Winter in Yili is a must-see! A city inspired by a song

"Our Xinjiang is a wonderful place, with pastures north and south of the Tianshan Mountains, the Gobi Desert turned into fertile fields, and melting snow irrigating farms..." This song, "Our Xinjiang is a Wonderful Place," depicts the magnificence and abundance of Xinjiang with a lively rhythm, and Yili, a dreamland in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, is etched in people's hearts like a poem or painting. In February, when the spring chill is still in the air, Yili hides a unique winter charm. With a longing for the "Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall," I embarked on this heartwarming journey. 😃 🔵 Best time to visit In February, the temperature in Yili ranges from -10°C to 5°C. Although it's cold, the sky is as blue as a sapphire, and the sun is warm. At this time, the grasslands are covered with snow, like a white carpet in a fairy tale world. The surface of Sayram Lake is frozen, and the ice bubbles and blue ice are breathtaking. There are relatively few tourists, making it a great time to explore the pure beauty of Yili. ✨ 🔵 Itinerary D1: Yining - Kazanqi Folk Village → Liuxing Street → Yining Tianyuan International Hotel (overnight) Arrive in Yining in the morning and head to Kazanqi Folk Village. This place is full of Uyghur charm, with colorful houses scattered around. Walking through it feels like stepping into a fairy tale town. Take a carriage ride through the streets, listen to the clatter of hooves, admire the traditional houses, and interact with the hospitable residents to experience the rich folk culture. In the afternoon, head to Liuxing Street, a unique hexagonal street with various specialty shops and handicraft stalls. Try a handmade ice cream 🍨, rich in milk flavor, sweet on the tongue, and intoxicating. Stay overnight at Yining Tianyuan International Hotel, conveniently located and comfortable, to recharge for the journey. D2: Huocheng - Guozigou Bridge → Sayram Lake → Qingshuihe Town Hotel (overnight) Head to Guozigou Bridge in the morning. This majestic bridge spans the valley like a giant dragon, looking even more spectacular against the snow. Standing on the viewing platform, you can overlook the entire bridge and the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests. The perfect blend of nature's wonders and human architectural marvels is breathtaking. Then head to Sayram Lake, where the lake surface is like a giant blue mirror, with layers of ice bubbles. The sunlight penetrates the ice, refracting colorful light. Walk along the lake, and the ice creaks underfoot, as if playing a winter symphony. Stay overnight at Qingshuihe Town Hotel, conveniently located for the next day's activities. D3: Gongnaisi National Forest Park → Return After breakfast, head to Gongnaisi National Forest Park. Although it's winter, the forest is decorated with snow, giving it a unique, tranquil beauty. Walk along the boardwalk, breathe in the cool, pure air, and occasionally see squirrels jumping on the branches, adding vitality to the quiet forest. Here, you can enjoy the fun of hiking in the snow forest and get close to nature. Then return with beautiful memories. 🔵 Transportation • By air: You can fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and then transfer to Yining Airport. There are many flights, and the transfer is convenient. ✈️ • By train: There are trains from Urumqi to Yining, with picturesque scenery along the way. However, the journey is long, so you can choose an overnight train to save time and enjoy the scenery. 🚉 🔵 Accommodation • City center: Hotels in Yining City, such as Yining Tianyuan International Hotel, are close to attractions and shopping areas, making it easy to get around and quickly immerse yourself in local life. • Near attractions: Accommodations near Qingshuihe Town and Gongnaisi National Forest Park are suitable for resting after sightseeing, but some homestays are closed in winter. 🔵 Must-see attractions 📍 Kazanqi Folk Village (in front of colorful houses): Take photos with the colorful Uyghur houses as the background to capture the moment of folk customs. 📸 📍 Sayram Lake (Dianjiangtai): Stand on Dianjiangtai, overlooking the entire frozen lake and distant snow-capped mountains, and capture the breathtaking scenery. 📍 Guozigou Bridge (viewing platform): Take photos with the panoramic view of the bridge as the background, capturing the snow-capped mountains, forests, and bridge in one frame, leaving a beautiful image of Yili's most beautiful transportation architecture. 🈲 Tips: • February is cold, so be sure to bring a thick down jacket, scarf, gloves, warm hat, etc. 🧣, and take measures to keep warm. • When you first arrive at the plateau, avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness. You can prepare altitude sickness medication in advance. • Respect local customs, follow the host's wishes when entering a home, and communicate politely. During my days in Yili, accompanied by the melody of "Our Xinjiang is a Wonderful Place," I danced with the snow, embraced the folk customs, and hugged nature. Every scene of this land is etched in my heart, and I am full of longing when I leave, hoping to return to continue the story of Yili. 💕