[2025 Yining Attraction] Travel Guide for Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area In Ancient City of Yili (Updated Jul)

Dear sisters, if this is your first time traveling to Yili, Xinjiang, you must take this comprehensive guide. I hope it will bring you great convenience during your trip. You’re welcome! This is a guide I carefully compiled after visiting Yili, Xinjiang eight times. Every time I travel, I carry my love for this land with me, explore every landscape with my heart, and taste every delicacy. This guide covers all aspects of travel routes, transportation, accommodation, food, etc. You must save it first so that you can take it out and read it whenever you need it (remember to read to the end, there are many practical details in it). Must-see attractions 🧩Sailimu Lake: It is known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean", and the name sounds full of poetry. When you actually stand by the lake, you will be shocked by the scenery before you. The lake water is crystal blue, like a huge mirror, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains. In spring and summer, the lakeside is like a colorful carpet covered by nature. Various wild flowers bloom, red, yellow, purple... colorful, making this place look like a fairyland. When I came here for the first time, I was deeply attracted by the dreamy scenery, as if I had entered a fairy tale world, and I didn’t want to leave for a long time. 🧩Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley: Every spring, this place is a sea of ​​pink. Apricot blossoms bloomed all over the mountains, as if covering the entire valley with a layer of pink gauze. When you stroll in this sea of ​​flowers, the faint fragrance of flowers will fill your nose, making you feel relaxed and happy. The snow-capped mountains in the distance look particularly majestic against the backdrop of the blue sky, and contrast beautifully with the sea of ​​flowers in front of you. It really feels like being in a fairy tale world. I remember one time when I went there, it happened to be raining in spring. The raindrops hit the apricot blossoms, and the petals fell one after another. The scene was breathtakingly beautiful. 🧩Nalati: Nalati Grassland is known as the "Grassland in the Sky". It is like a green pearl inlaid in the land of Xinjiang. In spring and summer, the grass here is green, like a huge green carpet. Herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the grassland. They are like black and white pearls, dotted in this green picture. In winter, the grassland is covered with thick white snow, and the whole world becomes quiet and magnificent. Standing on this white snow, you can feel the tranquility and power of nature. 🧩Kazanqi: Kazanqi Folk Village is a landmark attraction in Yining City, which is full of rich Uyghur customs. When you walk into the village, you will see colorful buildings. Each house is like a work of art. Red, blue, and yellow, all kinds of bright colors are intertwined together, which is eye-catching. The bustling bazaar in the village is dazzling, and the dazzling array of goods makes people stop and choose. Here, you can also taste authentic ethnic cuisine, every bite is full of strong ethnic flavor, which will make you linger. 🧩Liuxing Street: Liuxing Street is a historical and cultural district in Yining City. The streets are distributed in the shape of a hexagonal star. This unique layout is full of exotic customs. When you walk along this street, it feels like you have traveled to another country. The buildings on both sides of the street are full of historical charm, and every brick and every tile tells a story of the past. This place is very suitable for taking photos, and you can take exotic photos with just a casual shot. Moreover, here you can also taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine. It is a unique experience to enjoy the food while feeling the cultural atmosphere here. 🧩Guozigou Bridge: It is one of the most dangerous canyon bridges in China. If you want to take a stunning panoramic photo of the bridge crossing the snow-capped mountains, you can set up the viewing platform at the "Guozigou Golden Summit". When you stand on the observation deck and overlook this majestic bridge, it is like a giant dragon spanning across the canyon, surrounded by continuous snow-capped mountains. The spectacular sight makes people marvel at human wisdom and the wonders of nature. ✅Popular routes in Xinjiang: 🎉️Day 1: When you arrive in Urumqi, check in to the hotel, put down your luggage and have a good rest. Afterwards, you can wander around the area and soak up the city's atmosphere. Urumqi has many special foods, such as baked buns, grilled lamb skewers, etc. You can find a local shop, taste these delicacies and start your food journey. 🎉️ Day 2: In the morning, you can go to the Urumqi Museum, where you can learn about Xinjiang’s history, culture and folk customs. Then head to Moon Bay of Sailimu Lake to enjoy the beautiful lake view. In the evening, you must go to watch the sunset over Sailimu Lake. When the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the lake, the water becomes sparkling and the scenery is beautiful. 🎉️ Day 3: Tour around Sailimu Lake and feel the tranquility and beauty of the lake. Find a suitable place by the lake, gather around the fire to make tea, sip the fragrant tea and admire the lake view. It feels so comfortable. Then head to Xinyuan. 🎉️ Day 4: Depart from Xinyuan and head to Turgen Xinghuagou to take as many photos as you want in the pink sea of ​​flowers. Then we went to Nalati to see the ice lilies, which bloomed in the ice and snow and looked particularly holy. Finally arrived at Nalati. 🎉️ Day 5: Go from Nalati to Kazanqi to experience the folk customs of the Uyghur people. Then go to Liuxing Street, stroll along this exotic street and taste authentic Xinjiang cuisine. 🎉️ Day 6: Go to Dushanzi Grand Canyon and feel the wonders of nature. Sit down at the Cliff Cafe and enjoy the beautiful view of the canyon while sipping your coffee. Then we will return to Urumqi along Duku Highway 1, ending this wonderful trip. Food Amway 🍱 ☑️Special snacks 🍱Baked buns, grilled lamb skewers, Naan, fried dough sticks, pulled noodles, mutton stewed cakes, yogurt rice dumplings, and the three cold Xinjiang delicacies (cold skin, cold noodles, and cold jelly). Each of these snacks has its own unique flavor. The baked buns have a crispy skin and delicious fillings; the grilled lamb skewers are fragrant and mouth-watering; Naan is an indispensable staple food in the life of Xinjiang people, with a crispy texture; Youtazi is oily but not greasy and has a soft texture; Latiaozi noodles are chewy and strong; the mutton stewed pancakes have tender mutton and the pancakes are full of soup, which is very delicious; the yogurt rice dumplings have a sweet and sour taste and a unique flavor; Xinjiang's three cool dishes are refreshing and delicious, and are a great choice for cooling off in summer. ☑️Xinjiang famous dishes 🍱Roasted whole lamb, grilled fish, big plate chicken, hand-pulled lamb, Naan wrapped with meat, spicy lamb trotters, peppery chicken, and pilaf. Roasted whole lamb is a traditional Xinjiang delicacy, with golden and crispy skin and tender and juicy meat; grilled fish is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and tastes delicious; the big plate chicken has tender chicken, soft and glutinous potatoes, and is served with wide belt noodles, which is very satisfying; hand-pulled lamb is tender and has no smell of mutton; Nang Bao Meat The perfect combination of naan and meat, with a rich taste; the spicy lamb trotters are spicy and delicious, making people more and more addicted; the pepper and sesame chicken has tender chicken and a strong numbing flavor; the pilaf is full of grains and has a rich flavor. I hope this guide can help sisters who are traveling to Yili, Xinjiang for the first time, and make your trip full of wonderful memories!

