How to Get to Xiata Ancient Road on a Group Tour in Yili Hiking Secret Realm + Group Tour Route Quotes Recommended Routes Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
New Ways to Explore the Hidden Gems of Ili:Comprehensive Guide to Group Trekking on the Xiata Ancient Path
Route Highlights:An Epic Trekking Experience at the Foot of Snow-Capped Mountains
As a “star attraction” in Zhaosu County, Ili, Xinjiang, the Xiata Ancient Path is renowned for its four simultaneous scenes of “snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and grasslands.” After the infrastructure upgrade in the scenic area in 2026, it not only retains its original natural beauty but also enhances the trekking experience with intelligent guidance systems and optimized shuttle bus routes, making it more convenient. Once an important passage on the ancient Silk Road, it has now become a “paradise for beginners” among trekking enthusiasts—no professional equipment is needed, and ordinary people can feel the awe of snow-capped mountains up close on wooden walkways and gravel paths.
Analysis of Core Trekking Sections
General’s Bridge to Flower Terrace (4 km round trip)
Difficulty:★☆☆☆☆
Highlights:Walk along the Xiata River valley with snow-capped mountains always in sight. In June-July, the meadow is covered with wildflowers, and House Kara No. 4 (a local wooden house) offers a prime spot for photographing the snow-capped mountains.
Tips:The shuttle bus goes directly to General’s Bridge, saving energy; the path alternates between wooden walkways and gravel roads, so non-slip trekking shoes are recommended.
Flower Terrace to Glacier Direction (12 km round trip, advanced challenge)
Difficulty:★★★★☆
New Ways to Explore the Hidden Gems of Ili: Comprehensive Guide to Group Trekking on the Xiata Ancient PathHighlights:Venture deep into the river valley with glacier crevasses and icefalls within sight, but professional guides are required.
Warning:Entering the glacier area is strictly prohibited in the scenic area; viewing from a distance is recommended! The long-distance crossing route was closed in 2026, with Flower Terrace as the endpoint for tours.
2026 Group Itinerary Reference (5 days, 4 nights example)
Day 1:Gather in Yining, Acclimate to High-Altitude Climate
Morning:Arrive at Yining Airport and take a private car arranged by Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency to the hotel.
Afternoon:Free activities; recommended to visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area, take a horse-drawn carriage through blue alleyways, and taste handmade ice cream.
Evening:Stroll across the Yili River Bridge and enjoy the sunset.
Day 2:Sayram Lake Circular Tour + Guozigou Bridge
Full Day:Travel by car to Sayram Lake, tour around the lake visiting Songshu Head, Kele Yongzhu, S-bend Road, and other scenic spots, and photograph reflections of snow-capped mountains.
Afternoon:Cross the Guozigou Bridge and overlook the canyon panorama from the viewing platform.
Route Highlights: An Epic Trekking Experience at the Foot of Snow-Capped MountainsAccommodation:Qingshuihe Town or Sayram Lake RV Campground (advance reservation required).
Day 3:Zhaosu Grassland + Xiata Ancient Path Trekking
Morning:Head to Zhaosu Grassland via the Yizhao Highway (recommended open June-September), and stop at Baishi Peak Viewing Platform.
Afternoon:Enter the Xiata scenic area, take the shuttle bus to the hot spring hotel, transfer to an electric cart to General’s Bridge, and start a light trek to Flower Terrace.
Accommodation:Hotel in Zhaosu County or hot spring hotel inside the scenic area (basic facilities, reserve 1-2 months in advance).
Day 4:Tianma Bathing River Performance + Grassland Folk Experience
Morning:Watch the Zhaosu Tianma Bathing River performance and participate in grassland activities like horseback riding and milking cows.
Afternoon:Free activities; visit Zhaosu Wetland Park to see grassland stone figures.
Accommodation:Zhaosu County.
Day 5:Return to Yining, Free Shopping
Morning:Based on flight time, freely purchase Xinjiang specialties (lavender essential oil, dried fruits, etc.).
As a “star attraction” in Zhaosu County, Ili, Xinjiang, the Xiata Ancient Path is renowned for its four simultaneous scenes of “snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, and grasslands.” After the infrastructure upgrade in the scenic area in 2026, it not only retains its original natural beauty but also enhances the trekking experience with intelligent guidance systems and optimized shuttle bus routes, making it more convenient. Once an important passage on the ancient Silk Road, it has now become a “paradise for beginners” among trekking enthusiasts—no professional equipment is needed, and ordinary people can feel the awe of snow-capped mountains up close on wooden walkways and gravel paths.Afternoon:Private car transfer to airport, ending the itinerary.
Price Description (reference range, subject to contract)
Basic Group Tour Fee:3200-4000 RMB per person
Includes:
Transportation:7-seat business vehicle for full transfer (including Yizhao Highway section).
Accommodation:4 nights standard accommodation (2 nights in Yining, 2 nights in Zhaosu, including breakfast).
Admission Tickets:Xiata Ancient Path (40 RMB admission + 40 RMB shuttle bus), Sayram Lake, Zhaosu Grassland, and other first admission tickets.
Services:Professional driver兼guide (driver and guide), travel accident insurance.
Self-Paid Items Reference:
Xiata Scenic Area Electric Cart:50 RMB per person (round trip).
Analysis of Core Trekking SectionsZhaosu Tianma Bathing River Performance:Approximately 100 RMB per person.
Grassland Horseback Riding:80 RMB per hour.
Main Meals:Go Dutch, average 50-80 RMB per meal.
Registration Method and Service Guarantee
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing will provide a detailed itinerary and cost breakdown.
Service Highlights:
Before Trip:Match tour dates based on your needs, provide high-altitude acclimation, clothing guides, and other strategies.
During Trip:7×24-hour customer service + travel concierge dual system, equipped with emergency items and alternative plans for extreme weather.
After Trip:Resolve tourist issues within 48 hours with closed-loop service, support the特色 service (special service) of “redo if unsatisfied.”
Important Reminders
General’s Bridge to Flower Terrace (4 km round trip)Reservation Policy:The Xiata Ancient Path limits daily visitors to 3000; reserve 3-7 days in advance via the “Zhiyou Zhaosu” mini-program with real-name authentication.
Opening Hours:Scenic area operating hours are 9:00-20:00 (ticket sales stop at 18:00); recommend entering before 9:00 AM.
Notes:
Mountain weather is variable with large temperature differences between day and night; bring a windbreaker, raincoat, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Trekking sections have weak signals; download offline maps in advance and travel in groups.
Respect naturally growing animals; do not feed marmots (risk of plague), do not pick flowers, and do not disturb local livestock.
Environmental Requirements:Camping and vehicle overnight stays are prohibited in the scenic area; take garbage with you.
Why Choose a Group Tour?
Hassle-Free:No need to rush for tickets or book accommodations; Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency has pre-locked peak-season resources.
：Professional drivers familiar with mountain roads and guides with emergency response capabilities ensure the itinerary avoids high-risk sections.
In-Depth:Watch the Tianma Bathing River performance on Zhaosu Grassland and enjoy light trekking on the Xiata Ancient Path for a richer experience than independent travel.
The charm of the Xiata Ancient Path lies in its preservation of原始 (original) wildness while allowing ordinary people to get close through scientific management. Whether for family trips, photography enthusiasts, or novice trekkers seeking self-challenge, you can find your “snow-capped mountain moment” here.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation
