Spring Festival Trip to Yili-Sayram Lake, Xinjiang: A Must-See! Check Out My One-Click Guide
Planning a trip to Xinjiang for the Spring Festival? Check out this 10-day itinerary for Yili-Sayram Lake, and explore the stunning winter scenery of Northern Xinjiang. Don't miss out!
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📅 Itinerary Suggestions
DAY 1-2: Arrive in Urumqi from your departure city, then cross the S21 Desert Highway to admire the beauty of Ulungur Lake and the Five-Colored Beach, and finally arrive in Burqin.
DAY 3-4: Leave Burqin and head to the Altay Grassland, then arrive in Kanas. Immerse yourself in the scenery, take a walk along the Three Bays, and finally head to Hemu Village.
DAY 5-6: After watching the sunrise in Hemu, head to Urho to experience the charm of the Gobi Desert and visit the World Ghost City.
DAY 7: Depart from Shuanghe, take a tour around the beautiful Sayram Lake, and then head to Xinyuan.
DAY 8: In Xinyuan, visit Nalati and Bayanbulak. (Note: If the Duku Highway is closed, we will take an alternative route to Nalati Air Grassland and Jinghe.)
DAY 9: Depart from Bayanbulak and return to Urumqi via the Duku Highway. (If the Duku Highway is closed, we will take the S101 National Defense Highway to admire the Kenswat Reservoir and the Danxia Landform.)
DAY 10: Finally, depart from Urumqi and return home.
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Must-Visit Attractions:
🌟 Sayram Lake 🌟🌟
Address: G30, Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Opening Hours: 08:00-23:00
Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 days
The lake is crystal clear and blue, surrounded by vast grasslands with colorful wildflowers in full bloom, creating a picturesque scene.
🌟 Kanas Scenic Area 🌟🌟
Address: Provincial Highway 232, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Opening Hours: October 16, 2024 - April 30, 2025, 10:00-18:00
Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 days
Explore the mysterious lake monster legend and marvel at the lake's changing colors with the seasons.
🌟 Hemu Scenic Area 🌟🌟
Address: Hemu Village, Hemu Hanas Mongolian Ethnic Township, Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Opening Hours: October 16, 2024 - April 30, 2025, 10:00-18:00
Recommended Visit Duration: 1-2 days
Rustic and quiet wooden houses dot the mountain valleys, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere.
🌟 World Ghost City 🌟🌟
Address: No. 200, Longji Road, Urho District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
Opening Hours: November 1, 2024 - October 28, 2025, 10:00-18:00
Recommended Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
Stroll through the spectacular Yadan landform and marvel at the bizarre stone pillars.
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🎒 Travel Essentials: Yili-Sayram Lake Packing List
👕 Clothing: Windbreakers and down jackets to keep warm, jeans and sneakers for comfort.
🎩 Accessories: Sunglasses and sun hats for sun protection and style, and a windproof scarf.
📖 Documents: ID card and driver's license, as some areas may require them, and cash.
🔋 Electronics: Phone, power bank, and cables, selfie stick, and tripod to capture the beauty.
💊 Medicine: Bring medicine for stomach and cold, and motion sickness patches just in case.
🧴 Skincare and Sun Protection: Xinjiang has strong sunlight, so apply sunscreen generously, and don't forget lip balm and hand cream.
🍞 Food: Bring enough water and snacks, as the Xinjiang loop has long drives, and it's important to replenish energy.
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Discover the beauty of Sayram Lake! Don't hesitate, pack your bags, and start your Xinjiang journey! 🌟