[2024 Nilka County Attraction] Travel Guide for Tangbula Grassland (Updated Nov)
Grasslands
Address:
Nilka, Ili, Xinjiang, China
Opening times:
Open year round, 24/7Open
Recommended sightseeing time:
3-4 hours
Tangbula 100-li Gallery.
On the vast land of China, there is a fascinating scenic spot - Tangbula 100-li Gallery. Here, the mountains are undulating, the ink and wash are colorful, and every scene seems to be a scroll carefully drawn by nature.
1. The Beginning of the Gallery
When you first enter the Tangbula 100-li Gallery, it seems to have entered a huge ink painting. The blue sky is like washing, the white clouds are leisurely, and the mountains in the distance are particularly majestic under the sun. The mountains here, some are undulating, some are steep cliffs, some are steep, each mountain has its own unique charm.
2. Ink and Wash
Walking along the winding path, you can see colorful wildflowers dotted on the green grass. The river is gurgling, clear and bottomless, and the water splashes where the water flow is rapid, like a flowing ink painting. The scenery along the way, both atmospheric mountains and delicate streams, as well as those wild flowers and green grasses of various shapes, all make people linger.
3. History and Culture
Tangbula 100-li Gallery not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also carries rich history and culture. This was an important post on the ancient Silk Road, leaving countless historical traces. Tourists can feel the prosperity and vicissitudes of the ancient Silk Road here. At the same time, there are many folk legends and stories circulating here, adding a strong cultural atmosphere to this land.
4. Unique Scenery
In the Tangbula 100-li Gallery, the scenery of the four seasons is unique. The spring gallery is full of vitality and flowers are in full bloom; the summer gallery is shaded by green trees and the breeze is coming; the autumn gallery is full of colorful forests and golden eyes; the winter gallery is covered with silver and looks like a snow painting. No matter which season, it has its unique charm and makes people linger.
5. Harmonious Coexistence of Man and Nature
In the Tangbula 100-li Gallery, the harmonious coexistence of man and nature is a major feature here. The local residents love nature, respect the laws of nature, and live in harmony with nature. Here, you can see people protecting the environment and caring for animals. This way of life of harmonious coexistence between man and nature makes people feel peaceful and comfortable.
6. Travel Advice
If you want to visit the Tangbula 100-li Gallery, the best seasons are spring and autumn. The climate is pleasant at this time and the scenery is picturesque. During the trip, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and bring sunscreen, rain gear and other items. At the same time, in order to protect the environment, do not litter at will. While admiring the beautiful scenery, you should also respect the local customs and the lives of the residents.
7. Conclusion
Tangbula 100-li Gallery is a fascinating scenic spot. The natural scenery, historical culture and harmonious coexistence of man and nature here all make people linger. Every time I come here, I will be shocked by its beauty. I hope more people can come here, feel the charm of nature, and experience the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.
On this beautiful land, let us jointly protect this natural treasure and let its beauty be passed on forever.
S0undw@lk3r_0bscur3
The beauty of the prairie in poetry.
*Tangbula Prairie is located deep in the Tianshan Mountains and is one of the five prairies in Yili.
*Tangbula has a "hundred-mile scroll, natural gallery". The famous movie "Tianshan Red Flower" was filmed here.
*Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery is the most wonderful praise for this place, it is really beautiful as if it is not real.
*How beautiful is this road? It's so beautiful that when you come here, you forget the road you have walked before. In just over 100 kilometers, the faint yellow in the eyes is like a painting and a screen, as if galloping in a huge oil painting. All you have imagined before, about the elements of the prairie pasture and the pastoral, you can find here.
*Tangbula Prairie satisfies all your imaginations of the prairie. The green carpet-like grass field is spread from the high mountain spruce forest to the bottom of the valley. In the middle is the surging Kash River. The white felt tents are scattered on both banks. The cattle and sheep are in groups of three or five, and they are content.
*Tall and handsome horses leisurely ran to the river to drink water. Such a valley should be a paradise when there is no road, and you can only reach it by riding a horse for a long journey.
*Its western starting point is the Heifeng Manor Eco-Hotel, and the eastern end is Qiaerma at the intersection of Duku Highway and S315. The total length is about 100 kilometers. On this road, every step is worth stopping.
*Tangbula Prairie is a fully open and natural free scenic spot.
Here is far away from the hustle and bustle, open and quiet, you can breathe freely and taste carefully.
*Highlights:
1 The flowering period of Tangbula Prairie is long, ranking first among the many prairies in Yili.
2 Tangbula's overall commercialization is weak, and you can see more pure nature.
3 The landscape is diverse, and it can be described as 360° without dead ends.
*Beauty in poetry: "Four sides of green mountains and green screens, rivers crisscross and shallow water chants", "Trees are inserted in the clouds, and clouds are wrapped around the trees".
➤Best travel time: all year round, recommended summer and autumn.
_1991_Kimberly_30
Xinjiang Ili Route - Explore the outdoor with Self-driving 🚘💚
#outdooradventures
Ili is a prefecture level city in the northern part of Xinjiang. Historically, Ili was an important outpost of the ancient Silk Road. It is known as the "hometown of melons and fruits" with abundant rain and warm weather, and the 67.7% vegetation coverage of grassland and forest.
Self driving on the Ili Route is probably the best way to experience the natural wonders. There are famous Tangbula grassland, Nalati grassland, and Zhaosu grassland, and heavenly Sayram Lake. Also, there are fields of apricot blossoms, blooming lavenders, and rapeseed flowers that can be seen here during spring and summer along the way.
Ili is known for its picturesque grasslands here and it becomes a sea of flowers in spring/summer. Apart from the most famous lavender in Huocheng, the rape flowers of Zhaosu, the safflower of Tangbula, and the colorful wildflowers around Sailimu, Nalati grassland will also surprise you.
Ili will show you the most gentle but powerful side of Xinjiang💜
#chinatrip #xinjiang
Carol Go
The most beautiful place in the world - Tangbula Scenic Area in Nilka County, Xinjiang.
Tangbula Scenic Area in Nilka County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is known as the "100-mile gallery". Its unique natural scenery and rich cultural landscape have attracted countless tourists. Let's embark on this visual and spiritual feast together!
🌟【Location and Features】🌟
Tangbula Scenic Area is located in the east of Nilka County, about 70 kilometers from the county seat. The mountains here are clear and the water is beautiful, with distinct seasons. Especially in summer, the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, and under the blue sky and white clouds, it is a vibrant scene. In autumn, the forest is dyed, and it is golden and beautiful.
🏞️【Recommended Attractions】🏞️
- Tangbula Grassland: This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Whether it is the first ray of sunshine in the early morning or the afterglow in the evening, you can capture the most beautiful moments here.
- Baihua Valley: Strolling in the sea of flowers, feeling the charm of nature, makes people feel relaxed and happy.
- Qiaotou Waterfall: The water flows down from the cliff, which is magnificent and a good place to cool off in summer.
🚗【Transportation Guide】🚗
The best way to go to Tangbula is to depart from Urumqi, take a plane or train to Yining City, and then transfer to a long-distance bus or rent a car to drive to Nilka County.
The scenic area has a relatively complete road system, and self-driving is the most convenient choice.
🏡【Recommended Accommodation】🏡
There are many hotels in Nilka County for you to choose from, ranging from economy to comfort.
If you want to be closer to nature, you can also consider staying in the Mongolian yurt experience camp near the scenic spot to experience camp life, or choose some characteristic homestays to enjoy a different accommodation experience.
🍽️【Surrounding Food】🍽️
What must be mentioned here is the local food culture. Lamb skewers, pilaf, and milk tea are all must-try choices.
In addition, you can also taste fresh dairy products and various pasta, which will definitely make you full.
🌈【Recommended Nearby Attractions】🌈
If you have plenty of time, you might as well include the nearby Narati Grassland and Kala Jun Scenic Area in your itinerary. These places also have amazing natural scenery, which can make your trip more colorful.
