Ili Group Tour Pitfall Avoidance Guide How to Calculate the Cost of the Xiata Ancient Path Itinerary Recommended Routes and Their Prices

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send the itinerary and quotation.

Icon prefix:✨【A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in Group Tours of Yili: In-Depth Analysis of Itinerary Costs for the Xiata Ancient Path】✨
Detailed introduction to the route or destination
The summer in the Yili River Valley is a tapestry woven with grasslands and snow-capped mountains, with the Xiata Ancient Path serving as the most wildly charming stroke in this masterpiece. As an important branch of the ancient Silk Road, the Xiata Ancient Path is now renowned as a “hiking paradise,” with its core area located within Zhaosu County, stretching from Xiata Hot Spring in the north to the Muzart Glacier in the south, covering a total length of approximately 30 kilometers. Recent data from 2026 indicates that the scenic area implements a tiered opening policy:
Basic Sightseeing Section (from Hot Spring Hotel to General Bridge):The entire route is paved with wooden planks, situated at an altitude of about 2,200 meters. Along the way, you can see spruce forests, streams, and snow-capped mountains in the same frame, making it suitable for families and light hikers.
Essence Hiking Section (from General Bridge to Flower Terrace):A round trip of 4 kilometers one way, with a cumulative elevation gain of about 200 meters. In June-July, the meadow is covered with wildflowers, and the wooden house at Kara House No. 4 offers a prime spot for photographing the Muzart Glacier.
Advanced Challenge Section (from Flower Terrace towards the Glacier):Requires accompaniment by a professional guide, with a round trip of about 12 kilometers. You can observe glacier crevasses and icefalls up close, but due to ecological protection requirements in 2026, this area is recommended to be open only up to the glacier front observation point.
Key attention should be paid to the scenic area’s operational policies:
Visitor Limit Measures:The daily visitor limit is 3,000 people, and reservations must be made 3-7 days in advance through the “Smart Travel Zhaosu” mini-program with real-name authentication.
Opening Hours:9:00-20:00 (ticket sales stop at 18:00). It is recommended to enter the park before 9:00 a.m. to avoid peak crowds.
Transportation Shuttle:Tickets cost 40 yuan + shuttle bus 40 yuan (covering 28 kilometers from the hot spring hotel to the scenic area entrance). An electric cart costs 50 yuan per person (3 kilometers from the hot spring hotel to General Bridge, optional).

Icon prefix: ✨【A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls in Group Tours of Yili: In-Depth Analysis of Itinerary Costs for the Xiata Ancient Path】✨Simple Itinerary Reference (Classic 5-Day, 4-Night Route)
Based on on-site inspection data from July 2026, the following itinerary framework is recommended, balancing comfort and experience:
Day 1:Gathering in Yining · Acclimating to the Plateau Climate
Morning:Arrive at Yining Airport and take a private car arranged by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to the hotel. Recommended free activity: Take a horse-drawn carriage through the blue alleyways of the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area and taste handmade ice cream.
Evening:Stroll across the Yili River Bridge and admire the golden river surface at sunset.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in downtown Yining (breakfast included)
Day 2:Sayram Lake · Guozigou Canyon
All Day:Tour around the lake, visiting attractions such as Songshu Head, Kele Yongzhu, and the S-shaped road, capturing reflections of snow-capped mountains. In the afternoon, cross the Guozigou Bridge and overlook the canyon panorama from the observation deck.
Accommodation:Characteristic homestay in Qingshuihe Town (dinner included, with the option to experience outdoor barbecue)
Day 3:Zhaosu Grassland · Light Hiking in Xiata
Morning:Pass through the Yizhao Highway (open from June to September) and check in at the Baishi Peak observation deck. In the afternoon, enter the Xiata scenic area, take the shuttle bus to the hot spring hotel, transfer to an electric cart to General Bridge, and start a light hike to Flower Terrace.

Detailed introduction to the route or destinationAccommodation:Three-star hotel in downtown Zhaosu (breakfast included)
Special Note:In 2026, the hot spring hotel inside the Xiata scenic area requires reservations 1-2 months in advance. Group tours default to accommodations in downtown Zhaosu.
Day 4:Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River · Grassland Experience
Morning:Watch the performance of Zhaosu’s heavenly horses bathing in the river and participate in activities such as horseback riding and milk squeezing on the grassland.
Afternoon:Free activity: You can visit Zhaosu Wetland Park to see grassland stone figures or go to the vast rape flower fields (in full bloom in July).
Accommodation:Same as above in downtown Zhaosu
Day 5:Free Shopping · Return Journey
Morning:Based on flight time, freely purchase Xinjiang specialties (lavender essential oil, dried fruits, etc.).
Afternoon:Private car transfer to the airport, ending the itinerary.
Price Description (Reference Range for 2026)
Basic Group Tour Fee:3,200-4,000 yuan per person (subject to contract)

