[2025 Yining Attraction] Travel Guide for Yi Li He Da Qiao (Updated May)

- Money-saving tips: All A-class scenic spots in Zhaosu County are free from May 1–5. The Nalati cable car + aerial grassland combo ticket is only CNY 118, and the Tianshan Flower Sea ticket in Yining County is half price. - Transportation tips: The Yining tourist bus costs CNY 5 and covers attractions such as the Sixth Star Street and Kazanqi. The bus from Yining to Tekes costs CNY 35/person, and the special line from Tekes to Kalajun scenic area costs CNY 35/person. - Accommodation recommendations: The average cost of the Magpie Bridge Homestay in Yining City is CNY 50 per person, and it offers free airport pick-up and a barbecue courtyard. A bed in the Sixth Star Street Youth Hostel starts from CNY 30. - Itinerary reference: Day 1: Yining Sixth Star Street (free) → Kazanqi Folk Village (carriage ride CNY 20) → Gelandam Ice Cream (CNY 25) Day 2: Yili River Bridge (free sunset) → Hanren Street Night Market (CNY 20/serving of Mian Fei Zi) Day 3: Sayram Lake (CNY 70 for admission) → Carpool to Yining (CNY 80 per person) Day 4: Tekes Bagua City (free) → Kalajun Grassland (CNY 140 for admission + shuttle bus) Day 5: Zhaosu Tianma Cultural Park (free) → Xia Taa Ancient Road (CNY 40 for admission, free for hiking)

Yili truly is a dream destination! With its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower-filled valleys, the scenery is straight out of a fairy tale. If you're yearning for a northern Xinjiang adventure, this guide is your key to exploring Yili! Best Time to Visit: Spring in Yili, Xinjiang, spans from March to May, as the region awakens from its winter slumber. While some snow may linger in March, the first hints of spring are in the air. In April, the grasslands begin to revive, and wildflowers start to emerge. By May, the landscape bursts with life, and the grasslands are adorned with colorful blossoms. However, the weather during this season can be unpredictable, with significant temperature differences between day and night, so pack warm layers. Transportation: By Air: Fly to Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport and transfer to Yining Airport in Yili. Frequent flights connect Ürümqi and Yining, with a flight time of approximately one hour. This is a convenient and time-saving option. By Train: If you have more time and want to enjoy the scenery along the way, consider taking the train. Overnight trains from Ürümqi arrive in Yining the next morning, allowing you to rest and admire Xinjiang's magnificent landscapes. Itinerary: 3 Days/2 Nights Day 1: Morning: Arrive in Yining, take a short break, and head to the Kazantqi Folk Custom Village. Immerse yourself in the rich Uyghur culture, capturing photos of the charming blue-and-white architecture. Stroll through the village, visit traditional houses, experience the local lifestyle, and savor delicious handmade ice cream and naan bread. Afternoon: Visit the Yili River Bridge and admire the scenic Yili River. Watching the sunset from the bridge is a memorable experience, as the orange-red hues paint the shimmering water. Evening: Enjoy local cuisine in downtown Yining, such as Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) and hand-pulled pilaf. Day 2: Morning: Travel to Huocheng County and visit the lavender fields. Although the lavender may not be in full bloom from March to May, you can still see the newly sprouted plants and anticipate the upcoming sea of purple. Afternoon: Arrive at the Guozigou Bridge, a magnificent structure resembling a giant dragon spanning the valley. Admire the bridge from the bridge itself or nearby viewing platforms, while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Guozigou Valley. Evening: Stay at a guesthouse near Guozigou and enjoy a peaceful night in the mountains. Day 3: Morning: Visit Sayram Lake. In spring, the ice and snow melt, revealing crystal-clear waters, while the surrounding mountains retain some snow, creating a unique landscape. Take a leisurely walk along the lakeshore and breathe in the fresh air. Afternoon: Prepare for your return journey, reminiscing about the past three days. 4 Days/3 Nights Day 1: Morning: Upon arrival in Yining, visit Liuxing Street, a vibrant hub of food, folk culture, and unique architecture. Explore the various shops and purchase Xinjiang souvenirs. Afternoon: Explore Hanren Street in Yining, a bustling area where you can sample authentic Xinjiang snacks like grilled lamb skewers and baked buns. Evening: Check into your hotel in Yining and relax. Day 2: Morning: Embark on a journey to Gongnaisi National Forest Park. In spring, the forest comes alive with new buds and flowing streams. Hike through the forest and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Afternoon: Venture deeper into Gongnaisi and find a picturesque spot for a picnic. Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in Gongnaisi and experience a night in the forest. Day 3: Morning: Visit the Nalati Grassland. Although the grass may not be fully green, tender shoots will have emerged. Enjoy horseback riding on the grassland and admire the distant snow-capped mountains. Afternoon: Participate in local folk activities, such as watching traditional Kazakh song and dance performances. Evening: Stay at a hotel in Nalati Town. Day 4: Morning: Revisit the Nalati Grassland and capture stunning photos of the scenery. Afternoon: Return to Yining, stopping at small towns along the way to experience Xinjiang's local culture. 5 Days/4 Nights Day 1: Morning: Arrive in Yining and visit the Yili General's Mansion. Learn about Yili's history and culture while exploring this historical building. Afternoon: Relax and stroll through Yining People's Park, admiring the flowers and trees. Evening: Savor Xinjiang-style soup noodles and other local delicacies in Yining before checking into your hotel. Day 2: Morning: Travel to Tekes County, home to the world's largest and most complete Bagua City (city based on the Bagua symbol). Take a hot air balloon ride for a unique aerial view of the city. Afternoon: Explore Bagua Culture Square, Liji Street, and other attractions in Tekes, immersing yourself in the Bagua culture. Evening: Stay at a unique guesthouse in Tekes County. Day 3: Morning: Visit the ancient village of Joan Kushtai, which preserves many traditional Kazakh wooden houses. Wander along the village paths, admire the unique architectural style, and interact with the locals to learn about their customs. Afternoon: Relax by a stream near the village and enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Evening: Stay in a wooden cabin guesthouse in Joan Kushtai Village. Day 4: Morning: Travel to Zhaosu County, enjoying the grassland scenery of Yili along the way. Upon arrival, visit the Zhaosu Tianma Culture Park to learn about Zhaosu horse culture and witness the spectacular sight of galloping horses. Afternoon: Enjoy free time on the grasslands of Zhaosu, perhaps flying a kite. Evening: Stay at a hotel in Zhaosu County. Day 5: Morning: Revisit some of Zhaosu's attractions, such as the Xiata Ancient Road (explore accessible sections if conditions permit). Afternoon: Return to Yining, marking the end of your delightful journey. Tips: Spring weather in Yili is unpredictable, so pack warm clothing, such as down jackets and sweaters. Also, bring sunscreen, as Xinjiang's UV radiation is strong. Respect local customs when visiting the grasslands. Avoid trampling on the grass and seek permission before entering a herder's yurt. Xinjiang is vast, and distances between attractions are considerable. Allow sufficient travel time in your itinerary. Learning basic Uyghur or Kazakh phrases can enhance your interactions with locals. Yili is truly stunning. Pack your bags and embark on a spring adventure filled with romance!

Ili is truly a dream destination! With its snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and flower-filled valleys, the scenery is like something out of a fairy tale. If you're planning a trip to northern Xinjiang, this guide will help you explore Ili! Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Ili is from mid-March to late May. During this period, the weather gradually warms up, apricot blossoms and wild lilies bloom, and the grasslands turn green, creating breathtaking scenery. Transportation: - By Air: Fly directly to Yining Airport for convenience, although prices can be higher. For budget travelers, fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and then take a bus or hire a car to Ili. - By Train: Take a direct train from Urumqi to Yining. An overnight sleeper is a good option, saving both time and accommodation costs. - By Car/Chartered Vehicle: Ili is vast and its attractions are spread out. Self-driving or hiring a car is the best way to explore the region in depth. Road conditions are generally good, but some mountainous areas have no cell phone signal, so prepare a satellite phone in advance. Itinerary: 🎈3 Days and 2 Nights: Day 1: Yining City Tour Upon arrival in Yining, visit the Kazantqi Folk Street to experience the rich Uyghur culture and taste local delicacies. In the afternoon, stroll along the Russian-style streets of Liuxing Street. Stay overnight in Yining. Day 2: Sayram Lake Day Trip Visit Sayram Lake in the morning and admire the stunning lake and mountain scenery. Enjoy panoramic views from the Songshutou Observation Deck. Return to Yining in the afternoon. Day 3: Nalati Grassland Visit the Nalati Grassland and experience its vastness and tranquility. Enjoy activities like horseback riding and archery. Return to Yining in the evening and conclude your trip. 🎈4 Days and 3 Nights: Day 1: Yining City - Sayram Lake Upon arrival in Yining, head to Sayram Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stay overnight by the lake. Day 2: Sayram Lake - Guozigou Valley - Yining Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Sayram Lake. Afterward, visit the Guozigou Valley and admire the canyon scenery. Return to Yining in the afternoon and explore Kazantqi and Liuxing Street. Day 3: Yining - Kalajun Grassland Visit the Kalajun Grassland, a World Natural Heritage site, and admire its magnificent scenery. Choose to hike or ride horses. Stay overnight in Tekes. Day 4: Tekes - Qiongkushtai Village - Yining Visit Qiongkushtai Village and experience the Kazakh herding culture at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Return to Yining in the afternoon and conclude your trip. 