Brooks-~Christopher-36
Tongbula Grassland is worth a visit❤️✨💯
#grassland
Tongbula Grassland Gallery is known for its rivers and lush spruce forests, creating picturesque picture books. Thousand mile Gallery "Valley Day 1: Departure from Urumqi Day 2: Danxia National Defense Highway along the $10 line and Jinghe River Day 3: Sailimu Lake surrounds the lake, with the Guozigou Bridge. The blue sky and sky of Sailimu Lake are reflected in the lake, covered in ice and snow, creating a fresh fairyland. Guozi Gou Bridge is a forest stream, a peaceful place to see scenic spots. Day 4: Stroll through Qiongkushi Terrace and feel the tranquility of Teke. Day 5: Explore Kurdish Ning and arrive at Xinyuan/Narati Town. Ku'erdening is a transverse valley deep in the Tianshan Mountains, which is a leisure and summer resort. Day 6: Sky Garden Narati, Immerse yourself in the Narati Sky Grassland Area during the summer in Ili, Nine Days and Eight Nights. Recommended itinerary for staying in Narati at night
Omry
A breathtaking journey through the Tangbula Gallery.
🚗 Explore the unknown and embark on a self-driving tour of the Yili Ring Road in Xinjiang! On this road, you will traverse the magnificent Tangbula Gallery and enjoy the gifts of nature.
📍 Route planning:
Starting from Shawan, drive along the Duku Highway to the Tangbula Gallery, then pass by Fairy Lake, Mengket Ancient Road, and finally arrive at Jolma Town for the night.
🌳 Tangbula Gallery:
As a shining pearl on the Yili Ring Road, the Tangbula Gallery attracts countless tourists with its unique natural scenery. Here, the river valley grasslands are narrow, and the mountainous forest landforms are dominant, with the Kashgar River running through the entire area. Here, you can admire the magnificent natural scenery and experience the wonders of nature.
🌷 Recommended attractions:
1. Honeybee Town: This is Xinjiang's only black bee nature reserve. In summer, the flowers are in full bloom, and there are herds of cattle and sheep, giving you a different kind of rural charm.
2. Fairy Lake: With its beautiful mountains and lakes, it is a perfect choice for a popular online check-in spot.
3. Mengket Ancient Road: Go deep into the mountains and get close to nature. It is an excellent choice for self-driving and hiking.
🔥 Travel tips:
1. Variable temperatures: Xinjiang has a large temperature difference between morning and evening in summer. Remember to bring warm clothes such as windbreakers.
2. Signal problems: There is no signal in the scenic area, but as long as you follow the road, the scenery will get better and better.
3. Supply problems: There are no supply points in the scenic area, so please prepare food and water in advance.
4. Sanitary facilities: There are limited toilet facilities along the way. It is recommended to prepare a portable emergency urine bag in advance.
💡 Special tips:
1. Don't miss the Mengket Ancient Road: Although the scenery of the Tangbula Gallery is beautiful, the scenery of the Mengket Ancient Road is even more spectacular, especially at sunset, when the pink sky and the golden mountains are reflected in each other. It is definitely worth a visit.
2. Stop and enjoy the scenery: During your self-driving tour, you can slow down and stop to admire the scenery along the way, and experience the charm of nature.
3. Clockwise ring road is better: Choosing a clockwise Yili ring road can avoid aesthetic fatigue and avoid traffic jams caused by a large number of vehicles heading to Sayram Lake.
Harper Sutherland84
First Experience in Xinjiang! Five days and four nights, from ancient cities to grasslands, every stop is a stunning scene
First time in Xinjiang, a five-day trip, every day is full of surprises!
🏰 Day 1: Ancient City of Kazanqi - Six Star Street, the perfect spot for photos in blue Ili, the Xinjiang dance at night is unforgettable.
🏞️ Day 2: Sayram Lake - Guozigou, the clarity under the clear sky and the white waves under the dark clouds, the grandeur of the Guozigou Bridge, every spot is a paradise for photography.
🖼️ Day 3: Tumbler Hundred Mile Gallery - Tianshui Secret Realm Monkete, Xinjiang's natural scenery is fully displayed here, every spot is a green that heals the soul.
🌲 Day 4: Xiaorbulake - Kurdening, a small town filled with the fragrance of wine and pine forests shrouded in mist, making you feel like you are in a movie.
🌅 Day 5: Chapqihai - Tekesi Bagua City - Zhaosu, the surprising waters of Chapqihai, the cultural charm of Bagua City, the heavenly horse life in Zhaosu, every day is a new discovery.
🍢 Food Experience: Xinjiang barbecue, hand-pulled noodles, naan, big plate chicken, kvass, ice cream, every bite is satisfying, nothing is bad!
🎶 Music Experience: Brainwashed by Ili's special song "Apple Fragrance", a perfect combination of music and travel.
IsaacThompson
Ili Classic 7-Day Tour
Xinjiang is vast, with the Tianshan Mountains dividing it into two major parts: the northern and southern regions. It is often said that northern Xinjiang is known for its natural scenery, while southern Xinjiang is known for its history and culture. This article will introduce how to travel in Xinjiang.
Itinerary:
D1 Arrive in Urumqi on your own and gather
Highlights: No other arrangements, recommend visiting the museum and the International Grand Bazaar
D2 Urumqi---S101 Highway---Anjihai Canyon---Jinghe
Highlights: Hundred-mile Danxia
D3 Jinghe---Sayram Lake---Yizhao Highway---Zhaosu
Highlights: 360° self-driving tour around the lake
D4 Zhaosu---Xiata Ancient Trail---Tekes
Highlights: Light hiking in the snow-capped mountains
D5 Tekes---Aktas---Kuerdening---Xinyuan
Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path grasslands, hometown of spruce
D6 Xinyuan---Nalati---Tangbula Grassland---Bee Town
Highlights: Horse riding at Fairy Lake, Nalati aerial grassland
D7 Bee Town---Duku Highway---Urumqi
Garcia Katherine Kath
Ten-Day Quality Tour of the Northern Xinjiang Secret Realm
Xinjiang, a place full of charm, has vast grasslands, the mirror-like Sayram Lake, and colorful flower seas. Last summer, I embarked on a dream-chasing journey to Altay, experiencing the Gobi Desert, grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. It felt like stepping into the fairy tale world I longed for as a child.
Itinerary:
D1: Urumqi -- S21 Desert Highway -- Five-Colored Beach -- Stay in Burqin
D2: Burqin -- Kanas -- Stay in Kanas Scenic Area
D3: Morning Mist at Kanas Lake -- Three Bays of Kanas -- Stay in Hemu Scenic Area
D4: Hemu Viewing Platform -- Birch Forest -- Hemu Bridge -- Hemu River -- Stay in Burqin
D5: Burqin -- World Devil City -- Stay in Kuitun
D6: Kuitun -- Sayram Lake -- Guozigou Bridge -- Kazanqi Folk Village -- Stay in Yining
D7: Yining -- Chaxi -- Tianshan Lavender Flower Sea -- Stay in Gongliu
D8: Gongliu -- Nalati Aerial Grassland -- Stay in Nalati Town
D9: Nalati -- Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery -- Fairy Lake -- Duku Highway -- Stay in Dushanzi
D10: Dushanzi -- Anjihai Canyon -- S101 -- End in Urumqi
James~Scott23
Stay in a B&B on the grassland and you won’t regret it
If you don’t go to Xinjiang, Urumqi·Xinjiang, you don’t know how big China is, and if you don’t go to Ili, you don’t know the beauty of Xinjiang. If you like the scenery of grassland and river valleys, just close your eyes and enter Yili~
The 8 days and 7 nights guide to the Yili Small Ring Road is here~ We don’t want to look back, Xinjiang is really big, so we only chose niche attractions, play in depth, don’t be greedy for too much, don’t want to 🏞️ You are on the road every moment, slow travel is the way to go Really travelling! Choose the Ye Luxury Hotel for accommodation, it’s comfortable and the scenery is great! You might be cheated if you take advantage of it!