"You don't know the vastness of China until you visit Xinjiang, and you don't know the beauty of Xinjiang until you visit Ili." Ili, this jewel of Xinjiang, awakens from its slumber every March. The land is gradually covered with greenery and flowers, like a beautiful scroll slowly unfolding. While other places are still in the grip of late winter chills, Ili can't wait to show the world its vibrant spring scenery, attracting countless travel enthusiasts like me to this romantic rendezvous with spring. 1. Travel Time The temperature in Ili gradually rises in March, but it's still a bit chilly. At this time, the apricot blossoms are just beginning to bloom, and the grasslands are starting to turn green, making it a good time to appreciate the spring scenery. However, be aware that occasional snowfall can occur in March, so be sure to check the weather forecast before traveling. 2. Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive in Yining → Liuxing Street → Kazanqi Folk Village - Morning: Arrive in Yining, take a short rest to acclimatize to the local climate and environment. You can stroll around the hotel and experience the laid-back atmosphere of the city. - Afternoon: Head to Liuxing Street, which is divided into six fan-shaped areas by six main roads. Each area has a public building at its center, forming a unique hexagonal street layout. Stroll through the colorful houses, and browse the handicraft shops and cafes lining the streets. Find a small shop, sit down, order a cup of fragrant milk tea, and savor the moment. - Evening: Visit the Kazanqi Folk Village, a Uyghur community that preserves traditional folk customs and architectural styles. Take a characteristic "ma's" (horse-drawn carriage) through the exotic streets and admire the blue and white houses along the way. As night falls, you can also sample local delicacies and experience the lively nightlife. - Day 2: Yining → Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley → Xinyuan - Morning: After breakfast, depart for Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley, the largest remaining wild apricot forest from the Middle Ages, covering over 30,000 mu (approx. 5,000 acres). In March, apricot blossoms bloom all over the mountains and plains. The pink and white flowers contrast with the emerald green grassland and the distant snow-capped mountains, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty. Take a stroll through the sea of flowers, take photos, and capture these beautiful moments. - Afternoon: Continue exploring the Apricot Blossom Valley, as the light at different times of day creates varying visual effects. You can also choose to have a picnic on the nearby hillside and enjoy nature's gifts. - Evening: Head to Xinyuan County for accommodation and savor local specialties such as hand-pulled rice and lamb skewers. - Day 3: Xinyuan → Nalati Grassland → Return Trip - Morning: Visit the Nalati Grassland. Although the grassland isn't completely green in March, you can already see patches of tender green. The distant snow-capped mountains complement the grassland. You can take a sightseeing bus to enjoy the scenery along the way or ride a horse across the grassland and experience the feeling of freedom. - Afternoon: Pack your bags and return home with wonderful memories. 3. What to Eat - Hand-pulled rice: Lamb, carrots, onions, and rice are simmered together, creating a fragrant dish with distinct grains of rice and tender, non-muttony lamb. - Lamb skewers: Freshly cut and skewered lamb is grilled over charcoal, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. The result is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor. - Nang pit meat: Marinated lamb is roasted in a nang pit. This unique roasting method gives the lamb a golden, crispy exterior and a juicy interior. - Yogurt zongzi: Soft and glutinous zongzi paired with rich yogurt and sprinkled with sugar or honey creates a sweet and sour treat that's perfect for cleansing the palate. 4. What to Wear The temperature difference between day and night in Ili in March is significant, so bring warm clothing. - Tops: Wear thick coats (such as down jackets or windbreakers), sweaters, or thermal underwear. - Bottoms: Wear fleece-lined jeans or sweatpants. - Shoes: Choose comfortable sneakers or snow boots for easy walking. - Accessories: Bring scarves, hats, and gloves for warmth and as photo props. 5. Where to Stay - Yining: It's recommended to stay in the city center for convenient transportation and access to various restaurants. Choose from chain hotels or unique guesthouses, with prices ranging from CNY 200 to 500. - Xinyuan: There are many hotels in the county seat with relatively affordable prices. You can find decent hotels for around CNY 150 to 300. 6. Tips - Book train tickets and hotels in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to avoid unavailability. - Ili has strong UV rays, so take sun protection measures, including sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. - Respect local customs and habits in ethnic minority areas to avoid unnecessary conflicts. - Follow the horseman's instructions and pay attention to safety when riding. 🌄 The beauty of Ili is a natural, unadorned beauty that allows you to forget your worries and immerse yourself in this picturesque world. 🌸 This trip to Ili was like a beautiful dream, with every scene deeply etched in my heart. 🎉 If you love travel and nature, don't miss Ili in March. Come and experience the beauty of spring!

Starting from March, the temperature in Xinjiang ☁ continues to rise, the ice and snow ❄ gradually melt, and various flowers 💐 bloom one after another, which indicates that spring 🍀 in Xinjiang is about to come, and the next Xinjiang will be as beautiful as a painting. What can you see in Xinjiang during this period? Of course, you should go to the flower-viewing spot recommended by China National Geographic - Yili Xinghuagou to view the apricot blossoms! Believe me! ! ! The Hanging Apricot Garden in Yili in spring will surely amaze you throughout the spring. 🌸Recommended spring flower viewing route ⏰Time: 5 days and 4 nights 👣Route: Yili➕Nalati➕Sailimu Lake 🌸Day1⃣: Urumqi➟Sailimu Lake ice and snow begin to melt/Ice-topped flowers➟Sailimu Lake Starting from Urumqi, head all the way to Sailimu Lake🌅. At this time, the ice and snow of Sailimu Lake have just started to melt, and there are still some crystal clear ice cubes remaining on the lake surface, which reflect the newly blooming ice flowers, making it beautiful like a dream. Take a stroll along the lake or drive around the lake to feel the tranquility and beauty. · 🌸Day2⃣: Guozigou Bridge➟Nalati (Sky Grassland) Starting from Sailimu Lake, passing by the spectacular Guozigou Bridge, every shot is a blockbuster📸. Then we arrived at the Nalati Sky Grassland. The grass on the grassland had not yet turned completely green, but the snow-capped mountains in the distance, the dotted apricot blossoms and the vast grassland were intertwined, forming a beautiful spring picture. · 🌸Day3⃣: Turgen Apricot Valley➟Kazanqi➟Liuxing Street➟Yining In the morning, go to Turgen Apricot Valley, which is the essence of Yili apricot blossoms🌺. Apricot blossoms are blooming all over the mountains, and the pink sea of ​​flowers is like a dream world, making people feel as if they are in a fairy tale. Arrive in Yining in the afternoon🌇, first go to Kazanqi Folk Village to experience the strong Uyghur customs; then stroll around Liuxing Street, with its unique street layout and small shops full of literary and artistic atmosphere. Every shot you take is a retro blockbuster. · 🌸Day4⃣: Yining➟Daxigou Fushou Mountain Apricot Blossoms➟Kuitun Starting from Yining, head to Daxigou Fushou Mountain; the apricot blossoms here bloom in layers along the hillside🌷, contrasting with the green trees and streams in the mountains, which is beautiful. Strolling in the apricot blossom forest, breathing in the fresh fragrance of flowers, and feeling the beauty of nature. · 🌸Day5⃣: Dushanzi Grand Canyon➟Kenswat Reservoir➟S101 Baili Danxia➟Urumqi Check in at Dushanzi Canyon, the unique canyon landform makes people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature🏔. Go to Kenswat Reservoir to enjoy the beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains; drive along the S101 Baili Danxia Highway 🚙, enjoy the endless Danxia landforms along the way, and feel the magnificence and magic of nature.

