2026SummerYiliCompleteQuotationSheet RecommendedRoutesCostsPrices

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

【🌿2026 Summer Ili In-Depth Exploration Guide:A 10-Day Panoramic Journey Through Grasslands, Flower Fields, and Secret Realms】
Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or Destination
The Ili River Valley, known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall” and embraced by the Tianshan Mountains, reaches its peak beauty in the summer of 2026. From the purple romance of lavender fields in June to the three-dimensional floral carpet of the Kalajun Grassland in July, and then to the deep blue secret realm of Sayram Lake in August, every frame is as vivid as an oil painting. Here, you will not only witness natural wonders but also experience the vibrant blend of cultures among various ethnic groups—the aroma of milk tea in the yurts of different ethnic groups, the handicrafts at their markets, and the heroic posture of Xibe archery performances fill the journey with human warmth.
【Core Highlights】
Kalajun Grassland:In 2026, a new 5-kilometer hiking route from “Flower Terrace to Falcon Terrace” will be introduced, led by professional guides, allowing close observation of the ecological chain of snow-capped spruce and alpine meadows.
Cycling Around Sayram Lake:In 2026, a 15-kilometer dedicated cycling path on the east shore will be opened, equipped with electric-assist bicycles, suitable for families and photography enthusiasts.
Huocheng Lavender Farm:The “Princess Jieyou” farm, sharing the same origin as Provence in France, will launch a nighttime light show in 2026, open from 20:00 to 22:00 every Friday and Saturday night.
Light Hiking on the Xiata Ancient Path:In 2026, measures will be optimized with a daily limit of 300 people; reservations are required in advance. The hiking endpoint, the Muzart Glacier viewing platform, offers a panoramic view of the border between snow-capped mountains and grasslands.
Simple Itinerary (Real-time arrangements for 2026)
【Days 1-2: Gathering in Urumqi】

【🌿2026 Summer Ili In-Depth Exploration Guide: A 10-Day Panoramic Journey Through Grasslands, Flower Fields, and Secret Realms】Upon arrival, check into a four-star hotel in the city center. Recommended free activities:Shop for handicrafts from various ethnic groups at the International Bazaar or visit the Xinjiang Museum to see the exhibition of the “Princess” mummy (reservations required in advance).
On the second morning, take a high-speed train (about 5 hours) to Yining, enjoying the contrasting landscapes of the Junggar Basin’s Gobi Desert and the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains along the way.
【Day 3: Huocheng Lavender + Guozigou Bridge】
Spend the whole day visiting the “Princess Jieyou” farm in Huocheng and participate in the lavender essential oil DIY experience (a new project for 2026).
In the afternoon, cross the Guozigou Bridge and capture the classic shot of the “S”-shaped road against the snow-capped mountains at the viewing platform.
Stay overnight in a characteristic homestay in Yining city and savor Xibe-style “pepperwort stewed fish.”
【Days 4-5: In-Depth Tour of Sayram Lake】
Self-drive around the lake (self-drive vehicles allowed in 2026 with the purchase of a lake-circle pass), with key stops including:
Jinhua Zihui:Wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore from June to July.
Dianjiang Terrace:A historical site from Genghis Khan’s western expedition.

Detailed Introduction to Itinerary or DestinationKele Yongzhu:A habitat for swans.
On the second day, participate in cycling on the east shore and enjoy a cold-water fish feast at the lakeside RV campground at noon.
【Days 6-7: Kalajun Grassland + Tekes Bagua City】
Spend the whole day exploring the Kalajun Grassland, with two routes available:
Falcon Terrace Route:Suitable for photography enthusiasts to capture the layered scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and forests.
Flower Terrace Route:Family-friendly, with horseback riding (all horses insured for accidents in 2026) available to the Flower Terrace viewing platform.
In the evening, head to Tekes and ascend the Lijie Ferris wheel (newly built in 2026) for a panoramic view of the Bagua City.
【Day 8: Light Hiking on the Xiata Ancient Path】
Take a bus to the Xiata Scenic Area, transfer to a shuttle bus to the hot spring hotel, and begin a 4-kilometer hike (with an elevation gain of 200 meters) to the endpoint, the Muzart Glacier viewing platform.
New services for 2026:Hot ginger tea and oxygen bottles provided at the hiking endpoint.

