[2024 Yining Stay] Travel Guide for Yili Hotel (Updated Oct)
Only after visiting Xinjiang did I realize how tangible and rich freedom can be
📍【Location】📍
The Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture is located in the western part of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It borders the Tianshan Mountains to the north, the Tarim Basin to the south, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture to the east, and Kazakhstan to the west. The Ili River flows through the region, nourishing the land and making Ili a vibrant and lively oasis.
🏞️【Attractions】🏞️
- Nalati Grassland: Known as one of the six most beautiful grasslands in China, it is lush and green in summer, dotted with wildflowers, with snow-capped mountains in the distance and herds of cattle and sheep nearby, creating a breathtaking scene.
- Kalajun Grassland: The scenery here is more primitive and closer to the essence of nature, making it a paradise for photographers, with every step being a picture.
- Guozigou: Connecting Yining City and Huocheng County, the route is flanked by overlapping mountains and babbling streams, making it an excellent choice for self-driving tours.
🚗【Travel Tips】🚗
Ili has Yining Airport, which offers direct flights to several domestic cities. Departing from Urumqi, taking a train to Yining Station is also a good option. The local bus system is quite developed, but renting a car for self-driving is more convenient for exploring every corner.
🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】🏨
- There are several star-rated hotels in Yining City, such as Ili Hotel and Yining Grand Hotel, with complete facilities and attentive service.
- Around Nalati Town, there are unique homestays and yurts where you can experience grassland life and gaze at the starry sky at night, offering a special charm.
➡️【Nearby Attractions】➡️
- Sayram Lake: About a 3-hour drive from Yining, the lake's blue waters and snow-capped mountains make it a holy land for photographers.
- Huocheng Lavender Base: From June to August each year, the purple lavender fields bloom, filling the air with a romantic fragrance.
- Zhaosu County: Home to the magnificent Zhaosu Grassland and the famous Xiata Ancient Trail, where you can feel the historical charm of the Silk Road.