Car model selection: The space capsule Iveco model is used throughout the journey, suitable for family travel, travel with best friends, and a few people all riding in the same car~
🏞️The most attractive thing is the hotels in the scenery. I sleep until I wake up naturally every day. I really want to travel to Xinjiang for these hotels. Stay in the hotels in the scenery. You don’t have to go out and you can enjoy the scenery~
Features of Scenic Hotel
Youtu Wild Luxury Camp: Open Tangbula by lying down, with boutique B&Bs, RVs, starry sky rooms, tents... Each step brings you beautiful scenery~countless cattle and sheep, and feel the gifts of nature~
🏞️Zhaosu Yunbao Ranch Camp: A comprehensive ranch that combines Zhaosu’s natural scenery, county culture, high-yield breeding, and modern tourism. The camp has a horse theme as its core, with parent-child pastures, wild rides, equestrian teaching, regular horse racing, and grassland entertainment... Don't rush when you stay here, enjoy and play slowly~
Zhaosu Muzi Tao Yeshe Camp: Located on the bank of the beautiful Jade Lake, surrounded by magnificent mountains and verdant forests. The air here is fresh and the scenery is beautiful. The wooden house hotel is built with natural wood, retaining the original texture and natural colors, providing a unique living experience~
Huocheng Youyuan Shanyejian B&B: Enjoy a slow life, lie comfortably in the room and look at the scenery of Tianshan Mountain, and you can see the beautiful scenery when you open the window! The environment of the room is also excellent, and the supporting facilities are very complete. , once you come, you don’t want to leave.
~
Sailimu Lake Chaoke Starry Sky Camp: The most outstanding feature in the camp is the Muyun Star Observation Cabin. Lying on the bed and looking through the iconic sloping glass roof, you can realize the dream of counting stars while lying on the bed.
Itinerary reference
Depart → Urumqi
Urumqi→[Dushanzi Grand Canyon]→[Northern Section of Duku Highway]→Tangbula Grassland (6.5H drive)
Tangbula→[Horse riding to Fairy Lake (3 hours round trip)]→[Baili Gallery]-[Tianshan Flower Sea Scenic Area (Lavender)]→Zhaosu (drive
4.5H)
Sleep until you wake up naturally →[Zhaosu Wetland Park] →[Xiata Scenic Area (Muzar🏞️Special Glacier)] → Zhaosu Yuhu Lake (2H drive)
Sleep until you wake up naturally → [Yizhao Highway] → [Liuxing Street Travel Photography] → [Huanghuang Village Music Festival] → Huanghuang Village Landscape B&B (6H drive)
Sleep until you wake up naturally → [Passing through Guozigou Bridge] → [Sightseeing around Sailimu Lake (self-driving)] → Stay at Sailimu Lake Starry Sky Camp (2H drive)
Sleep until you wake up naturally → [Sailim Lake Highway (self-driving)] → Urumqi (6.5H drive)
Urumqi→Warm home
CelestialDreams555
Life Advice: You should definitely visit Xinjiang in July or August
In the blazing youth and the fervent summer
We run, we boil
-
If there is a place where you can feel
The vastness of mountains and rivers and the poetry of distant places
Xinjiang is undoubtedly the place
Whether it's the sunset at Nalati Air Grassland
Or the snow mountains, flower seas, and swans of Sayram Lake
They will all become moments of our lives
-
🚗【7 Days 6 Nights Itinerary】
D1: Depart to Urumqi - Liuxing Street
D2: Urumqi - Sayram Lake
D3: Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Manxin Forget Worry Valley
D4: Manxin Forget Worry Valley - Nalati Air Grassland
D5: Nalati Air Grassland - Qiaxi
D6: Qiaxi - Duku Highway - Tangbula Grassland
D7: Tangbula Grassland - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Urumqi
-
🚗【Must-Visit Attractions】
📍Dushanzi Grand Canyon: Known as the "Secret Realm of Duku, a Billion-Year Wonder," the canyon's landforms are spectacular, and the natural erosion landscape formed by river erosion is breathtaking.
📍Sayram Lake: Known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic," it is surrounded by mountains, with lake water, snow mountains, grasslands, flower seas, and swans, presenting a fairyland-like scenery.
📍Guozigou Bridge: The first cable-stayed bridge and the first high bridge in Xinjiang, known as the "First Bridge of Xinjiang," driving on it offers a panoramic view of the Guozigou Scenic Area.
📍Manxin Forget Worry Valley: The only lavender-producing valley in the world, an ideal place to relax.
📍Liuxing Street: An ancient neighborhood with a unique residential pattern. The street plan is circular, with six main roads radiating from the center.
📍Qiaxi: Known for its magnificent and beautiful scenery, it is said that a beautiful Mongolian princess once fell in love with this place and was later granted it as her territory by her father.
📍Nalati Air Grassland: Located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, it boasts continuous grasslands, forests, and snow mountains, and is known as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China.
📍Tangbula Grassland: One of the famous grasslands in the Ili region, with beautiful scenery and lush pastures, it is the summer pasture of Kazakh herdsmen.
📍Duku Highway: An important highway connecting the north and south of Xinjiang, with magnificent scenery along the way, including snow mountains, canyons, forests, and various natural landscapes, with different weather every ten miles.
-
🚗【Travel Mode】
The scenic spots along the way are full of beautiful scenery, worth savoring all the way. There are many little-known photo spots along the way. Self-driving or chartering a car is the best choice, as it provides enough freedom to stop and take pictures at any time. Especially if you have a local driver, travel and communication will be more convenient.
Lewis_12 Alexander
Tangbula scenic area offers three tours in one day
📍Scenic spot address: Tangbula scenic area, Nileke County, Yili
🚗Scenic spot transportation: The traffic in the scenic area is smooth with traffic police uncles guiding all the way, only the section of the road to the halfway viewing pavilion of the Hundred Mile Gallery is a bit congested, the rest is fine.
👍️Must-visit spots: Tangbula Grassland, Mengketi scenic area, Hundred Mile Gallery viewing pavilion, there is a highway under the pavilion where you can drive in, and you can see the Tangbula wooden bridge which is also very nice for taking pictures
🎟️Ticket information: No tickets, very cost-effective, but it is necessary to book a rental in advance, otherwise, it will be very troublesome, it is recommended to stay at the entrance of Mengketi scenic area, where the homestay atmosphere is very good, people are enthusiastic, and you can ride horses and hike alone.
💗Other tips: You can plan in advance to enter the Fairy Lake, cars cannot go in, there will be a parking spot at the entrance, it is recommended to go earlier, around 10:30 in the morning to ride a horse in.
LunarNomad_012
Tangbula Grassland
The Tangbula Grassland is named after several abrupt rocks on the east side of the Tangbula Gully on the northern slope of the Awulale Mountain, which resemble jade seals and stamps, hence the name. 'Tangbula' means 'seal' or 'stamp'. The Tangbula Grassland has many attractions, with 113 gullies said to exist, each with its own characteristics. There are flowing springs and waterfalls, babbling brooks; the unique Alslang Stone Forest, the spectacular grassland sunset; ice peaks and snow ridges reflected in the quiet and deep alpine lakes. The warm and refreshing hot springs, the blue sky, and the green grass slopes provide tourists with a beautiful experience.
HenrikAndersen
It's no exaggeration! Xinjiang's summer has no rival in China
Those who have visited Xinjiang in the summer know
'There is no rival to Xinjiang's summer in China' is not an overstatement at all!
Especially from June to August, it is the most beautiful season in Ili
If you want to visit Xinjiang, you can start planning now
After all, once the peak season arrives, the prices for flights and hotels will soar~
Snow-capped mountains and lakes⛰️ Forest cabins🌲 Meadows with flocks of sheep🐑 Fields of wildflowers🌼 Miyazaki-style animated clouds☁️
I declare, June in Xinjiang's Ili is the ultimate summer in my heart!
