Yili

Ili is often called the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall,” with snowy peaks, lakes, grasslands and forests forming its main landscapes. November is already the winter travel low season: most grassland attractions, including Nalati and Kalajun, close, while the Duku Highway and Yining–Zhaosu Highway may also close due to snow. If green grasslands and fields of flowers are your main aim, plan your trip for May to September. For winter scenery and hot springs, pack warm clothing and allow flexibility for changing road conditions.

The attraction descriptions and itinerary below are mainly intended for travel from May to September.

• Sayram Lake: Nicknamed “the Atlantic’s last teardrop,” this lake is known for its clear blue water. You can drive clockwise around it, a distance of about 90 km. At sunset, head to Songshutou or Moon Bay to see the evening light and snowy peaks reflected in the lake.

• Nalati Grassland: Famous for its “Sky Grassland,” Nalati has streams and forests scattered among its meadows, with snowy mountains in the distance. The Sky Grassland route is well suited to sightseeing and photography. You can also go horseback riding and learn about Kazakh nomadic life and culture.

• Kalajun Grassland: Celebrated as “China’s most beautiful three-dimensional grassland,” Kalajun has rolling grassy slopes that resemble waves. Falcon Terrace offers sweeping views from higher ground. You can also visit Kuokesu Grand Canyon to admire the flowing contours of the Human Body Grassland.

• Xiata Ancient Trail: Best explored on foot, this trail offers close-up views of Muzart Glacier and the surrounding snowy peaks. Along the way, you will see herds of cattle and sheep, as well as forests and streams, with plenty of variety in the scenery.

• Liuxing Street and Kazanqi: These two neighborhoods in Yining have a strong local character. Liuxing Street has colorful buildings, creative shops and ice cream to try. Kazanqi is a historic Uyghur neighborhood, with distinctive blue doors and windows and pigeons in its lanes.

• Guozigou Bridge: The bridge spans a mountain gorge, with views that change in cloudy or misty weather. You can take photos for free from the viewing platform at the end of the bridge, framing the bridge, snowy mountains and spruce trees together.

When to Visit

• Late May to July: The grasslands turn green and wildflowers bloom. Huocheng’s lavender flowers in mid- to late June. Temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is varied, but this is also one of the busiest periods.
• August to September: The grasslands are still green in August, gradually turning yellow as early autumn arrives in September. There are fewer visitors, and accommodation prices may fall by around 30%, making travel less expensive.
• Late March to mid-April: Apricot blossoms are the main attraction, making this a good time for photography and hanfu-themed photo shoots.
• November to February: Travel shifts toward snowy scenery and hot springs. Most attractions close, so this period is better suited to visitors coming specifically for a winter experience.

Classic 7-Day, 6-Night Loop Itinerary (Relaxed Pace)

• Day 1: Arrive in Yining and explore Liuxing Street and Kazanqi Folk Village. In the evening, watch the sunset beside the Ili River, then try local grilled lamb for dinner.
• Day 2: Travel from Yining to Sayram Lake, drive clockwise around the lake, then visit Guozigou Bridge. Stay overnight in Qingshuihe Town or near Sayram Lake.
• Day 3: Travel from Qingshuihe to Zhaosu County via the Yining–Zhaosu Highway and stay overnight in Zhaosu. Check that the highway is open before setting off.
• Day 4: Head from Zhaosu to the Xiata Ancient Trail for a hike with snowy mountain views. Afterwards, return to Zhaosu or continue to Tekes and stay in its Bagua Town.
• Day 5: Travel from Tekes to Kalajun Grassland and visit Falcon Terrace and Flower Terrace. Return to Tekes to enjoy the nighttime scenery and stay overnight.
• Day 6: Leave Tekes for Nalati Grassland and explore the Sky Grassland. Stay overnight in Nalati Town.
• Day 7: Depart Nalati and, if the road is open, explore the northern section of the Duku Highway. Then return to Yining or continue to Urumqi for your journey home.

Transport and Accommodation

• Getting there: Fly directly to Yining Airport, or travel first to Urumqi and then take a high-speed train of about five hours or an overnight train to Yining.
• Getting around: Attractions are far apart, and connections by public transport are inconvenient. Consider hiring a car with a driver for about RMB 1,000–1,500 per day, or joining a small shared-car group for around RMB 300–500 per person per day. Self-driving requires a four-wheel-drive SUV. Only vehicles with fewer than seven seats are allowed on the Duku Highway and Yining–Zhaosu Highway, and changing weather may lead to temporary closures.
• Where to stay: June to August is peak season, so book accommodation 15–20 days ahead. To watch sunrise at Sayram Lake, stay at an RV campsite inside the scenic area or a guesthouse near the entrance. Guesthouses in Nalati and Qiongkushitai have more limited facilities but scenic surroundings. In central Yining, the area near Liuxing Street offers convenient access to shops and services.

Local Food to Try

• Pilaf: Rich, glossy rice infused with the flavors of lamb and carrots, this is a signature local staple.

• Baked buns: A crisp crust encloses a juicy filling. Try them fresh from the oven for the best texture.

• Big-plate chicken: Tender chicken is paired with soft potatoes. After eating the main dish, mix wide belt noodles into the remaining sauce.

• Guoyourou mixed noodles: A classic Xinjiang noodle dish combining tender slices of stir-fried meat with chewy noodles.

• Tandoor-roasted lamb: Lamb roasted in a naan oven, with a crisp, fragrant exterior and a tender interior.

• Handmade ice cream: Gulandam ice cream on Liuxing Street is known for its rich dairy flavor. It makes a refreshing finish after a heavy meal.

Travel Tips

• Temperature changes and clothing: Daytime and nighttime temperatures differ considerably. It may reach 28°C during the day and drop to around 10°C at night. Along with short-sleeved tops and dresses, pack a lightweight shell jacket or fleece.
• Sun protection and moisturizing: UV rays are strong at higher elevations, so bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. In dry weather, carry lip balm and moisturizing skincare products as well.
• When to enter attractions: Consider entering Sayram Lake through the east gate before 8 a.m. to avoid tour groups and take advantage of the morning light for photography. Afternoon light at Nalati’s Sky Grassland is softer and well suited to portraits.
• High-altitude activities: Xiata, Angelet Pass and other locations are above 3,000 meters. You can carry oral glucose solution, and should limit strenuous exercise.
• Local customs and etiquette: When visiting traditional neighborhoods, respect the customs of local ethnic communities, be considerate in your behavior and maintain public order.
• Refueling along the way: Gas stations may be far apart on remote roads. Fill up when you pass a station rather than waiting for the low-fuel warning before looking for fuel.