Xinjiang Travel Guide: Ili Must-Do Itinerary from April to August

Ili, Yining from April to August is the recommended destination for traveling in Xinjiang. With a pleasant climate, green grasslands, and unmelting snow mountains, it is an excellent time to travel off-peak! The Ili River Valley is full of flowers, and the Narat Grassland, Xiate Ancient Road National Forest Park, Kuerdening Scenic Area, Duku Highway, and Tangbula Grassland are all great for taking photos! --- 🚗 Recommended Ili Route from April to August 6 Days Starting from Yining 1. Yining - Yizhao Highway - Tianma Bathing River - Zhaosu 2. Zhaosu - Xiate - Yuhu Lake - Tekes 3. Tekes - Qiasi - Kuerdening 4. Kuerdening - Narat 5. Narat - Tangbula - Duku Highway - Kuytun 6. Kuytun - Sayram Lake - Guozigou - Yining @ √ 7 Days Starting from Urumqi 1. Urumqi - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Jinghe 2. Jinghe - Sayram Lake - Guozigou - Yining 3. Yining - Aktas - Tekes Bagua City 4. Tekes - Qiasi - Kuerdening 5. Kuerdening - Narat 6. Narat - Tangbula - Duku Highway - Kuytun 7. Kuytun - Tianshan Tianchi - Urumqi √ 8 Days Starting from Urumqi 1. Urumqi - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Jinghe 2. Jinghe - Sayram Lake - Guozigou - Yining 3. Yining - Yizhao Highway - Tianma Bathing River - Zhaosu 4. Zhaosu - Xiate - Yuhu Lake - Tekes Bagua City 5. Tekes - Qiasi - Kuerdening 6. Kuerdening - Narat 7. Narat - Tangbula - Duku Highway - Kuytun 8. Kuytun - Tianshan Tianchi - Urumqi √ 9 Days Starting from Urumqi 1. Urumqi - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Jinghe 2. Jinghe - Sayram Lake - Guozigou - Yining 3. Yining - Yizhao Highway - Tianma Bathing River - Zhaosu 4. Zhaosu - Xiate - Yuhu Lake - Tekes Bagua City 5. Tekes - Qiasi - Kuerdening 6. Kuerdening - Narat 7. Narat - Middle Section of Duku Highway - Bayinbuluke 8. Bayinbuluke - Tangbula - Duku Highway - Kuytun 9. Kuytun - Tianshan Tianchi - Urumqi √ 10 Days Starting from Urumqi 1. Urumqi - S101 Highway - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Kuytun 2. Kuytun - Sayram Lake - Guozigou - Qingshuihe 3. Qingshuihe - Lavender - Yizhao Highway - Wild Wolf Valley - Zhaosu 4. Zhaosu - Xiate - Yuhu Lake - Tekes Bagua City 5. Tekes - Qiongkushitai 6. Qiongkushitai - Qiasi - Kuerdening 7. Kuerdening - Narat 8. Narat - Middle Section of Duku Highway - Bayinbuluke 9. Bayinbuluke - Tangbula - Duku Highway - Dushanzi 10. Dushanzi - Tianshan Tianchi - Urumqi --- 🍖 Must-Eat Xinjiang Food List - Lamb skewers + roasted buns: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a must-order at the night market! - Dapanji (big plate chicken) + belt noodles: Spicy and fragrant, with a super portion. - Yogurt shaved ice + Bozi Manti (thin-skinned buns): Sweet and refreshing, a specialty of Southern Xinjiang. - Hand pilaf: Yellow carrots + lamb, so delicious you'll want to lick the plate! --- 📌 Travel Tips 1. Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is large. Wear short sleeves + sunscreen in the daytime and add a jacket at night. 2. Transportation: It is recommended to charter a car/carpool. Xinjiang is too large, and self-driving requires advance planning. 3. Sun protection: The ultraviolet rays are strong, so sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential! 4. Respect customs and habits Sayram Lake, Bole, Narat Tourist Scenic Area, Xinyuan, Xiate Tourist Area, Kuerdening Scenic Area, Qiongkushitai, Qiasi Forest Park, Tangbula Grassland, Bayinbuluke Scenic Area