Ili is truly a dream destination! With its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower-filled valleys, the scenery is like something out of a fairy tale. If you're planning a trip to northern Xinjiang, this guide will help you explore Ili! Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ili is from mid-March to late May. During this period, the weather gradually warms up, apricot blossoms and wild lilies bloom, and the grasslands turn green, creating breathtaking scenery. Transportation: - By Air: Fly directly to Yining Airport for convenience, although prices can be higher. For budget travelers, fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and then take a bus or hire a car to Ili. - By Train: Take a direct train from Urumqi to Yining. An overnight sleeper is a good option, saving both time and accommodation costs. - By Car/Chartered Vehicle: Ili is vast and its attractions are spread out. Self-driving or hiring a car is the best way to explore the region in depth. Road conditions are generally good, but some mountainous areas have no cell phone signal, so prepare a satellite phone in advance. Itinerary: 🎈3 Days and 2 Nights: Day 1: Yining City Tour Upon arrival in Yining, visit the Kazantqi Folk Street to experience the rich Uyghur culture and taste local delicacies. In the afternoon, stroll along the Russian-style streets of Liuxing Street. Stay overnight in Yining. Day 2: Sayram Lake Day Trip Visit Sayram Lake in the morning and admire the stunning lake and mountain scenery. Enjoy panoramic views from the Songshutou Observation Deck. Return to Yining in the afternoon. Day 3: Nalati Grassland Visit the Nalati Grassland and experience its vastness and tranquility. Enjoy activities like horseback riding and archery. Return to Yining in the evening and conclude your trip. 🎈4 Days and 3 Nights: Day 1: Yining City - Sayram Lake Upon arrival in Yining, head to Sayram Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stay overnight by the lake. Day 2: Sayram Lake - Guozigou Valley - Yining Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Sayram Lake. Afterward, visit the Guozigou Valley and admire the canyon scenery. Return to Yining in the afternoon and explore Kazantqi and Liuxing Street. Day 3: Yining - Kalajun Grassland Visit the Kalajun Grassland, a World Natural Heritage site, and admire its magnificent scenery. Choose to hike or ride horses. Stay overnight in Tekes. Day 4: Tekes - Qiongkushtai Village - Yining Visit Qiongkushtai Village and experience the Kazakh herding culture at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Return to Yining in the afternoon and conclude your trip. 🎈5 Days and 4 Nights: Day 1: Yining City - Sayram Lake Upon arrival in Yining, head to Sayram Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stay overnight by the lake. Day 2: Sayram Lake - Guozigou Valley - Khorgos Port - Yining Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Sayram Lake. Afterward, visit the Guozigou Valley and admire the canyon scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Khorgos Port and experience the border town atmosphere. Return to Yining in the evening and visit the Ili River Bridge and Liuxing Street. Day 3: Yining - Kalajun Grassland - Tekes Visit the Kalajun Grassland, a World Natural Heritage site, and admire its magnificent scenery. Choose to hike or ride horses. In the afternoon, head to Tekes and explore the Bagua City. Day 4: Tekes - Qiongkushtai Village - Nalati Visit Qiongkushtai Village and experience the Kazakh herding culture at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. In the afternoon, head to the Nalati Grassland and enjoy the grassland scenery. Day 5: Nalati - Yining After exploring the Nalati Grassland, return to Yining and conclude your trip. Tips: 1. Sun Protection and Warm Clothing: Ili experiences significant temperature differences between day and night in spring, so pack both warm clothing and sun protection. 2. Book in Advance: Book popular attractions and accommodations in advance, especially for Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland. 3. Time Difference: Xinjiang is two hours behind Beijing time. The sun rises around 10:00 am. 4. Transportation Planning: Some mountainous areas have no cell phone signal, so plan your itinerary in advance and prepare a satellite phone. 5. Food Recommendations: Don't miss out on Yining's specialties like lamb skewers, hand-pulled rice, and Dapanji (big plate chicken). Ili is truly beautiful. Pack your bags and embark on a romantic spring adventure!

Yining in Ili is not just about grasslands and snowy mountains🏔️, it is full of cultural charm and is really worth a visit. My favorite old town in Yining is Hazanqi, 🐎 with the jingling horse carriages, a strong sense of nostalgia, blue and white colorful old houses, children all over the streets, and I even took photos with the locals, 😇 it was so much fun. Hazanqi Folk Tourism Area, ☝🏻 is not just a tourist attraction, it is a real old town area where locals live, free to enter, the place is quite large, and you can spend half a day wandering around. Here is the tour route🗺️, the map is at the end, you need to get 🐴 ready. 🔷Route North Gate--Visitor Center--Qianjin Street Area--Old Town Core Area--Return The residents of Hazanqi Street are distributed in the Qianjin Street area, the core area, and the Orchard Street area. ➡️ Enter from the North Gate, you can first go to the Visitor Center to use the restroom, here you can buy horse carriage tickets or sightseeing car tickets. ✅ The horse carriage and sightseeing car can only quickly tour the old town, stopping at 4 points to take photos📸, suitable for those with limited time. 🔹Qianjin Street I recommend walking around, entering from the North Gate, 🕍 you can wander around the Qianjin Street area, boldly walk into the alleys, there are many travel photo shops here, and fewer tourists. When you are tired, 🛻 find a tricycle on the road, 10 yuan per person, directly to the core area of the old town. (⚠️ The driver will tell you to take a car tour, also stopping at 4 points, be firm and say you only want to go to the old town to explore on your own.) 🔹Core Area The car will take you to Sainaimu Square, get off and you can freely wander the alleys. Many of the houses🏠 here have open doors, some even have signs at the door saying 'Visit Point', you can enter and visit. These are residential houses, each yard is very beautiful, with grape trellises, full of flowers, and fruit trees in front of the house. I met an old lady👵🏻, her granddaughters had just finished their exams, and they were very friendly and took photos📸 together. (The grandma didn't want to be photographed, remember to ask before taking photos❗️) On the way, a group of children invited me to pet their kitten🐱, it was so healing. 🍨 There are many handmade ice cream shops in Hazanqi, I randomly found a workshop with a garden to eat, 🍃 the environment was great. You can also see the ice cream being made, honestly, I don't recommend queuing at popular shops, choose the original flavor, it won't be too sweet, other flavors might be sweeter. After finishing this area, I found a tricycle and went back to the North Gate. (The car stops here) I didn't visit Orchard Street in the end, actually, you can continue to visit Orchard Street and leave from the South Gate. 🎈🎈🎈 More niche fun places on the homepage~ I am Xiao K who loves to travel, I have a 9-year-old child, and I love sharing travel guides, also passionate about discovering local places to take kids. ✈️✈️✈️ Recently working hard on updating Xinjiang travel guides.

Most of the walls and doors are painted blue by the locals. I feel like that I arrive at another city, such as Chefchaouen in Morocco. You should never miss the fruits in Xinjiang which are sweet and big.

"Xinjiang Traveling - Kazanqi": Exploring the most exotic native areas in Xinjiang "Recommended": [Fu 5] "Coordinates": Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Kazanqi Folk Customs Area, Yixiang Street, Yining City "Features": 1The number of Uighurs in Kazanqili is the largest. This ethnic minority may live in a romantic soul. In this mysterious colorful alley, there are full of surprises everywhere. 2The few ethnic celebrities here like colorful colors, and blue is the main color of the houses they built for hundreds of years, so a household here has a different blue color. Although the blue is amazing, it is not dazzling, but with a fresh and quiet. 3In the early morning, a group of people started to sweep the street, just a wall, or a door, is the best setting. There are fewer laughs in the alleys, seeing the courtyards that you like, pushing open the door, asking if you can take a photo, the hosts are enthusiastic, and then they have these photos. 4 Finally ended the journey of this colorful alley in the arms of a very polite twin baby. "Attention": The residents here are also very friendly, but it does not mean that you can enter the courtyard of other people at will. It is best to get the owner's answer before you take a photo.

In the dawn-lit Kazanqi courtyard, thunderous music erupt abruptly. Dancers stride through dust as they dance, silk ribbons surging like liquid auroras with each whirl. Their heels strike the earth, resonating with ancient Kashgar's rhythms—every stomp a reverent homage to oasis life. Within these steps lies the soul of the Silk Road: performing not for others' pleasure, but to awaken ancestral whispers in the blood. #summervacay#myitinerary #familytravel #travel #thingstodo

Entering the Kazanqi courtyard, grapevines arch overhead, their century-old branches weaving a canopy of dappled shade. The hosts present handcrafted ice cream—a local legend hailed as the "Silk Road Häagen-Dazs." Holding the cone, visitors bite directly into its crystalline layers, revealing a core of velvety milk with it essence. This bold, tactile ritual transforms dessert into an earthy communion, where teeth meet craftsmanship and terroir crystallizes on the tongue—a testament to Kazanqi’s unbreakable bond between hand, land, and flavor. #summervacay #thingstodo #travel #myitinerary #familytravel

Kazanqi pulses with indigo arteries sunk deep in the earth! Century-old blue walls drink Tianshan snowmelt, grapevines dangling like beaded time. The coppersmith’s chisel chimes with the mosque’s call, six-pole carriage hooves shatter stained-glass reflections. Teahouse porcelain cups hold dawns left by Tang caravans; clay-pot yogurt’s sour fragrance winds down Silk Roads still warm. Here, no chronicles exist—every wooden door-groove is living scripture. Beneath ice-cream hawkers’ cries, the city breathes a millennium in patchwork blues. #summervacay#travel #thingstodo #familytravel #myitinerary