🌲Gorgeous scenic spots to check in
✅Duku Highway: This road has many beautiful spots, casually taking pictures is super photogenic, but it's also jam-packed during peak season
✅Kanas: Home of the lake monster, the Oriental Switzerland, a fairyland on earth
✅Hemu: Cottages from fairy tales, a must-visit in summer! Falling into a dream of flower seas
✅Nalati Grassland: The grassland in the sky, one of the four great river valley grasslands
✅Sayram Lake: Truly the last tear of the Atlantic, the scenery is absolutely stunning when the weather is good~
✅Chaxi Forest Park: Miyazaki's anime world, often visited by cute groundhogs!!
✅Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery: A step into a scene, a world like a painting
✅Lavender Base: Sisters who love to take photos, rush here, it's more suitable for the physique of Chinese babies than Provence;
⚠️Precautions
✔️Weather: As the saying goes, 'Wear cotton in the morning and gauze at noon, eat watermelon around a stove' Xinjiang's weather is changeable, you can experience all four seasons in one day
✔️Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang, even in July and August, it is quite cold at night, so prioritize warm clothing
✔️Sun protection: Some areas in Xinjiang are at high altitudes with strong ultraviolet radiation, so please bring sun protection items (such as high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses)
✔️Traffic: Xinjiang's straight roads can cause visual fatigue and are prone to speeding
✔️Bring some common medicines, such as medicine for stomach, colds, motion sickness, and mosquito repellent
✔️Wearing shoes in the car for a long time can be uncomfortable, prepare a pair of plastic slippers or disposable slippers for the car
Xinjiang doesn't need advertising, because everyone who has been there regrets not coming earlier, if possible, please be sure to visit Xinjiang in the summer🥰🥰
TastyTreatsTemptations
Xinjiang Yili's seven-day and six-night free trip | The thing I regret the most
I didn't rent a DSLR to take with me The phone can't capture such a vast grassland and snow-capped mountains, the scenery is really too stunning!
📍Attached is our travel strategy:
There were four of us in a chartered car, from 6.3 to 6.10
D1: Departure-Urumqi-Changji
D2: Sayram Lake-Guozigou Bridge
D3: Huocheng Qingshui River Lavender-Kalajun
D4: Horse riding in Kalajun-Tekes Bagua City
D5: Kuerdening-Narat
D6: Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery-Bulong Hot Spring
D7: Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Return trip
The Duku Highway took the northern section, Bayinbuluke was not open yet, please remember to take turns sitting in the co-pilot seat to enjoy the scenery~
⚠️Xinjiang is too big, and each scenic spot is very scattered, be careful not to schedule too many trips~ It is recommended to arrange the most stunning scenic spots in the first two days, because you will gradually become aesthetically tired later on😂
❤️My three favorite places
1️⃣ Sayram Lake: The clouds roll and the sea and sky are one color, be sure to pick a sunny day to go!
2️⃣ Kalajun Scenic Area: The Falcon Terrace is really shocking, we rode horses for eight hours, marveling at the beautiful scenery all the way, and on a clear night, you can see the starry sky and the Big Dipper for the first time~ So you must stay in the grassland!
3️⃣ Tangbula Grassland Hundred Mile Gallery: Although I was a bit tired of the grassland in the last two days, Tangbula is really beautiful, and the scenery along the way is the best!
⚡️Personal lightning protection
Dushanzi Grand Canyon is a bit like a canyon version of Happy Valley, with mostly entertainment projects inside, which are quite average, but the main thing is that it's too sunny
👗Dressing and skincare advice🧴
1️⃣No need to say more about the white dress, it fits well in any environment, the yellow dress will attract a lot of insects, please be cautious😐Red clothes are quite stunning, even saw several red aunt travel groups
2️⃣Three-in-one is the most worn clothing in Xinjiang, because you can experience four seasons in one day, every day is a layering method, when the sun is strong, it is very hot, especially after seven or eight o'clock in the evening, especially on the grassland by the lake, the temperature will drop sharply and it is very cold, and the wind is also very strong, it is also good to bring a thin down jacket👍
3️⃣Rain boots saved my life! Because there is really a lot of horse manure on the grassland, wearing boots will be very convenient👢
4️⃣No need to wear makeup but must wear sunscreen, and need to reapply often, and moisturizing is very important, mixed dry skin went to Xinjiang and directly became a Loulan mummy...
💰Total cost
Didn't calculate in detail, it should be around 8k
The whole journey into the scenic area was self-driving so it was very comfortable! The hotel averages about one to two hundred per person per night~
🥳Final feelings
The clouds on the lake that seem to be within reach, the stars on the grassland, the Kazakh songs on horseback, singing loudly on the Duku Highway, these memories will become the fuel fragments for continuing to work hard in life, will definitely come back in the future🤣First earn enough money and then talk...
Next time I want to check in the autumn scenery of Kanas in North Xinjiang🍂
ExcursionAddict
Visiting this place in June is so healing!
I've waited a whole year just for June in Xinjiang😎! The most beautiful season in Yili has made its dazzling entrance
If you want to go to Xinjiang, now is the time to rush💨! June is the perfect time to avoid the crowds and traffic jams of the summer holiday season, and the wildflowers on the grasslands are in full bloom💐, allowing you to leisurely appreciate the stunning scenery~
🎈Photos 1 to 3: Tangbula Fairy Lake in Yili Prefecture
📍Navigation: Tangbula Fairy Lake Admission: 💰10 (sanitation fee)
⚠️Note that it's not the Tangbula Grassland, don't go to the wrong place!
How to get there: Tangbula Fairy Lake is right next to the Hundred Mile Gallery and is also connected to the Duku Highway, which is a very convenient transportation point and also an underrated beauty spot.
To visit Fairy Lake, you can choose to ride a horse🐎 or hike🚶♀️.
You'll need to climb a dirt slope, so it's recommended to wear hiking shoes and take protective measures~
Horse riding🐎: Round trip costs about 💰200, and the one-way trip takes 1 hour.
The horse teams are organized by the herders themselves - there's no insurance, and it can be a bit bumpy.
You can see the lake as soon as the horse team reaches the bottom of the Fairy Lake hill.
Hiking🚶♀️: One-way trip takes 2 hours.
After climbing the dirt slope, it's another half-hour walk to reach Fairy Lake, and you can enter by paying the herders 💰10 for the sanitation fee at the lakeside.
💧Fairy Lake is not very large, and 3-4 hours is enough time to enjoy it.
Once you climb that hill, the alpine meadows, snow-capped mountains, and the lake all suddenly appear before your eyes! If you pass by the Hundred Mile Gallery, don't miss it!
When in Xinjiang, these places are a must-visit!
1⃣️Sayram Lake
📍: Bortala
Facilities: The scenic area is very large, with rest and service areas at intervals.
Features: You can hike up the mountain or just idle by the lake😌.
The area has snow-capped mountains🏔️, lakes, grasslands, and you can also see small flowers.
Try to go early to have plenty of time to enjoy the scenery🥳.
Tour time: 6-8 hours.
2⃣️Tangbula Fairy Lake
📍: Yili
Facilities: There's not much commercial development on the mountain, but there are many herders' houses🏠 by the lake.
Features: Hike or ride a horse🐎 up the mountain for pristine scenery without any trails.
Alpine lake, with distant views of snow-capped mountains🏔️, and it's great for taking photos📷.
⚠️If you want to capture the scenery like in photo 1
Just enter the pasture directly from the front of the lake at the herder's house, so you can avoid taking a detour.
Tour time: 3.5 hours.
3⃣️Kanas Lake
📍: Altay
Facilities: The area is very large, with a tourist area in Baihaba Village, and there are tour buses🚌 at various stops along the way.
Features: The scenery of the three bays is different, and you can stay overnight to slowly hike around.
Tour time: 6～8 hours.
H@rp3r Sm.th
Tangbula, a hidden treasure in Yili, a niche destination
Tangbula, a place known as the Hundred Mile Gallery, with forests, grasslands, streams, mountains, and lakesides, is Xinjiang's green gem. The name 'Tangbula' originates from several huge rocks on the mountain ridge on the east side of the valley, resembling jade seals, hence the name Tangbula, which in Kazakh means 'big seal'.
This is a natural wonder embraced by the Tianshan Mountains, ancient and pristine, tranquil by nature. Only by being there can one truly appreciate its beauty.