🎈5 Days and 4 Nights: Day 1: Yining City - Sayram Lake Upon arrival in Yining, head to Sayram Lake to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Stay overnight by the lake. Day 2: Sayram Lake - Guozigou Valley - Khorgos Port - Yining Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Sayram Lake. Afterward, visit the Guozigou Valley and admire the canyon scenery. In the afternoon, visit the Khorgos Port and experience the border town atmosphere. Return to Yining in the evening and visit the Ili River Bridge and Liuxing Street. Day 3: Yining - Kalajun Grassland - Tekes Visit the Kalajun Grassland, a World Natural Heritage site, and admire its magnificent scenery. Choose to hike or ride horses. In the afternoon, head to Tekes and explore the Bagua City. Day 4: Tekes - Qiongkushtai Village - Nalati Visit Qiongkushtai Village and experience the Kazakh herding culture at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. In the afternoon, head to the Nalati Grassland and enjoy the grassland scenery. Day 5: Nalati - Yining After exploring the Nalati Grassland, return to Yining and conclude your trip. Tips: 1. Sun Protection and Warm Clothing: Ili experiences significant temperature differences between day and night in spring, so pack both warm clothing and sun protection. 2. Book in Advance: Book popular attractions and accommodations in advance, especially for Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland. 3. Time Difference: Xinjiang is two hours behind Beijing time. The sun rises around 10:00 am. 4. Transportation Planning: Some mountainous areas have no cell phone signal, so plan your itinerary in advance and prepare a satellite phone. 5. Food Recommendations: Don't miss out on Yining's specialties like lamb skewers, hand-pulled rice, and Dapanji (big plate chicken). Ili is truly beautiful. Pack your bags and embark on a romantic spring adventure!

Only when apricot blossoms fall on your head can you truly say you've seen spring in Yili. As a low-key blogger who chases flowers year-round, I'm sharing this apricot blossom chasing guide, which has been requested countless times after I posted it on my WeChat Moments, with you, who will be chasing apricot blossoms in a month: 📍Route Recommendation Day 1: Your City → Yining 🌟After getting off the plane, head straight to the Kazantqi Folk Custom Tourism Area! It's full of rich ethnic customs. The blue alleys hide dreamy apricot blossom window views. If you're lucky, you can capture photos of Uyghur children laughing and running past the blossoming trees. It's naturally beautiful, much better than posed shots! 🌟Near dusk, rush towards the Yili River Bridge to watch the sunset glow over the river. The whole world is enveloped in a gentle embrace, and words seem inadequate at this moment. Day 2: Yining → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge → Huanghuang Village 🌟Sayram Lake in summer is a vibrant sapphire, while in early spring, it's cold and noble, like a fairy who doesn't eat earthly food, making people intoxicated. 🌟Pass by the Guozigou Bridge and be stunned by its majestic momentum. 🌟Stay overnight at Simu Guesthouse in Huanghuang Village. The next morning, step onto the rooftop balcony to encounter the surprise of the first apricot blossoms blooming in the next-door courtyard, starting a beautiful day. Self-driving tip: Be sure to visit Sayram Lake before Guozigou Bridge, otherwise, the route is not smooth, and turning around will take more than an hour. Day 3: Huanghuang Village → Daxi Valley → Xinyuan County 🌟Don't rush. In the morning at Huanghuang Village, enjoy a cup of fragrant coffee and let the leisurely time flow. This is the meaning of travel. 🌟In the afternoon, head to Daxi Valley (it is recommended to pay attention to the flowering progress, fly a drone outside the scenic area, or ask tourists who have just left the scenic area. If the apricot blossoms in the valley haven't bloomed, don't enter the scenic area). Day 4: Turgen Apricot Blossom Valley → Apricot Blossom Grand Canyon → Yining ✅A day with MAX apricot blossom concentration‼️ Nalati Apricot Blossom Valley and the Turgen Apricot Blossom Grand Canyon, 5 km away, are a feast of apricot blossoms. The layers of apricot blossoms are like clouds falling from the sky. Walking into them is like stepping into a dreamy fairy tale world, every step is a stunning scenery. Day 5: Yining → Return Trip ✅Before leaving, don't forget to visit Liuxing Street, taste local specialties, and choose some souvenirs to conclude this trip perfectly. 🌸If the spring breeze has feelings for flowers, could it grant me youth again? This route hides all my greed for the spring of Yili. If you are also moved, take this guide in April and fall in love with the apricot blossoms all over the mountains.

Explore the best of Ili and Bortala in two days! Follow this guide to easily explore the two places and make your trip more exciting! -------------------- 🏃‍♂️Route suggestions: DAY 1: Sayram Lake -> Guozigou Valley -> Guozigou Bridge -> Huocheng Lavender Enjoy the beauty of Sayram Lake. Cross Guozigou Valley and admire the natural scenery, then explore the magnificent Guozigou Bridge. Finally, immerse yourself in the purple sea of Huocheng Lavender and feel the romantic atmosphere. DAY 2: Nalati Grassland -> Air Grassland -> Yining City Liuxing Street -> Kazanqi Folk Tourism Zone -> Yili River Bridge Explore Nalati Grassland and experience the vastness of the Air Grassland. Stroll along Yining City Liuxing Street and feel the exotic atmosphere. Then visit Kazanqi Folk Tourism Zone and experience the charm of traditional folk customs. Finally, enjoy the magnificent river view on Yili River Bridge and end your trip. -------------------- Must-see attractions: ✨ Sayram Lake: The lake is clear and blue, like a painting. The vast grassland around the lake is full of colorful wildflowers, making it a great place for photography and relaxation. 🌳 Nalati Grassland: Want to get close to nature? Come here to enjoy the beautiful subalpine meadow plants and feel the greenery and vitality of nature. 🌉 Guozigou Bridge: It is not only a practical bridge, but also a work of art. The bridge is beautiful and elegant, and the scenery under the bridge is picturesque, making you feel like you are in a natural ink painting. -------------------- **Notes**: - Food: Ili's roasted whole lamb and smoked horse meat are a must-try 🍖, and Bortala's dairy products are also delicious 🍦. - Airport transportation: After arriving at Ili Airport, you can take a taxi 🚕 or arrange a pick-up service in advance to go to the city. - Specialty prices: Compare prices at several stores 💰 to avoid being overcharged. - Customs: Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities 🕌 and avoid bringing food to halal restaurants. -------------------- The charm of Ili and the magnificence of Bortala are waiting for you to explore! Don't forget to leave your travel footprints and share them with more travel-loving friends!

Day 1: Exploring the Ili River Valley Morning: Arrive in Yining, the capital of Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, and head to the Ili River Bridge to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Ili River and feel the tranquility and beauty of the riverside. Noon: Enjoy local delicacies such as baked buns, pilaf, etc. at nearby restaurants. Afternoon: Go to Yili River Valley National Wetland Park to see rich vegetation and rare birds and experience the charm of nature. Evening: Check into the hotel in Yining City, rest or experience the local nightlife. Day 2: Walking into the grassland and the sea of ​​flowers Morning: Go to Nalati Grassland, where there are vast grasslands, clear streams and herds of cattle and sheep. You can choose to ride a horse or hike to experience the vastness of the grassland. Noon: Have a picnic on the grassland and enjoy the deliciousness of nature. Afternoon: Continue to explore the Nalati Grassland, visit the Kazakh yurts, and learn about their lifestyle and culture. Evening: Participate in the bonfire party and enjoy the Kazakh singing and dancing performances. Day 3: Enjoy the scenery of Tianshan Mountain Morning: Go to Sayram Lake, a high mountain lake with crystal clear water, surrounded by continuous mountains and vast grasslands. You can walk around the lake, take photos, and enjoy a peaceful time. Noon: Enjoy the lakeside delicacies, such as grilled fish. Afternoon: Go to Guozigou to enjoy the magnificent canyon scenery. This is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Evening: Return to Yining City and taste local special snacks. Day 4: Experiencing history and culture Morning: Visit the Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture Museum to learn about Ili’s history, culture and ethnic customs. Noon: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the city. Afternoon: Stroll through the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, admire traditional Uyghur architecture, and taste special ice cream and fruits. Evening: Choose a restaurant in the city to taste Yili barbecue and other delicacies.