The beauty of Ili lies not only in its grasslands and villages, but also in the yurts scattered across mountain slopes and the clusters of blue houses lining the streets 🏘️. Today we took the reverse route along the Yizhao Highway 🛣️ from Zhaosu to Yining. Due to weather ☁️ conditions and previous mudslides/landslides, we didn't linger at the highway's highest point—Baishi Peak ⛰️. Instead, we just stopped halfway up the mountain for some skewers, milk tea, and baked naan before hurrying downhill. 📅 Itinerary: First stop📍 Baishi Peak ⛰️ The highest point of Yizhao Highway. Second stop📍 Kazanqi Folk Tourism Zone 🚗 Self-drive tips: The Yizhao Highway gets quite busy, especially near Baishi Peak. ⛱️ Must-visit spots: 📌【Kazanqi Folk Tourism Zone】 We strolled into Kazanqi around dusk and visited two century-old ice cream 🍦 shops—one with stretchy ice cream, the other with rich flavors, both absolutely delicious 😋. As the sun began to set, we wandered through this naturally filtered "fairy-tale town" where windows, doors, walls, and even the streets are painted blue... 🏨 Accommodation guide: Tianyuan International Hotel, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. After several nights in homestays, checking into this hotel in Yining was a relief! Great environment, spacious rooms, decent cleanliness, and even a barbershop 💈 at the entrance for a post-long-journey hair wash—perfect for travelers. 💓 Additional tips: 1️⃣ Kazanqi Folk Tourism Zone is mainly for trying century-old ice cream 🍦 shops and taking photos. We visited "Yizihai'er Cream Ice Cream (Qianjin Street Branch)" and "Awulali Handmade Ice Cream"—the latter had a better ambiance.

Yining, this frontier town embraced by the Tianshan Mountains, is renowned as the "Jiangnan Beyond the Great Wall." In summer, lavender fields resemble a purple ocean; in autumn, layered forests transform into a long scroll of oil painting. Year-round, the town thrives with the vibrant blend of Uyghur, Kazakh, Russian, and other ethnic cultures. Free from big-city bustle, it offers a healing power with "scenery at every step and stories in every alley." 🏯 【Must-Visit Attractions: A Colorful Scroll Through Time】 1️⃣ Kazanqi Folk Tourism Zone – Uyghur Life in a Blue Fairy Tale Highlights: The only pristine scenic area in northern Xinjiang centered on Uyghur culture. Across 120,000 square meters of streets and alleys, blue-and-white houses, handmade ice cream workshops under grape trellises, and jingling horse-drawn carriages create a living "One Thousand and One Nights" tableau. Experiences: 🎠 Ride a "Six-Pole" Carriage: 50 RMB/person to explore the alleys while listening to the driver’s family stories, passing European-style buildings and century-old homes. 🍦 DIY Handmade Ice Cream: At Gulandanmu Ice Cream Shop (Lane 4, Liguang Street), customize your toppings—try the dried apricot and fig jam combo. 2️⃣ Liuxing Street – A Rare Hexagonal Cultural Symbiosis Highlights: Designed in 1934 by a German engineer as a "garden city," six streets radiate from the central square, forming unique geometric aesthetics. Home to six ethnic groups including Uyghur, Russian, and Tatar, it’s hailed as a "living architectural museum." Experiences: 🎶 Night Tour of the Accordion Museum: Alexander Accordion Collection houses 800+ antique accordions, with street performers often playing "Katyusha" at night. 🍜 Ethnic Food Crawl: Gaxiangzi Fen Soup: Hui-style vermicelli soup with fried bread, simmered in a tangy tomato broth. Tatar Yard Bakery: Napoleon cakes so flaky they crumble, perfectly paired with rose tea. 👗 Rent Ethnic Costumes: Linxi She Homestay offers Uyghur embroidered dresses (50 RMB/hour)—super photogenic against Russian-style spired buildings. ⚠️ 【Local Survival Tips】 1️⃣ Transportation Traps: ❌ Avoid unlicensed cars outside airports/stations; use DiDi or taxis (starting fare: 7 RMB). 🚗 Check brakes before driving to Sayram Lake—some slopes reach 30%. 2️⃣ Cultural Taboos: 🕌 No alcohol in halal restaurants; ask permission before photographing minorities. 👗 Cover hair and avoid shorts in religious sites. 3️⃣ Food Safety: 🍢 Choose skewers grilled over open flames; avoid pre-cooked ones (may be spoiled). 🥛 Handmade ice cream is for same-day consumption—don’t refreeze if melted.

Yili is a must-visit destination for first-time travelers to Xinjiang, where you can experience mountains, rivers, lakes, and "seas." Here are some travel tips for Xinjiang: ⛺【Must-Visit Spots】: 🌟 Sayram Lake: Vast grasslands meet a blue lake 💙. Wearing white here and capturing the scenery with a "small person, big landscape" composition creates a high-end photo! 🌟 Zhaosu Jade Lake: From the viewing platform, the lake’s turquoise waters resemble a dazzling sapphire embedded in the canyon—so breathtaking it feels like a fairyland. 🌟 Nalati Grassland: Instantly transports you to Switzerland! The deep green spruce trees and meandering streams on the grassland look like pure white ribbons. 🛬【Travel Itinerary】: 1. Airport pickup - Ürümqi 2. Ürümqi - S101 Highway - Bole 3. Bole - Sayram Lake - Stay at Sayram Lake 4. Sayram Lake - Kazanqi Village - Zhaosu Jade Lake - Zhaosu Wetland Park (Tianma Bathing in the River) - Stay in Zhaosu 5. Zhaosu - Xiate Grassland - Xinyuan 6. Xinyuan - Nalati Grassland - Tangbula 7. Tangbula - Fairy Lake - Ürümqi 8. Ürümqi - Airport drop-off 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: During peak season, accommodations fill up quickly, so advance booking is recommended. 🧡【Tips】: ▪️ Xinjiang has large temperature differences between day and night 🌡️, so pack layers! ▪️ The climate is quite dry ☀️—stay hydrated 💧! ▪️ UV radiation is strong 🕶️, so sun protection is essential 🧴. ▪️ Xinjiang has a time difference from mainland China 🕥—adjust your schedule accordingly.

After much research, I realized driving myself around Xinjiang alone with a child was out of the question—safety first for us moms. Private cars were too expensive, and carpooling groups were mostly young travelers with different interests. After careful consideration, I decided to try an RV tour. I discovered these tours typically include 3-7 families, and the best part? Kids get playmates! 🥰 Imagine how amazing it is—8 days of travel with little companions to play with, plus a tour leader organizing fun activities and games. Finally, this mom could relax and enjoy the scenery hands-free! - Here’s the inside scoop on the tour experience: • Each family gets their own RV with a dedicated driver/butler. No rushing—play to your heart’s content at each scenic spot, rest in the RV when tired, and no more bathroom emergencies thanks to the onboard toilet! • The RV has a fridge—nothing beats an ice-cold drink in summer 😎! Xinjiang’s watermelons are huge, sweet, and cheap. Chill them in the fridge for the perfect thirst-quencher—just like home! • The tour leader and driver were great with kids, organizing group games. With multiple families’ children playing together, us adults could truly unwind and soak in the views! • Xinjiang’s attractions are stunning but vast. Going solo, you might miss hidden gems. The leader guided us to the best spots for fun and photos—super thoughtful! - Unforgettable experiences we unlocked: • Flying kites in cartoon-like cloud meadows • Milking cows, feeding sheep, and kite-flying on the grasslands • Hunting for July blue ice fragments at Sayram Lake • Becoming a swan feeder at Sayram Lake • Driving the Duku Highway, experiencing four seasons in one day • Sketching landscapes from the RV, adding color to our journey • Exploring glaciers, snow mountains, and streams while making natural fruit coolers • Learning the dutar from a Uyghur grandpa • Trying naan-making by the tandoor • Family dance-offs under grapevines - Itinerary revealed: D1: Arrive in Ürümqi D2: Ürümqi—Wild Horse Cultural Park—Dushanzi Grand Canyon—Kuitun D3: Kuitun—Sayram Lake—Yining D4: Yining—Kazanqi—Liuxing Street D5: Yining—Nalati Grassland D6: Nalati—Tangbula Grassland—Grassland RV Camp D7: Tangbula—Qiaoerma—Duku Highway—Kuitun D8: Kuitun—Shihezi—Ürümqi - This isn’t your typical tour—every experience was unforgettable and immersive! After comparing 3 RV tour operators for service, reputation, professionalism, and value, I wholeheartedly recommend this one! - Options available: 【Private Car Tours】【Custom Tours】【Private Group Tours】 Want the same itinerary? Tap 【Chat Now】 at the bottom left 👇👇 to get your plan! -