The summer in the Yili River Valley is a tapestry woven with grasslands and snow-capped mountains, with the Xiata Ancient Path serving as the most wildly charming stroke in this masterpiece. As an important branch of the ancient Silk Road, the Xiata Ancient Path is now renowned as a “hiking paradise,” with its core area located within Zhaosu County, stretching from Xiata Hot Spring in the north to the Muzart Glacier in the south, covering a total length of approximately 30 kilometers. Recent data from 2026 indicates that the scenic area implements a tiered opening policy:Fees Included:
Transportation:7-seater business vehicle for the entire journey (including the Yizhao Highway section)
Accommodation:4 nights of standard accommodation (2 nights in Yining, 2 nights in Zhaosu, breakfast included)
Tickets:First entrance tickets for Xiata Ancient Path (40 yuan for tickets + 40 yuan for shuttle bus), Sayram Lake, Zhaosu Grassland, etc.
Services:Professional driver兼guide (driver and guide), travel accident insurance
Optional Items for Reference:
Electric Cart in Xiata Scenic Area:50 yuan per person (round trip)
Zhaosu Heavenly Horses Bathing in the River Performance:Approximately 100 yuan per person
Horseback Riding on the Grassland:80 yuan per hour
Main Meals:Going Dutch, with an average of 50-80 yuan per person per meal
Price Fluctuation Description:

Basic Sightseeing Section (from Hot Spring Hotel to General Bridge): The entire route is paved with wooden planks, situated at an altitude of about 2,200 meters. Along the way, you can see spruce forests, streams, and snow-capped mountains in the same frame, making it suitable for families and light hikers.Prices increase by 15%-20% during the peak season from June to August
Upgrading accommodation (such as staying at the Sayram Lake RV campground or Zhaosu Hot Spring Hotel) requires an additional fee of approximately 400-600 yuan per person
Prices may fluctuate based on the tour schedule, subject to the contract signed by both parties
Registration Method
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Zhang Jing, the customer service manager of Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, to obtain a detailed itinerary and cost list.
Fee Description and Service Description
Fees Included:Transportation, accommodation, tickets, guide services, and insurance within the itinerary (subject to the contract)
Fees Not Included:Round-trip major transportation, personal expenses, optional items within the scenic area
Cancellation and Refund Policy:Subject to the tourism contract signed by both parties
Single Registration:Our agency will do its best to coordinate room sharing. Special circumstances require separate negotiation
Special Circumstances:In case of force majeure factors such as weather or traffic control, both parties can reasonably adjust the itinerary by mutual agreement

Essence Hiking Section (from General Bridge to Flower Terrace): A round trip of 4 kilometers one way, with a cumulative elevation gain of about 200 meters. In June-July, the meadow is covered with wildflowers, and the wooden house at Kara House No. 4 offers a prime spot for photographing the Muzart Glacier.Subject to actual consultation and contract signing
A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls and Practical Suggestions
Reservation Strategy:Tickets for the Xiata Ancient Path are in high demand, so it is recommended to secure a reservation 7 days in advance; Sayram Lake and Nalati Grassland require reservations through the “One Phone for Traveling in Xinjiang” platform.
Equipment Checklist:Windbreaker (large temperature difference in mountainous areas), high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking shoes (gravel road from General Bridge to Flower Terrace), raincoat (frequent showers).
Photography Timing:In the Xiata scenic area, the light is soft before 9:00 a.m., and the reflection from the snow-capped mountains is minimal after 18:00 p.m., making it suitable for capturing glacier details.
Transportation Tips:The Yizhao Highway is recommended for vehicles under 7 seats. Group tours need to confirm vehicle qualifications; for the northern section of the Duku Highway, it is recommended to depart before 7:00 a.m. to avoid congestion.
Dining Tips:In downtown Zhaosu, the “Horse Meat Naren” specialty meal is recommended, with an average consumption of about 60 yuan per person; inside the scenic area, the hot spring hotel is recommended for simple meals, and it is advisable to bring your own dry food.
Policy Update Notice (July 2026)
Long-distance trekking through the Xiata Ancient Path:Starting from 2026, the trekking route to the Muzart Glacier will be closed, and the end of the tour will be changed to Flower Terrace.
Yizhao Highway:The opening hours for 2026 are from June 15 to September 30, with traffic allowed from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.
Scenic Area Discounts:Students/seniors/military personnel can enjoy a 50% discount on tickets with valid identification (shuttle bus fees remain unchanged).
Summer in Yili is a whisper between snow-capped mountains and flower fields, a dance between horseback and grassland. Choosing a正规 (legitimate) travel agency and planning your itinerary in advance will ensure a worry-free and enjoyable trip in this “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.”

Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send the itinerary and quotation.