Ili, Xinjiang's romantic hideaway, will capture your heart at first sight.

🌟 Must-know tips for traveling in Ili Best time to visit: June-September, when the grasslands are in full bloom, the snow-capped mountains and lakes are stunning, and you can encounter lavender fields. 🌸 Transportation: Fly directly to Yining, or take a self-drive trip along the Duku Highway for breathtaking scenery. 🚗 🌿 Must-visit attractions 1. Sailimu Lake 🌊 Xinjiang's "Blue Eye," with azure waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Visit in the early morning or evening for the best lighting and stunning photos! Must-try: Cycle around the lake and feel the lake breeze. 2. Nalati Grassland 🌳 One of the world's four largest valley grasslands, known as the "Sky Grassland." Ride a horse through the sea of flowers for a truly romantic experience! Must-try: Horseback riding and hiking to experience the grassland's magnificence. 3. Bayinbuluke Grassland 🌿 Famous for its "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns," it's a paradise for photographers. You might even encounter swans here! Must-try: Watch the sunset; the light and shadow of the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns are spectacular. 4. Huocheng Lavender Fields 🌸 From June to July, the lavender blooms, creating a romantic purple sea of flowers, reminiscent of Provence. Must-try: Buy lavender essential oil as a souvenir. 5. Liuxing Street, Yining City 🏠 A street with a Russian atmosphere, where you can enjoy handmade ice cream and experience exotic culture. Must-try: Check in at the "internet-famous wall" for great photos. 6. Kazanqi Folk Street 🏘️ Ili's blue-walled Uyghur courtyards are perfect for photos and experiencing local life. Must-try: Sample local delicacies and experience the hospitality of the Kazakh people. 🍲 Food recommendations Hand-pulled mutton 🍖: Tender and juicy, a signature Xinjiang dish. Baked buns 🥢: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and fragrant. Big plate chicken 🍗: Tender chicken and soft potatoes, perfect with naan bread. Kurt 🍶: Sweet and sour, a local specialty snack. Wusu Beer 🍻: Xinjiang's "big green stick" beer, incredibly refreshing. 🎯 Itinerary planning 3-day short trip: Day 1: Sailimu Lake tour, experience the lake and mountain scenery. Day 2: Nalati Grassland, horseback riding, hiking, and enjoying the tranquility of the grassland. Day 3: Yining city tour, visit Liuxing Street and Kazanqi, and experience the exotic atmosphere. 7-day in-depth tour: Day 1: Arrive in Yining, explore the city, and experience the local culture. Day 2: Sailimu Lake, cycle around the lake, and admire the snow-capped mountains and lake views. Day 3: Drive through the Yizhao Highway, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way. Day 4: Kalajun Grassland, hike and experience the grassland's magnificence. Day 5: Tekes Bagua City, experience the magical Bagua layout. Day 6: Northern section of the Duku Highway, with picturesque scenery. Day 7: Return to Yining, buy souvenirs, and end the trip. 📸 Photography tips The east bank of Sailimu Lake is even better for photos than the internet-famous S-bend, and it's recommended to photograph the snow-capped mountains in the morning. The Xiata Ancient Road is backlit in the afternoon, making mornings ideal for photography. The evening light is best for capturing romantic photos at the Huocheng Lavender Fields.