If you ask, what does Xinjiang truly have? It has— 【North of the Tianshan Mountains, the most vibrant summer】 The sacred waters of Sayram Lake nourish the snow-capped peaks. The vast grasslands of Nalati are dotted with wildflowers like stars, illuminating the green fields. The sunlight in Kazanqi Shines through the azure-blue buildings and into your heart. The winds of Altay, the slow pace of Hemu, the laziness of Kanas... All hide the romance of Xinjiang. It has— 【South of the Tianshan Mountains, the timeless charm of the Western Regions】 We journey across deserts and canyons, Wandering into the alleys of *One Thousand and One Nights*. Along the way, we touch the earth-toned architecture and encounter playful children. Sitting in century-old teahouses, we inhale the rose-scented milk tea, Watching Uyghur elders play the rawap. It has— 【East of the Tianshan Mountains, hidden but breathtaking wonders】 The Turpan from textbooks, the Flaming Mountains from *Journey to the West*. With ground temperatures reaching 80°C, you’ll really need Princess Iron Fan’s palm-leaf fan! We go off-roading in the Kumtag Desert, Relaxing under grapevines. We capture cinematic moments of time’s passage in the ruins of Jiaohe. Here, you’ll indulge in endless fresh fruits. Xinjiang is the last love letter to summer, A place where freedom and passion thrive. Like a heart long dormant, now bursting with life, It races into boundless vastness— Backdropped by snow-capped peaks, meadows, blooming flowers, and endless landscapes. It’s the world in its purest form, And in these fleeting 30,000 days of life, Xinjiang gifts you frame after frame of unforgettable moments. So, In your 30,000-day journey, Which day will you choose to come to Xinjiang?

Xinjiang, a place of breathtaking beauty all year round Snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, lush forests🌲, crystal-clear lakes🌊, and flocks of sheep and horses leisurely roaming—every frame captured feels like a scene from a movie📽️ ⛺【Must-Visit Spots】: ✅Sayram Lake: The lake's waters🌊 are a mesmerizing azure, surrounded by snow-capped mountains🏔️, verdant grasslands🌿, blooming flower fields🏵️, and graceful swans🦢—it's a dreamlike paradise! ✅Xia Ta: While it’s all grassland scenery, Xia Ta is undoubtedly a hiker’s paradise. ✅Kazanqi: Stepping into this blue-hued fairytale world💙 feels like wandering through a storybook. Stroll through its alleys and soak in the slow-paced, relaxed way of life. 🛬【Travel Itinerary】: D1. Arrival in Yining D2. Yining → Sayram Lake → Huocheng Lavender Fields → Jinghe D3. Jinghe → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery → Overnight in Tangbula D4. Tangbula → Nalati → Zhaosu D5. Zhaosu → Xia Ta → Zhaosu Heavenly Horse Bathing River → Zhaosu Rapeseed Fields → Zhaosu D6. Zhaosu → Yizhao Highway → Kazanqi → Ili General’s Mansion → Yining D7. Departure from Yining 🏨【Accommodation Tips】: ▪️During peak season, accommodations fill up quickly—book in advance. ▪️Towns offer plenty of hotels and guesthouses; choose based on your preferences. 🧡【Tips】: 👉Apply sunscreen for extended outdoor activities. 👉Xinjiang has significant temperature differences between day and night—pack layers.

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.

Strolling through Yining for a day, Kazanqi may seem a bit rundown with ongoing construction, but it's far more enjoyable to explore than the overly commercialized Liuxing Street. Blue, red, yellow, purple... the painted doors, windows, and walls showcase Yining's vibrant palette splashed across every street corner. 📷 Free photo spots in Kazanqi include: Pomegranate Flower Exhibition Hall, Loulangu Like Guesthouse, Frontier Diary Cultural Shop, Nausicaa Flower House, Zhuiye Homestay, Glazed Roof, Se'er Homestay, Apa Homestay, Yejulan Homestay, Handicraft Weaving Shop, and Blue Alley. 🥘 Restaurant recommendation: Kamil's Small Pot Pilaf, where the hand-pulled rice and yogurt are both delicious—definitely a safe bet. 🛌 Accommodation recommendation: Apa Homestay, with its colorful houses that are perfect for photos, and the super-friendly host.

After exploring the deserts, grasslands, and Gobi in Xinjiang, take a break by strolling through Yili's Old Town before continuing your journey! 👍: Liuxing Street, Yining City If you love food and cultural creative shops, head to Liuxing Street, which is more commercially developed with clean and tidy streets. There's also a large stage here with scheduled ethnic song and dance performances daily. 👍: Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area in Yili Old Town For those who prefer an authentic experience, visit Kazanqi, which preserves the most original Uyghur lifestyle. It's best explored on foot, as horse carriages can't fully showcase Kazanqi's beauty and are a bit pricey at 80 yuan per person. At the entrance of Kazanqi, you can feed pigeons for a very atmospheric experience. Vendors nearby sell mixed grain feed for 5 yuan per bag. Gulandanmu is said to be a century-old handmade ice cream, but after trying several flavors, even kids who love ice cream only took a few bites and stopped. It wasn't as tasty as the 3-yuan handmade ice cream bought from street vendors. Wandering through Kazanqi's winding alleys feels like stepping into a blue fairy tale world—various shades of vibrant, lively blue. Every gate along the streets is painted blue, and the courtyards behind them are uniquely charming, filled with carefully tended flowers and fruit trees, exuding a strong sense of daily life. Most are locals' homes; some with open doors invite a bold peek inside, while others with half-closed gates allow for quiet glimpses without disturbance. ❤: Both places experience traffic jams, and Kazanqi has some road construction. If you have the energy, visit Kazanqi during the day and enjoy barbecue at Liuxing Street in the evening.

Walking on the crisscrossing paths of Kazanqi, you can occasionally hear the "clip-clop" of horses' hooves. Carriages covered with gorgeous fabrics pass by, and the coachmen wearing square hats always smile kindly at passersby. Uzbek merchants once unloaded blue dyes loved by the people here. Now, those blues are deposited on the lintels and window frames of every household, washed by the years into shades of varying depths. In the cultural concept of the Uyghur people, blue symbolizes the sea and the blue sky, representing tranquility and gentleness. In this blue maze, the cool colors within sight take away the oppression of the scorching sun. A girl in an adras silk dress rides a bicycle with a watermelon in her basket. Orange printed cloths drying on the grape trellis stretch in the wind, revealing exquisite badam patterns. White mist rises from the naan pit next door, and the aroma of wheat, cumin, and chickpeas climbs up the blue walls to the carved balcony on the second floor. When the Ili River glistens like gold in the dusk, the rammed earth of the old city walls exudes the scent of history. This is not the neat ink fragrance of history books, but the complex scent of Sogdian caravan camel bells, the blood rust on the arrows of the Chagatai Khanate, and the ice and snow on the armor of the Xibe Battalion archers, fermented in the evening breeze into a secret history of the border town. Let history rewind, and we will see the scenes that took place on this land: the Wusun people inlaid the skull of the Yuezhi king with silver to make a vessel for mare's milk wine; the plows of the Tang army's reclamation turned over the black calcium soil, unearthing silver coins from the ancient Dayuan Kingdom buried in the ground; the documents of the governor's office and the Sanskrit palm-leaf manuscripts of the Buddhist temple flickered alternately on the Silk Road. Whenever the wind sweeps over the broken battlements, the sound of the bili from the distant Western Regions tavern can be heard; the iron hooves of Genghis Khan's army rolled over the Ili River Valley, and the crosses of Christian churches and the crescents of mosques coexisted in the dust of war. Qiu Chuji traveled west to this place and wrote in "The Travels of Changchun Zhenren" the spectacle of "getting up in the morning and seeing people of three different religions dressed in different clothes."