The Ili River Valley, known as the “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall” and embraced by the Tianshan Mountains, reaches its peak beauty in the summer of 2026. From the purple romance of lavender fields in June to the three-dimensional floral carpet of the Kalajun Grassland in July, and then to the deep blue secret realm of Sayram Lake in August, every frame is as vivid as an oil painting. Here, you will not only witness natural wonders but also experience the vibrant blend of cultures among various ethnic groups—the aroma of milk tea in the yurts of different ethnic groups, the handicrafts at their markets, and the heroic posture of Xibe archery performances fill the journey with human warmth.【Days 9-10: Nalati Grassland + Return Journey】
Visit the Nalati空中 Grassland (Nalati Aerial Grassland), with key experiences including:
Home Visits to Ethnic Families:Learn to make “kunaichi” (roasted buns).
Self-drive on the Panlong Valley Road:Private cars allowed in 2026 with the purchase of a self-drive ticket.
On the tenth day, take a high-speed train back to Urumqi and be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Price Description (Reference for 2026)
【Price Range】
Adults:8,980-10,800 yuan per person (including 10-day accommodation, transportation, admission tickets, 9 breakfasts, and 14 main meals)
Children (ages 6-12):5,980-7,200 yuan per person (no bed, half-price admission tickets included)
：2,000-2,500 yuan per person (for single travelers, we will try our best to arrange room-sharing; special circumstances require separate negotiation)

【Core Highlights】【What’s Included】
Transportation:Second-class seats for the round-trip high-speed train between Urumqi and Yining, local air-conditioned tour buses, and a pass for driving around Sayram Lake.
Accommodation:3 nights in a four-star hotel + 4 nights in characteristic homestays + 2 nights in grassland yurts (upgraded to starry sky rooms with bathrooms in 2026).
Admission Tickets:First admission tickets to the four major scenic spots: Kalajun, Sayram Lake, Xiata, and Nalati.
Meals:Including 9 breakfasts and 14 main meals (including 3 special meals: Xibe banquet, cold-water fish feast, and hand-grabbed meat from various ethnic groups).
【What’s Not Included】
Round-trip transportation from various locations to Urumqi.
Secondary consumption within scenic spots (such as horseback riding, boat rides, DIY experiences, etc.).
Personal expenses and additional costs due to force majeure.
How to Register

Kalajun Grassland: In 2026, a new 5-kilometer hiking route from “Flower Terrace to Falcon Terrace” will be introduced, led by professional guides, allowing close observation of the ecological chain of snow-capped spruce and alpine meadows. You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency and consult with Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for specific departure dates and availability information.
Price Description and Service Description
Prices may fluctuate based on the departure date and are subject to the contract or confirmation on the day.
Reasonable changes to the itinerary can be made by mutual agreement (e.g., due to weather, policies, etc.).
Specific service standards and refund/change rules are subject to actual consultation and contracting.
New services for 2026:A team doctor will be provided throughout the journey to offer basic medical support; each vehicle will be equipped with a first-aid kit and a satellite phone.
Travel Tips
Transportation:A taxi ride from Urumqi Diwopu Airport to the city center costs about 40 yuan; there is direct subway access between the high-speed rail station and the airport.
Equipment:There is a large temperature difference between day and night on the summer grasslands, so bring a windbreaker; it is windy at Sayram Lake, so a windproof hat is recommended.
Policies:In 2026, the Ili scenic spots will implement a “reservation system,” requiring valid identification information to be provided 3 days in advance. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will handle the reservations uniformly.
Culture:When visiting ethnic families, please respect their customs (e.g., do not touch headscarves casually or step on thresholds).
【🌄The summer in Ili is the freedom of the wind sweeping across the grasslands and the tenderness of flowers blooming by the lakeshore. In 2026, let’s spend 10 days packing the romance of this land into our luggage.】

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