunning views! A second visit is recommended for better photo opportunities. Turgen Apricot Valley: The world's largest wild apricot forest, with the best viewing period for the pink sea of flowers from late March to mid-April. Xiata Trail: A hiker's paradise in May, with picturesque scenery featuring snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and grasslands. Kuerdening: A lesser-known spot with pristine spruce forests, perfect for photos and features the same photo spots as Yi Mengling. Tip: Nalati Grassland doesn't turn green until May. For early spring, consider heading to Qasi Grassland for more scenic beauty. 🕊 Must-do experiences in Southern Xinjiang (3-7 day trip) Kashgar Old City: Wander through the maze-like city of the Western Regions and take Uyghur-style photos. Renting traditional clothing is a bargain at just CNY 50/day during the off-season. Baisha Lake: The "blue tears" of the Pamir Plateau, with a dreamy half-ice, half-water lake surface in March. Panlong Ancient Road: 75 kilometers with 600 bends, perfect for aerial photography capturing the essence of "taking all the detours today." Taxkorgan Apricot Village: The apricot blossoms are in full bloom from March 15th to April 2nd. Stay in a century-old Tajik stone house and experience the local culture. Note: Visiting Muztagata Glacier requires a 4WD vehicle with snow chains, and access is easier after April. 🍲 Xinjiang Food Recommendations Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken): Tender chicken and soft potatoes, paired with onions, create an irresistible aroma. Lamb Skewers: Grilled to perfection, these fragrant skewers are a signature Xinjiang dish. Nang Pit Meat: Aromatic roasted meat, paired with nang bread, is incredibly satisfying. Pilaf: Fluffy rice served with mutton, carrots, and raisins, offering a nutritious and flavorful meal. Baked Buns: Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these are a traditional Xinjiang snack. Yogurt Rice Dumplings: Indulge in these at local food streets and savor their unique flavor. Xinjiang Banmian (Mixed Noodles): La Tiao Zi noodles are hand-pulled from high-quality flour and served with mutton, tomatoes, peppers, and various vegetables for a truly satisfying meal. Fried Rice Noodles: Thick and chewy rice noodles in a rich broth, available with chicken, beef, mushroom, and other flavors. 🗓 7-Day, 6-Night Itinerary for Spring Flower Viewing in Ili 📅 Day 1: Arrival in Urumqi from various locations nationwide 📅 Day 2: Urumqi - S101 - Kenswat - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun 📅 Day 3: Kuitun - Sayram Lake Loop - Sayram Lake Afternoon Tea - Trip Moments at Sayram Lake 📅 Day 4: Sayram Lake - Turgen Apricot Valley/Kuerdening - Nalati 📅 Day 5: Nalati - Nalati Aerial Grassland - Jinghe/Shuanghe 📅 Day 6: Jinghe/Shuanghe - International Grand Bazaar - Urumqi 📅 Day 7: Departure from Urumqi 🌟 Xinjiang is a place full of natural beauty and ethnic charm. Whether it's the snow-capped mountains and grasslands of Northern Xinjiang or the ancient cities of Southern Xinjiang, your trip is sure to be filled with excitement. I hope this guide helps you plan your trip with ease and enjoy a perfect Xinjiang adventure! Save it and get ready to go!

Xinjiang is beautiful, but there are also many pitfalls! 😅 I sincerely suggest you do your research before you go, otherwise, you'll be crying on the roadside! 📝 Here's a guide to avoiding common mistakes. Please save it and read it carefully. - ✅ Weather: Xinjiang's weather is unpredictable. You can experience all four seasons in one day. ⛅ Be sure to pack sunscreen, warm clothes, and rain gear. - ✅ Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang is huge. Even in July and August, the nights are cold! 🧣 Wear breathable, warm clothing. Choose loose, cotton pants. - ✅ Transportation: Xinjiang's straight roads can cause visual fatigue and speeding. Drivers, please be careful! Travel times are long, so if you get carsick, remember to bring motion sickness pills 💊. - ✅ Shopping: Goods in Xinjiang are sold by the kilogram. - ✅ Accommodation: Apart from a few cities like Urumqi and 🏠 Karamay, which have modern hotels, accommodation in other areas is basic. Some places don't have air conditioning, or even showers and private bathrooms. - ✅ Time difference: Xinjiang is 2 hours behind Beijing time. ⏰ Most businesses operate on a different schedule than in other parts of China. - ✅ Acclimatization: The water in Xinjiang is alkaline and hard. If you're not used to it, it can cause constipation. 🍉 Fruits are high in sugar, so don't eat too much at once. Some people also experience diarrhea after eating fresh mutton and dairy products. - ✅ Trip length: Plan to spend at least 7 days in Xinjiang, starting in Urumqi. - 🚗 Sample 7-day Xinjiang itinerary: D1: Urumqi - Bole - Sayram Lake (stay overnight at Sayram Lake) D2: Sayram Lake - Yining - Zhaosu (stay overnight in Zhaosu) D3: Zhaosu - Shata (stay overnight in Shata) D4: Shata sunrise - Tekes (stay overnight in Tekes) D5: Tekes - Shixi - Nalati (stay overnight in Nalati) D6: Nalati scenic area sunrise - Nalati town (stay overnight in Nalati) D7: Nalati town - Urumqi

The grassland scenic areas in Ili are mostly located in east-west valleys, but Kurdening in the eastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili, is situated in a north-south valley. It stretches about 14 kilometers long and is about 1 kilometer wide at its widest point, with an average valley floor elevation of 1500 meters. 'Kurdening' means 'crossing ditch' in Kazakh. The unique north-south orientation makes Kurdening warm in winter and cool in summer, with a pleasant climate throughout the year. Therefore, Kurdening is not only a famous scenic spot in Ili but also a popular summer resort. It combines the charming and delicate beauty of Jiangnan's mountain villages with the vast and rugged grassland scenery, attracting more and more domestic and international tourists. With an average elevation of about 1500 meters, it boasts the largest primeval spruce forest in China. The national-level spruce nature reserve is located here, offering beautiful and pleasant scenery. It's definitely worth a visit!

After a trip to Xinjiang, my heartfelt feeling is! Apart from Xinjiang, the rest is elsewhere, no other place can replace it! Xinjiang is about to enter the most beautiful summer, this summer, you must go to Xinjiang 🌲 · ✈ Chengdu - Yining, rent a car for a self-driving tour 🚙 Total cost per person is 6k (excluding airfare) May in Yili has just entered spring, there is still snow in many places, the biggest advantage is that during the off-season, air tickets and hotel prices are cheap, and you can enjoy both the snow-capped mountains and some early blooming flowers🌼. June is the best time, with blooming flowers and green grass, but the snow mountains have melted, and the consumption is moderate. July and August are the peak tourist seasons, with all the lavender in Huocheng in full bloom, and the consumption is relatively high. · 🚙 My favorite places throughout the journey 【Nalati】 Self-driving 300/person, although the price is not cheap, it is truly worth it, I love Nalati the most, there are herds of cattle and sheep on the grassland, as well as snow-capped mountains and streams, you must wait for the sunset at the nomadic homes 【Qiaxi Forest Park】 Compared to Kuerdening, I prefer Qiaxi, it's as romantic as an oil painting, just like the movie scene of 'Heidi and Grandfather', I suggest staying in Gongliu 【Qiongkushitai】 The road to Qiongku is extremely beautiful, there is a snow mountain swing in front of the mountain, there is no need to be stubborn about the back mountain, the stay at Qingkong Jiyi is awesome 【Fairy Lake】 Although it requires hiking, the scenery is absolutely worth it 【Sailimu Lake】 Get up at 5 am to go to S bay to watch the sunrise, an unforgettable experience, it is a beautiful scene that will be remembered for a lifetime . 🚙12-day trip recommendation 1. Chengdu - Urumqi 2. Huocheng - Sailimu Lake (must see the sunrise) 3. Sailimu Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Huocheng Lavender, stay in Yining or Huanghuang Village 4. Yining - Tekes - Qiongkushitai 5. Qiongkushitai 6. Qiongkushitai - Kalajun Grassland - Stay in Zhaosu 7. Xatage scenic area - Stay in Tekes Bagua City at night 8. Tekes - Tekes River - Qiaxi Forest Park - Nalati, stay in the town 9. Nalati Grassland Scenic Area 10. Nalati - Northern section of Duku Highway - Tangbula - Fairy Lake, stay in Tangbula 11. Tangbula - Northern section of Duku Highway - Urumqi · 🌟Precautions 1. Prepare mosquito repellent 2. Choose an SUV for car rental, the roads to Qiongkushitai and Qiaxi are not very good 3. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, you can experience four seasons in one day 4. If you want to take pictures of the sunrise at Sailimu Lake and don't want to stay in the scenic area, you can enter from the east gate before 9 am (the south gate does not check tickets)

【Introduction】: ◆ The scenery of the Ili region is the most representative and popular in Xinjiang. From May, the grasslands of Ili begin to turn green, with vast seas of flowers and clouds that seem to come straight out of an anime. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that such beautiful scenery exists in the world. 🛬【Itinerary】: Kanas Ili 10-Day Tour 1 - Urumqi - Burqin Attractions - Wulungu Lake - Colorful Beach Sunset Accommodation - Burqin Colorful Beach 2 - Burqin - Hemu Attractions - Haden Viewing Platform - Aid Bridge Accommodation - Hemu Hemu Scenic Area 3 - Hemu - Kanas Attractions - Kanas Lake - Guanyu Pavilion Accommodation - Kanas Kanas Burqin 4 - Kanas - Burqin Attractions - Kanas Three Bays - Burqin River Night Market Accommodation - Burqin 5 - Burqin - Kuitun Attractions - Devil City Accommodation - Kuitun World Devil City 6 - Kuitun - Yining Attractions - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge Accommodation - Yining Sayram Lake 7 - Yining - Nalati Attractions - Nalati Grassland Accommodation - Nalati Nalati Tourist Scenic Area 8 - Nalati - Bayinbulak Attractions - Bayinbulak Accommodation - Bayinbulak Bayinbulak Grassland 9 - Bayinbulak - Kuitun Attractions - Duku Highway - Tangbula Accommodation - Kuitun Duku Highway 10 - Kuitun - Urumqi Attractions - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Hundred Mile Danxia - S101 National Defense Highway Accommodation - Urumqi Anjihai Grand Canyon 🧡【Tips】: 💬 For more customized routes, feel free to leave a message or contact me👇🏻

