Ili Small Loop 8-Day Small Group Real Experience

Just returned from Xinjiang with friends, and switching to a 6-person small group tour at the last minute was the best decision ever! Sharing our real experience to help those planning a summer trip to Xinjiang👇 **1. Travel Method** Initially, we were determined not to rent a car or self-drive, planning a "special forces" style free travel. But right before departure, we switched to a 6-person small group tour, and every day we were grateful for the decision: without it, we might have been exhausted after just visiting Sayram Lake 😂 Recommendations: ✅ Join a small group (4-6 people is ideal) ✅ Or rent a car with 4-5 friends (must have an experienced driver) ❌ Public transportation is really time-consuming and exhausting unless you have plenty of time **2. Pre-trip Shopping Recommendations** Highly recommend visiting **Jinquan Mall** in Urumqi beforehand! Buying an Adilis dress there is super cost-effective, perfect for taking photos on the grasslands. I went shopping after the trip, bought the dress but missed the chance to take photos on the grasslands—such a loss 😭 **3. Itinerary Review** 1️⃣ **Sayram Lake (2 days)** - Stayed in scenic area tents, conditions were better than expected (with heating equipment) - Scenery depends entirely on the weather; climbing pine treetops for a distant view is stunning - Lavender Manor (when we visited, the flowers had withered, it was hot and not worth seeing) 2️⃣ **Yizhao Highway + Xiata** Prepare for a "steel butt"! Scenic area shuttle bus + sightseeing bus takes 1.5 hours one way 3️⃣ **Tekes - Kuerdening** The biggest surprise of the trip! Felt like entering a primeval forest, currently a 4A scenic area but incredibly beautiful—go early to avoid traffic jams 4️⃣ **Nalati Grassland** - Cable car up + scenic area bus down - Recommended activities: grass skiing + visiting nomadic families - ❌ Avoid Snow Lotus Valley! The 60 RMB bus fare is a complete waste 5️⃣ **Tangbula + Northern Section of Duku Highway** We were lucky not to encounter bad weather or traffic jams, but truly felt the perilous nature of Duku Highway **Top 3 Most Stunning Spots** 🏆 The primitive vibe of Kuerdening (Swiss-like scenery) 🥈 The vastness of Nalati Grassland 🥉 The grandeur of Duku Highway **Photo Tips📸** Nature is truly a natural palette! With grasslands and snow-capped mountains as the backdrop, just keep snapping away—photos turn out amazing without needing filters! **Food** Tekes' lamb ribs with hand-pulled noodles! Trust me, you absolutely must try it! It's incredibly delicious!!!! Feel free to ask any questions—happy to help you avoid pitfalls. Hope everyone has a great time traveling!