Huanghuang Village | A Hidden Purple Dream Paradise in Ili

💖 Are you longing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a peaceful and beautiful place to relax your soul? Then Huanghuang Village, located in Huocheng County, Ili, Xinjiang, is definitely a must-visit destination. Here you will find romantic lavender fields, art-filled streets, and a leisurely slow life. Come and explore with us!

📍 Location and Transportation

- Location: Huocheng County, Ili, named for its abundant sunshine and "swaying" slow lifestyle.
- Transportation: You can start from Sayram Lake and take National Highway 312 and Township Road 123, about a 40-minute drive. You can also drive or hire a car from Yining City, about 60 kilometers away, approximately 1.5 hours by car.

⏰ Best Time to Visit

- Mid-June to early July: Lavender peak bloom period, the whole village is surrounded by a sea of purple flowers, dreamlike and perfect for photography.
- September to October: Harvest season, golden wheat fields contrast beautifully with distant mountains, ideal for visitors who enjoy rural landscape photography.

🌟 Must-See Attractions

- Lavender Valley: Located in the back mountain, entrance fee 20 yuan. The lavender grows along an S-shaped valley, resembling a purple river, very spectacular.
- Back Mountain Lavender Fields: Free to enter. Compared to the valley flower fields, this area has mountains and forests, offering richer scenery and free access to beautiful lavender fields.
- Huanghuang Café: A South French-style café with exquisite interior decoration. Outside the window is a lavender field. Enjoy a cup of coffee here and relax in a cozy atmosphere.
- Natural Residents Shop: The shop offers many exquisite handicrafts and various fruit wines, a great place to buy souvenirs.
- Painted Walls: The village is full of graffiti and murals with local characteristics, perfect for taking stunning photos anywhere.

🍱 Food Recommendations

- Shanyue Ice Shop: The same ice cream shop favored by Jin Chen, featuring lavender ice cream and yogurt with a unique flavor, no artificial essence, just a subtle herbal lavender aroma.
- Jianshu Homestay Afternoon Tea: Offers fruits, milk skin cake, chocolate cake, and a variety of snacks. The environment is beautiful, with lavender fields right outside the window, allowing you to enjoy delicious food while admiring the scenery.
- Farmhouse Restaurant: Try local dishes like Naxi native chicken hotpot, scrambled eggs with water willow flowers, and cured pork ribs stew. Fresh ingredients and homestyle flavors.

🛏 Accommodation Recommendations

- Huanghuang Manor: A popular village homestay with a lavender theme, windows open to flower fields, beautiful environment, but book in advance during peak season.
- Huocheng Meet Xiangye Homestay: Simple and fresh style at the entrance, the courtyard is full of flowers and plants, with a lavender garden in the backyard. They also provide Huanghuang Village logo canvas bags and straw hats for visitors to take photos.

📌 Travel Tips

- Sun and Mosquito Protection: The Ili Valley has strong UV rays, so bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen; mosquitoes are common in summer, bring insect repellent.
- Respect Customs: Huanghuang Village is home to ethnic minorities. When entering herders’ homes or mosques, observe etiquette and avoid taking photos of people without permission.
- Flower Season and Crowds: June to July is the peak lavender season with many tourists. It is recommended to travel off-peak or get up early to avoid crowds. You can also check flower conditions and event information in advance via the “Huocheng Culture and Tourism” WeChat public account.