A year's wait, just for Xinjiang in May. Mid-May in Yili, not many people around, snow mountains, grasslands, flowers, beautiful scenery coexist! Friends who want to go to Xinjiang, you can set off in May! 📍Sailimu Lake: A must-visit! After entering the scenic area and reaching the lakeside, turn left to the S bend, where there are many people. Continue forward to the next bend, you can park your car on the roadside, then climb up the hillside on the left to admire the stunning scenery of Sailimu Lake🌊. 📍Nalati: Recommended for the sky grassland! The difference between the self-driving ticket and the sightseeing car ticket is not big, both require parking at the nomadic homes🚗. Follow the popular bridge and walk along the stream, the fewer people, the more beautiful the scenery🌄. 📍Kuerdening: An exclusive scenic area for May, like Qiaxi, it belongs to the grasslands that turn green early. After parking in the parking lot, you can ride a horse or hike, about an hour to reach the Qimengde viewing platform🧐. Along the way, there are small cabins and plank roads facing the snow mountains, the scenery is super beautiful! 📍Qiaxi: May's Qiaxi is the essence of Yili, because it turns green early and is an open scenic area, you can drive in, stop along the way to enjoy the beautiful scenery, but be sure not to block the way for passing vehicles🚧. 📍Xia Ta: Highly recommended! Even in summer, there are snow mountains and forests here, and the divine position is at the transfer bridge. After admiring the transfer bridge, cross the bridge and walk the right plank road all the way to the end, General Bridge, the scenery along the way is breathtaking👀! If you want to go to house number 2, you can start walking or riding from the transfer bridge, about half an hour to reach🐎. ▪ Tour Line Reference 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 D1: Yining-Sailimu Lake-Guozigou Bridge-Qingshuihe Town D2: Qingshuihe Town-Nalati Scenic Area-Nalati Town D3: Nalati Town-Kuerdening D4: Kuerdening-Qiaxi-Zhaosu County D5: Zhaosu County-Xia Ta-Tekes County D6: Tekes County-Yining ▪️My Views 𝗠𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 Yili in May can be selectively played, some attractions may not be so green yet, but the places listed above are all worth a visit! The grasslands of Yili are similar, be sure to choose differentiated scenic areas to avoid aesthetic fatigue😉.

1. Yili Hotel 🏛️ History Buffs' Pick: Century-old consulate ruins | Tsarist Russian architecture + ancient tree gardens, featuring an artificial lake, within walking distance to Liuxing Street/Yili River Cultural Depth | "A unique experience of living in a historical museum" (guest's words) 💥 Dealbreakers: Aging Facilities | Hard mattresses, outdated appliances (complaint: "transparent door handles offer zero privacy") Hygiene Red Flags | Severe drain odors, extremely poor soundproofing Price Trap | Low value for money during peak seasons, basic rooms not recommended 2. Narati Jinling Mountain Villa 🏞️ Prime Scenic Spot Location: Exclusive access to Narati Scenic Area | Valley grasslands view from windows, offers self-driving ticket purchasing service (no ticket scramble) Hidden Gem Experience | Some rooms have private hot springs, exclusive sunrise views over the grasslands 🚫 Critical Flaws: Hygiene Failures | Hair and cigarette ash residues found in multiple areas (frequent complaints) Facility Issues | Weak AC cooling, buffet described as "expensive and monotonous" (guest complaints) Lack of Amenities | No supermarkets or food delivery in the scenic area, bring your own snacks! 3. Jinling Mountain Villa Highlights: The only hotel in the scenic area that can purchase self-driving tickets for guests, spacious rooms Tips: Book self-driving tickets in advance to avoid missing out; hot springs require extra payment and may have limited capacity in winter; no food delivery or supermarkets in the scenic area, bring snacks 4. Kurdening Spruce Hotel 🌲 Top Choice for Secluded Getaway: Zero distance to the scenic area | Room rate includes Kurdening entry ticket, floor-to-ceiling windows face spruce forests Taste Sensation | "Clear broth noodles won over Cantonese taste buds! Homemade yogurt + jam is divine" (real praise) Solid Hardware | New facilities, spacious rooms, abundant breakfast 📶 Only Drawback: Signal Black Hole | Unstable 4G, WiFi too slow for videos (unsolvable base station issue) Early Breakfast | Ends early, no make-up if missed 5. Atour Hotel (Downtown Branch) 🚗 King of Convenience: Free airport shuttle | Available upon advance booking, Guangren County/Shanghai City branches close to Liuxing Street Clean Freaks' Dream | Spotless rooms, freshly boiled rich milk for breakfast Value for Money | High quality at 300+ during off-peak seasons 📍 Location Tip: Avoid remote branches! Specify "within 3km of Liuxing Street" Small room types not recommended (check room size at front desk)

Ili Travel Guide (Latest Edition 2025) ------ I. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Nalati Grassland ◦ Features: One of the world's four major grasslands, integrating snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands. Wildflowers bloom everywhere in summer, and it's covered in silver in winter. Experience Kazakh folk activities like horse riding and archery. ◦ Highlights: Sky Grassland Observation Deck, Panlong Valley Trekking, Snow Lotus Valley Trekking. ◦ Admission: 135 RMB (includes shuttle bus), Opening Hours: All day. 2. Sayram Lake ◦ Features: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean," with crystal blue waters, where the surrounding grasslands and snow-capped mountains complement each other. Lavender can be admired in summer, and the ice bubble spectacle is stunning in winter. ◦ Highlights: Lake-circling self-drive (78 km), Dianjiangtai panoramic view, Swan Habitat. ◦ Admission: 145 RMB (includes lake-circling shuttle bus), Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00. 3. Kalaqun Grassland ◦ Features: Kalaqun-Kuerdening Scenic Area is listed as a World Natural Heritage site. The grassland topography is distinct, with wildflowers like a sea in spring and summer, and colorful forests in autumn. ◦ Highlights: Xianhuatai Trekking, Lieyingtai Viewpoint, Canyon Rafting. ◦ Admission: 170 RMB (includes shuttle bus), Recommended duration: 4 hours. 4. Guozigou Bridge ◦ Features: Xinjiang's first cable-stayed highway bridge, spanning a canyon, forming a magnificent picture with Guozigou Waterfall, green mountains, and clear waters – a paradise for photography enthusiasts. ◦ Highlights: Bridge Observation Deck, Huocheng Lavender Farm (June), Hiking Boardwalk. ◦ Admission: Free (Observation deck charges 20 RMB). 5. Kazanchi Folk Tourism Area ◦ Features: A century-old Uyghur residential area in Yining City, with blue streets and horse-drawn carriages, offering a rich experience of ethnic customs and handicraft culture. ◦ Highlights: Horse-drawn carriage tour, handmade ice cream making, home visit experience. ◦ Admission: Free (some attractions charge a fee). ------ II. Special Experiences and Activities 1. Folk Culture ◦ Horgos Port: China-Kazakhstan border trade zone, where you can buy duty-free goods and experience the fusion of cross-border cultures. ◦ Grassland Naadam Festival (July-August): Participate in traditional activities like horse racing, wrestling, and 'Diao Yang' (goat snatching), and taste hand-grabbed lamb and mare's milk wine. 2. Nature Exploration ◦ Xiata Ancient Road Trekking: Traverse the ancient Silk Road, trek to the foot of the glacier, suitable for experienced outdoor enthusiasts. ◦ Wild Walnut Valley Trekking: Explore the Tertiary relict plant community, with red leaves covering the mountains in autumn. 3. Food Journey ◦ Yili Old City Food Street: Recommended are roasted buns, handmade pulled noodles, Naren, smoked horse sausage, etc. ◦ Liuxing Street Night Market: A century-old charming street area where you can taste Kvass, Gezili Xiang Nang, and Russian Lieba. ------ III. Classic Itinerary Routes 1. 3-Day Essential Tour ◦ Day 1: Yining → Kazanchi Folk Village (horse-drawn carriage tour) → Liuxing Street (food) → Overnight in Yining. ◦ Day 2: Yining → Sayram Lake (lake-circling self-drive) → Guozigou Bridge → Huocheng Lavender Farm → Overnight in Huocheng. ◦ Day 3: Huocheng → Nalati Grassland (Sky Grassland) → Return to Yining. 2. 5-Day In-depth Tour ◦ Day 1: Yining → Tekes Bagua City (climb Baguatai for panoramic view) → Overnight in Tekes. ◦ Day 2: Tekes → Kalaqun Grassland (Xianhuatai trekking) → Kuerdening (photography) → Overnight in Gongliu. ◦ Day 3: Gongliu → Wild Walnut Valley → Xiata Ancient Road (light trekking) → Overnight in Zhaosu. ◦ Day 4: Zhaosu → Zhaosu Heavenly Horse Cultural Park (horse riding experience) → Tekes → Return. ◦ Day 5: Yining → Huiyuan Ancient City (Lin Zexu Memorial Hall) → Hanren Street (handicraft shopping). 3. Photography Route ◦ Best Time: June (lavender), September (autumn scenery), Winter (snow scenery). ◦ Recommended Spots: Sayram Lake sunrise, Kalaqun Grassland flower sea, Qiongkushitai starry sky, Bayanbulak Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns sunset. ------ IV. Recommended Travel Times • June-August: Grasslands are at their greenest, lavender is in full bloom, suitable for summer escape. • September-October: Vibrant autumn colors, Kalaqun and Qiongkushitai are covered in colorful forests. • Winter (November-March): Pure snow scenery, can experience skiing and hot springs (e.g., Shawan Hot Spring). ------ V. Food Recommendations 1. Must-Try Snacks ◦ Roasted Buns: Crispy outside, fragrant inside, with rich lamb filling (Recommended: Ashe Liangfen Restaurant). ◦ Hand-Grabbed Lamb: Authentic flavor, served with onions and Piyazi (Recommended: No. 88 Old Delicious Lamb Ribs and Pulled Noodles). ◦ Naren: Traditional Kazakh noodle dish, noodles cooked in meat broth, seasoned with chili powder. 2. Special Main Courses ◦ Xinjiang Da Pan Ji (Big Plate Chicken): Yili improved version, more authentic with wide belt noodles (Recommended: Kashgar Time-Honored Brand). ◦ Mare's Milk: Fermented mare's milk drink, sour and sweet, refreshing in summer (Recommended: Herder's home in Kazanchi Folk Village). ◦ Russian Lieba: Traditional rye bread, served with jam and nuts (Recommended: Liuba Russian Lieba House). ------ VI. Transportation and Accommodation 1. Transportation ◦ Flights: Yining Airport (direct flights to Urumqi, Chengdu, etc.), Nalati Airport (direct flights to cities within Xinjiang). ◦ Self-drive: Duku Highway (open June-September), Yizhao Highway (open June-October), road conditions are generally good but pay attention to weather. ◦ Chartered car/Car-pooling: Recommended for 4 people to carpool, daily average cost about 500-800 RMB. 2. Accommodation ◦ Yining City: Yining Tianyuan International Hotel (near Ili River), Liuxing Street B&B (experience ethnic customs). ◦ Grassland Scenic Area: Nalati Muxinggu Starry Sky Tent, Tekes Lijie Special Inn. ◦ Winter Recommendation: Shawan Hot Spring Resort (wellness + skiing). ------ VII. Practical Tips 1. Altitude Sickness: Sayram Lake and Xiata are about 2000 meters above sea level; generally no altitude sickness, but avoid strenuous exercise. 2. Sun Protection and Insect Repellent: Strong UV rays, need SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses; many mosquitoes in grasslands, bring insect repellent. 3. Dressing Guide: Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a jacket even in summer; down jacket + non-slip boots needed in winter. 4. Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering mosques, do not casually photograph locals (especially women). 5. Environmental Protection Tips: Do not drive over grasslands, take your trash with you, protect wetland ecosystems. ------ VIII. Supplementary Niche Attractions • Qiongkushitai: Primitive village, wooden houses complementing snow-capped mountains, suitable for trekking and photography. • Gongnaisi River Valley: Autumn red leaf secret spot, suitable for camping and stargazing. • Huiyuan Ancient City: Site of the Qing Dynasty Ili General's Residence, rich in historical relics. ------