👇A Roaming Guide to the Ili River Valley 💞**Lavender in June**🌿* paints Princess Jieyou Manor in the colors of Provence, but even more touching is the nomadic migration of the Kazakh herders along the way—flocks of sheep traverse National Highway 219 to the rhythm of dust, a living epic. In Zhaosu, the **July rapeseed flower sea** frames the snow-capped mountains, and riding a horse through the Kalajun Grassland in the morning mist, the sound of hooves startles the marmots. 🥘The **food map** should mark three must-try dishes: the chopped meat noodles in the alley need to be paired with raw garlic, the Xibe's "Nimha fish stew" is sour and appetizing, and the Kvass and roasted buns in the night market are a perfect match. The Kvass vendors in the bazaar always give an extra half cup, which is the Ili way of being generous. 🚗**Transportation Tips**: The bus from Yining to Tekes passes through the Gongnais River Valley, and a window seat will give you a flowing landscape gallery. To go deeper into Qiongkushitai, you need to transfer to a herder's pickup truck—the bumpy mountain road will tell you what "far away" means. 🌃In the **Kazanqi Old Street** at dusk, there are always old people playing the Rewap under the sky-blue porch. There is no need to ask for the name of the song, the cumin aroma wafting from the Uyghur courtyard is the best tour guide. ‼️It is recommended to reserve seven days to let the slow rhythm of Ili permeate your pores. The beauty here lies in the fact that it is always ready for the next encounter.

Hey everyone👋! Who gets it?! Ili in April is literally a fairytale world🌿! Apricot blossoms covering the mountains, azure lakes, herds of cattle and sheep - every view is wallpaper-worthy! Save this comprehensive guide right now👇! 📍Ili, the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall" in northwestern Xinjiang👏! Blessed with a humid climate thanks to warm Atlantic air currents, April brings mountainsides covered in apricot blossoms, Sayram Lake shining like a jewel, and Kalajun Grassland beginning to turn green. Snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower seas, and lakes converge here, making every casual photo look like a movie scene - it's the must-visit romantic destination in spring! 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✈️Fly directly to Yining Airport, or transfer through Urumqi; renting a car after landing is super convenient, with gorgeous scenery along the way! You can also hire a car with a local driver who knows the routes and can serve as your guide~ 🚌Yining City has buses to various scenic spots, but with limited schedules; for places like Nalati and Kalajun, I recommend booking shared rides🚙 through travel platforms in advance - hassle-free and flexible! 🗺【Recommended Itinerary】 Day 1: Apricot Valley - Xinyuan County Head to Turgen Apricot Valley early morning! Pink and white apricot blossoms bloom beneath snow-capped mountains, like stepping into a Monet painting😆! Wander through the apricot groves, breathe in the fragrance, and take endless photos~ For lunch, enjoy hand-pulled lamb rice at a nearby herder's home - tender lamb, sweet carrots, paired with yogurt to cut the richness - perfect! In the evening, visit Xinyuan County, explore the night market, and try baked buns with crispy exteriors and juicy lamb filling that will make your mouth water! Day 2: Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge Rise early and head straight to Sayram Lake! In April, the lake is half blue, half ice - drive along the lake road and every casual shot is Instagram-worthy📸! At noon, enjoy milk tea with borsak in a yurt by the lake - savory, rich and warming! In the afternoon, visit the Guozigou Bridge on your way back - drone shots here are amazing~ Day 3: Kazanqi Folk Street - Six Star Street - Return Journey Morning at Kazanqi Folk Street with its blue and white Uyghur courtyards exuding exotic charm! Ride a horse carriage through the alleys and experience local life~ For lunch, try a pot of stewed lamb - tender meat in delicious broth! In the afternoon, visit Six Star Street to see Russian-style architecture and buy Xinjiang dried fruits as souvenirs, before reluctantly heading home in the evening😭 🌟【5 Must-Do Activities】 📍Turgen Apricot Valley: April exclusive! Thousands of acres of breathtaking apricot blossoms 📍Sayram Lake: "The last tear of the Atlantic Ocean," driving around the lake is incredibly therapeutic 📍Guozigou Bridge: Popular photo spot, amazing from aerial view 📍Kazanqi Folk Street: Experience Uyghur culture, blue houses make for great photos 📍Six Star Street: Browse specialty shops and experience the fusion of diverse cultures 📌【Practical Tips】 🎫Apricot Valley entrance fee: 30 yuan, Sayram Lake: 143 yuan (self-driving around the lake allowed) 👗Big temperature differences in April! Pack thick jackets + light sweaters, and don't forget UV protection essentials (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) as the sun is strong! 📸Morning light in Apricot Valley is soft and flattering, while sunset at Sayram Lake is stunning for photos! 🍜【Local Food Recommendations】 🍚Hand-pulled lamb rice: Tender lamb, sweet carrots, perfectly separated rice grains 🥟Baked buns: Crispy exterior that crumbles, aromatic lamb and onion filling 🥣Pot-stewed lamb: Tender meat in flavorful broth, perfect for warming up 🐑Rack of lamb: Crispy outside, tender inside, sprinkled with cumin and chili - delicious with every bite 🥛Milk tea with borsak: Savory milk tea paired with fried dough that gets more flavorful as you chew 🍢Red willow skewered meat: Large chunks of lamb grilled on red willow branches, adding a natural fragrance 🏨【Accommodation】 📍Xinyuan County: Xinyuan Nalati Grand Hotel, convenient location, lots of food options nearby 📍Sayram Lake: Sayram Lake Yunling Starry Sky Hotel, lake views from your window, perfect for stargazing 📍Yining City: Yining Kazanqi Guesthouse, experience local courtyard living with great atmosphere 💖【Travel Impressions】 Spring in Ili is the romance of mountain apricot blossoms, the breathtaking blue ice of Sayram Lake, and the vibrant street life... Every scene here is worth treasuring forever! Come quickly, everyone, and enjoy this spring-exclusive healing journey~

[Opening]: Xiata, a name forgotten by time. Snow-capped mountains, glaciers, ancient roads, wild flowers… This is the most primitive secret place in Xinjiang. The thousand-year-old post road that Xuanzang once walked on still echoes with the whispers of horse hooves and the sound of wind. Hiking deep into the canyon, we suddenly saw the Muzart Glacier hanging like a giant curtain among the spruce forest. In a trance, it seemed as if we were passing by the caravans and explorers in history. 🛬【Itinerary】: Day 1: Across the Country - Urumqi Day 2: Urumqi - Sailimu Lake Day 3: Sailimu Lake - Lavender Base - Kazanqi Folk Culture Village - Liuxing Street - Yining Day 4: Yining-Yizhao Highway-Xate Ancient Road-Zhaosu Day 5: Zhaosu-Qiongkushitai Day 6: Qiongkushitai--Kalajun Grassland--Kukesu Grand Canyon--Xinyuan County Day 7: Xinyuan - Narat Grassland - Middle section of Duku Highway - Bayinbuluke Day 8: Bayinbuluke - Duku Highway - Tangbula Hundred Miles Gallery - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Kuitun Day 9: Kuitun-Bai Li Danxia-Urumqi Day 10: Urumqi - Airport transfer 🧡【Warm Tips】: One of the most treacherous hiking routes in Tianshan Muzart Glacier is within reach From June to August, the mountains are covered with wild flowers, and in September, the forests are dyed with colors. Hiking difficulty: Intermediate to advanced (guide required) Must-see spots: Snow Mountain Pasture, Xiata Canyon, Glacier Sunset

, Yining, a city full of exotic charm, will give you your first surprise. Stroll through Kazanqi Folk Street, with its blue doors and windows, and colorful walls, every shot you take is a masterpiece. In the evening, you can go to the night market to taste local delicacies, such as roasted buns, pilaf, and mutton skewers, which will instantly awaken your taste buds! Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Yining Day 2: Yining - Wusun Ancient Road - Horseback riding tour - Qingkong Jiyi Homestay in Qiongkushitai Head to Wusun Ancient Road, an important passage on the ancient Silk Road. Take a horseback riding tour on the ancient road and feel the weight of history and the magnificence of nature. In the evening, stay at the Qingkong Jiyi Homestay in Qiongkushitai. The grassland under the stars is quiet and romantic. Lying in bed, you can see the stars all over the sky, which is really beautiful.

