Life advice: Truth! Don't blindly rush to Yili, Xinjiang from March to May!!!

If you haven't been to Yili, you must add it to your travel list. Yili's summer is nature's most stunning masterpiece, where snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, and flower seas intertwine, making every shot a blockbuster. Without further ado, here's a travel guide to Yili, painstakingly compiled by a local, so save it! I. Must-Visit Attractions Sayram Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," the lake's water is as blue as a gemstone, surrounded by picturesque scenery. Highly recommend visiting the RV camp, where you can lie in your vehicle and watch the starry sky, waking up to the sunrise – truly blissful. Huocheng Lavender Fields: China's "Provence," where lavender blooms every June and July, transforming the landscape into a sea of purple, incredibly romantic and perfect for photos. Any pose will turn out great. Kalajun Grassland: A truly three-dimensional grassland. Looking out from a high vantage point, the rolling grasslands resemble green waves, dotted with wildflowers, as if stepping into a Monet painting. Duku Highway: A scenic route open only for a few months each year, where you can experience the four seasons in a single day. From snow-capped mountains to forests, from grasslands to canyons, the scenery along the way is breathtaking. Qiongkushtai Village: A pristine Kazakh village with scattered wooden houses and cattle and sheep grazing leisurely on the grasslands. The tranquility and simplicity here will make you forget all your worries. Qasi Forest Park: A hidden gem, where forests, streams, and grasslands blend seamlessly. Hike through it, feel the breath of nature, and imagine yourself in a paradise. II. Food Recommendations Pilaf: One of Xinjiang's signature dishes, where the tenderness of lamb, the sweetness of carrots, and the rice combine perfectly for a super satisfying bite. Baked Buns: Freshly baked buns with a crispy crust and juicy filling, the aroma of lamb spreading in your mouth. You won't be able to stop at just one. Nang Pit Meat: Large chunks of lamb roasted in a nang pit, golden brown on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. Pair it with a cup of local yogurt for the ultimate experience. Yili Horse Sausage: Made with horse meat and smoked for a unique flavor and chewy texture, it's a regular on locals' dining tables. Cold Noodles: Sour and spicy cold noodles are a summer favorite in Yili. Smooth and chewy, topped with shredded cucumber and chili oil, they're both appetizing and refreshing. III. Itinerary Planning - Day 1: From anywhere in the country - Urumqi Arrive in Urumqi and head to the Grand Bazaar to experience the bustling atmosphere of Xinjiang and sample various snacks. In the evening, explore the night market and experience the local nightlife. - Day 2: Urumqi - Dushanzi Grand Canyon - Sayram Lake In the morning, visit the Dushanzi Grand Canyon and experience the glass walkway and cliff swing. In the afternoon, arrive at Sayram Lake to admire the scenery and camp by the lake at night to watch the stars. - Day 3: Sayram Lake - Huocheng Lavender Fields - Yining Wake up early to watch the sunrise over Sayram Lake. In the morning, head to the Huocheng Lavender Fields for photos. In the afternoon, arrive in Yining, stroll through Liuxing Street, and enjoy Gulandam ice cream. - Day 4: Yining - Kalajun Grassland - Tekes In the morning, visit the Kalajun Grassland and admire the three-dimensional grassland scenery. In the afternoon, go to Tekes, visit the Bagua City, and enjoy a hearty Xinjiang meal in the evening. - Day 5: Tekes - Qiongkushtai Village - Nalati In the morning, head to Qiongkushtai Village and experience the tranquility of the pristine village. In the afternoon, travel to Nalati and stay in Nalati Town for the night, savoring local specialties. - Day 6: Nalati - Duku Highway - Bayinbuluk In the morning, explore the Nalati Grassland. In the afternoon, take the southern section of the Duku Highway and admire the scenery along the way. Watch the sunset in Bayinbuluk in the evening. - Day 7: Bayinbuluk - Qasi Forest Park - Gongliu Depart from Bayinbuluk in the morning and head to Qasi Forest Park for a hike and enjoy the natural scenery. Stay in Gongliu for the night and try the local specialties. - Day 8: Gongliu - Urumqi Return to Urumqi, concluding your pleasant Yili journey. You can buy some local specialties in the city, such as raisins and almonds. IV. Travel Tips Yili has a large temperature difference between day and night, so remember to bring a thick jacket, especially if you're going to the mountains or grasslands, as it gets very cold at night. The UV rays are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat are essential. Some attractions are at high altitudes, so be mindful of altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise. Respect local customs, especially in ethnic minority areas. Check the opening hours and ticket information for each attraction in advance to avoid delays. I hope this guide helps you have an unforgettable holiday in Yili and enjoy the beauty of nature!