Tangbula has a pleasant landscape, with beautiful scenery. The green grasslands are like a green carpet laid over the earth, endless in sight. Hundreds of wildflowers bloom competitively on the Tangbula grasslands, forming a sea of flowers, fragrant and pleasing to the nose. Scattered white yurts compose a beautiful scenic line. We were lucky to have just encountered the weather clearing after the rain, enjoying the most beautiful scenery, amidst the clouds and mist, with clouds rolling and unfolding, blue sky and white clouds, like a fairyland!
lunaire_5871
Once again, Xinjiang
Ili is a gathering place for the Kazakh ethnic group, so on the first day, we followed the local customs. In Tangbula, we joined this nation of horseback riders to taste milk tea, roast lamb skewers, drink mutton soup, and sleep in a Mongolian yurt. Early in the morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the grassland, the brave among us wrapped up in our thickest clothes to chase the light; the hosts of the grassland began to milk the sheep. The master said there was also horse milk, which I had never seen and certainly would not be accustomed to its taste, but the mere mention of horse milk filled me with a sense of boldness and a fully charged atmosphere.
We drove towards Fairy Lake, but having taken the wrong road, we had to return the way we came and chose to ride horses instead. We brought thick shawls especially for the trip because, for us, riding horses really required a 'steel butt' that we didn't have! However, when the unexpected happened, we had to bite the bullet and get on the horses. Along the way, I kept thinking, wouldn't a motorcycle be a better choice? After all, it's faster. Passing hikers, we joked interestingly: those who haven't gotten on wish to get on, and those who have regret it. Isn't that the truth? But we just wanted to see that touch of green with our own eyes! And the scenery and local customs along the way, otherwise how could I have seen that mother, who without makeup, seemed to me stunningly beautiful and unforgettable for several days? How could I have come to admire the confidence of the 'sunset red' aunties once again?
Reluctantly leaving Tangbula, the lavender fields of the Tianshan Flower Sea finally awaited us, the adorable ground cover making us jump for joy; in Kanas, cotton candy could be plucked right out of the air, and I brought Hayao Miyazaki's animations into my camera, staging a real-life version of The Wind Rises; in Qiongkushitai, with green grass and a sea of flowers, that's where Heidi and her grandfather lived! The little wooden houses on the grassland, the streams, forests, cattle, and sheep along the way, isn't that the Eastern Switzerland, captivating to the eye; hiking in Shatuo, looking up to see the snow-capped mountains right before our eyes, we kept looking, walking, and rushing towards this goal, never stopping. We also kept exclaiming: in the face of nature, humans are truly insignificant, so what do those human disputes, rights and wrongs, grudges and grievances amount to under such a landscape?
Life is vast, and our eyes should not only see love and being loved, nor should they only see the immediate struggles! When you are confused, go into nature to find the answers!
MICHEAL MCDANIEL
11-Day Deep Tour of Northern Xinjiang
Accompany you to see the 🌿 grasslands, ⛄ snow mountains, and 🎉 lakes. This is the romance of Xinjiang's summer, isn't it? North of the Tianshan Mountains lies the alpine grasslands of Northern Xinjiang. The blue of Kanas Lake and the sunrise at Hemu Village are intoxicating. The flowers bloom splendidly in the summer of Northern Xinjiang, with 🌈 snow-capped grasslands, 🐴 forest pastures, 🐟 glacial lakes, canyons and rivers, Gobi deserts, and the hoofbeats of cattle, sheep, and horses.
Itinerary:
☘️D1: Pick up from Urumqi Airport
☘️D2: Urumqi - Tianshan Tianchi - Fuyun
☘️D3: Fuyun - Keketuohai - Burqin
☘️D4: Burqin - Kanas - Jiadengyu
☘️D5: Jiadengyu to Hemu
☘️D6: Hemu - Return to Colorful Beach - Burqin
☘️D7: Burqin Devil's City - Hundred-Mile Oilfield - Kuitun
☘️D8: Kuitun - Sayram Lake - ◎Guozigou Bridge - Lavender Yining
☘️D9: Yining - Narat Grassland in Bayanbulak
☘️D10: Bayanbulak - Return via Duku Highway - Urumqi
☘️D11: Departure from Urumqi Airport
xavier_nightshade_82
Ili Tangbula Grassland - A Hundred-Mile Scroll Ice and Snow Gallery
In April, coming to Ili to photograph flowers, besides apricot blossoms, I unexpectedly encountered another kind of flower amidst the snowflakes and frost flowers.
To photograph flowers, one needs good weather. Today, the whole of Ili reports 'overcast and rainy', only 'Tangbula Grassland' has 'clear skies', so off to Tangbula!
Tangbula (meaning 'seal' in Kazakh) is named for the massive rock on the ridge to the east of its valley, which resembles a jade seal.
Tangbula Grassland is one of the famous grasslands in the Ili region of Xinjiang, known as 'A Hundred-Mile Scroll, a Natural Gallery'.
The Tangbula Grassland fulfills all one's imaginations of a grassland, with a green carpet-like pasture spreading from the high mountain spruce forest down to the valley floor, with the roaring Kashgar River in the middle, and snow-white yurts dotted along both banks, with cattle and sheep in small groups.
In China, there are many scenic spots crowned with the word 'Great', but there are very few places called 'Hundred-Mile Gallery'. The entire Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery is located along the S315 provincial road, an area not yet 'managed', without any official promotion, a completely open, pure natural, free scenic area. This road is casual and free; here, one does not need to deliberately search for a particular spot, nor a guide. Just stroll along the highway and the 'Kashgar' River to enjoy the original and magnificent scenery.
There are many attractions in the Tangbula Grassland, it is said that there are 113 gullies, each with its own characteristics. Hence the saying 'Each gully has its own scenery, each ravine its own heaven'.
Zhang, who once won a place in the Ili 'Half Marathon', is a master of hiking. He drove his car along a quiet mountain gully all the way to the snow peaks, until a huge block of ice sealed the road. At this moment, the snow peak in front, like a maiden, slowly lifts her cloud-like veil under the blue sky to reveal her true face, while cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the slopes.
The gully is much colder than the outside. I just put on the warm sheepskin-lined army coat prepared by the hospitable Xinjiang hosts when a Kazakh herdsman happened to pass by on horseback. Seeing his contented demeanor, this place is so far from the hustle and bustle, so open and peaceful, it's truly worth breathing deeply and savoring.
Tangbula has no fenced management, and one can freely choose a small side road to get close to the grassland.
Crouching down to take a closer look, among the pastures extending to the foot of the snow mountain by the roadside, there are some small white flowers scattered about. This is a plant that lives in the north, which can germinate even in ice and snow, and only when spring warms up do the flower stems stand up and bloom. People call it 'Ice-Top Flower', meaning it withstands frost but still blooms beautifully.
Tangbula is a fairyland of the Tianshan Mountains, and the 'Ice-Top Flower' is the grassland sprite that has fallen into this pure land. It is the brightest natural beauty of Tangbula, the most dazzling white space in the rich colors. It is unassuming yet radiantly beautiful.
Perhaps it's a case of 'a blessing in disguise', searching for flowers, in the frost flowers and snowflakes, I found the 'Ice-Top Flower'. Unexpectedly, this Ice-Top Flower is also called 'Wild Lily', and listening to Meng Tingwei's 'Wild Lilies Also Have Spring' here couldn't be more appropriate—
'Don't forget the lonely corner in the valley
Wild lilies also have their spring
As if it's all a dream
Our meeting is so brief
You're like a gentle breeze, softly and tenderly blowing into my heart...'
