How Much Does It Cost to Join a Group Tour to Yili in September for Autumn Foliage 2026 Grassland Yellow Leaves Special Route Online Registration Recommended Route Cost and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote
A Grassland Feast Where Stars and Moon Intertwine:2026 In-Depth Guide to the Golden Autumn Experience in Ili in September
(I) The Code of Autumn Colors:A Visual Revolution in Ili in September
While most regions in northern Xinjiang shed their summer hustle, the Ili River Valley stages the most stunning color magic of the year. According to the ‘Autumn Landscape Forecast Report’ released by Xinjiang Meteorology in 2026, from September 15 to October 5, Nalati Grassland and Kalajun Grassland will present a tricolor spectacle of ‘golden meadow + dark green spruce + azure lake’. The coverage of red leaves on the mountains surrounding Sayram Lake can reach 65%, while the rape flower stubble and newly harvested wheat fields on Zhaosu Grassland form a yellow-and-green checkerboard pattern.
Botanists’ observation data shows that although the Huocheng lavender fields are not in full bloom at this time, late-blooming varieties, buckwheat flowers, and haystacks create a unique autumn landscape. The birch forests around Tekes Bagua City enter an excellent viewing period, with golden crowns amidst morning mist creating a strong visual contrast with the cyan-gray city walls.
(II) Seven-Day精华 Itinerary (Essence Itinerary):An Autumn Scroll Through Time and Space
Itinerary Highlights:
√ Daily driving time limited to 4 hours, leaving ample time for photography
√ Special arrangement for 3 morning mist photography sessions (Sayram Lake/Nalati/Qiongkushitai)
√ Includes 2 intangible cultural heritage experiences:Ethnic embroidery/Xibe bow and arrow making
Daily Itinerary:
Day 1:Gathering in Urumqi
Morning:Free visit to Xinjiang Museum (reservation required 3 days in advance)
Afternoon:Shop for unique souvenirs at the International Bazaar (recommended: fig jam, chickpea powder)
Dinner:Taste authentic baked buns on Lingguan Lane (recommended: ‘Ailijiang Nang Pit Meat’ old store)
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (520km, 6.5h)
Key Experiences:
▶ Photography at Guozigou Bridge Viewing Platform (excellent light from 10:00-11:30)
A Grassland Feast Where Stars and Moon Intertwine: 2026 In-Depth Guide to the Golden Autumn Experience in Ili in September▶ Photograph snow-capped mountain reflections at Songshu Head on the west lake loop
▶ Stargazing at the lakeside RV camp (equipped with professional astronomical telescopes)
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Huocheng → Yining (280km, 4h)
Special Arrangements:
▶ Autumn photography in lavender fields (props provided: straw hats, wicker baskets)
▶ Carriage tour of Kazanqi Folk Village (includes home visits to ethnic families)
▶ Russian-style architecture sketching on Liuxing Street (art supplies rental available)
Day 4:Yining → Zhaosu → Xiata (320km, 5h)
In-Depth Experiences:
▶ Watch equestrian performances at Tianma Cultural Park (11:00 session)
▶ Light trek on the Xiata Ancient Road (round trip to Frog Spring, ~6km)
▶ Experience ancient road hot springs (bring swimwear)
Day 5:Xiata → Tekes → Qiongkushitai (180km, 4.5h)
Special Features:
▶ Drone aerial photography of Bagua City (registration required in advance)
▶ Photograph horse teams transporting goods at the entrance of Wusun Ancient Road
▶ Bonfire party at Qiongkushitai wooden cabin homestay (includes ethnic song and dance performances)
Day 6:Qiongkushitai → Nalati (260km, 5h)
(I) The Code of Autumn Colors: A Visual Revolution in Ili in SeptemberKey Experiences:
▶ Photography at the third viewing platform of the Aerial Grassland (07:30-09:00 morning mist period)
▶ Photograph local herders’ migration route (09:00-11:00 sheep herd movement)
▶ Grassland stargazing camp (professional stargazing equipment provided)
Day 7:Nalati → Urumqi (recommend flights after 18:00 for return)
Special Arrangements:
▶ Photography along the autumn scenery belt of the northern section of the Dukang Highway (from Qiaoerma to Hashilegen Daban)
▶ Admire the windmill array in Dabancheng on the way to the airport express
(III) Price System Analysis:Transparent Consumption Travel Commitment
According to the 2026 autumn product brochure of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, the September Golden Autumn route offers three service tiers:
Basic Comfort Type (starting at 4,580 RMB/person):
Includes:
▶ 6 nights in comfortable hotels (Ctrip 3-diamond standard)
▶ 15-seat air-conditioned tour bus (including fuel/toll fees)
▶ 8 main meals (meal standard 35 RMB/person)
▶ First admission tickets to core attractions
▶ Travel accident insurance (coverage 500,000 RMB)
Quality Experience Type (starting at 5,880 RMB/person):
