How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car for Travel in Yili During Off Peak Season Discounted Prices and Strategies Recommended Routes and Costs
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.
Off-season customized vehicle tours in Yili:Unlock a cost-effective journey through the scenic landscapes beyond the Great Wall.
🌄 [Off-season Tour in Yili:Fewer Crowds, Beautiful Scenery, High Cost-effectiveness]
As the summer travel rush fades away, Yili’s grasslands shed their hustle and bustle, the snow-capped mountains appear even more sacred under the sunlight, and the lakes reflect the pure blue sky—this is the prime time for off-season travel. During the off-season of 2026 (November to April of the following year), Yili is not only less crowded but also offers the lowest custom vehicle rental fees of the year. With vehicles equipped with snow tires, you can traverse the winter grasslands and explore hidden glacier canyons. The following guide will help you unlock a more flexible and in-depth travel experience with a smaller budget.
🚗 [Route Highlights:A Winter Symphony of Grasslands, Snow-capped Mountains, and Ice Lakes]
In the off-season, Yili loses its summer floral splendor but gains a sense of tranquility and grandeur:
“Blue Ice Date” at Sayram Lake:In winter, the lake freezes over, presenting a series of wonders such as ice bubbles and ice cracks. You can drive around the lake and stop anytime to take photos without competing for spots with peak-season tourists.
“Snowy Pastoral Song” on the Nalati Grassland:The snow-covered grassland is dotted with yurts of local people from various ethnic groups. You may encounter herds of Yili horses galloping through the snow, resembling a traditional Chinese ink painting.
“Glacier Trek” on the Xiata Ancient Path:Avoid the risk of mudslides in summer and trek lightly to the foot of the Muzart Glacier in the off-season, experiencing its awe-inspiring presence up close.
Off-season customized vehicle tours in Yili: Unlock a cost-effective journey through the scenic landscapes beyond the Great Wall.“Rime Wonder” on the Karajun Grassland:Rime often appears on the Karajun Grassland in winter, covering the withered meadow with ice crystals and creating a unique “crystal grassland” landscape.
📅 [Simple Itinerary:A 5-Day, 4-Night Winter Exclusive Edition]
(The itinerary can be flexibly adjusted based on your physical condition and interests. It is recommended to keep daily driving time under 4 hours.)
[Day 1:Yining – Sayram Lake – Guozigou]
Morning:Depart from Yining and take the Lianhuo Expressway directly to Sayram Lake. The winter self-drive package ticket is approximately 145 yuan per person (including multiple entries within 48 hours).
Afternoon:Drive counterclockwise around the lake, focusing on shooting spots such as the ice bubbles on Xihai Grassland, ice cracks on Jinhua Zihui, and blue ice at Dianjiangtai.
Evening:Pass by the Guozigou Bridge and capture the “First Scenic Spot of Yili” at sunset from the viewing platform.
Accommodation:Stay at the Sayram Lake RV camp or a hot spring hotel in Huocheng County (off-season prices range from 200-400 yuan per night).
🌄[Off-season Tour in Yili: Fewer Crowds, Beautiful Scenery, High Cost-effectiveness][Day 2:Guozigou – Xiata Ancient Path – Zhaosu]
Morning:Drive to the Xiata Ancient Path. In winter, the shuttle bus is out of service, so you need to hike or ride a horse (horse rental is about 200 yuan per day).
Afternoon:Hike to near the hot spring hotel and overlook the Muzart Glacier in the distance, capturing scenes of cedar trees framed by glaciers along the way.
Accommodation:Stay at a comfortable hotel in Zhaosu County (off-season prices range from 150-300 yuan per night).
[Day 3:Zhaosu – Karajun Grassland – Tekes]
Morning:Head to the Karajun Grassland. In winter, there is no need to purchase a shuttle bus ticket. You can drive directly to the Falcon Platform and shoot the rime and snowy grassland.
Afternoon:Drive to Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City) and ascend the Lijie Viewing Platform to overlook the entire city. For dinner, taste the special horse meat naren.
Accommodation:Stay at a homestay in Tekes (off-season prices range from 100-200 yuan per night).