[Opening]: 🍄While you are still young, you must go to Xinjiang in autumn See the richest natural landscapes, snow-capped mountains🏔, grasslands🌿, lakes, sea of ​​flowers🌸, poplar forests, deserts, cattle and sheep... Go to the blue town and fairytale village to experience the humanities and customs Go to Duku Highway and feel the unique charm of this heroic highway. Everything is so just right! ⛺【How to play】: ✨Must-see attractions: Hemu - a fairytale village, peaceful and harmonious Sailimu Lake - the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean Duku Highway - Four seasons in one day, different weather every ten miles Nalati Sky Grassland——vast grassland and blooming mountain flowers Kanas - God's Back Garden, Alpine Lake Bayinbuluke - Nine sunsets in nine bends and eighteen turns · ✨Niche secret place: ⭐️Wucai Beach——God’s overturned palette ⭐️Devil City——The Jingjue Ancient City in Ghost Blowing Lamp ⭐️Kazanqi——Dopamine Blue Town 🛬【Itinerary】: ✨14-day free northern Xinjiang route: ⭐️DI hometown—Urumqi [Gathering Day] ⭐️D2 Urumqi—S21 Desert Highway—Altai ⭐️D3 Altay-Ahe Highway-Hemu ⭐️D4 Hemu-Kanas ⭐️D5 Kanas - Kanas Three Bays - Colorful Beach - Burqin ⭐️D6 Burqin - World Devil City - Kuitun ⭐️D7 Kuitun - Around Lake Sailimu - Guozigou - Lavender - Kazanqi Folk Street - Yining City ⭐️D8 Yining City - Kurdning - Gongliu ⭐️D9 Gongliu-Qiaxi Forest Park-Nalati Town ⭐️D10 Nalati Sky Grassland - Nalati Grassland - Bayin Swan Reserve - Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns - Bayin Town ⭐️D11 Bayin Town - Middle section of Duku Highway - Tangbula ⭐️D12 Tangbula-Northern section of Duku Highway-Dushanzi ⭐️D13 Dushanzi—S101 Baili Danxia—Urumqi D14 Send off to Urumqi Airport - Warm Home 🧡【tips】： If this is your first time to Xinjiang, I really don’t recommend a self-driving tour. The routes in Xinjiang are very complicated, and there is no signal in some places, so it is easy to get lost. Joining a bus tour is unreliable and the experience is not good! It is recommended to customize a private car with a driver or a small group of 2-6 people, to ensure pure play and zero shopping throughout the trip, and 24-hour online customer service.

Hey everyone 👋! As a true travel enthusiast, I just returned from an amazing trip to Ili. April in Ili was absolutely stunning, and I must share this travel guide with you all. Let's head to Ili together! 📍【About Ili】 Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, located in northwestern Xinjiang, is truly nature's favorite treasure 👏. It boasts vast grasslands, rolling snow-capped mountains, sapphire-blue skies, and endless fields of flowers. In April, as the ice melts and grasslands turn green, apricot blossoms burst into pink clouds across the landscape. The air is filled with freshness and fragrance, with unexpected delights hiding in every corner, making it feel like a paradise that visitors never want to leave. 🚗【Transportation Guide】 ✈️By Air: Fly directly to Yining Airport. Though small, it serves multiple routes meeting most travelers' needs. Airport buses connect to various downtown locations, or take a taxi - you'll reach the bustling city center in about 20-30 minutes to start your journey. 🚄By High-speed Rail: With Xinjiang's expanding high-speed rail network, there are good train connections to Yining Station. Public transportation from the station is convenient, with easy access to popular spots like Kazanqi Folk Village and Ili River 😃. 🚗By Car: Self-driving to Ili offers stunning views but requires preparation for long-distance driving and vehicle checks. Some sections have challenging road conditions, like mountain roads, so drive carefully. 🗺【Recommended Itinerary】 Day1: Yining City - Kazanqi Folk Village Morning: Start in Yining, explore Six Star Street with its colorful houses and artistic shops - perfect for photos, like being in a fairy tale town. Noon: Try the local You Po Liang Pi (oil-tossed noodles) in the city. The noodles are chewy, with rich toppings and tender lamb - absolutely satisfying 😋. Afternoon: Visit Kazanqi Folk Village, walk through blue alleys, admire Uyghur architecture, watch traditional crafts being made, and experience local customs. Day2: Apricot Valley - Xinyuan County Morning: Head to Apricot Valley, April's highlight! Pink and white apricot blossoms cover the mountains, creating a poetic landscape. Walking through the flower sea feels like entering paradise. Noon: Enjoy a hearty Xinjiang meal. Try the Big Plate Chicken with large chunks of chicken, tender potatoes, and belt noodles soaked in rich sauce. Afternoon: Travel to Xinyuan County, enjoy grassland views en route, then rest in town to prepare for the next day. Day3: Nalati Grassland - Return Morning: Visit Nalati Grassland. Though not fully green in April, it's still charming with snow-capped mountains, tender grass, and blue skies creating a beautiful panorama. Try horseback riding to experience the vast grasslands. Noon: Try local baked buns with juicy lamb filling. After lunch, shop for souvenirs like lavender products and Kazakh embroidery before heading home. 📝【Practical Tips】 🎫Tickets: Book tickets for Apricot Valley and Nalati Grassland in advance for discounts. Kazanqi Folk Village is free. 🕙Opening Hours: Check official websites or call ahead for accurate times. 📸Photography: Wear light, solid colors like white or pink in Apricot Valley; bright or traditional clothes for folk villages and grasslands. 🍱【Food Recommendations】 1. Hand-pulled Lamb: Tender and authentic, perfect with just salt. 2. Nang Pit Meat: Lamb roasted in a traditional pit, crispy outside, juicy inside. 3. Ili Mare's Milk Wine: Sweet and sour with slight alcohol notes. 4. Smoked Horse Sausage: Rich-flavored sausage, great for snacking or cooking. 💡【Tips】 1. Large temperature differences in April - bring a warm jacket 🧥. 2. Strong UV rays - bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. 3. Respect local minority customs and traditions. Everyone, April in Ili is full of surprises. Pack your bags and go 💕 - you'll fall in love with this charming place!

Yining is a charming tourist destination. Here's a travel guide to help you better plan your trip. Transportation Guide Getting There: You can fly to Yining Airport, though most flights from mainland cities require a transfer in Urumqi. The airport is close to downtown, about a 20-minute taxi ride costing around CNY 30-40. Alternatively, you can take a train from Urumqi to Yining, which runs overnight. Getting Around: Taxis and public buses are convenient within the city. For visiting surrounding areas, driving is the most convenient option, followed by shared rides or joining day tours. Some attractions are also accessible by public transportation. Recommended Attractions Ili River Scenic Area: A 4A-rated scenic spot, open all day, offering beautiful river views. Six Star Street Scenic Area: Ranked #1 on Ili's city sightseeing list, free admission, featuring exotic charm. Kazanqi Folk Custom Tourism Area: Showcasing Uyghur culture, free admission, perfect for experiencing local customs. Sayram Lake National Scenic Area: A 5A-rated scenic spot, known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic," featuring crystal blue waters and stunning surroundings. Food Recommendations Tefeng Pilaf Gulandam Ice Cream Gaxiangzi Noodle Soup Wusun Tea House Tatar Courtyard Bakery Blue Wall Lung Restaurant Best Time to Visit Spring (April-June): Apricot blossoms bloom in Xinyuan Apricot Valley in April; grasslands turn green and wildflowers bloom in May and June. Summer (July-August): Cool climate, perfect for summer retreat, lush grasslands and ripe fruits. Fall (September-October): Golden autumn with yellow grasslands and colorful foliage. Important Tips The UV radiation is strong in Ili - bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. For Sayram Lake visits, pack food and water as prices are higher within the scenic area. When hiking Shata Ancient Road, plan your route according to your physical condition and prioritize safety. Respect local customs and avoid trampling the grassland. Tekes Eight Diagrams City has a unique road layout - pay attention to navigation when driving to avoid getting lost. Pack warm clothes regardless of season due to large temperature differences between day and night. Download offline maps as signal might be weak in grassland areas. Follow the horse handler's instructions when horseback riding for safety.