June is the perfect time for Yili's lavender blooms! A trip to Yili's lavender fields isn't the main highlight of visiting Xinjiang... Because Xinjiang is vast...with many stunning places... If you happen to be in Yili between late June and early July... Wake up early and experience the romantic purple fragrance at a lavender estate[Tiptop][Tiptop] Sharing this itinerary｜ 10 Days & 9 Nights Northern Duku Highway Tour in Xinjiang Our chosen travel style｜6-person pure-play tour group DAY1⃣️ Chengdu—✈️—Ürümqi (stay in Ürümqi) DAY2⃣️ Depart from Ürümqi—Shanshan (350km) (stay in Shanshan) DAY3⃣️ Shanshan—Turpan—Kuytun (520KM) (stay in Kuytun) DAY4⃣️ Kuytun—Sayram Lake—Yining (550km) (stay in Yining) DAY5⃣️ Yining—Qiaxi—Gongliu (385KM) (stay in Gongliu) DAY6⃣️ Gongliu—Bayanbulak (260KM) (stay in Bayanbulak) DAY7⃣️ Bayanbulak—Nalati (70KM) (stay in Nalati) DAY8⃣️ Nalati—Northern Duku Highway—Kuytun (230KM) DAY9⃣️ Kuytun—Ürümqi (280KM) (stay in Ürümqi) DAY🔟 Ürümqi—✈️ Chengdu Key Attractions‼️ 👍 Kumtag Desert—The desert closest to a city 👍 Tuyugou Valley, Turpan—Xinjiang's oldest Uyghur village to date 👍 Guozigou Bridge—A major breakthrough in Xinjiang's highway history 👍 Kazanqi Folk Village—The only large-scale original ecological cultural attraction reflecting Uyghur customs in Northern Xinjiang 👍 Qiaxi Forest Park—"The Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall is in Yili, and the most beautiful part of Yili is Qiaxi" 👍 Nalati Grassland—The grassland with the largest Kazakh population, most comfortable from July to September 👍 Bayanbulak—Capture the "nine suns" sunset at the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns 👍 Duku Highway—Don't miss the silhouette views at sunset on the Duku Highway 👍 Dushanzi Grand Canyon—"The secret realm of Duku, a wonder of hundreds of millions of years" Local Cuisine: Big Plate Chicken｜Lamb Skewers｜Traditional Yogurt｜Baked Buns｜Naan Bread｜Lagman Noodles, Hand-pulled Rice｜Grilled Lamb Ribs｜Cold-water Fish｜Rack Roast 💰 Cost:

Driving along the Ili loop When you start to feel aesthetic fatigue from seeing endless grassland scenery, suddenly encountering a different view becomes even more captivating! This is a must-visit spot on the Ili loop, and it's the most worthwhile stop along the route from Qiongkushitai/Kalajun ➡️ Chaxi/Kurdening. Located near Gongliu County, the Tekes River, also known as Chapuqi Reservoir, boasts stunningly beautiful water color on sunny days—so gorgeous it will leave you speechless! The lake's blue hue is so vivid that no photo editing can replicate it! I passed by this place three times in total: The first time was on a cloudy day, and the water appeared gray and quite ordinary. The second time was on a sunny day, and the lake's blue color was dazzling. I walked to the shore and took many photos, but unfortunately, a large cloud rolled in before sunset, so I missed the sunset view. The third time was also on a sunny day, and I stopped to take aerial shots. The colors from a bird's-eye view were even more breathtaking! So, if you pass by and don't see it at its most beautiful, please don't complain that it's not stunning! Like Sayram Lake, its beauty heavily depends on the weather! 🚗 Previously, there were several paths allowing cars to drive to the shore, but now they are all blocked. Currently, the only entrance is at Arenbulake. Near the location, there's a small forest and a trail. While cars used to be able to drive down, the local 🐎 horse teams have fenced it off. You can ride a horse to the riverside and back, or hike in. With the water level currently low, the walk is about 1 kilometer. 💡 This place hasn't been developed into a tourist attraction; it's simply a reservoir along a rural road! There are no accommodations or commercial facilities nearby. If you're traveling along the Ili loop and happen to pass by, I highly recommend stopping to take a look. However, I don't suggest driving hundreds of kilometers just to visit this spot!

Kuerdening, located in Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is a hidden gem in the Tianshan Mountains, known as "the most beautiful green valley in Tianshan." Here, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, and streams intertwine, offering different scenery in each season, especially in spring and summer when it feels like a fairy tale world. - 📍Location: Xinjiang · Ili · Gongliu County · Kuerdening 🚗Transportation: 3 hours self-drive from Yining | 1.5 hours charter from Gongliu County 🎫Entrance Fee: 60 RMB (peak season) - 🌿Reasons to Choose Kuerdening ✅Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery: More pristine than Binalati, fewer tourists, completely relaxing with no feeling of crowding. ✅Self-driving paradise: The drive is full of beautiful views, with plenty of spots to stop and take photos (may be busier during peak season). ✅Hiking paradise: Friendly for light hiking, with snow mountains, spruces, and wildflowers—every snapshot looks like wallpaper. ✅Great value: Accommodation and horseback riding are cheaper than popular scenic spots, and the herders are very genuine! - 📸 Recommended Photo Spots 1️⃣ Qimengde Viewing Platform 🌟Why visit: Overlooks the entire Kuerdening Valley, with wildflowers and snow mountains in the frame during summer! 📷Photo tips: Morning light is best; wear white or bright-colored dresses for magical running shots! The staggered area below the platform is perfect for horseback videos! (Herders’ horses cost 30 RMB per ride; video prices range from 100-168 RMB; prices can be negotiated if in a group) 2️⃣ Spruce Forest Hiking Trail 🌟Why visit: This is also Spruce Town, like stepping into the scenes from "Heidi and Grandpa," with stunning light and shadow! You might also encounter squirrels, foals, and lambs. 3️⃣ Foot of Kabanbay Peak 🌟Why visit: Snow mountains are right in front of you, and it’s super heartwarming to see herders driving sheep by. 4️⃣ Camping and Afternoon Tea Along the Way 🌟Why visit: Maximum relaxation, with red maples nearby; you can even capture autumn vibes in summer. - 🚗 Suggested Itineraries 1️⃣ Classic One-Day Tour: Visitor Center → Qimengde Viewing Platform → Spruce Forest → Valley Grassland (ideal for visitors with limited time). 2️⃣ In-Depth Two-Day Tour: Day 1: Kuerdening → Qimengde Hiking → Spruce Forest Exploration → Overnight at a hotel or guesthouse inside the scenic area. Day 2: Self-drive or horseback ride to the foot of Kabanbay Peak to experience herder life → Return trip. - 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations Yurt inside the scenic area: 200-400 RMB/night, with snow mountains visible right outside the door and the Milky Way at night! Hotels in Gongliu County: Better facilities, suitable for those sensitive to cold. - 🍢 Food Recommendations 🔥 Freshly brewed milk tea at herders’ homes: Rich milky flavor, perfect with naan bread! 🔥 Grilled lamb skewers: Freshly slaughtered lamb, 10 RMB per skewer, sprinkled with cumin that’s irresistibly fragrant! ⚠️Avoid: There is a food street at the trailhead with average taste, just filling; it’s better to bring your own snacks or Xinjiang fruits and enjoy afternoon tea inside the scenic area. - ⚠️ Practical Tips 1️⃣ Clothing: Summer clothes plus a jacket for daytime from May to September 2️⃣ Sun protection: Strong UV rays, sunglasses + hat + SPF50 sunscreen are essential! 3️⃣ Signal: There may be no signal in the mountains, so download offline maps in advance. 4️⃣ Hiking: Bring a bottle of water; there are refill points along the way. - Kuerdening is less commercialized and retains its original natural beauty, making it perfect for travelers who love peace, hiking, and photography. This is definitely a hidden treasure alternative to the Ili Valley!

