How to Get to Bayinbuluk on a Group Tour in Yili Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends + Group Tour Cost Recommended Routes and Prices

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation

Explore the Pearl of the Ili Grasslands:In-Depth Travel Guide to Bayanbulak ✨
(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary:The Nine Bends and Grassland Secret Realm
[Natural Wonders] Bayanbulak Grassland, Xinjiang’s second-largest grassland, is renowned for the “Nine Bends” of the Kaidu River. This 610-kilometer inland river winds through 18 continuous bends on the grassland, creating a spectacular scene of “nine suns” reflecting on the water during summer sunsets. The Swan Lake Reserve within the area is home to 3,000-5,000 whooper swans, making it an important wintering ground for swans in Asia.
[Cultural Experience] This is the land where the Torghut people have lived for generations after their eastward return. The Nadam Festival, held annually from the 4th to the 6th day of the sixth lunar month, features traditional activities such as horse racing, wrestling, and ethnic song and dance performances. Mongolian yurts and local herders’ tents are scattered across the grassland, offering opportunities to experience milking mares and making milk tofu.
[Ecological Protection] As a high-quality nature reserve, the scenic area uses eco-friendly shuttle buses for transportation, and self-driving is prohibited in the core zone. A new helicopter tour service (by reservation) launched in 2026 offers an aerial view of the wetlands, but low-altitude flight regulations must be followed.
(II) Classic Itinerary for 2026 (6 Days, 5 Nights)
▶ Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
After arriving at Diwopu International Airport, take the private airport transfer arranged by Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency to your downtown hotel
Recommended Free Activities:Shop for handicrafts at the International Bazaar and enjoy panoramic city views from Red Hill Park

Explore the Pearl of the Ili Grasslands: In-Depth Travel Guide to Bayanbulak ✨▶ Day 2:Tour Around Sayram Lake
07:30 Depart westward along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway by tour bus
12:00 Arrive at Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” and visit scenic spots such as Jiangjun Terrace and Kele Yongzhu
18:00 Check into a lakeside guesthouse and enjoy a feast of high white salmon
▶ Day 3:In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland
08:00 Cross the Guozigou Bridge and head to Nalati along the G218
12:30 Transfer to a shuttle bus to explore the “Air Grassland” and visit local families
17:00 Check into a grassland resort hotel and attend a bonfire party
▶ Day 4:Core Day in Bayanbulak
07:00 Head south along the Dukou Highway (check road conditions in advance)

(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary: The Nine Bends and Grassland Secret Realm11:30 Arrive at the Bayanbulak Scenic Area and take the shuttle bus to visit Swan Home and the Brazilik Observation Deck
19:30 Watch the sunset over the Nine Bends (optimal viewing period: June 20-July 10)
21:00 Check into a scenic area hotel and savor black-headed sheep hotpot
▶ Day 5:Kalajun Three-Dimensional Grassland
08:30 Visit Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City) and explore the Lijie Folk Culture Street
12:00 Tour the Kalajun Koksu Grand Canyon and experience the “Human Body Grassland” light and shadow effects
18:00 Return to Yining City for accommodation and shop for lavender products
▶ Day 6:Departure Day
09:00 Visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area and take a six-rod carriage to tour ethnic courtyards
12:00 Transfer to the airport/station based on your flight schedule

[Natural Wonders] Bayanbulak Grassland, Xinjiang’s second-largest grassland, is renowned for the “Nine Bends” of the Kaidu River. This 610-kilometer inland river winds through 18 continuous bends on the grassland, creating a spectacular scene of “nine suns” reflecting on the water during summer sunsets. The Swan Lake Reserve within the area is home to 3,000-5,000 whooper swans, making it an important wintering ground for swans in Asia.(III) Cost Reference for 2026 (Subject to Contract)
▶ Budget No-Shopping Tour Group:2,600-3,100 RMB/person (Low Season: May-June/September)
Includes:5 nights’ accommodation in budget hotels, air-conditioned tour bus for the entire journey, first entrance tickets to scenic spots, 5 breakfasts and 4 main meals, guide service fee
▶ Comfort Premium Tour Group:3,800-4,200 RMB/person (Peak Season: July-August)
Upgrades Include:Accommodation in boutique guesthouses, specialty meals (roast whole lamb/hand-pulled rice), grassland horseback riding experience, ethnic song and dance performances
▶ Cost Explanation:
Ticket Reference Prices:Bayanbulak Scenic Area: 65 RMB entrance ticket + 62 RMB shuttle bus (2026 preferential policies to be confirmed on-site)
Optional Expenses:Round-trip shuttle bus for the Nine Bends: 18 RMB, helicopter tour: 880 RMB/person (10 minutes)
Children’s Policy:Free entrance for children under 1.2m, half-price shuttle bus; half-price entrance for children 1.2-1.4m
(IV) Registration and Service Guarantees

[Cultural Experience] This is the land where the Torghut people have lived for generations after their eastward return. The Nadam Festival, held annually from the 4th to the 6th day of the sixth lunar month, features traditional activities such as horse racing, wrestling, and ethnic song and dance performances. Mongolian yurts and local herders’ tents are scattered across the grassland, offering opportunities to experience milking mares and making milk tofu.Register through Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Contract Guarantees:Sign a national tourism standard electronic contract specifying cost details and liability for breach of contract
Vehicle Configuration:Use vehicles less than 5 years old, each equipped with a first aid kit and car charger
Emergency Response:24-hour customer service manager Zhang Jing available to handle emergencies
Insurance Plan:Travel agency liability insurance + complimentary travel accident insurance (coverage: 200,000 RMB/person)
(V) Pre-Trip Recommendation Guide
▶ Equipment Checklist:
Clothing:Windproof jacket, thin down jacket, quick-dry clothes, sun hat, sunglasses
Medications:Altitude sickness medication (to prevent altitude sickness), motion sickness pills, stomach medicine, insect repellent
Others:Thermos, power bank, non-slip shoes (for wetland boardwalks)

[Ecological Protection] As a high-quality nature reserve, the scenic area uses eco-friendly shuttle buses for transportation, and self-driving is prohibited in the core zone. A new helicopter tour service (by reservation) launched in 2026 offers an aerial view of the wetlands, but low-altitude flight regulations must be followed.▶ Precautions:
The scenic area is at an altitude of 2,500 meters; avoid strenuous exercise and inform the guide immediately if you experience symptoms such as headaches
The Dukou Highway is open from June to September each year; exact dates are subject to traffic department announcements
Photography Tips:Bring a telephoto lens of 200mm or longer and occupy the east side of the observation deck 2 hours before sunset
Environmental Requirements:Drones are prohibited in the reserve; all garbage must be taken out of the scenic area
(VI) Special Reminders
The scenic area will implement a timed reservation system in 2026; valid identification information for visitors must be provided 3 days in advance
Accommodation around Nalati/Bayanbulak scenic areas may be tight; it is recommended to register at least 45 days in advance
In case of extreme weather, grassland activities included in the itinerary may be changed to indoor cultural experiences
Specific itinerary details and costs are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency; prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand
This summer, let’s traverse the Tianshan Mountains and experience the boldness and gentleness of the grassland people amid the sunset glow of the Nine Bends. Xinjiang Trailblazer International Travel Agency will provide professional services to present you with a pure Ili free of shopping stops and hidden costs!

Contact Manager Yang Jia at phone number 13325559266 or WeChat 13325559266 to send your itinerary and quotation