If it's your first time in Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture, don't miss this amazing 8-day travel guide! Explore the magnificent scenery and experience a different perspective with drone aerial photography. Save it now and start your wonderful journey! -------- 🎉Route Overview: DAY 1: Gurbantunggut Desert - Ulungur Lake (Golden Coast Scenic Area) Traverse the vast desert, feel its boundless magnificence, and then arrive at the shore of Ulungur Lake to enjoy the tranquility of the lake and mountains. DAY 2: Kanas Scenic Area - Kanas Lake Delve into Kanas to explore the mysteries of nature, stroll along the shore of Kanas Lake, and experience the dreamlike scenery of the lake and mountains. DAY 3: Hemu Viewing Platform - Hemu Scenic Area - Hemu Grassland Climb the Hemu Viewing Platform to overlook the panoramic view of Hemu, then delve into the scenic area and grassland to feel the charm and vitality of nature. DAY 4: Sayram Lake - Sayram Lake Dianjiangtai - West Sea Grassland - Keleyongzhu - Guozigou Bridge Take a tour around Sayram Lake, climb Dianjiangtai for a distant view, cross the West Sea Grassland, visit Keleyongzhu, and finally admire the spectacular Guozigou Bridge. DAY 5: Narat National Forest Park - Narat Grassland - Yining City Liuxing Street Visit Narat National Forest Park, gallop on the Narat Grassland, and in the evening, stroll around the exotic Liuxing Street in Yining City. DAY 6: Yili Old City Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area Explore Yili Old City Kazanqi and experience the rich folk culture and unique regional customs. DAY 7: Karez Folk Garden - Flaming Mountain Scenic Area Visit the Karez Folk Garden to learn about traditional water conservancy culture, and then go to the Flaming Mountain Scenic Area to experience the hot landform wonders. DAY 8: China Color Cotton Zhongying Cultural and Sports Center - Tianshan Tianchi - Dinghai Shenzhen Visit the Color Cotton Center to learn about color cotton culture, then go to Tianshan Tianchi to admire the lake and mountain scenery, and finally visit Dinghai Shenzhen to end your pleasant journey.🎊 (Note: You can experience drone aerial photography during the trip to record your wonderful journey!) -------- Must-Visit Attractions: 🏞️ Tianshan Tianchi: The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting Bogda Peak, surrounded by spruce trees, as if stepping into a fairyland. Recently, Tianshan red deer have also appeared gracefully, bringing good luck and blessings! 🏡 Hemu Scenic Area: The simple and quiet wooden houses are scattered among the mountains. It is the filming location of "The King Lies in Winter". Come and check in at the lonely tree and feel the beauty of the wallpaper! 🌿 Narat National Forest Park: The home of subalpine meadow plants, and a paradise for kite skiers in winter. The delicate and soft dry powder snow is waiting for you to challenge! 🌊 Sayram Lake: The lake water is clear and blue, and wildflowers bloom on the surrounding grasslands, which is breathtakingly beautiful. 💧 Kanas Scenic Area: Mysterious lake monsters and changing lake water, the charm of Kanas is waiting for you to explore! -------- Travel Tips: 🎉 Customs: In Changji, respect the local Hui customs and avoid making noise around temples. 🛍️ Specialty Prices: Compare several stores when buying specialties, don't rush to place an order, and bargain reasonably. 🍽️ Food: Be sure to try the mutton skewers and roasted naan, authentic and delicious, not to be missed! 📸 Photography: Tianshan Tianchi is a holy place for photography, remember to wear brightly colored clothes to take better photos. 🌞 Sun Protection: Xinjiang has strong sunshine, so be sure to bring sunscreen and a sun hat when traveling. -------- If you like it, save it quickly, the beautiful scenery of Changji is waiting for you to explore, don't miss it! 🌄✨

Hey friends, if you're coming to Bayingolin-Ili-Bortala, you have to check out this guide! Don't miss the popular ice cream in Kazanch, enjoy a more fulfilling small group tour on the Duku Highway, and there's convenient pick-up and drop-off in Yining City and 24/7 concierge service! 💖 . 🗓Suggested Itinerary D1: Bayanbulak Grassland Scenic Area - Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns - Duku Highway On this day, we will explore the spectacular Bayanbulak Grassland Scenic Area and admire the winding Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns. Afterward, we will embark on the picturesque Duku Highway, traveling in a small group for a more enjoyable road trip experience. D2: Nalati Scenic Area - Aerial Grassland - Gongnaisi River - Kazanch Folk Custom Tourism Area in Yili Old Town - Taste the popular ice cream in Kazanch - Liuxing Street in Yining City On the second day, we will head to the Nalati Scenic Area, stroll through the Aerial Grassland, and experience the magnificence of nature. Next, we will travel along the Gongnaisi River, enjoying the clear water and the surrounding natural scenery. In the afternoon, we will visit the Kazanch Folk Custom Tourism Area in Yili Old Town, immerse ourselves in the local folk culture, and taste the popular local ice cream. Later, we will conclude the day's itinerary at Liuxing Street in Yining City, experiencing the charm of this historic street. D3: Guozigou Bridge - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Valley On the last day, we will visit the spectacular Guozigou Bridge, followed by the scenic Sayram Lake, where we can admire the beautiful lake and mountain scenery. Finally, we will pass through Guozigou Valley again, concluding this wonderful journey. A 24/7 travel concierge service is provided throughout the trip to ensure a smooth and worry-free experience. We also offer door-to-door pick-up and drop-off service from hotels in Yining City to the airport for your return trip, making your travel more convenient. . **Must-Visit Attractions**: **1. Nalati Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** - Address: Nalati Town, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture - Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 - Duration: 1-2 days - Nalati in winter has a snow season lasting up to five months, making it a great place for kite skiing. The dry powder snow is fine and soft, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. **2. Duku Highway ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** - Address: Kuitun City, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture - Opening Hours: All day (recommended 8:00-20:00) - Duration: 1 day - The Duku Highway, which traverses deep mountains and canyons, remains open in winter on the Kuqa section. Scenic spots along the way, such as the Big and Small Dragon Pools and the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, display a unique charm in winter. **3. Sayram Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐** - Address: Beside National Road 30, Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture - Opening Hours: 09:00-21:00 - Duration: 1-2 days - Sayram Lake boasts clear blue water, surrounded by grasslands dotted with colorful wildflowers, offering a breathtakingly beautiful view. It's a great place to relax and get close to nature. . Travel Tips: - Local Customs: Respect local ethnic customs, avoid taking photos of locals' faces directly🙅‍♀️, and don't step on the threshold when entering a yurt. - Souvenir Prices: Compare prices and quality at several shops when buying souvenirs, and remember to bargain🤑 to avoid overspending! - Airport Transportation: Airports in Xinjiang are relatively far apart, so plan your transfer time in advance✈️ to avoid delays. - Food Recommendations: The popular ice cream in Kazanch🍦 is a must-try dessert, with a rich and smooth texture that's not too sweet. Don't miss it! . Bayingolin-Ili-Bortala, a journey filled with stunning scenery. If you're looking for a spontaneous trip, don't forget to follow me for more Xinjiang travel tips!