R@1nb0w_Wh1sp3r3r
North Xinjiang 7 Days, enjoy the full panorama without retracing your steps
North Xinjiang Panoramic 7-Day Tour
Sayram Lake Kuitun
S101 Urumqi
Dushanzi Grand Canyon
Yining
Tangbula Grassland
Tekes
Nalati
Kalajun Grassland
Bayinbuluke
D1: Urumqi-S101 National Defense Highway-Kuitun 300 kilometers
D2: Kuitun-Sayram Lake Circuit-Stay at Sayram or Yining 320 kilometers
D3: Sayram Lake Sunrise-Yining 180 kilometers
D4: Yining-Kalajun Grassland-Tekes 280 kilometers
D5: Tekes-Nalati-Bayinbuluke+most beautiful sunset 380 kilometers
D6: Tangbula Grassland+Fairy Lake Horse Riding 200 kilometers
D7: Tangbula Grassland-Duku Highway-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi 400 kilometers
Duku Highway
Hazel.Roberts@82
Tangbula Grassland (Guide)
Xinjiang's underrated grassland must include a nomination for Tangbula.
When everyone is crowded at popular attractions,
there are no tourists here❌ no internet celebrities gathering❌ no admission fee❌
Snow mountains, streams, hot springs, grasslands, wildflowers
The uncommercialized pristine ecology is simply a camping holy land.
Off-roading✅, RVs✅, camping✅, hiking✅
Don't miss this if you like outdoor activities!
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📍Location: Tangbula, Nileke County, Yili, Xinjiang
🚇Transport: About 1.5h drive from Xinyuan County
🛰Navigation: Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery
🎫Admission: Free
🍽Dining: There are freshly grilled beef skewers in the scenic area, outdoor hot pot and barbecue at the campsite, restaurants (mostly Qia'erma)
🏠Accommodation: Small wooden houses in the manor, RV and camping sites (wild camping is also an option)
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【Tangbula Grassland】
The west end is the Heifeng Manor Eco Hotel
The east end is Qia'erma where the Duku Highway intersects with S315
*When the Duku Highway is closed, it is not possible to complete the entire journey, and you need to detour to Bee Town
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⛰Recommended scenic spots to check in:
1️⃣Mengket Ancient Trail
A little-known spot that few people know about, you can drive directly to the foot of the snow mountain! The undeveloped pristine ecology, glacier blue stream water + grassland combination is super photogenic! (I've written a note about it before)
2️⃣Hundred Mile Gallery
Similar to Qiaxi Scroll, the scenery is on both sides along the way. Along National Highway 315, you can reach the middle section of the Duku Highway, with several viewing platforms along the way where you can stop and take photos at any time
3️⃣Fairy Lake
A lake hidden in the mountains, every summer the valley is full of wildflowers, maybe it's called Fairy Lake because the photos taken here look like a fairyland
*The herders charge 10 RMB per person for admission, and 200 RMB per person for the round trip up and down the mountain
4️⃣Bear Gully
The homeland of local herders, there are quite a few grazing 'three brothers', suitable for a leisurely stroll or a picnic here
5️⃣Marmot Hill
Opposite the confluence of the rivers coming down from the Hundred Mile Gallery, there is a small hill with many cute and chubby marmots running around!
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📌Travel Tips:
*There is a big temperature difference between morning and evening in the mountains, keep warm when camping
*You can bring a drone without needing to report
*Most of the roads are primitive dirt roads, drive carefully
FRANCES AGUILAR
May Day Xinjiang Travel | Yili Loop 7-Day Attractions + Itinerary Guide
Some say🌈 when nature is biased enough, it forgets balance and puts all the 'stunning beauty' into the same painting~ This is the true portrayal of the beauty of Yili!!
Highly recommend to friends who don't know where to go for May Day~
Snow mountains, lakes, Gobi, canyons, sea of flowers, grasslands, forests, everything you want is here, plus a 7-day travel itinerary oh~~
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🎯Itinerary Highlights
✔️7-day in-depth experience of Yili's popular + niche attractions
✔️Self-drive around Sayram Lake with ample playtime
✔️Free and comfortable itinerary, reasonable planning with stops at will
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🎨Essential Attractions
Guozigou Bridge: The towering bridge spans between the blue sky and white clouds, heading north to Sayram Lake, south to the Ili River Valley, with canyons filled with characteristic fruit trees such as apples, walnuts, and apricots
Tips: Open all day for free💰, note that parking on the bridge is not allowed, it is recommended to bring a drone for shooting📸
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Sayram Lake: The blue of the plateau lake sets off the colorful prairie flower sea, with the distant snow mountains winding and long, the clear lake water reflecting the playful swans, making this place full of infinite vitality
Tips: Enter the scenic area from the east gate and play counterclockwise, there are accommodations near the south gate closer to the popular S Bay
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Xia Ta: Snow mountains and glaciers blend with forests and grass seas, the landscape is rich in layers, it is the grassland landscape closest to the snow mountains in the Yili area, and also a holy land for hiking enthusiasts
Tips: Plan to ride horses, it is recommended to book early or queue; the last interval car down the mountain departs at 8 pm🚋
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Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery: 'Natural long scroll, hundred-mile gallery', Fairy Lake set against the green sea of grass, wildflowers blooming everywhere🌸 surrounded by lush forests, a little-known fairyland
Tips: No🎫 but not many accommodations around, walking is tiring, it is recommended to ride horses or bicycles
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Kuerdening: Hike through dense spruce forests and vast grasslands, check in at the real-life movie scene in the log cabin🏠, comparable to the dreamy grasslands of Switzerland
Tips: No need to buy tickets in advance, you can buy tickets on-site📱, the price for horse riding in the scenic area is about 80/h
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Qiongkushitai: Comic-like blue sky and white clouds☁️, green grasslands dotted with fresh flowers, cattle and sheep freely wandering on the slopes, fully enjoy the pure beauty of nature
Tips: The road conditions behind the mountain are not very good, you can prepare motion sickness pills💊 just in case
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🚘Itinerary
D1⃣️Urumqi - Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Yining
D2⃣️Yining - Xiatage Ancient Trail - Zhaosu
D3⃣️Zhaosu - Qiongkushitai - Tekes
D4⃣️Tekes - Qiaxi Grassland - Kuerdening - Xinyuan
D5⃣️Xinyuan - Narat Grassland - Narat
D6⃣️Narat - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Mengketi Scenic Area - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Kuitun
D7⃣️Kuitun - Anjihai Grand Canyon - s101 Highway Selection - Urumqi
Prof. Vergie Farrell MD
May Day Holiday | Yili, Xinjiang 6-Day Loop Tour | Travel Guide
Some say that Yili is suitable for tourism all year round🌈. In spring, the grasslands are covered with wild flowers competing in splendor, and the lavender manors are romantically purple. In summer, the fruits of Xinjiang are fragrant, in autumn the forest valleys turn golden, and in winter, Yili becomes a pure white snowy land...
But if you haven't decided where to go by May, I think there's no place more suitable than Yili, where the hills are covered with fresh flowers🌸 at the end of spring and the beginning of summer!
