Ili in July looks like a giant palette of colors that has been tipped over — the blue of Sayram Lake is purer than the sky, Tian Shan red flowers spread across the meadows like a red carpet, and the glaciers of Xiata sparkle under the sunlight…

This 8-day itinerary connects grasslands, lakes, ancient trails, and mountain scenery, with practical tips on temperature changes, transportation, and more to help you enjoy Ili without the common travel hassles.

🌅 Daily Itinerary Highlights (with Practical Tips)

Day 1: Yining · Step into a Colorful Fairytale Town

· Must-visit:
◦ Liuxing Street: Colorful homes with blue walls and red roofs hide charming handmade ice cream shops. A bowl costs around RMB 10 and is rich and creamy. Sit in the courtyard, enjoy it under the sunshine, and you’ll quickly understand the slow pace of life in Ili.
◦ Kazanqi Folk Cultural Village: Take a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride (RMB 50 per carriage) through colorful streets. Blue door frames and yellow earthen walls create a photogenic setting that can feel like stepping into Morocco.
◦ Hanren Street Night Market: Try the baked buns (RMB 3 each) and handmade yogurt (RMB 5 per bowl). Add a spoonful of honey for extra flavor.

· Accommodation: Yining has plenty of hotels to choose from. Staying near Kazanqi is recommended, as you can photograph the colorful lanes early in the morning before they become busy.

· Tip: In May, the temperature difference between morning and evening in Yining can exceed 15°C. Bring a light down jacket or windbreaker. You may only need a T-shirt around noon, but a jacket will be useful in the evening.

Day 2: Sayram Lake · Chase the Blue Around the Lake

· Lakeside route: East Shore (Kele Yongzhu) → South Shore (Qinshuitan) → West Shore (Songshutou), covering approximately 90 km in total. The sightseeing shuttle allows you to get on and off along the route.

· Best photo spots:
◦ Kele Yongzhu: The water is so clear that you can see the pebbles beneath the surface. Kneel by the lakeshore to capture reflections of the mountains and clouds in the water.
◦ S-Bend Road: Find a higher viewpoint and photograph cars winding through the road, with the lake and grasslands in the background. The scene looks straight out of a movie.
◦ Sunset: You may spot swans along the western shore. At sunset, the lake turns golden-red, while the swans gliding across the water look like scattered pieces of gold.

· Accommodation: A campervan site inside the scenic area is more expensive but convenient for watching the sunrise. Guesthouses around Guozigou offer better value and are ideal for photographing the bridge at night.

· Tip: The wind around the lake can be strong enough to blow off your hat, so bring a windproof jacket and scarf. Purchase your entrance ticket and shuttle ticket in advance through the official “Sayram Lake Scenic Area” WeChat account to save time.

Day 3: Tian Shan Red Flowers · A Limited-Time Red Romance

· Early morning: Watch the sunrise at Guozigou Bridge. As the sunlight illuminates the bridge, it takes on a golden glow. Aerial photography from the side can make the bridge look as if it is floating among the clouds.

· Morning: Head to Manjianggou in Huocheng to see the Tian Shan red flowers (at their peak in mid-May). Go early! Between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., the flowers are fully open, creating a spectacular red carpet stretching toward the horizon. After 10:00 a.m., they may close as the sun becomes stronger.

· Afternoon: Return to Yining and explore Hanren Street. Pick up some handmade Kazakh-style tapestries as souvenirs, then enjoy a hearty dinner of hand-pulled rice. Adding lamb fat makes it even more flavorful.

Day 4: Xiata Ancient Trail · Glacier Hiking

· Experience: Take the scenic-area shuttle to the hot spring hotel, then hike for about 1.5 hours to General Bridge. Continue toward Cabin No. 2 for closer views of Muzart Glacier, which looks like a blue waterfall of ice hanging among the mountains.

· Hiking Tips: Wear non-slip hiking shoes, as some sections have loose rocks. Bring a bottle of water and an energy bar, as there are limited supplies in the mountains. Long sleeves are also recommended to protect against branches.

· Return: The last scenic-area shuttle departs at 19:00, so keep track of the time and avoid staying too long for photos. Stay overnight in Zhaosu County and visit the local food street in the evening for grilled lamb skewers (large skewers cost around RMB 10).

Day 5: From Bagua City to the Grasslands

· Morning: Take the Yizhao Highway. Some sections may be open in May; if the route is unavailable, take the provincial highway instead. The route passes through snow-capped mountains and grasslands, creating plenty of opportunities for photos of your car seemingly driving through a painting. In Tekes Bagua City, find a high rooftop viewpoint to capture an aerial panorama of the city’s distinctive layout.

· Afternoon: Small wildflowers begin blooming at the Flower Terrace in Kalajun Grassland. At Falcon Terrace, you can photograph silhouettes standing at the edge of the grassland. The rolling lines of the grassland resemble the curves of a human body, which is why this area is sometimes called the “Human Body Grassland.”

· Tip: Drone flights over Bagua City require registration with the Tekes Culture and Tourism Bureau. The registration is free; otherwise, you may be asked to stop flying.

Day 6: Qiongkushitai · An Authentic Mountain Village

· Morning: Return to Kalajun to photograph the sunrise. The grasslands are often covered in morning mist, creating the appearance of green waves.

· Afternoon: Drive to Qiongkushitai. The mountain road winds through forests and valleys, with spruce trees and streams visible from the car window. Wooden houses and curling smoke create a peaceful village atmosphere. You can go horseback riding (around RMB 150 per hour) to a viewpoint on the hillside, where the village appears surrounded by vast grasslands.

· Accommodation: Stay in a wooden guesthouse and book at least one week in advance. In the evening, gather around the fire, chat, and look up at the Milky Way.

Days 7–8: Nalati · Finish the Journey on the Sky Grassland

· Sky Grassland: Wild lilies may begin blooming here in May. Take the scenic-area shuttle to Tianjie Terrace, where the grasslands stretch like a green carpet toward the foot of the snow-capped mountains.

· Second visit: If you enter the scenic area for a second time, explore the Valley Forest area. Taking portraits beside the streams can create a dreamy atmosphere.

· Final day: Hire a private vehicle back to Urumqi, which takes approximately 6–7 hours, and conclude your journey.

🚗 Essential Pre-Trip Checklist
· Transportation: Private car hire is recommended. An 8-day private vehicle usually costs around RMB 5,000–6,000, including fuel and tolls. Scenic attractions in Xinjiang are far apart, so self-driving can be tiring.
· Clothing: Bring T-shirts, light jackets, warm outerwear, and hiking shoes. Weather in May can change quickly, so you may experience four seasons in a single day.
· Documents: Bring your ID card. Some scenic areas have strict document checks.
· Sun Protection: Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen are essential. UV exposure can be strong enough to cause serious sunburn.

Ili in July is a combination of Sayram Lake’s blue waters, the green of the grasslands, and the vivid colors of the wildflowers. It is the mountain breeze you feel while hiking and the smoke rising from wooden houses at dusk… Eight days is enough to turn these beautiful moments into lasting memories. Pack your bags and set off — Xinjiang’s spring is waiting for you!

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