As soon as summer vacation starts, Xinjiang really gets 🔥 hot! This time, I unlocked a new way to travel with kids with Xiao Ye: Xinjiang RV family tour! You can avoid the crowds and live right in the scenery, it's simply too comfortable! A must-go this summer vacation. —— 💯 Why choose RV travel: ✅ The RV family camp is based on family units, one car per family, no carpooling with others, more private, free, and worry-free! ✅ It's basically a mobile little home: with air conditioning, kitchen, and bathroom. The fridge is always stocked with fruits 🍎 and yogurt, eat whenever you want, kids love it. ✅ The itinerary is well-designed with off-the-beaten-path routes, no following the crowd, stop and go as you please, no regrets about missing beautiful scenery along the way 🏞️~ ✅ The RV is fully equipped with a private bathroom, even in the vast and sparsely populated grasslands, you can avoid the embarrassment of desperately looking for a restroom 🚾. ✅ Experience RV camping, sleep in the scenery, fall asleep with the grass, sleep under the stars, wake up in the morning and step into a picturesque view right outside the door, it's truly so so healing!! ✅ Family-friendly tour leader + photography follow-up + dedicated RV driver, well-arranged staff who can also help take care of the kids, worry-free for moms. ✅ Over 10 rich family activities, both adults and kids can have a blast~ - 🚗 8 days 7 nights family itinerary: D1: From all over the country - Urumqi - Free activities D2: Urumqi - Tianshan Deer Horn Bay - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Kuitun D3: Kuitun - Northern section of Duku Highway - Qiaerma Martyrs' Cemetery - Nalati Kazakh Home Visit D4: Nalati Aerial Grassland - Kurdening D5: Spruce Secret Realm Exploration - Tekesi - Zhaosu Flower Sea - Tianma Cultural Park - Tianma RV Camping Valley D6: Tianma Bathing River - Tianma Cultural Ambassador - Yizhao Highway - Kazanqi Folk Experience D7: Yining - Lavender Manor - Guozigou Bridge - Sailimu Lake D8: Sailimu Lake - Urumqi Airport Transfer - 🤗 Over 10 family activities: ✔ Tianma cultural class, horseback riding on the grassland 🐴, brushing horses ✔ Watch the breathtaking scene of thousands of horses galloping at Tianma Bathing River ✔ Horse carriage parade in Blue Kazanqi, learn about local life ✔ Apply Osman eyebrow makeup, make Nang bread 🫓, enjoy ethnic dance ✔ Kazakh home visit, hold lambs 🐏, milk cows, play the dombra ✔ Kurdening spruce light hiking + leisure morning tea 🍵 ✔ VIP self-driving tour of Nalati Grassland, enjoy the beautiful scenery ✔ Outdoor sketching at Sailimu Lake, capture the real scenery ✔ Sailimu Lake sailing ⛵ + afternoon tea ✔ Learn about grassland plants, collect and make specimens ✔ Throw frisbees, fly kites, play soccer ⚽ on the grassland ✔ Qiaerma Martyrs' Cemetery red education ✔ Outdoor barbecue picnic, bonfire, stargazing, open-air movie 🎦 ✔ Customized private feast, Deer Horn Bay lunch + grassland dinner

🌟 If you've never tasted Gulandanmu ice cream under the blue walls of Liuxing Street or savored the crispy aroma of lamb oil from freshly baked samsa in a tandoor, then Yili (Yining) is your perfect destination! This "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall" weaves a poetic tapestry of lavender fields, pastoral melodies, and Kazakh milk tea, blending snow-capped mountains with bustling streets. Dive into this 48-hour guide to unlock Yili's dual soul—from dawn-lit pastures to starlit old alleys. 🏨 **Stay: Old Town Charm & Mountain Views** **Liuxing Street Cultural Zone**: - **Qichi Homestay**: A century-old Uyghur house transformed, with apricot-tree courtyards and Adilais silk drapes, serenaded by dombra at night (¥300/person). - **Lizheng Hotel (Liuxing Street)**: Smart rooms + rooftop terrace overlooking the blue maze of streets and Kunlun Tower light shows (¥730/night). **Yili River Views**: - **Lizheng Huating Hotel**: 180° river-view rooms with Mousse deep-sleep beds, 5 mins to sunset viewpoints (¥647/night). - **Budget Pick**: **Zhenzhong Hotel (Train Station)**: Family rooms with zero-pressure mattresses, ideal for self-drive trips (¥200/person). 🍜 **24-Hour Flavor Adventure** ⏰ **9:00 Morning Bites**: - **Kazanchi Handmade Ice Cream**: Queue for the first batch of Gulandanmu at 10 AM—creamy original flavor with wild plum jam, stretchy with every scoop. ⏰ **13:00 Nomadic Feast**: - **Samusa Samsa**: Century-old tandoor-crusted lamb buns, bursting with juices, paired with brick tea (Kazanchi Road). ⏰ **19:00 Night Market**: - **Hongqi Road Food Court**: Try lung noodles + triple-combo blood sausages, spicy horse sausage, and chilled kumiss to cool down. 🌙 **22:00 Late-Night Craving**: - **Jiefang Road Grilled Liver**: Coal-fired lamb liver dipped in egg wash, dusted with cumin—melts like crème brûlée. ⏰ **Itinerary** 🚩 **Day 1: Old Town & Lavender Dreams** - **10:00-12:00**: Ride a "Hadik" carriage in Kazanchi, snap blue-carved windows with apricot blossoms, learn hand drums from Uyghur families. - **14:30-17:00**: Drive 1h to **Princess Worry-Free Lavender Estate** (June blooms stretch 12km), DIY sachets + wedding-worthy photos. - **19:00-21:30**: Hunt leather crafts in Liuxing Street’s maze, listen to Russian accordion tunes, top with raspberry-topped ice cream. 🚩 **Day 2: Grasslands & Peaks** - **8:00-12:00**: Charter a 2.5h ride to **Nalati Grasslands**, horseback through wild lily fields, milk cows with Kazakh herders. - **14:00-16:00**: Hike **Kurdening’s** spruce forests, touch glacial-carved cliffs, find ancient walnut groves. - **18:30-20:30**: Sunset at **Guozigou Bridge**, golden light on Sayram Lake’s blue ice—cliffside shots of "Xinjiang’s Most Scenic Road." 💡 **Local Tips** - **Transport**: Direct flights from Yining Airport to 23 cities; charter to Nalati (¥600/day). - **Hidden Gems**: **Tohulasu Grasslands** (May alpine blooms), **Huiyuan Ancient Town** (Lin Zexu’s frontier history). - **Souvenirs**: Lavender honey from **Hanren Street**, jam-stuffed Russian bread from **Russian Bakery**. When the last lavender breeze sweeps Liuxing Street at dusk, when Yili River’s ripples swallow Tianshan’s snow—you’ll understand: *Yili’s romance simmers nomadic fervor into hot naren, stitches lavender seas into Kazakh embroidery, and blooms where blue-windowed alleys meet grasslands—a timeless Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.* Your Western Regions tale awaits, penned amid Nalati’s thawing lilies and the sizzle of samsa.

