This summer, escape the crowds and chase the wind in the picturesque landscapes of Xinjiang!

"If the mountain won't come to me, I'll go to the mountain" 8-Day, 7-Night Travel Guide to the Ili River Valley in Xinjiang Itinerary Day 1: Ürümqi - Sayram Lake Morning: Depart from Ürümqi and head to Sayram Lake. Enjoy the vastness of the Gobi Desert along the way. Arrive at Sayram Lake by noon, where the sunlight sparkles on the lake's surface. Afternoon: Enter the Sayram Lake scenic area from the South Gate to avoid crowds. Stroll along the lakeshore, admiring the azure waters and surrounding snow-capped mountains. You can opt for a lakeside picnic on the grassy fields. Evening: Stay at a hotel or guesthouse near Sayram Lake. At night, enjoy the starry skies by the lake and experience the serene evening. Day 2: Sayram Lake - Yining Morning: Continue exploring Sayram Lake. You can choose to circle the lake, admiring its beauty from different angles, or climb the General's Platform for a panoramic view. Noon: Enjoy local delicacies like hand-grabbed lamb and baked buns at nearby restaurants. Afternoon: Depart from Sayram Lake and head to Yining. Stop by the Guozigou Bridge to admire this magnificent architectural marvel. Evening: Arrive in Yining and check into your hotel. Stroll through Liuxing Street at night and try local ice cream and snacks. Day 3: Yining - Yizhao Highway - Xiate Morning: Depart from Yining and travel along the Yizhao Highway to Zhaosu. Known as one of "China's Most Beautiful Highways," it offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and grasslands. Afternoon: Arrive at the Xiate scenic area and enter the ancient Xiate Trail. Hike or ride a horse through the trail, enjoying the scenery of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands, and catch a glimpse of the Muzart Glacier. Evening: Stay at a guesthouse or campsite near Xiate. Gather around a bonfire at night for a peaceful evening. Day 4: Xiate - Qiongkushitai Morning: Continue exploring Xiate or head to Qiongkushitai, a Kazakh-style village known as "Heavenly Town." Afternoon: Upon arrival, take a horseback ride across the grasslands and admire the unique "Human Body Grassland—Beauty's Back" landscape. Evening: Stay in a wooden guesthouse in Qiongkushitai. Gaze at the starry skies and enjoy the tranquility of the grasslands. Day 5: Qiongkushitai - Kalajun Morning: Depart from Qiongkushitai and head to Kalajun Grassland, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique grassland terrain and rich natural landscapes. Afternoon: Arrive at Kalajun and choose to hike or ride horses across the grasslands, exploring historical relics like ancient burial mounds and stone figures. Evening: Stay at a guesthouse or campsite near Kalajun. Join a bonfire party and enjoy local delicacies like roasted whole lamb. Day 6: Kalajun - Nalati Morning: Depart from Kalajun and head to Nalati Grassland, one of the world's four great grasslands, renowned for its vast expanses and stunning natural scenery. Afternoon: Upon arrival, explore the "Sky Grassland," where the grasslands meet snow-capped mountains. Take a cable car for a panoramic view. Evening: Stay at a hotel or guesthouse in Nalati. Watch the sunset over the grasslands and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Day 7: Nalati - Duku Highway - Ürümqi Morning: Depart from Nalati and return to Ürümqi via the Duku Highway, hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Highway." Enjoy the picturesque views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, grasslands, and Danxia landforms. Noon: Take a break at the Qiaoerma Service Area and try local dishes like big plate chicken and wild mushroom soup. Afternoon: Continue along the Duku Highway, admiring the scenic views. Arrive in Ürümqi and check into your hotel. Evening: Sample local specialties like naan bread and spicy chicken in Ürümqi. Day 8: Ürümqi - Return Morning: Explore Ürümqi's city center. Visit the Grand Bazaar to buy souvenirs like raisins and almonds. Afternoon: Head to the airport and conclude your wonderful Xinjiang journey. Must-Visit Attractions Sayram Lake: Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," its azure waters are surrounded by mountains and vast grasslands, creating a poetic landscape. Yizhao Highway: One of "China's Most Beautiful Highways," offering stunning views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, and grasslands. Xiate: Home to the ancient Xiate Trail, featuring diverse landscapes like snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and rivers, as well as the Muzart Glacier. Kalajun: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique grassland terrain and historical relics like burial mounds and stone figures. Duku Highway: "China's Most Beautiful Highway," showcasing breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, grasslands, and Danxia landforms. Tips Weather: Xinjiang's weather is unpredictable, especially in mountainous areas. Pack enough clothing to handle temperature fluctuations. Transportation: Xinjiang is vast, with long travel times. Consider renting a car or hiring a private driver for flexibility. Accommodation: Some scenic areas have limited lodging options. Book in advance to ensure comfortable stays. Food: Xinjiang offers a rich variety of cuisine, like baked buns, hand-grabbed lamb, and big plate chicken. Be mindful of food hygiene to avoid stomach issues. We hope this guide helps you plan your Xinjiang adventure. Have a wonderful trip!