Summer Vacation Ili Guide: Let's Step into Hayao Miyazaki's Fairy Tale Together!

"Step into Miyazaki's Summer · Fall into the Western Region's Oil Painting World"
In 7 days, feel the 18°C breeze of Nalati Grassland, chase the white swans of Sailimu Lake, breathe romance in the purple lavender sea, and dance with the Tianma horses in the golden rapeseed flower fields of Zhaosu. This loop, condensing the peak beauty of the Ili Valley, unfolds a vivid and three-dimensional midsummer Western Region painting with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, canyons filled with flowers, ancient roads, glaciers, and exotic charm.
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🛬【Itinerary】:
DAY1: Gather in Yining - Stay in Yining
DAY2: Yining - Nalati Aerial Grassland - Snow Lotus Valley - Stay in Nalati 269KM
DAY3: Nalati - Kuerdening - Afternoon Tea - Bagua City - Stay in Tekes/Karakun 311KM
DAY4: Karakun Kuokesu Grand Canyon - Tianma River Bathing - Zhaosu Rapeseed Flowers (July & August) - Stay in Zhaosu 169KM
DAY5: Zhaosu - Xiata Ancient Road - Distant View of Muzart Glacier - Kazanqi Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour - Stay in Yining 327KM
DAY6: Yining - Lavender - Sailimu Lake - Stay at Shuiyunshan Luxury Wild Camp 236KM
DAY7: Departure from Bole/Yining 129KM/236KM
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⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】:
Nalati Snow Lotus Valley
✅ Why Visit: Get up close to snow mountains and glaciers, horseback ride through streams and forests, and shoot scenes like "Heidi and Grandpa."
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Kuerdening Qimengde Viewing Platform
✅ Why Visit: Core area of the World Natural Heritage, climb to see the epic view of snow-capped ridges and spruce forests surrounding the grassland.
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Tianma River Bathing Performance (Zhaosu Wetland Park)
✅ Why Visit: A spectacular visual of thousands of horses galloping through waves (two shows daily at 16:00/18:00, reserve a spot 1 hour in advance!).
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Xiata Ancient Road General’s Bridge
✅ Why Visit: Hike through flower meadows, with the Muzart Glacier seemingly within reach.
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Sailimu Lake S-Bend Road
✅ Why Visit: Crystal blue lake with snow mountain backdrop, Xinjiang’s version of "Santorini" (location from Jiangtai to Swan Happy Water section)
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🍩【Must-Try Foods】:
Ailekasier Ice Cream: Century-old handmade ice cream on Six-Star Street, creamy with nuts (original flavor is a must);
One-Hand Grab Roasted Buns: Crispy crust wrapped around lamb cubes, limited supply at the morning market alley near Kazanqi;
Wild Mushroom Soup Rice: At herders’ homes outside Xiata Scenic Area, freshly picked wild mushrooms after rain simmered into soup;
Fermented Mare’s Milk: Local fermented sour mare’s milk, a summer refreshment (try cautiously, can cause intoxication);
Grassland Clay Hotpot: In Nalati/Karakun yurts, copper pot stewed dried lamb with wild chive flower sauce.
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🏨【Accommodation Guide】:
Nalati: Muxing Valley Starry Sky Room (luxury wild camp inside the scenic area)
Sailimu Lake:
🌟 Chaoke Starry Sky Camp/Shuiyunshan Luxury Wild Camp: Lake view right outside the window, starry tents with floor heating (book 3 months in advance!)
💡 Cost-effective options: Central Asia All-Inclusive/Impression Apartment
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🚌【Transportation Guide】:
Highly Recommended Plan:
✅ 7-seater business van charter (including driver)
Cost about 1500-1700 RMB/day (including fuel + driver meals and accommodation)
Advantage: Local drivers familiar with grassland paths, no worries on unpaved roads in Xiata/Kuerdening
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Self-Driving Notes:
⚠️ Yizhao Highway/Duku Highway restrictions: only vehicles under 7 seats allowed
⚠️ Sailimu Lake requires purchase of self-driving ticket (144 RMB/person)
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🧡【Tips】:
❗Key Reservations:
· Xiata Scenic Area limits daily visitors! Book 3 days in advance on "Smart Travel Zhaosu"
· Tianma River Bathing show tickets sold on-site, but reserve front-row seats early
👘 Dress Guide:
· Sunscreen essentials: arm sleeves + fisherman's hat + sunglasses (UV index is extremely high)
· Onion-style dressing: short sleeves + windbreaker (Snow Lotus Valley/Xiata early mornings and evenings near 0°C)
📢 Pitfall Warnings:
❌ Lavender Harvest Alert: After July 10, Princess Worry-Free Manor may only have flower stalks left
❌ Kazanqi Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour is negotiable
📖 Gear Checklist:
· Moisturizing essentials: lip balm + portable humidifier (grassland is dry)
· Hiking must-haves: trekking poles + waterproof shoe covers (Xiata stream sections easily wet shoes)
📸 Best Photography Times:
· Nalati/Karakun: 19:00-21:00 (soft light penetrating the grassland)
· Sailimu Lake: 1 hour before sunrise (mirror lake + pink-purple skyline)