Must-visit in June! The Ultimate 7-Day In-Depth Yili Travel Guide In June, Yili unfolds like a breathtaking scroll of emerald grasslands and blooming flower seas, showcasing its most enchanting season. This carefully curated 7-day itinerary will immerse you in Yili's unique charm. Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrival in Yining - Exploring Old Town Charms - Afternoon: Visit the Hexagonal Street upon arrival. This East-meets-West neighborhood is famous for its unique star-shaped layout. Stroll through exotic architecture while soaking up vibrant local life, with spontaneous music and dance performances inviting you to pause and enjoy. Day 2: Kuerdening - A Fairytale Encounter - Full day: Journey to Kuerdening, home to towering spruce forests and crystal-clear streams. Walk along wooden paths where rolling mountains meet whimsical clouds, creating a storybook landscape. - Special experience: Try horseback riding (¥80/hour) through the woods, with guides happy to photograph your adventure. - Food tip: Sample rich handmade yogurt, customizable with sugar to taste. Day 3: Narati Valley Grasslands & Ili River - Morning: Explore Narati Valley's vast grasslands where livestock graze peacefully, and you might spot adorable marmots. Opt for a 2-hour horseback ride (¥80/hour) to panoramic viewpoints. - Evening: Witness a serene sunset over the Ili River, where golden light paints the water with quiet beauty. Day 4: Sayram Lake & Border Exploration - Morning: Visit "The Atlantic's Last Tear" - Sayram Lake. Its sapphire waters shift hues magically, creating Insta-worthy shots without filters. - Afternoon: Tour Khorgos Gateway, learning about border history before shopping for imported goods at nearby markets. - Evening (optional): Visit lavender fields (recommend Huocheng area farms) in late June when purple blooms perfume the air. Day 5: Karajun Grasslands' Grandeur - Full day: Discover Karajun's diverse landscapes blending forests, grasslands, canyons, and snow-capped peaks. Eastern Karajun offers vast plains while Western Karajun stuns with its "Human Body Grassland" curves. Tour via scenic shuttle for nature's masterpiece views. Day 6: Qiongkushitai - Rustic Village Serenity - Full day: Experience Qiongkushitai's preserved wooden village where streams wind through lanes. Wander pastoral paths to absorb slow-living charm and glimpse the ancient Wusun Trail's grandeur. Day 7: Guozigou Bridge & Departure - Morning: Marvel at the dragon-like Guozigou Bridge spanning valleys in perfect harmony with nature. After photos, conclude your Yili journey. Must-Try Local Cuisine: 1. Laghman: Chewy noodles with savory toppings like fried meat or potatoes - best at old-town eateries. 2. Samsa: Crispy baked buns stuffed with fragrant lamb and onions. 3. Big Plate Chicken: Tender chicken with soft potatoes and wide noodles in rich sauce. 4. Kazakh Steamed Noodles: Unique texture with lamb and veggies. 5. Spicy Chicken: Numbing-tingly cold appetizer you can't miss. Travel Tips: 1. Sun protection: Strong UV requires high-SPF sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and cover-ups. 2. Layered clothing: Pack long sleeves for cool evenings even in summer. 3. Comfortable shoes: Essential for walking and light hiking. 4. Camera gear: Bring extra batteries/cards or power banks for endless photo ops. 5. Cultural respect: Mind local ethnic customs and religious practices. Yili in June awaits with open arms. Pack your bags for this dreamy journey to Xinjiang's most intoxicating landscapes!

July in Yili is like God's spilled palette! This 5-day self-driving route avoids the crowds, taking you through grasslands, lakes, and flower fields to experience the purest charm of the Western Regions! 🗺️ Itinerary Overview (excluding round-trip transportation) Day 1: Ürümqi → Yining (by train) → Kazanqi Folk Street Day 2: Yining → Kalajun Grassland → Tekes Day 3: Tekes → Qiongkushitai Village → Qiaxi Forest Park Day 4: Tekes → Nalati Grassland → Bayinbuluke Day 5: Bayinbuluke → Duku Highway → Sayram Lake 🌄 Day 1: First Encounter with Yili, Ethnic Charm Morning: Arrive in Yining Take an overnight train from Ürümqi (soft sleeper recommended for comfort) and arrive in Yining in the morning. The Hanren Street Morning Market near the train station is the perfect start to your journey! Enjoy steaming milk tea, crispy baked buns, and don’t forget to pair them with sweet-and-sour yogurt shaved ice. Afternoon: Explore Kazanqi Folk Street Ride a colorful "horse taxi" (carriage) through the blue-and-white Uyghur houses, soaking in the exotic vibe. Don’t miss the Kazanqi Blue Wall for Instagram-worthy shots! For dinner, try the locally loved Yizihai’er Ice Cream Shop—handmade ice cream with rich dairy flavor, topped with honey and nuts, absolutely addictive. 🌿 Day 2: Stroll the "Sky Grassland," Meet a Wildflower Feast All day: Kalajun Grassland in-depth tour In July, Kalajun is a sea of wildflowers! Get the "East & West Kalajun" combo ticket (includes shuttle bus) and focus on Eagle Platform and Flower Platform. Hike from Flower Platform to Five-Flower Meadow, where purple wild peonies and golden buttercups blanket the slopes. Food tip: Kazakh yurts in the area serve authentic lamb pilaf and milk tea—just ¥50 per person for a feast! 🏞️ Day 3: Discover Ancient Villages, Hidden Gems Morning: Qiongkushitai Village Head to Qiongkushitai, hailed as "China’s Most Beautiful Ancient Village," with scenery straight out of a Miyazaki film! Try horseback riding through the forest (¥150/hour) or visit century-old wooden houses. Afternoon: Qiaxi Forest Park A hidden treasure! Drive into the park along the "Qiaxi Scroll" route, with steep peaks on one side and babbling streams on the other. Stop for a picnic at the Sea of Pines viewpoint—bring naan bread and fruit for a peaceful afternoon. 🌄 Day 4: Gallop Across Grasslands, Chase the Nine Bends Morning: Nalati Grassland Take the Panlong Ancient Route shuttle to the 2,200m-high viewpoint, overlooking rolling green hills. The viral "Sky Platform" is a must-see, with snow-capped mountains framing the grasslands. Evening: Bayinbuluke Drive 2 hours to Bayinbuluke and reach the Nine Bends viewing platform before sunset! If you’re lucky, you’ll see nine suns reflected in the Kaidu River. 🌊 Day 5: Cross Duku Highway, Meet the "Last Tear of the Atlantic" Morning: Northern Duku Highway Drive the "Most Beautiful Highway in China," experiencing four seasons in one day! Key stops: Hashile Daban and Tangbala Hundred-Mile Gallery—pick wild strawberries and blueberries along the road! Afternoon: Sayram Lake Loop Cruise the lakeside road and stop at Kuleyongzhu for crystal-clear water, or feed swans at West Sea Grassland. At sunset, climb General’s Platform to watch the lake turn from blue to pink—absolutely breathtaking! 📌 Pro Tips Transport: Rent a car in Yining! Ürümqi to Yining is 10h by train or 7h driving. Choose an SUV for rough terrain. Attire: Daytime temps ~25°C, but pack a windbreaker, sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Food: Must-try roasted lamb, spicy chicken, and rack meat! Tekes’ "Gulebage Restaurant" serves massive portions of dapanji (big plate chicken). Stay: Book a B&B with a view of Tekes’ Bagua City, or stay in a yurt near Sayram Lake’s General’s Platform for sunrise views. This summer, chase poetry and adventure in Yili! 🌼 #YiliTravelGuide #XinjiangRoadTrip #DukuHighway #SayramLake #NalatiGrassland

Life Advice: You must visit Northern Xinjiang in summer—it holds China's most breathtaking landscapes🍃! Skip the hassle of planning. In 10 days, our tour will take you deep into Northern Xinjiang, from Yili to Altay, showcasing all the essence of Xinjiang's beauty. Witness endless grasslands🌸, flower seas, canyons, lakes, forests, and snow-capped mountains🏔️… Stay at 7 stunning luxury wilderness camps with panoramic views—this is the ultimate Northern Xinjiang itinerary! - Why Choose Our Tour? ✅ Private group for 2+ travelers, offering flexible and exclusive experiences ✅ Expertly designed itinerary, perfect for families, couples, and luxury hotel lovers ✅ 1-on-1 consultation with travel designers + dual tour butler service ✅ Premium business transfers with experienced local drivers/guides ✅ Onboard drone service for free aerial photography and video editing ✅ 7 nights at high-end scenic hotels—sleep surrounded by nature ✅ Visit iconic attractions + off-the-beaten-path adventures—no rushed sightseeing ✅ Blue V-certified travel agency with contract + insurance for double security . ✈️ 10-Day Northern Xinjiang Panorama Itinerary D1 Urumqi airport pickup - hotel - free time D2 Urumqi - Dushanzi - North Section of Duku Highway - Nalati D3 Nalati Grassland - Ku'erdening - Forest-themed afternoon tea/spruce camp dining D4 Ku'erdun - Yining Kazanqi - Princess Worry-Free Lavender Manor D5 Sayram Lake - sailing experience - Dushanzi Grand Canyon D6 Kuytun - World Devil City - Burqin - Colorful Beach D7 Burqin - Kanas - Three Bays - Fish Watching Pavilion D8 Kanas Lake - Hemu - Beautiful Peak - outdoor aesthetic dining D9 Hemu Viewing Platform - Ahe Highway - Altay D10 Ulungur Lake - Urumqi airport drop-off . 🏨 7 Handpicked Scenic Stays Fairytale log cabins nestled by birch forests, Tuvan-style cozy decor, creating an immersive luxury wilderness vibe #ZANA Wilderness Resort Located in Kanas Scenic Area's old village, each room has a private courtyard, ~20 mins walk to the lakeside Camp rooms face Kanas Snow Mountain, backed by spruce trees, offering 360° views for a slow grassland life Inside Nalati Forest Park, surrounded by snow mountains, valley grasslands, and woods—wake up to wild vistas Featured in hit variety show "Five Haha," at the start of Ahe Highway, encircled by rivers, snow peaks, and grasslands Camp enveloped by desert flora, poplar forests, and primal woods, boasting superb panoramic angles Grassland-surrounded, snow-capped mountain-backed, lakeside location with open lake views and starry skies . 📸 Xinjiang Luxury Wilderness Experiences: ✔ VIP self-drive in Nalati + Sayram Lake + Kanas + Hemu ✔ Nalati grassland sledding ✔ Ku'erdening spruce forest light hike ✔ Sayram Lake sailing ✔ Devil City Yadan landform off-roading ✔ Fish Watching Pavilion light trek ✔ Little Beautiful Peak horseback riding

