Yili Group Tour to Bayinbuluk Direction Grassland Wetland Group Tour Cost Estimate Recommended Itinerary Prices

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at phone number 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.

Journey to the Starry Moon Grasslands:2026 In-Depth Group Tour Guide to Ili’s Bayanbulak Grassland Wetlands
(Icon:🌿) On the vast map of northern Xinjiang, the Ili River Valley is like a jade gem nestled among the folds of the Tianshan Mountains. Here, you’ll find Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” the Bayanbulak Grassland with its “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns,” and a millennium-old cultural tapestry woven by various ethnic groups. In the summer of 2026, we’ve designed a group tour route centered around grassland wetlands, combining natural wonders with cultural experiences. Join us as we traverse snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and wetlands to experience the multi-dimensional beauty of Xinjiang.
I. Key Highlights of the Route: The Ecological Symphony of Grassland Wetlands
(Icon:🦢) Bayanbulak Grassland – An Ecological Wonderland of China’s Second Largest Grassland
As the “Wetland Museum” in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, Bayanbulak forms a wetland ecosystem covering a total area of 23,000 square kilometers, centered around the Kaidu River. This place is not only a habitat for over 20 species of migratory birds such as swans and grey cranes but is also renowned for its breathtaking sunset views over the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.” From June to August each year, the grasslands are dotted with wildflowers and flocks of cattle and sheep. The river’s winding path reflects the sunset, creating the illusion of nine suns, earning it the nickname “Magic Field of Light and Shadow” among photography enthusiasts.
(Icon:🌊) Sayram Lake – A Blue Poem of Alpine Cold Springs
Sayram Lake, at an altitude of 2,073 meters, is the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Its waters originate from Tianshan snowmelt and underground cold springs, with a transparency of 12 meters and a summer water temperature of around 10°C. While cycling around the lake, you’ll witness the water’s hue shifting from Tiffany blue to deep space blue under varying light conditions. The reflections of the grasslands and snow-capped mountains on the lakeshore create a stunning panorama known as “Santai Haizi.”
(Icon:🛣️) Middle Section of the Duku Highway – A Scenic Corridor Through Four Seasons in One Day
The middle section of the Duku Highway, connecting Nalati and Bayanbulak, is a classic self-drive route in northern Xinjiang. Along the way, you’ll encounter four distinct landscapes: snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and wetlands. In late June, you can also stumble upon fields of rape flowers and sunflower seas in Zhaosu, experiencing a visual feast of “four seasons in one day.”
II. 7-Day Group Tour Itinerary (Starting and Ending in Yining)
(Icon:📅) Day 1: Initial Exploration of Yining’s Culture

Journey to the Starry Moon Grasslands: 2026 In-Depth Group Tour Guide to Ili’s Bayanbulak Grassland WetlandsMorning:Arrive in Yining and visit the Kazanqi Folk Village to experience traditional handicrafts of various ethnic groups (such as handmade copperware).
Afternoon:Stroll through Liuxing Street and sample ethnic snacks (recommended: baked buns and handmade ice cream).
Evening:Check into a comfortable hotel in downtown Yining to acclimate to the high-altitude climate.
(Icon:🚗) Day 2: Yining → Sayram Lake (Approximately 4-hour drive)
Morning:Travel via the Guozigou Bridge, overlooking the canyon scenery.
Afternoon:Tour around Sayram Lake, focusing on key spots such as Xihai Grassland and Swan’s Delight.
Evening:Check into a hotel near the Sayram Lake scenic area for convenient sunrise viewing the next day.
(Icon:🌄) Day 3: Sayram Lake → Nalati Grassland (Approximately 3.5-hour drive)
Morning:Capture the sunrise at Sayram Lake early in the morning, then head to Nalati.
Afternoon:Explore the Nalati空中 Grassland (Nalati Aerial Grassland), taking a shuttle bus to the Nomad’s Home to experience horseback riding or hiking to the foot of the snow-capped mountains.
Evening:Check into a characteristic homestay in Nalati and savor grassland barbecue.
(Icon:🛣️) Day 4: Nalati → Bayanbulak (Approximately 3-hour drive)

(Icon: 🌿) On the vast map of northern Xinjiang, the Ili River Valley is like a jade gem nestled among the folds of the Tianshan Mountains. Here, you’ll find Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” the Bayanbulak Grassland with its “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns,” and a millennium-old cultural tapestry woven by various ethnic groups. In the summer of 2026, we’ve designed a group tour route centered around grassland wetlands, combining natural wonders with cultural experiences. Join us as we traverse snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, and wetlands to experience the multi-dimensional beauty of Xinjiang.Morning:Traverse the middle section of the Duku Highway, stopping at viewpoints to photograph snow-capped mountains and wetlands along the way.
Afternoon:Arrive in Bayanbulak and visit Swan Lake to observe the natural behavior of swans.
Evening:Check into a hotel near the scenic area and secure a spot to photograph the sunset over the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.”
(Icon:🦢) Day 5: In-Depth Tour of Bayanbulak
Morning:Take a light hike to the Baxilike Viewing Platform to capture the morning mist over the grasslands and the panoramic view of the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.”
Afternoon:Free time for activities such as horseback riding deep into the grassland or visiting the Cultural Park of the Eastward Return Ethnic Groups.
Evening:Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s itinerary.
(Icon:🏔️) Day 6: Bayanbulak → Yining (Approximately 6-hour drive)
Morning:Return to Yining via National Highway 218, stopping at the Houtan Wetland Park along the way to observe migratory birds and wetland ecology.
Afternoon:Upon arrival in Yining, enjoy free time. We recommend purchasing ethnic handicrafts as souvenirs.
Evening:Check into a hotel in downtown Yining and enjoy a farewell dinner.