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🎯Highlights of the Itinerary
✔️7-seater MPV with large space + skylight table and chairs + karaoke device
✔️Drone and SLR throughout the journey, capturing beautiful moments
✔️Outdoor camping + Tangbula Grassland barbecue party
✔️Self-driving tour around four major scenic areas for an immersive experience
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🌟Attraction Strategies
S101 Baili Danxia: Approximately 146km long, the most colorful section of Provincial Highway 101, an excellent route for self-driving photography
Tips:
⚡The yellow sign S101 is the iconic photo spot here
⚡Manas River Valley is suitable for camping + night sky
⚡Chibi Tianhu Reservoir is the most beautiful in color, suitable for drone photography
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Sayram Lake: A high mountain lake backed by snow-capped mountains, with extremely clear and deep blue water, and a vast sea of flowers and grasslands by the lake
Tips:
⚡Drive around the lake from the east gate, the south gate is exit only
⚡There are many scenic spots along the way, and solid-colored skirts are more suitable for photography
⚡Swan habitats are at Kele Yongzhu and Swan Music Water
⚡The perceived temperature is cool, but the UV rays are strong, so be prepared for sun protection
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Lavender: Xinjiang Yili is one of the world's three major lavender planting bases, the purple romance of the Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall
Tips:
⚡The flowering period of lavender is from May to August
⚡There are bees in the scenic area but they won't sting easily, just walk gently
⚡White clothes + straw hats are the preferred attire for photos, and evening is the best time
⚡The manor is supervised by villagers, it is recommended to keep your ticket🎫 well
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Kalajun: A landscape dominated by rolling hills, diverse and rich in scenery, including snow-capped grasslands, forests, and valleys
Tips:
⚡Kalajun Grassland is divided into East Kalajun and West Kalajun
⚡The famous Five-Flower Meadow, Fresh Flower Platform, and Falcon Platform are in East Kalajun
⚡There is a big temperature difference on the mountain, so bring a windbreaker or thick coat
⚡The Fresh Flower Platform is known for hugging lambs for photos, and the Falcon Platform is known for horse riding
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Duku Highway: A natural elevator that shuttles between cliffs and forest snow mountains, a scenic avenue with changing views
Tips:
⚡It passes through various landscapes such as grasslands, canyons, snow mountains, and Gobi
⚡It goes through high-altitude snow areas and is only open from early June to early October
⚡The weather changes unpredictably along the way, so be aware of keeping warm
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🚘Itinerary
D1⃣️Urumqi-S101 Baili Danxia-Kuitun
D2⃣️Kuitun-Sayram Lake self-driving tour around the lake-Lavender-Kazanqi-Yining City
D3⃣️Yining City-Kalajun Grassland self-driving tour-Tekes
D4⃣️Tekes-Nalati Air Grassland self-driving tour-Nalati
D5⃣️Nalati-Fairy Lake-Monkette Ancient Trail self-driving tour-Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery
D6⃣️Tangbula-Duku Highway-Dushanzi Grand Canyon-Urumqi
3l34n0r 3v@ns
A 5-day tour of Northern Xinjiang
For those planning to go to Xinjiang in 2024, it's recommended to directly copy this itinerary, as this is a place where budget travel is hardly feasible—only with a sufficient budget can you truly experience its quality.
How can one not like Xinjiang in the summer? With its log cabins and herds of livestock, the bursting vitality is everywhere, there's Sayram Lake surrounded by mountains, and the white yurts scattered on the grasslands with distant peaks and waters.
:
D1: Urumqi→→Yining
D2: Yining→→Tekes
D3: Tekes→→Bayanbulak Town
D4: Bayanbulak Town→→Narat
D5: Narat→→Urumqi
BECKETT MCCOY
Wait a whole year just for the summer in Xinjiang!
Wait a whole year just for the summer in Xinjiang!🐿 Xinjiang is truly a treasure trove
Every visit brings different surprises!
👣 Take a trip to Xinjiang this summer with someone you like
🌸 Stroll through the endless sea of flowers, 🌲 lie in the embrace of the grasslands
🏔 Witness the endless snow-capped mountains, 🌌 gaze at the lakes and stars.
The mountains do not see me, but I go to see the mountains.
🏔 If you have time to go to Xinjiang, then you must visit these places~
1⃣ Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery
🖼 The Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery is a whole stretch of road, with lush grasslands on the roadside, dotted with dense little flowers, a river running through the entire grassland, horses, cows, and sheep grazing slowly, with spruce forests in the distance. The forest leads up to the continuous mountain ranges, adorned with white yurts, as if you've stepped into an oil painting world.
2⃣ Yizhao Highway
🚙🚗 From Yining to Zhaosu, a lesser-known section of road that rivals the Duku Highway, known to locals. From Yining to Zhaosu, 180 kilometers, you will experience 'four seasons in one day, ten miles with different skies.' From grasslands to flower seas to canyons to horse farms to lavender fields, the scenery along the way is rich. Vehicles with fewer than 7 seats can pass.
3⃣ Qiaxi Forest Park
🌲 Qiaxi is a little-known spot in the Ili grasslands of Xinjiang that has become popular in the last two years. The entrance fee is 30 yuan, and you can drive in yourself. You can see the snow-capped mountains from April to June. If you have the time, be sure to bring camping gear for camping, as there are not many grasslands in Xinjiang that are cheap and allow self-driving entry.
4⃣ Sayram Lake
🌊 Sayram Lake is known as the last tear of the Atlantic. If you've seen enough mountains and want to see the sea, and if you've seen enough sea and want to see mountains, in Yili, there are endless forests and grasslands, making Sayram Lake especially precious. In June, the mountains around the lake are full of blooming flowers, half green grasslands, and half blue lakes. The hillsides by the lake are covered with fresh flowers in June.
💗 When visiting Xinjiang, be sure to avoid these
1️⃣ The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang's summer are strong, so make sure to protect yourself from the ☀️ sun. Even if you've applied sunscreen, be sure to wear a hat𣲙䄂
2️⃣ The most beautiful scenery in Yili's summer is on the road, so if you don't get carsick, don't miss the view outside the car window
3️⃣ Be sure to bring a thick coat, as the temperature in the mountains can change dramatically, and you may encounter rainy and snowy weather.
🚗【6-8 Month Yili Circuit In-depth Tour】
D1: Urumqi--Sayram Lake-Guozigou Bridge-Qingshui River
D2: Qingshui River-Huocheng Lavender--Yizhao Highway-Zhaosu County
D3: Zhaosu-Xiata Scenic Area-Tekes
D4: Tekes-Qiaxi Forest Park--Gongliu
D5: Gongliu-Nalati Sky Grassland-Nalati
D6: Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery-Fairy Lake-Duku Highway-Kuitun
D7: Kuitun-Anjihai Grand Canyon-Urumqi
Nova_Skyfall_42
Explore the Secret Realm of Yili · Tangbula Fairy Lake
In the vast grasslands of Yili, Xinjiang, there lies a little-known earthly paradise—the Tangbula Fairy Lake. It is like a carefully inlaid emerald by nature, and its name alone can trigger infinite reveries about a poetic place afar. Compared to the well-known Sayram Lake, it is more like a tranquil and mysterious fairy, quietly guarding a corner of untouched natural purity.
🍃🌸 As you truly step onto this magical land, the Fairy Lake will greet you in its most splendid form, with a path of blooming flowers leading you to the lakeside, as if guiding you to a fairyland. Before your arrival, it has always been silently watching over this pristine land, away from the hustle and bustle of the world, maintaining its peace and harmony.
🏔️🏞️ Looking up, towering snow-capped mountains stand against the sky, with green mountain ranges and dense forests complementing each other, together protecting this treasure in the grassland—the Tangbula Fairy Lake. The lakeside is blooming with colorful flowers, the scenery is like a dreamy garden from a fairy tale, unbelievably beautiful!
Riding a horse up the mountain from the foot costs only 120 yuan per person one way, and 200 yuan for a round trip. If you start from Xinyuan County, it only takes 2 hours by car to reach the picturesque Tangbula Fairy Lake.
🌟 Travel Tips:
saddle_up: It is recommended to experience the beauty of nature in a unique way, choose to view the scenery on horseback, ride up the mountain leisurely, and walk down the mountain, because those intoxicating landscapes are often hidden along the way, waiting for you to discover and savor.
At the top of the mountain, you can behold the unparalleled beauty of the Fairy Lake, which is like nature's darling, nestled close to the snow-capped mountains, forming a moving love story. The beauty here requires no artificial embellishment, just a heart to feel and understand.
🍃🌊 Strolling by the Fairy Lake, the diverse colors of Xinjiang's land intertwine together. Here, there are snow-capped mountains, green grasslands, babbling streams, dense forests, leisurely cattle and sheep, wildflowers everywhere, and the rippling lake, all painting a series of vivid and charming pastoral landscapes. Being here, it's as if you can hear the breath of nature and feel its vitality.
📷 Keep Moving: During the walk down the mountain, every moment is full of surprises, and you can stop at any time to capture those heart-stirring beautiful moments with your camera. Every step is an expression of awe and love for nature.
We sincerely invite you to step onto this magical land of Yili, to deeply feel the charm of nature, to find that long-lost peace and beauty in your heart. By the Tangbula Fairy Lake, every trip will harvest a wealth of memories and emotions. Come, let us join hands to embark on this exploration journey of China's great beauty!