Step into a Hayao Miyazaki Summer❗ The Ultimate 6-Day Yili Niche Itinerary is Here❗ Snow-capped mountains, endless grasslands, wildflower-covered hills, and azure lakes—this route captures the essence of Yili Valley's breathtaking scenery. 🚗 Drive through the Nalati Sky Grasslands, 🚶 hike the Xia Ancient Trail, 🌊 circle the pristine Sayram Lake, and 🌾 explore the secluded beauty of Ku'erdening/Qiaxi. From July to August, dare to conquer the "Mini Duku Highway"—the Yizhao Road! With professional photography📸, this soul-soothing journey is bound to light up your social media! —— 🛬【Itinerary】: D1: Depart nationwide - Assemble in Yining D2: Yining - Nalati Sky Grasslands - Snow Lotus Valley - Overnight in Xinyuan (314KM) D3: Route A: Xinyuan - Ku'erdening - Qiapuqi Lake - VIP self-drive in Aketas - Overnight in Tekes (241KM) Route B: Xinyuan - Qiapuqi Lake - VIP self-drive in Qiaxi - Overnight in Tekes (241KM) D4: Tekes - Xia Ancient Trail - Distant view of Muzart Glacier - Yizhao Road (July-August) - Overnight in Yining (460KM) D5: Yining - VIP self-drive around Sayram Lake - Lake photography session - Overnight in Yining (284KM) D6: Yining - Disband —— ⛺【Must-Visit Spots】: 🌊 Sayram Lake VIP self-drive: A 90km lakeside loop, venturing into the less-traveled western grasslands for stunning shots of "Sayram Blue" and mountain reflections. 🏔️ Xia Ancient Trail: Trek through forested valleys and gaze at Xinjiang's most treacherous glacier—Muzart—as if stepping into medieval Central Asia. 🌿 Nalati Sky Grasslands + Snow Lotus Valley: Home to Kazakh herders, climb to cloud-kissed meadows and touch glacial remnants in Snow Lotus Valley (snow persists until June). 🌲 Ku'erdening: A UNESCO-listed spruce forest sanctuary with views of Kabanbay Peak. 🍀 Qiaxi: The pinnacle of layered grasslands—drive up to Qiaxi Panorama Platform for sweeping river and forest vistas. 🛣️ Yizhao Road (July-August only): A cliffside "hundred-mile gallery" with mist-shrouded White Stone Peak, rivaling Duku Highway's grandeur. —— 🍩【Must-Try Foods】: 🍢 Yining kebabs: Freshly skewered lamb with naan, crispy and juicy—30 RMB fills you up. 🍄 Zhaosu wild mushroom soup: Lamb-bone broth with wild Bachu mushrooms and hand-pulled noodles—unbelievably umami! 🌶️ Tekes secret-spiced chicken: Free-range chicken with onions, numbing but not spicy—even better chilled. 🐟 Sayram Lake cold-water trout: Tender and fresh—try pan-fried or as dumplings (pricey in-scenic but worth it). 🍦 Hidden gems: Yining handmade ice cream (Gulandanm) and kvass (honey-fermented drink) for digestion! —— 🚌【Transport Tips】: 🔴 Options: 4-6 person van tours (with VIP self-drive) or private custom groups. 🔴 Perks: Local drivers know mountain roads; includes off-limits VIP routes. 🔴 Key notes: Yizhao Road allows only ≤7-seat vehicles (40km/h speed limit). Xia Scenic Area requires shuttle transfers (park personal vehicles at entrance). —— 🧡【Pro Tips】: 🔸 Documents: ID + border permit (not needed for Xia but carry ID). 🔸 Clothing: Pack windbreakers even in summer (Sayram/Snow Lotus Valley is windy), plus sunhats, sunglasses, and SPF50+. 🔸 Altitude: Entire route <3000m—no altitude sickness concerns. 🔸 Safety: Avoid night driving on Yizhao Road; don’t off-road on grasslands (heavy fines). 🔸 Crowds: Enter Xia before 9am; circle Sayram counterclockwise (tour groups go clockwise). —— 💰 Budget: 6-day van tour + transfers + 4-star lodging + tickets ≈ 5,000-6,500 RMB/pax (excludes flights/meals). ❗ Groups can split costs (~4,800 RMB/pax); solo/couple travelers pay more.

🚗 How to get to Yili? ✔ Urumqi Diwopu Airport: The main transportation hub for travel within and outside Xinjiang province, you can start here to take the Northern Xinjiang + Yili loop routeㅤ ✔ Yining Airport: Suitable for traveling only within the Yili area, starting and ending in Yining City, relatively higher prices, with direct flights from some citiesㅤ ✔ Xinyuan Nalati Airport: Suitable for transit travel within Xinjiang, with direct flights from a few cities ✔ Zhaosu Tianma Airport: Round-trip flights between Urumqi and Zhaosu. Plans are made according to tourism market demand . 🎪 Yili Accommodation Guide 🍀 Nalati Town: Overall average accommodation environment, the only advantage is being close to the scenic spots, many hotels in town, rooms are hard to get in summer, be sure to book in advance 🍀 Yining: More accommodation options, convenient city transportation, accommodation can be chosen freely 🍀 Xinyuan County: Close to Nalati scenic area, many accommodation options, ranging from good to basic conditions 🏝 Tekes County: Very close to scenic spots like Kalajun and Qiongkushitai, many hotel options, high cost performance 🍀 Gongliu: Close to Kuerdening and Qiaxi scenic areas, more accommodation choices, better conditions, and cheaper prices 🍀 Huocheng County: Usually choose to stay at Qingshuihe hotels or homestays, high cost performance 🍀 Tangbula: Offers various accommodations including RVs, campsites, and homestays, with homestays being the preferred choice for a good environment . ⚠ Travel Tips ✅ Yili travel sometimes involves long distances and can be tiring, bring food and water during the trip💦 ✅ Yili has a mild summer climate with large temperature differences between day and night, prepare a windbreaker/thermal clothing ✅ Strong sunlight during the day, bring sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays🧴 ✅ Yili cuisine is diverse, some ingredients may be unfamiliar, prepare stomach medicine in advance💊 ✅ Many places in scenic areas have poor signal❌, do not enter forests alone⭕, stay close to the group and carry some cash . 🌸 How to enjoy Yili? ✨ Run freely on the grasslands and feel the scent of grass in the wind ✨ Drive the Duku Highway, where you can experience four seasons in one day and different weather every ten miles ✨ Eat lamb skewers🍖, Yili has the best quality meat, grilled over charcoal ✨ Eat spicy fried rice noodles and be sure to drink Wusu beer🍺 __________________ 👀 What to pay attention to when going to Yili? ⭕ Carry your ID card at all times, there are many security checks🛂 ⭕ For hiking, you can go to Kalajun Grassland and Shata Ancient Road ⭕ Vehicles with more than 7 seats are not allowed❌ on Yizhao Highway and Duku Highway ⭕ It is recommended to visit Shata Ancient Road in the morning with enough time, as it tends to rain in the afternoon🌧 Recommended itinerary: Day 1: Departure - Urumqi, Xinjiang Day 2: Urumqi -- S101 Provincial Road - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun, Yili Day 3: Kuitun - Sailimu Lake, Bole - Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden - Tuguan Guozigou Bridge - Yili Old Town Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area - Yining City, Yili Day 4: Yining City - Shata Tourist Area - Zhaosu, Yili Day 5: Zhaosu - Kalajun Scenic Area - Qiongkushitai Day 6: Qiongkushitai -- Nalati Tourist Scenic Area -- Nalati Tourist Scenic Area, Xinyuan Day 7: Nalati - Starting point of Duku Highway (Dushanzi) - Urumqi, Xinjiang Day 8: Urumqi - Warm home For more Xinjiang travel information, click the link below to consult customizer Zhou Suping with one click

Since we didn't get good weather at Kalajun, Nalati became my husband's greatest expectation 😚 On the first day, we rushed to the visitor center to buy a 48-hour self-driving ticket: 200 RMB per person. Purchasing tickets during the off-season was smooth, but if it's peak season, I recommend starting to grab tickets 7 days in advance. Today's mission was the Cloud Pasture route - distant snow-capped mountains 🏔️, nearby grasslands and flowers 💐, blue skies and white clouds ☁️. The self-drive was very comfortable; we stopped wherever there were fewer people. On the second day, we took the Panlong Ancient Road, getting closer to horses 🐎, sheep 🐑, cows 🐂, and trees 🌲. After changing into a dress, my photos turned out even better [Cute] As the last stop of this Ili self-driving trip, let me summarize our 9-day itinerary: 🗓 Itinerary: D1: Lanzhou ✈️ Yining (3.5 hours). Hotel 🏨 Yining Municipal Government Lizi Huating Hotel was acceptable, but not as good as the nearby Atour Hotel, which was more convenient and comfortable. Right after arrival, we took a taxi to Liuxing Street for our first check-in. D2: Yining 🚗 Sayram Lake (2 hours). You could spend a whole day at Sayram Lake without getting tired - it's so beautiful and photogenic! Hotel 🏨 Xinmin Yuanshan Yisu Hotel is recommended! D3: Sayram - Yining - Tekes (4 hours). We skipped the Guozigou Viewing Platform at Sayram Lake because we'd already completed a full loop around the lake the previous day... We wanted to save energy for later parts of the trip, especially to check in at the Yizhao Highway, making the journey 6 hours. In hindsight, it wasn't necessary as the scenery along Yizhao Highway wasn't better than elsewhere. Fortunately, we arrived at the Bagua City of Tekes in the evening - the night view was nice with plenty of delicious food, worth a good feast [Clap] Hotel 🏨 Orange Hotel (Tekes Bagua City Taiji Altar Branch) is recommended! D4: Tekes 🚗 Kalajun (40 minutes). We started early because it was cloudy that day, and it rained heavily the next day! Continued staying at Orange Hotel 🍊 D5: It rained 🌧️ at Kalajun, so we slept in naturally, had brunch in Tekes, and headed directly to Kuerdening (2 hours). Hotel 🏨 Fuguang Photography Homestay is recommended! Dinner at the hotel is also suggested - the food was good 😌 D6: A full day at Kuerdening. The hotel even included entrance tickets - remember to ask for them! D7: Kuerdening 🚗 Nalati Grassland (2.5 hours). Hotel 🏨 Nalati Shejing Homestay - the owner was very hospitable, and the peacock 🦚 in the yard loved to call out haha. There were many delicious food options near the scenic area - just pick any! D8: Another day at Nalati, then back to Yining (3 hours). There were many beautiful views along the way. After arriving at Hotel 🏨 Atour Hotel (Yining Shanghai City Jiefang West Road), we returned the rental car. In the evening, we visited Liuxing Street again - just a short walk away. D9: The return day, with a layover in Lanzhou.