I. Key Highlights of the Route: The Ecological Symphony of Grassland Wetlands(Icon:✈️) Day 7: Departure from Yining
Morning:Transfer to the airport according to flight schedule, concluding the journey.
III. Cost Reference and Breakdown (Market Price for Summer 2026)
(Icon:💰) Adult Group Tour Fee Range: 4,200-5,800 RMB per person
Fees Include:
Transportation:Full 7-seater business van or 19-seater tourist bus (including fuel, tolls, and driver’s service fee).
Accommodation:6 nights in comfortable hotels/homestays (including 2 nights in downtown Yining, 1 night at Sayram Lake, 1 night in Nalati, and 2 nights in Bayanbulak).
Admission Tickets:Core scenic area tickets and shuttle buses for Sayram Lake (145 RMB/person), Nalati Aerial Grassland (135 RMB/person), Bayanbulak (140 RMB/person), etc.
Meals:6 breakfasts + 4 main meals (including grassland barbecue and ethnic cuisine).
Services:Professional tour guide accompaniment, 24-hour emergency support, and travel accident insurance.
Fees Exclude:
Round-trip transportation to Yining (airfare/train tickets).

(Icon: 🦢) Bayanbulak Grassland – An Ecological Wonderland of China’s Second Largest Grassland Personal expenses (such as horseback riding, shopping, etc.).
Self-paid items within scenic areas (such as boat tours at Sayram Lake and helicopter tours at Nalati).
(Icon:⚠️) Special Notes:
Prices may fluctuate based on tour dates and accommodation standards. Specifics will be based on the signed contract.
June to August is the peak tourist season. We recommend booking at least 15 days in advance to secure accommodations.
IV. Registration Methods and Service Guarantees
(Icon:📞) Registration Channels:
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for details.
(Icon:📋) Service Descriptions:
Group Size:10-15 people per group to ensure service quality.
Contract Signing:An electronic travel contract will be signed after registration, clarifying the itinerary, fees, and liability terms.

As the “Wetland Museum” in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, Bayanbulak forms a wetland ecosystem covering a total area of 23,000 square kilometers, centered around the Kaidu River. This place is not only a habitat for over 20 species of migratory birds such as swans and grey cranes but is also renowned for its breathtaking sunset views over the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns.” From June to August each year, the grasslands are dotted with wildflowers and flocks of cattle and sheep. The river’s winding path reflects the sunset, creating the illusion of nine suns, earning it the nickname “Magic Field of Light and Shadow” among photography enthusiasts.Emergency Support:Equipped with altitude sickness medication, onboard oxygen tanks, and guides with first aid qualifications.
Policy Changes:In case of uncontrollable factors such as weather or road conditions, both parties can agree to make reasonable changes to the itinerary.
V. Pre-Trip Recommended Checklist and Notes
(Icon:🧳) Equipment Suggestions:
Clothing:Windbreaker, sun protection clothing, quick-dry pants, hiking shoes (large temperature difference between day and night on the grasslands).
Protection:SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and mosquito repellent spray.
Electronics:High-capacity power bank and camera (long focal length lens recommended for photographing the “Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns”).
(Icon:📜) Policy Information:
Scenic Area Reservations:Reservations for Sayram Lake and Nalati must be made 1 day in advance.
Drone Regulations:Flying drones is prohibited near Swan Lake in Bayanbulak. Prior approval from the scenic area is required.
Environmental Requirements:Littering on the grasslands is prohibited. Violators may face fines.
(Icon:🌄) Conclusion:
From the azure blue of Sayram Lake to the golden hues of Bayanbulak, from the ruggedness of the Duku Highway to the cultural fusion of various ethnic groups, this route will take you on a journey through Xinjiang’s multi-dimensional时空 (Note: “时空” here means “space-time” or “time and space,” but it might be better to translate it as “landscape” or “realm” in this context to maintain natural English flow: “…this route will take you through Xinjiang’s diverse landscapes.”). In the summer of 2026, let’s follow in the footsteps of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and spend 7 days understanding the grasslands and wetlands of northern Xinjiang, feeling the grandeur of nature and the vitality of life.

Contact Manager Zhang Jing at 18139622233 or WeChat 18139622233 to send itinerary and quote.