CLAYTON WATSON
Experience the beauty of Yili, Xinjiang with an in-depth 11-day tour
The best time to visit Yili is from May to June each year, when the grasslands turn green and the snow-capped mountains have not yet melted. Most importantly, it is not the peak season, so flight tickets are cheaper and the scenery is beautiful with fewer people.
This 11-day in-depth tour of Yili allows you to deeply experience the beauty of Yili💗. With an average travel time of less than 4 hours, you can enjoy a relaxed and in-depth trip without rushing.
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⭕️11-Day In-Depth Yili Itinerary:
D1: Yining airport pick-up - Hotel (20 minutes)
D2: Yining - Visit Sayram Lake (3H)
D3: Visit Sayram Lake - Guozigou Bridge - Lavender Base - Kazanqi Folk Village (3H)
D4: Zhaosu - Xiatang National Park (2H)
D5: Xiatang Scenic Area - Visit Qiongkushitai (5H)
D6: Spend a whole day in Qiongkushitai Village
D7: Qiongkushitai - Narat Valley Grassland (5.5H)
D8: Spend a whole day on the Narat Sky Grassland
D9: Narat - Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery - Fairy Lake - Northern Section of Duku Highway (4H)
D10: Dushanzi - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - $101 National Defense Highway - Colorful Danxia (4H)
D11: Urumqi airport drop-off (20 minutes)
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⭕️Highlights:
🌲Sayram Lake: The last tear of the Atlantic, watch swans play on the lake surface
🌲Narat: One of the six most beautiful grasslands, with both the soft beauty of streams and the ruggedness of mountains
🌲Qiongkushitai: A poem written by God to the world, the starting point of the ancient Usun Road
🌲Xiatang: An undeveloped niche spot, which was a transportation station from Yili to Aksu in ancient times
🌲Tangbula Grassland: Nearly 80 kilometers long, with picturesque scenery throughout, hence known as the 'Tangbula Hundred Mile Gallery'
🌲Duku Highway: Open only for 6 months a year, experiencing all four seasons along the way, a must for self-driving
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⭕️Travel Tips:
⚠️Be sure to keep your ID card safe, there are many checkpoints and it's difficult to move around without an ID card
⚠️Long car journeys are inevitable when traveling in Xinjiang, remember not to miss the scenery along the way
⚠️Xinjiang is quite dry, sisters from the south can bring a small humidifier, drink more water and do good sun protection
⚠️Some remote mountain areas may have slightly poor signals, and navigation might lead you astray, ask locals for small directions, but rely on navigation for the main route
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⭕️Design Concept:
✔️This itinerary is personally designed by a product manager after field research, rejecting mediocre trips
✔️The product design includes many niche secret spots and treasure inns, allowing you to experience the beauty of Yili from the most comfortable perspective
✔️The itinerary may seem busy, but it is actually very relaxed, with a daily wake-up call and an average travel time of less than 4 hours
✔️Stay in luxury quality hotels throughout the trip, truly living in the scenery
✔️Equipped with a full set of outdoor gear, including a canopy and outdoor table and chair setup
Aria Lee
Beyond the Great Wall lies the Jiangnan of the frontier
The Ili grassland develops in the central Tianshan Mountains and its intermontane basins, one of the largest mountain ranges in Asia. Surrounded by mountains on the north, east, and south, its western part opens up to welcome the moist air currents from the west, creating a 'wet island' with unique scenery in the desert area, which promotes the complete development of the Ili grassland's vertical zonation. From high to low, it is successively distributed with alpine meadows, montane meadows, montane steppe meadows, montane steppes, montane desert steppes, plain deserts, and river valley meadows, with rich diversity. In the upper reaches of the Kashi River is the mountain pasture of Nileke County, where people come in summer to travel for the Tianshan rhododendrons.
By mid-May, the Ili River valley meadows turn into a sea of Tianshan rhododendrons. The delicate fiery red color spreads across the mountainside.
How can one miss the grassland after seeing the flowers?
There is a saying, 'One does not know the vastness of China until they have been to Xinjiang, and one does not know the beauty of Xinjiang until they have been to Ili.' Once you are on the Ili grassland, you know that there is no exaggeration in this statement.
The beauty of the Ili grassland lies in its three-dimensionality; meadows and blooming flowers form the foreground, with forests and snow-capped mountains in the distance, and flocks of sheep and yurts scattered about, making every spot scenic.
This three-dimensional beauty is due to the geographical location of the Ili grassland, which develops in the central Tianshan Mountains and its intermontane basins. The unique geographical position and climate create the beauty of Ili. Baigou pasture, located by the Gongnaisi River, becomes luminously green overnight after a spring rain.
The most amazing part of the Tangbula grassland is the combination of forest, grassland, rapids, and mountain rocks, stretching for miles. Walking along the valley, one often encounters a scene of 'sudden brightening after a dark willow path':
Lush secondary forests, rugged canyon rapids, peculiar mountain rocks standing in rows, and fields of colorful flowers... As the terrain undulates, several landscapes often alternate, dazzling the onlooker. Hidden among the flowers and grasses are many ancient Tianshan petroglyphs.
The Tangbula grassland is named after the Tangbula Grand Canyon because there is an enormous rock on the mountain ridge on the east side of the valley, shaped like a jade seal, hence the name Tangbula.
What people usually refer to as the Tangbula grassland is the lush montane grassland and river valley meadow on both sides of the Kashi River. The torrential Kashi River water flows endlessly, and on the south bank of the Kashi River, the grass is lush. If you are lucky, you can see the beautiful scenery of a myriad of flowers in full bloom.
Entering the Tangbula Gorge, the stream babbles, and the spruce forest is lush and tall, especially in summer, picturesque and layered with greenery.
NomadSoul
Tangbula Fairy Lake: The Emerald Jewel of the Ili Grassland
Tangbula Fairy Lake, her beauty deeply touched me, as if it were a masterpiece meticulously carved by nature. Everyone knows that Sayram Lake is known as 'the last tear of the Atlantic', yet nestled in the embrace of Ili, there lies such a little-known green paradise—Tangbula Fairy Lake. The name alone is enough to make one's heart flutter and become intoxicated.
Once you set foot on this magical land, the Fairy Lake will greet you in her most splendid attire, with flowers blooming in profusion, as if a dazzling floral path extends to the lakeside. And if you have not yet arrived, she quietly guards this pure land, far from the hustle and bustle, serene and peaceful.
Looking around, towering snow-capped mountains stand against the sky, green hills stretch endlessly, reflecting off the lush forests. Tangbula Fairy Lake is like a bright green gem, set in the embrace of this natural grassland pasture. Lakeside flowers bloom in abundance, colorful and splendid, as if one has stepped into the back garden of Alice's Wonderland, unbelievably beautiful!
🏔️ Tangbula Fairy Lake
🐎 Horseback riding from the foot of the mountain up is 120 per person, round trip 200 per person
🚗 A 2⃣️-hour drive from Xinyuan County
🐎 Travel Tips:
🏔️ It is recommended that you choose a unique way to experience the beauty of nature—ride a horse up the mountain and hike down. Because those intoxicating sceneries, half of them are hidden along the way, waiting for you to discover.
🐎 Riding to the top of the mountain, you will be able to see the charm of Fairy Lake. She is close to the snow-capped mountains, as if she is the princess of nature, performing a beautiful love story with the prince of the snow mountains. The beauty there needs no filter, you just need to feel it with your heart.
💐 By the Fairy Lake, you will appreciate the colorful tapestry of Xinjiang's land. Snow mountains, grasslands, streams, forests, cattle, horses, wildflowers, lakes... These elements are woven together to form intoxicating landscapes. Being there, you feel as if you can hear the breath of nature and feel its pulse.
🚶♂️ The journey of hiking down the mountain may only be a little over an hour, but every step is full of surprises. You can stop at any time to capture those heart-stirring moments with your camera. Every step forward is a reverence and love for nature.
🌲 Come, let us feel the charm of nature on this magical land, and find that peace and beauty in our hearts. Here, you are sure to harvest a wealth of memories and emotions.