🀄️Few tourists, comfortable temperatures, wild lilies blooming through the ice at the foot of the snow-capped mountains 🏔️, Nalat Grassland unfurling like a tender green silk, and Sayram Lake's blue ice melting, sparkling like shattered diamonds...🀄️ 👍These scenic accommodations 🏡 will double your experience! 🏰Qiongkushitai Qingsky Jiyi A wooden cabin B&B at the foot of the snow-capped mountains, located in the secluded paradise of Qiongkushitai Village, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and an elevated terrace, offering 360-degree views ⭕️ 🏰Sayram Lake Water Fir Wild Luxury Hotel Backed by snow-capped mountains and facing the grassland, the surrounding environment is private and quiet. All rooms are suites, allowing you to enjoy 180° mountain and wilderness views from the floor-to-ceiling windows ⭕️ 🏰Bairui Camp A scenic wooden cabin high on the grassland, where clouds and mist linger, offering immediate views from the window. Pine and fir forests, and grassland river valleys are right before your eyes 👀 🏰Narat Ctrip Resort Farm Located within Nalat Forest Park, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, river valleys, grasslands, and forests, offering mountain and wilderness views right from your window 🌁 . 🚘Itinerary 🗣 🌞Yining Airport pick-up — Free time 🌞Yining — Horse riding on Wusun Ancient Road — Qiongkushitai - Qingsky Jiyi 🌞 🌞Qiongkushitai — Qiapuqihai — Qiaxi — Kuerdening 🌞Kuerdun — Kuerdening — Nalat Grassland 🌞Nalat — Sayram Lake — Water Fir Wild Luxury Hotel 🌞Guozigou Bridge — Yining — Airport drop-off 🔥Recommended Attractions 👍🔥 🏞Narat : Stroll along the forest river valley and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature 🏞Kuerdening : A fairytale forest 🌲 just like Switzerland, step into the tranquility of the spruce forest of your dreams 🏞Qiaxi Forest Park : The 'Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall' is in Ili, and the most picturesque part of Ili is Qiaxi 🏞Qiongkushitai : An ecological village deep in the Tianshan Mountains, enjoy horse riding on the Wusun Ancient Road 🏞Sayram Lake : Drive around the lake, enjoy afternoon tea by the lake 🍺, and feel the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean 💧 🏞Yining Kazanchi : Take a carriage tour through the dopamine-inducing blue town, and visit a Kazakh herdsman's home 🏰 ✅Warm Tips ‼️Self-driving for a trip to Xinjiang is not recommended 😱 you'll be half-dead when you get back 🤮 ‼️When joining a tour group, avoid large bus tours. Xinjiang is vast, and attractions are far apart, so taking a large bus will be very uncomfortable 🤮

You must visit Xinjiang at least once❗️North Xinjiang Loop: 16-Day In-Depth Travel Guide For those living amidst skyscrapers, Xinjiang feels like a utopia of life. 🖼️ Especially during this season, North Xinjiang becomes an unmissable travel destination of the year. ✈️ Here, you can witness colors that other grasslands don't have. Here, you can feel freedom, romance, and passion💕. Here, you can see herds of cattle and sheep, as well as starlit wooden cabins, allowing you to forget your worries and immerse yourself in the joy of travel🧳. 📷 Highlights: ✅ Kanas: Known as the "Garden of the Gods" and "Oriental Switzerland," it’s a place that will leave you enchanted🥰. ✅ Hemu: A fairytale-like village with bridges, streams, curling smoke, wildflowers, and starlit wooden cabins🏠, exuding a primitive and natural charm. ✅ Sayram Lake: With snow-capped mountains as its backdrop, the pure blue of Sayram Lake💦 is so beautiful that you won’t want to leave. ✅ Nalati Grassland: A must-visit destination in Xinjiang, featuring lush green meadows, herds of cattle and sheep, and skies that blend seamlessly with the mountains—like a dream come true🖼️. ✅ Duku Highway: A road where you can see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, galaxies, and deserts, experiencing the transition of seasons‼️. ✅ Colorful Beach: A river divides two banks, creating two distinct worlds. The vibrant colors of the beach🌈 are dazzling. 🚗 Recommended North Xinjiang Route: D1: Arrival in Urumqi D2: Urumqi - S21 Desert Highway - Burqin D3: Burqin - Hemu Scenic Area D4: Hemu - Kanas Scenic Area D5: Kanas - Colorful Beach - Urho D6: Urho - World Devil City - Bole D7: Bole - Sayram Lake - Yining D8: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Zhaosu D9: Zhaosu - Qiongkushitai D10: Qiongkushitai - Kalajun Scenic Area - Tekesi D11: Tekesi - Chaxi Forest Park - Gongliu D12: Gongliu - Tangbula Grassland - Xinyuan D13: Xinyuan - Nalati Grassland - Nalati D14: Nalati - Bayinbuluk Scenic Area - Bayinbuluk D15: Bayinbuluk - Duku Highway - Urumqi D16: Departure from Urumqi

🌳 If Xinjiang is nature's palette, then Ku'erdening is undoubtedly the most refreshing and soothing shade of green. Hidden here are China's most beautiful snow-capped spruce forests, where woodlands intertwine with grasslands, and snow-capped mountains accompany babbling streams, creating a fairy-tale world. Today, I'll share a super-detailed Ku'erdening travel guide to immerse you in this earthly paradise. 📍Location: Southeastern mountainous area of Gongliu County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang 🎫Ticket: 60 RMB/person (includes access to both East and Central Valleys). Central Valley is only accessible by self-driving (vehicles under 19 seats). 🚗Transportation: - **Self-drive**: About 2.5 hours from Yining City, with good road conditions suitable for sedans. The scenic drive offers plenty of photo opportunities. - **Public transport**: Take a bus or car from Yining to Gongliu County, then transfer to Ku'erdening. Limited schedules, so plan ahead. 🌟Best time to visit: June - August, when wildflowers bloom across the hills, the grass is lush, and the cool climate is perfect for escaping the heat and photography. ✅Must-visit spots: 1. **Qimengde Viewing Platform**: The highlight of Ku'erdening. A 1-hour hike up a wooden boardwalk takes you past "Heidi and Grandpa"-style cabins, with snow-capped spruces along the way. The panoramic view from the top includes valleys, forests, and grasslands backed by endless snow-capped mountains—perfect for stunning photos. Horseback riding is also available (80 RMB one-way, 160 RMB round-trip). 2. **Ten-Mile Gallery**: A picturesque blend of spruce forests and grasslands. In May, golden wildflowers blanket the hills like Monet's garden. Great for picnics and low-angle shots of dandelion fields or dreamy twilight forest scenes by the pond. 3. **Ayou Viewing Platform**: Overlooks an S-shaped mountain road winding through lush forests, offering dramatic photo ops with a wide-angle lens. 4. **Bee Fragrance Station**: Dense spruce forests where you can watch bees gather honey in summer. Camp by the river, pick wild mint, and snap nature-themed photos with props like hats and bouquets. 5. **Tikekalagayi Forest Sea**: Asia's largest primitive snow-capped spruce forest. Hiking trails wind through sunlight-dappled woods, evoking Middle-earth from "Lord of the Rings." Wind-carved rock formations attract geology enthusiasts, and wildlife like marmots can be spotted. 🏠Accommodation: - **Inside the scenic area**: Kafeng Camp or Valley Camp tents (200-400 RMB/night, breakfast included) for stargazing and sunrise views. Cozy cabins near Qimengde offer unique stays (book early). - **Outside**: Sheyu Inn (rustic style) or Hongfuyuan Hotel (comfort) in Ku'erdening Town (300-500 RMB/night). 🍱Food recommendations: - **Kazakh cuisine**: Hand-grabbed lamb, horse meat naren, milk tea, and borsok (fried dough). Savor hearty meals with authentic flavors. - **Wild mushroom stewed chicken**: Summer wild mushrooms paired with tender local chicken create a rich, unforgettable broth. ❗Tips: 1. Pack warm layers (e.g., windbreaker, light down jacket) for large day-night temperature swings. 2. Strong UV rays—bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. 3. Wear anti-slip shoes for hikes; some trails are steep. 4. No shops inside—pack snacks and water. 5. No signal at Qimengde summit—download offline maps. 6. Follow guides' instructions when horseback riding. 🌈Ku'erdening, Xinjiang's hidden gem, offers pristine nature to melt your worries away. Come embrace the wild green—your soul will thank you.

