Ili, a must-visit destination in your lifetime.

🌍It is said that one should either read books or travel, and that the body and soul must always be on the road. For me, who loves to travel, every time I embark on a new journey, it is a romantic encounter with the world. And this time, I set my sights on Ili, a land of exotic charm, where nature's wonders abound, and embarked on an unforgettable journey of exploration. Preparation before departure 🎒Documents: ID card, various discount cards (student card, senior citizen card, etc.). These are your essential "passports" for travel, so don't forget them! 🧳Clothing: Ili has a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so even in summer, it is recommended to bring a thick coat. If you are traveling in spring, autumn, or winter, you should also prepare warm clothing, such as down jackets and sweaters. 👟Shoes: Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes are your best travel companions, whether you are strolling through the city streets or exploring natural scenic spots, they will keep your feet relaxed and comfortable. 🌂Other: Sunscreen (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat), rain gear, and common medicines (cold medicine, stomach medicine, etc.). Be prepared and enjoy your journey with peace of mind. Itinerary Day 1: 📍Morning: Arrive at Yining, the capital of Ili, and head to Hanren Street. This street is full of ethnic charm, with colorful handicrafts and fragrant food, making you feel like you are in a bustling folk market. 📍Afternoon: Visit the Ili River Scenic Area, stroll along the riverbank, and admire the magnificent scenery of the Ili River. Watch the sparkling river water shimmer under the sun, and feel the gentle breeze on your face. 📍Evening: Enjoy dinner at Liuxing Street, where you can find various local delicacies. After dinner, you can stroll through the streets full of artistic atmosphere, and you may even encounter enthusiastic locals singing and dancing. Day 2: 📍Morning: Head to Huocheng County and visit the Lavender Manor (if the season is right, June-August is the lavender blooming season). The vast lavender fields are like a dream, and the air is filled with a faint floral fragrance. Every shot is a masterpiece. 📍Afternoon: Head to Guozigou Bridge, a spectacular bridge spanning the valley, blending in with the surrounding mountains and rivers. Stand on the observation deck and overlook the entire bridge, and you can't help but admire the wisdom of mankind and the wonders of nature. 📍Evening: Check into a guesthouse near Lake Sayram, and prepare to watch the sunrise over the lake the next day. Day 3: 📍Morning: Wake up early and watch the sunrise over Lake Sayram. As the first ray of sunlight falls on the lake, the entire lake is dyed golden, and the beauty is breathtaking. Then stroll along the lake and admire the beauty of Lake Sayram from different angles. 📍Afternoon: Return to Yining and visit the Kazak Folk Village. Take a ride on a traditional carriage and stroll through the colorful streets, experiencing the folk culture of the Kazak people. 📍Evening: Prepare to return, and end your Ili journey with a wealth of beautiful memories. Transportation within the city 🚗Public transportation: Yining has public buses that cover a wide area and are convenient and affordable. You can download a bus query app on your phone to easily check routes and arrival times. 🚕Taxi/online car-hailing: Taxis and online car-hailing services are also convenient for getting around the city, and the prices are relatively reasonable. No need to worry about getting lost, just tell the driver your destination. 🚙Car rental: If you want to explore Ili more freely, renting a car is a good choice. You can book a car online in advance, and you can pick up the car directly after arrival. You can stop at any scenic spot you like and enjoy your journey to the fullest. Accommodation 🏨Yining: There are many options available, and you can choose according to your budget and preferences. If you want to experience the local folk customs, you can choose to stay in a guesthouse near Hanren Street or Kazak Folk Village, with prices ranging from 200 to 500 yuan. If you are looking for comfort and convenience, hotels in the city center are a good choice, with prices ranging from 300 to 800 yuan. 🏡Lake Sayram: There are some guesthouses and hotels near Lake Sayram, but the prices are relatively high, especially during the peak season, ranging from 500 to 1000 yuan. If your budget is limited, you can also choose to stay in a place farther away from the scenic spot, and the price will be relatively cheaper. Food 🍜Stir-fried noodles: Ili's stir-fried noodles are a must-try. The noodles are chewy and flavorful, and they are served with a variety of rich ingredients, such as stir-fried meat and spicy meat. A large plate of noodles will satisfy your hunger. 🍲Hand-pulled rice: Made with mutton, carrots, onions, and rice, this dish is fragrant and the mutton is tender and juicy. The rice absorbs the aroma of meat and vegetables, and every bite is a burst of happiness. 🥟Steamed buns: Freshly baked steamed buns, with a golden and crispy outer skin, and a bite of the fragrant mutton filling, paired with a cup of hot milk tea, it's simply perfect. 🍢Mutton skewers: When you come to Xinjiang, how can you not eat mutton skewers? Fresh mutton, sizzling on the charcoal fire, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, the aroma instantly fills the air, and every bite is tender and juicy, leaving you wanting more. 🍨Sour milk rice dumplings: Cut the rice dumplings into small pieces, pour thick sour milk, and then sprinkle a layer of white sugar or honey. The sweet and sour taste and rich texture are a refreshing and delicious dessert. Tips 📌The weather in Ili is changeable, so be sure to check the weather forecast before you go and make the necessary preparations. 📌When visiting scenic spots, please protect the environment, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean. 📌Respect local customs and traditions, especially in minority areas, and do not take photos without permission. 📌If you choose to drive, be sure to check the road conditions in advance, pay attention to traffic safety, and drive cautiously when driving on mountain roads. 🌈This Ili journey is like a colorful dream. Every scenery, every food, every experience is deeply engraved in my heart. Ili, this land of charm, awaits more people to explore and discover its beauty. If you also yearn for a different journey, come to Ili and you will be captivated by its unique charm.