[Day 4:Tekes – Nalati Grassland]
As the summer travel rush fades away, Yili’s grasslands shed their hustle and bustle, the snow-capped mountains appear even more sacred under the sunlight, and the lakes reflect the pure blue sky—this is the prime time for off-season travel. During the off-season of 2026 (November to April of the following year), Yili is not only less crowded but also offers the lowest custom vehicle rental fees of the year. With vehicles equipped with snow tires, you can traverse the winter grasslands and explore hidden glacier canyons. The following guide will help you unlock a more flexible and in-depth travel experience with a smaller budget.All day:Drive through the Gongnaisi Forest Farm, stopping at the Qiaoerma Martyrs Cemetery and the Hashilegen Daban (elevation 3,400 meters, with heavy snow in winter), and arrive in Nalati Town in the evening.
Accommodation:Stay at a homestay inside the Nalati Scenic Area (off-season prices range from 150-300 yuan per night).
[Day 5:Nalati – Yining]
Morning:Shoot the snowy grassland and yurts in the morning mist on the Nalati Air Grassland and experience horse-drawn sleigh rides (about 100 yuan per person).
Afternoon:Return to Yining, stopping at the Qiafuqihai Reservoir along the way to capture the reflection of snow-capped mountains on the winter ice.
💰 [Price Description:Off-season Custom Vehicle Rental Fees Reduced by 40%]
(All fees include driver service, fuel, and basic parking fees. Specifics are subject to the contract.)
5-seater SUV (2-4 people):Approximately 350-480 yuan per day in the off-season, with a total cost of about 1,750-2,400 yuan for 5 days, averaging 438-600 yuan per person.
🚗[Route Highlights: A Winter Symphony of Grasslands, Snow-capped Mountains, and Ice Lakes]7-seater business vehicle (4-6 people):Approximately 500-650 yuan per day in the off-season, with a total cost of about 2,500-3,250 yuan for 5 days, averaging 417-542 yuan per person.
9-seater minibus (8-12 people):Approximately 800-1,200 yuan per day in the off-season, with a total cost of about 4,000-6,000 yuan for 5 days, averaging 333-500 yuan per person.
Additional Fee Reference:
Driver’s Meals and Accommodation:Meal allowance: 80-120 yuan per day. Accommodation subsidy: 150-200 yuan per day (negotiable and can be included in the total price).
Excess Mileage Fee:If the itinerary exceeds the contracted mileage, a fee of 1.5-2 yuan per kilometer will be charged.
Scenic Area Tickets:Sayram Lake: 145 yuan per person. Nalati: 95 yuan per person. Xiata: 30 yuan per person. Karajun: 80 yuan per person (some scenic areas may offer combined ticket discounts in the off-season).
📝 [Registration Method:Professional Customized Hassle-free Tours]
You can register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing will provide one-stop services such as vehicle selection, route planning, and cost calculation based on your needs. Whether it’s a family trip, a trip with friends, or a photography tour, the itinerary can be customized to your preferences.
In the off-season, Yili loses its summer floral splendor but gains a sense of tranquility and grandeur:📋 [Fee and Service Description]
Fees Include:Vehicle usage fee, driver service fee, fuel fee, basic parking fee, and travel agency liability insurance.
Fees Exclude:Personal expenses of tourists (meals, tickets, accommodation), driver’s meals and accommodation (negotiable), excess mileage fee, and special road dispatch fee (such as an additional 200-300 yuan per day for the Duku Highway in winter).
Service Commitment:All vehicles are equipped with snow tires, and drivers hold formal tourism operation qualifications. Both parties can reasonably adjust the arrangements through consultation during the trip.
Special Reminder:In the off-season, some scenic areas’ shuttle buses are out of service, requiring self-driving or hiking to enter. Some road sections may be closed due to snow, so it is necessary to confirm road conditions in advance.
💡 [Off-season Travel Tips]
Equipment Suggestions:Bring a windbreaker, warm hat, gloves, anti-slip snow boots, and a cold-proof cover for your camera (batterries drain quickly in low temperatures).
Photography Timing:The light is soft one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset, suitable for portrait photography. The strong sunlight at noon is suitable for landscape photography.
Reminder:Maintain a safe distance while driving in winter and avoid sudden braking. Wear anti-slip shoes while hiking and follow the guide’s instructions.
In the off-season, Yili has no crowded crowds, only pure scenery and free souls. With a smaller budget, embark on a more in-depth journey beyond the Great Wall, letting every shutter click capture the grandeur of winter and every stop feel the gifts of nature. Immediately contact Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to start your off-season Yili tour!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