I declare! No place understands summer better than Xinjiang! Every frame here looks like a movie scene—vast grasslands, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and flower fields... each view is breathtakingly beautiful! 📸【Today's Highlights】 1. Nalati Grassland: - Highlight: Endless grasslands meet azure skies, making you feel like you've stepped into an oil painting. - Why visit: Perfect for enjoying nature's tranquility and capturing stunning photos. 2. Qiaxi Forest Park: - Highlight: A majestic blend of snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and rolling grasslands. - Why visit: Ideal for hiking through nature's masterpiece, as if wandering in a fairyland. 3. Flower Fields: - Highlight: Vibrant blooms swaying in the wind create a mesmerizing spectacle. - Why visit: Strolling through feels like entering a fairy tale, with picture-perfect moments everywhere. 🌈【Xinjiang's Magic】 - Healing landscapes: Scenery so beautiful it soothes the soul. - Cinematic views: Every corner feels like a movie set, making it hard to leave. - Diverse natural wonders: Grasslands, mountains, lakes, and flower fields—endless beauty to behold. 🎡【Travel Tips】 - Best time to visit: Summer (June-August), with pleasant weather and peak scenery. - What to wear: Pack warm layers and comfortable shoes for large temperature swings. - Sun protection: Strong UV rays—bring sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. - Eco-consciousness: Preserve nature by leaving no trace. 🍴【Must-Try Foods】 - Xinjiang lamb skewers: Tender, flavorful, and a must-eat! - Hand-pulled rice: Aromatic traditional dish with rich textures. - Yogurt: Creamy and refreshing—perfect for cooling down.

Location: Kuerdening, Gongliu County, Ili, about 3 hours' drive from Yining City 🎫 Ticket: 60 RMB/person 🚌 Shuttle bus round-trip: 48 RMB/person (self-driving is allowed) ⌚ Opening hours: Summer season 9:30 AM–8:00 PM Here’s a suggested itinerary to help fellow travelers👌: 🚶‍♀️ Route: Shili Gallery → Fengxiang Post → Kafeng Base Camp → Qimengde → Ayousai → Cloud Prairie ✅ Parking: Drive to the Kafeng Base Camp parking lot near Qimengde. If the lot is full (trust me, don’t waste time waiting), just turn around and park along the roadside, then walk over. Hiking to the Viewing Platform: - At the Qimengde starting point, take a photo on the left side of the road. - On the right is the horse riding station. The hiking trail begins next to the small ticket booth for horseback riding. - We hiked up and down the wooden trail, enjoying the forest and grassland views along the way. It’s easy to stop for photos whenever you spot a nice scene. The round trip took about 3 hours (1 hour up, 1 hour down, and 1 hour for photos), and it wasn’t tiring. ⚠️ Photo Spots: - Heidi’s Cabin: Just a short walk up the trail. There’s plenty to photograph here, but don’t linger too long—aim to reach the summit by noon to avoid backlighting. - Forests along the trail: Feel free to explore and snap photos of any scenic spots you like. ✅ 9-Day Ili Itinerary👇 D1: Departure city – Ürümqi D2: Ürümqi – Dushanzi Grand Canyon – Bole D3: Bole – Sayram Lake (self-drive loop + sailing experience) – Guozigou Bridge – Yining D4: Yining – Xiate Scenic Area – View of Muzart Glacier – Tekes (Bagua City) D5: Tekes – Qiongkushitai – Village cabin stay D6: Qiongkushitai – Kuerdening – Xinyuan D7: Xinyuan – Nalati Grassland – Nalati Town D8: Nalati Town – Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery – North Section of Duku Highway – Ürümqi D9: Ürümqi – Airport drop-off, end of the trip 👉 June is totally worth it—go for it! For more Xinjiang travel tips, feel free to DM me 💬

Tarim Forest Park generally refers to Tarim Poplar National Forest Park. Here is a travel guide for you: 💻 Basic Information Tarim Poplar National Forest Park is located 70 kilometers south of Luntai County in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, along the desert highway. Covering a total area of 100 square kilometers, it is the largest, densest, and best-preserved natural poplar forest in the world and is a national AAAA-level scenic area. ⛺️ Best Time to Visit The autumn color season of the poplar trees is short, usually about half a month. The best season for the poplar forest in Luntai mostly falls between mid-October and mid-November each year, when the leaves turn golden and the scenery is magnificent. ✈️🚘 Transportation Guide By Plane✈️: You can fly to Korla Airport and then transfer to other transportation to reach the park. By Train🚄: Take a train to Korla Station, then transfer to a shuttle bus to Luntai County. By Car: You can charter a car directly from Urumqi or start from Luntai County and drive about 70 kilometers along the desert highway to reach the park. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and you can stop anytime to enjoy and take photos. By Public Transport🚌: Take a shuttle bus from Bazhou Bus Terminal to Luntai County, with buses every 30 minutes, ticket price 38 yuan, and a travel time of about 2.5 hours. Then transfer at Luntai Bus Station to a shuttle bus to Taheqiao Town, which runs every 2 hours, ticket price 18 yuan. Get off at the park entrance. For the return trip, you can catch a bus from Taheqiao Town to Luntai County on the roadside. The last bus from Luntai County to Korla departs at 20:00. ✅ Park Layout and Attractions The park is divided into the Visitor Service Area, Sightseeing Area, and Leisure and Entertainment Area. Visitor Service Area: Integrates dining, accommodation, entertainment, and shopping to provide convenience for visitors. Sightseeing Area: Features a scenic road about 17 kilometers long with 126 bends, running through the ancient poplar forest. Here, you can admire poplars in different seasons and forms, experiencing their majestic spirit. In autumn, the golden poplar forest contrasts beautifully with the Tarim River, creating breathtaking views. You can also see precious animals such as the Tarim red deer, white cranes, wild boars, and wild camels. Additionally, the park includes attractions like the Luntou Ancient City Ruins, Lunnan Oilfield Meritorious Well No. 2, Desert Highway, Monument, and the first station of the West-East Gas Pipeline. Leisure and Entertainment Area: Connected by a 13-kilometer circular sightseeing railway linking 4 to 5 large forest lakes. The poplars by the lakes are lush, turning golden in autumn, with beautiful reflections in the water. You can ride the sightseeing train and enjoy the fun of "leaping over green grasslands, dashing through red willow bushes, passing reed marshes, crossing the Qiyang River, and circling the forest lakes," fully embracing the charming scenery of the desert's southern beauty. ✅ Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Visitor Service Center - Sightseeing Area - Poplar Sculpture Park - Poplar Forest Park - Desert Highway - Cangtou Ancient City Ruins - Leisure and Entertainment Area. Day 2: Leisure and Entertainment Area - Sightseeing Train - Tarim River - Qiyang River - Forest Lakes - Visitor Service Center. ✅ Dining and Accommodation You can stay at inns near the Tarim River Bridge at night, which are relatively inexpensive. For food, there are mixed noodles, naan bread, lamb skewers, hand-pulled rice, naan-wrapped meat, thin-skinned buns, Tarim Lake grilled fish, lamb trotters, pulled noodles, yogurt, milk tea, red willow grilled meat, specialty cold noodles, specialty baked naan, poplar lamb, poplar mushrooms, grilled buns, and fruits such as grapes, Hami melon, and watermelon. ⚠️ Notes‼️ Bring appropriate clothing according to the season. The UV rays are strong, so pay attention to sun protection. The temperature is low in autumn, so prepare warm clothes. There are many mosquitoes, so take mosquito precautions. The climate is dry, so stay hydrated. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and prepare enough food and water. - The poplar forest in the park is dense; pay attention to safety, do not climb or damage the trees, and do not destroy the vegetation. - Follow park regulations, no smoking, no littering, and other uncivilized behaviors. Protect the environment well.

This summer 🌞, make sure to visit Northern Xinjiang! Every snapshot you take will look like a scene from a Studio Ghibli animation. Mountains, rivers, lakes, grasslands, and forests—this place fulfills all your fairy tale fantasies! 🌄【Impressions of the Northern Xinjiang Loop｜A Living Oil Painting】 Here, you'll find: 💧Meandering emerald rivers 🌿Valleys covered in lush green grass 🏔️Snow-capped mountains piercing the clouds 🌲Vast, untouched primal forests Dotted with white yurts of the Kazakh people, where the wind blows through the grass, revealing grazing cattle and sheep. Every click of the camera captures a cinematic masterpiece! Itinerary: D1: Arrival in Urumqi D2: Urumqi - Tianchi Scenic Area - Altay D3: Altay - Ahe Highway - Hemu Scenic Area D4: Hemu - Kanas Scenic Area - Burqin D5: Burqin - World Devil City - Kuitun D6: Kuitun - Sayram Lake - Yining D7: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xiatagou National Forest Park - Zhaosu D8: Zhaosu - Qiongkushitai - Tekes D9: Tekes - Qiaxi Forest Park - Xinyuan D10: Xinyuan - Nalati Grassland - Original Nalati D11: Nalati - Duku Highway - Urumqi D12: Departure from Urumqi

📍Location: Kuerdening Scenic Area, Gongliu County, Yili, Xinjiang 🚗 Self-drive: Just 15 minutes from the hotel🏨 Fuguang·Photographer's Homestay (the hotel even includes scenic area tickets, hehe) 🌟 Highlights: Here you'll find log cabins straight out of "Heidi and Grandpa," dense spruce forests, and walking trails leading up to alpine meadows, river valleys, and herds of cattle, sheep, and horses - immerse yourself in nature's embrace. 🏔 Kuerdening Travel Tips: 🌱 The scenic area is one-way, so don't miss any beautiful views along the road. 🌱 This hike started from the Qimengde Viewing Platform. Having missed good weather at Kalajun, we chose to hike up in Kuerdening, stopping frequently for photos... The boardwalk has about 1,600 steps, 3,200 round trip... I still remember my legs trembling after finishing the hike😂 Definitely overestimated myself... 🌱 There are many great spots for "dryland onion-pulling" photos - give it a try!

#springitinerary Yili offers a plethora of natural and historical attractions. Visitors can explore the vast Nalati Grassland, Sayram Lake, and the Ili River, which are ideal for hiking, camping, and photography. The region also boasts historical sites such as the Beytulla Mosque and the tomb of Tughluq Temur Khan. The Yili Museum in Yining provides insights into the area's rich history and cultural heritage.