Xinjiang—Yili Travel Diary, Let's Go!

📅 Yili Adventure Log｜June in the Yili River Valley, Every Frame is a Windows Desktop! 📍Location: Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang 🌞 9:00 Depart from Yining, heading straight to Sayram Lake - Transportation: Rented SUV in Yining (500 CNY/day), 2-hour drive via Lianhuo Expressway. - Ticket: 145 CNY/person (includes 75 CNY shuttle bus), recommend taking the scenic area bus (flexible stops). - Gear: Windbreaker (big temperature difference by the lake), sunglasses (strong UV), breadcrumbs (feed the swans!). 📸 11:30 Sayram Lake (The Last Tear of the Atlantic) - Must-visit photo spots: 1. S-curve Road: Wide-angle shot of "blue ice" + snow-capped mountains, wear a white dress for Iceland vibes! 2. Point General Platform: Overhead shot of swans playing in water, use telephoto lens for background compression. 3. Pine Tree Head: 20-minute hike to the summit for a panoramic view of the "Emerald Lake." - Hidden Gem: Free water play at "Qinshui Beach" by the south gate, 10℃ water for a refreshing dip! 🍖 14:00 Picnic at Guozigou Bridge (bring your own snacks) - Parking: 20 CNY/car at the viewpoint, overlooking the "First Bridge of Yili." - Lunch: Baked buns (5 CNY each) + yogurt rice dumplings (8 CNY), super authentic from roadside stalls! 🌼 16:00 Huocheng Lavender Fields (June-exclusive romance) - Recommended farms: 1. Princess Xiaoyou Lavender Garden (50 CNY): Fields + windmills, drone shots of "purple ocean." 2. Lucao Town Hidden Fields (free): Navigate to "Sigong Village" for crowd-free Japanese-style photos. - Pro Tip: Avoid wearing purple! White/blue outfits stand out better. 🏔️ 19:00 Kalajun Grassland (Heavenly "Human Body" Grassland!) - Ticket: 170 CNY/person (includes shuttle bus), stay in yurts inside the scenic area (200 CNY/night). - Activities: 1. Eagle Hunting Platform: Horseback riding (300 CNY/hour, bargain to 200 CNY), overlook "wavy grasslands." 2. Flower Platform: Golden lotus flowers blanket the meadows in June, wear floral dresses for forest-themed photos. - Fun Fact: The "marmots" on the grassland are protected—don't feed them! 🍜 21:00 Qiongkushitai (Hiker's Paradise) - Accommodation: Backhill homestay (300 CNY/night), wake up to snow-capped mountains + forests, stargaze at night! - Dinner: Hand-pulled rice (35 CNY) + lamb skewers (10 CNY each), pair with kvass drink. 💡 Summary (Lessons Learned the Hard Way) 1. Best Time: Mid-to-late June for lavender + golden lotus blooms, July has fewer wildflowers but greener grasslands. 2. Must-Pack: - ID (frequent security checks), SPF50+ sunscreen, hydrating masks (skin peels from dryness). - Tripod (for star photos), power bank (lifesaver in low-signal areas). 3. Hidden Gems: - Light hike in Xiate Ancient Trail (5 hours), discover "General Bridge" glacier. - Buy handmade ice cream (15 CNY/scoop) in Yining's Six-Star Street, photograph rainbow alleys. 4. Avoid Pitfalls: - Sign agreements before horseback riding! Clarify duration and route to prevent mid-trip price hikes. - Skip jade purchases in scenic areas! "Hanren Street" in Yining has fewer fakes—bargain by halving then 20% off. 📸 Today's Top Shots: - Sayram Lake S-curve Road (unedited! Blue ice + mountains look photoshopped). - Kalajun Flower Platform's golden lotus sea, dreamy background blur with phone portrait mode. 💰 Today's Expenses: Car rental 500 + tickets 365 + food 100 + lodging 200 = 1165 CNY (budget varies!) ✨ Musings: Yili is truly "eyes in heaven, body in hell!" 30,000 steps daily, but every view is worth it. Next time, bring a drone for Xiate Ancient Trail shots, and... Xinjiang's yogurt cubes are definitely an acquired taste! #XinjiangTravel #Yili #SayramLake #KalajunGrassland