The grasslands are not yet yellow, the snow-capped mountains are not yet sealed, and sunflowers and rapeseed flowers are competing in bloom

Seize the tail end of summer and freely gallop between grasslands, flower seas, and snow mountains with the complete travel guide for August in the Ili River Valley, Xinjiang.

Suitable for: self-driving travelers who love grasslands and lakes, outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy photography and camping, and those who love flower seas and selfies.

📍 Best Travel Time

• August features: grasslands still green, lavender has faded, but sunflowers and rapeseed flowers are in full bloom

• Recommended period: early August to August 20 (avoid the peak summer holiday, accommodation prices drop)

• Weather: daytime 20-30℃, nighttime 10-15℃, strong UV, sunscreen needed

🚗 Transportation Guide

1. How to get to Ili

• From Urumqi:

◦ Flight: Urumqi → Yining Airport (1.5 hours, ticket about 500 RMB)

◦ Self-drive: Urumqi → Lianhuo Expressway → Sailimu Lake → Yining (about 8 hours)

◦ Train: Urumqi → Yining (overnight, soft sleeper about 300 RMB)

2. Internal transportation in Ili

• Car rental/carpool: 600-1000 RMB/day (recommended, stop and shoot anytime)

• Public transport: Yining → county buses (limited schedules, less flexible)

🌼 Must-visit Attractions

1. Nalati Grassland (Sky Grassland)

• Highlights:

◦ Sky Grassland: still lush green in August, dotted with wildflowers

◦ Valley grassland: horseback riding/hiking, encounter Kazakh shepherds

• Activities:

◦ Take the shuttle bus to "Nomad’s Home," hike to "Snow Lotus Valley"

◦ Stay in a grassland yurt, watch the Milky Way at night (recommended "Natila Grassland Tribe")

2. Kalajun Grassland (Human Body Grassland)

• Features:

◦ "Human Body Grassland" has soft lines, wildflowers still blooming in August

◦ Kok Su Grand Canyon: boat tour, check in at "Crocodile Bay"

• Photo spots: Flower Terrace (still some flowers in August), Falconry Terrace

3. Sailimu Lake (The Last Tear of the Atlantic)

• August highlights:

◦ Lake water is azure blue, wildflowers bloom on the shore

◦ Swans playing, cycling around the lake is super healing

• Note: drones are prohibited in the scenic area, camping by the lake is allowed (registration required)

4. Huocheng Lavender (Romance in the Finale)

• Current status:

◦ Some farms still have late-blooming lavender in early August (e.g., "Princess of Solace Farm")

◦ Lavender processing factories open for visits in mid to late August, dry flower products available

• Alternative flower seas: Zhaosu rapeseed flowers + sunflowers (in full bloom in August)

5. Shata Ancient Trail (Snow Mountain Hiking)

• Recommended reasons:

◦ Snow line melts in August, hiking to the "foot of the glacier" is safer

◦ Along the way: wildflowers, marmots, and snow mountains in one frame

• Route: Scenic area gate → hot spring hotel → General’s Bridge → Flower Terrace (easy 4km hike)

6. Qiongkushitai (Primitive Village)

• Activities:

◦ Horseback ride through the "Wusun Ancient Trail" entrance

◦ Stay in a cabin, shoot the starry sky at night (recommended "Shanye Homestay")

• Note: some road sections are in poor condition, SUV needed

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations

• Nalati: "Natila Grassland Tribe" yurts (starry sky rooms)

• Tekes: "Lijie" homestay cluster (Bagua City style)

• Qiongkushitai: "Shanye Homestay" or "Wusun Qi" cabins

• Yining City: "Fanjing Homestay" (Uyghur style)

🍽️ Must-try Foods

1. Hand-pulled rice: most authentic at Yining "Ailekasier" restaurant

2. Roasted buns: crispy skin and fragrant meat, perfect with milk tea

3. Big Plate Chicken: main store at Shawan "Xinghuacun Big Plate Chicken"

4. Kavas: honey fermented drink, ice-cold is very refreshing

📸 Photography Tips

• Time:

◦ Sunrise: 6:30-7:30 (morning mist at Sailimu Lake, light and shadow at Nalati)

◦ Sunset: 20:30-21:30 (Kalajun Human Body Grassland lines)

• Outfit: white long dress + straw hat (grassland), colorful shawl (village)

• Equipment: wide-angle for grasslands, telephoto for snow mountain details

🚩 Classic Itinerary

Day 1: Yining → Sailimu Lake → Guozigou Bridge → stay in Qingshuihe Town

Day 2: Huocheng Lavender Farm → Kalajun Grassland → stay in Tekes

Day 3: Tekes → Qiongkushitai → stay in Qiongkushitai cabin

Day 4: Qiongkushitai → Shata Ancient Trail → stay in Zhaosu

Day 5: Zhaosu rapeseed flowers → Nalati Grassland → stay in Nalati

Day 6: Nalati → Northern section of Duku Highway → return

⚠️ Notes

1. Border pass: if going to "Shata Ancient Trail" or border line, apply in advance

2. Altitude sickness: some scenic spots are 2000-3000 meters above sea level, avoid strenuous exercise

3. Sun protection: SPF50+ sunscreen + sunglasses + sun hat

4. Road conditions: some sections in Qiongkushitai and Duku Highway are rugged, SUV recommended

August in Ili is the last carnival of summer—

The grasslands are not yet yellow, the snow-capped mountains are not yet sealed, sunflowers and rapeseed flowers compete in bloom,

In the sound of herdsmen’s horses moving, lies the most vivid summer in Northern Xinjiang.

(Tip: bring a red dress, spin by Sailimu Lake, and shoot cinematic photos!) 🎬✨