While most regions in northern Xinjiang shed their summer hustle, the Ili River Valley stages the most stunning color magic of the year. According to the ‘Autumn Landscape Forecast Report’ released by Xinjiang Meteorology in 2026, from September 15 to October 5, Nalati Grassland and Kalajun Grassland will present a tricolor spectacle of ‘golden meadow + dark green spruce + azure lake’. The coverage of red leaves on the mountains surrounding Sayram Lake can reach 65%, while the rape flower stubble and newly harvested wheat fields on Zhaosu Grassland form a yellow-and-green checkerboard pattern.Upgraded Services:
▶ 4 nights in 4-star hotels + 1 night at Sayram Lake RV camp
▶ 2+1 land first-class seats (reclining up to 135°)
▶ 10 main meals (including 2 special meals:Sayram Lake whole fish banquet/Nalati grassland barbecue)
▶ Complimentary ethnic costume travel photography (9 retouched photos)
▶ 24-hour dedicated customer service
High-End Custom Type (starting at 7,280 RMB/person):
Special Services:
▶ Entire trip in 5-star hotels/characteristic homestays
▶ Exclusive service with 7-seat business vehicle (including professional driver + guide)
▶ Customized meals (can arrange grassland picnic/starry sky dinner)
▶ Complimentary drone aerial photography (3-minute edited video)
▶ Priority reservation service (Nalati VIP通道/Xiata Ancient Road guide)
Special Notes:
1. Child price (under 1.2m without bed): starting at 2,880 RMB/person
2. Single supplement: 800-1,500 RMB/person (varies by room grade)
3. Prices valid until October 10, 2026; availability subject to customer service confirmation
Botanists’ observation data shows that although the Huocheng lavender fields are not in full bloom at this time, late-blooming varieties, buckwheat flowers, and haystacks create a unique autumn landscape. The birch forests around Tekes Bagua City enter an excellent viewing period, with golden crowns amidst morning mist creating a strong visual contrast with the cyan-gray city walls.4. Final price subject to the signed travel contract; may change with market fluctuations
(IV) Registration Guide:Professional Service Travel Guarantee
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency with the following process:
1. Inquiry stage: Contact customer service manager Zhang Jing for availability
2. Contract stage: Sign a standard contract supervised by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism after confirming itinerary
3. Preparation stage: Provide participant ID information (for insurance/ticket reservations)
4. Pre-departure stage: Receive detailed pre-departure manual 3 days before departure (including weather tips/equipment list)
(V) Fee Explanation and Service Commitments
Fees Include:
√ Transportation:Round-trip tour transportation from Urumqi
√ Accommodation:Standard rooms at listed hotels (including breakfast)
√ Meals:Main meals (excluding alcoholic beverages)
√ Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to listed attractions
√ Guides:Licensed guide service throughout the trip
√ Insurance:Travel agency liability insurance + travel accident insurance
Fees Exclude:
× Round-trip transportation to Urumqi
× Personal expenses (optional items like horse riding/travel photography)
(II) Seven-Day精华 Itinerary (Essence Itinerary): An Autumn Scroll Through Time and Space × (Single travelers will be assisted in room sharing)
× Additional expenses due to force majeure
Service Commitments:
1. No arranged shopping stops throughout the trip (except within scenic areas)
2. Daily driving time not exceeding 5 hours (subject to mutual agreement for special road conditions)
3. Minimum 2-hour visiting time at core attractions
4. 24-hour emergency services (including medical rescue coordination)
(VI) Pre-Departure Recommended Checklist
1. Documents: Valid ID/passport (for international visitors), student ID (for discounts)
2. Clothing: Windbreaker (large temperature difference between day and night), comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection gear
3. Photography: Wide-angle lens (for landscapes), telephoto lens (for wildlife)
4. Medications: Gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, altitude sickness medication (for Bayanbulak section)
5. Others: Thermos, power bank, folding umbrella
(VII) Special Reminders
1. Scenic area reservations: Nalati/Xiata require 48-hour advance reservation on the ‘Visit Xinjiang’ platform
2. Transportation choice: Recommend morning flights within Xinjiang (avoid afternoon convective weather)
3. Photography periods: Best shooting times are 2 hours after sunrise/1 hour before sunset
4. Ethnic culture: Respect ethnic customs when visiting folk villages
As September winds sweep through the Ili River Valley, every falling yellow leaf tells a grassland story. Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency provides professional services to help you encounter the most captivating northern Xinjiang画卷 during the golden autumn season. For specific itinerary details and the latest departure information, please contact customer service manager Zhang Jing promptly.
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quote
