Not in Provence, but the same kind of romantic summer is in Xinjiang

This is my third time visiting this small village,
1 hour drive from Sayram Lake, 1.5 hours from Yining,
both the name and the village life make it unforgettable after just one visit!

📍 "Huanghuang Village"
Everyday life here is really just wandering around the village,
lying in the guesthouse during the hot daytime,
strolling on the street when it cools down,
sitting in different cafes,
meeting hosts who also love life...

In June and July, a vast sea of purple flowers blooms,
the moment you arrive at the village entrance you are surrounded by the strong scent of lavender,
the best light comes just before sunset and lasts until the blue hour,
every shot looks like a movie scene!
Here are some of my favorite spots in Huanghuang Village:
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1️⃣ Princess Worry-Relief Lavender Farm
It’s a farm, not a manor! There are two! Be sure to distinguish them!
The most photogenic place, with rolling lavender fields, the sunset 🌇 light is absolutely stunning! The telephoto lens compression fills the entire frame with purple!
2️⃣ Flower seas on both sides of the main road entering the village
These are villagers’ own flower fields, with different decorations and flower blooming levels. Usually, you need to buy products or pay a fee to enter for photos. When we were there, the light was very good, so we took some shots first to not miss the light. 💰10 RMB/person, with mountains ⛰️ as the background, it’s very photogenic!
⚠️ It’s recommended to park in a nearby parking lot and walk here, as roadside parking during peak season easily causes traffic jams and you might be asked to move by the "hat uncle" security!
3️⃣ Tianshan Red Flower Sea on the back mountain
Best blooming before 10 a.m., wilts by noon, gives a Tuscany vibe!
We visited it in Bayidi Xiang Village on the way to Huanghuang Village.
4️⃣ Huanghuang Coffee
The earliest opened café in the village ☕, American pastoral style, I really like the light and atmosphere here, and the owner is a beautiful lady.
5️⃣ Scrap Cooperative
Just opened a week ago when we visited, only one piece of cake left, almost missed having coffee ☕, very popular! Jokingly called a drafty café, but it faces the lavender fields directly, with scenic views everywhere, very beautiful.
6️⃣ Thanks Nature
A countryside shop facing the lavender sea, after eating grilled meat all the way, a bowl of spicy beef rice noodles is so refreshing!
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📸 Photo tips
✔️ The light from 2 hours before sunset until the blue hour is the best! Try to shoot with side light or backlight for a more cinematic feel.
✔️ After sunset, bring a warm light source, like a hand lamp or camping light, the contrast between warm and cool light creates more atmosphere.
✔️ When we went, the flowers in the Ili Valley hadn’t bloomed yet, and the road conditions were poor, requiring a high-clearance SUV, which was a big regret 😭
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♾️ "Itinerary suggestion"
Yining ➠ Sayram Lake can be arranged as a stop, stay 1–2 nights
The small village is not big, no need to plan a strict order, just go with the flow