Yili Group Tour How to Get to Bayanbulak Nine Curve Eighteen Bend + Group Tour Cost Recommended Itinerary and Price
Contact Manager Guo Jing at phone number 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
Explore the Pearl of the Ili Grasslands:Comprehensive Guide to In-Depth Travel in Bayanbulak✨
(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary:The Nine Bends and Grassland Secret Realm
[Natural Wonders] Bayanbulak Grassland, the second largest grassland in Xinjiang, is renowned for the “Nine Bends” of the Kaidu River. This 610-kilometer inland river winds through 18 continuous bends on the grassland, creating a spectacular scene where “nine suns” are reflected on the water during summer sunsets. The Swan Lake Reserve within the scenic area is home to 3,000-5,000 whooper swans, making it an important wintering ground for swans in Asia.
[Cultural Experience] This is the land where the Torghut tribe has lived for generations after their eastward return. The Nadam Festival, held annually from the 4th to the 6th day of the sixth lunar month, features traditional activities such as horse racing, wrestling, and ethnic song and dance performances. Mongolian yurts and local herders’ tents are scattered across the grassland, offering opportunities to experience milking mares and making milk tofu.
[Ecological Protection] As a high-quality nature reserve, the scenic area uses eco-friendly shuttle buses for transportation, and self-driving is prohibited in the core area. A new helicopter tour service (by reservation) launched in 2026 offers an aerial view of the wetlands, but low-altitude flight regulations must be followed.
(II) Classic Itinerary for 2026 (6 Days, 5 Nights)
▶ Day 1:Gather in Urumqi
After arriving at Diwopu International Airport, take the private airport transfer arranged by Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency to the city hotel
Recommended Free Activities:Shop for handicrafts at the International Bazaar and enjoy panoramic city views from Red Hill Park
Explore the Pearl of the Ili Grasslands: Comprehensive Guide to In-Depth Travel in Bayanbulak✨▶ Day 2:Tour Around Sayram Lake
07:30 Depart westward by tour bus along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway
12:00 Arrive at Sayram Lake, known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” and tour attractions such as Jiangjuntai and Kele Yongzhu
18:00 Check into a lakeside guesthouse and enjoy a feast of high white salmon
▶ Day 3:In-Depth Tour of Narati Grassland
08:00 Cross the Guozigou Bridge and head to Narati along the G218
12:30 Transfer to a shuttle bus to enter the Sky Grassland and experience home visits with local families
17:00 Check into a grassland resort hotel and participate in a bonfire party
▶ Day 4:Core Day in Bayanbulak
07:00 Head south along the Duku Highway (check road conditions in advance)
(I) Key Highlights of the Itinerary: The Nine Bends and Grassland Secret Realm11:30 Arrive at the Bayanbulak Scenic Area and take a shuttle bus to visit Swan Home and the Brazilik Viewing Platform
19:30 Watch the sunset over the Nine Bends (optimal viewing period: June 20 – July 10)
21:00 Check into a scenic area hotel and enjoy black-headed mutton hotpot
▶ Day 5:Kalajun Three-Dimensional Grassland
08:30 Head to Tekes八卦城 (Bagua City) and visit the Lijie Folk Culture Street
12:00 Tour the Kalajun Koksu Grand Canyon and experience the “Human Body Grassland” light and shadow effects
18:00 Return to Yining City for accommodation and shop for lavender products
▶ Day 6:Departure Day
09:00 Visit the Kazanqi Folk Tourism Area and take a six-rod carriage to tour courtyards of various ethnic groups
12:00 Transfer to the station/airport according to flight schedule
[Natural Wonders] Bayanbulak Grassland, the second largest grassland in Xinjiang, is renowned for the “Nine Bends” of the Kaidu River. This 610-kilometer inland river winds through 18 continuous bends on the grassland, creating a spectacular scene where “nine suns” are reflected on the water during summer sunsets. The Swan Lake Reserve within the scenic area is home to 3,000-5,000 whooper swans, making it an important wintering ground for swans in Asia.(III) Cost Reference for 2026 (Subject to Contract)
▶ Budget No-Shopping Tour Group:2,600-3,100 RMB/person (Low Season: May-June/September)
Includes:5 nights’ accommodation in budget hotels, air-conditioned tour bus for the entire journey, first entrance tickets to attractions, 5 breakfasts and 4 main meals, guide service fees
▶ Comfortable Premium Tour Group:3,800-4,200 RMB/person (Peak Season: July-August)
Upgraded Features:Accommodation in premium guesthouses, specialty meals (roast whole lamb/hand-pulled rice), grassland horseback riding experience, ethnic song and dance performances
▶ Cost Explanation:
Reference Ticket Prices:Bayanbulak Scenic Area: 65 RMB entrance ticket + 62 RMB shuttle bus (2026 preferential policies to be confirmed on-site)
Self-Paid Items:Nine Bends sightseeing bus round trip: 18 RMB, helicopter tour: 880 RMB/person (10 minutes)
Children’s Policy:Free entrance for children under 1.2 meters, half-price shuttle bus; half-price entrance for children 1.2-1.4 meters tall
(IV) Registration and Service Guarantees
[Cultural Experience] This is the land where the Torghut tribe has lived for generations after their eastward return. The Nadam Festival, held annually from the 4th to the 6th day of the sixth lunar month, features traditional activities such as horse racing, wrestling, and ethnic song and dance performances. Mongolian yurts and local herders’ tents are scattered across the grassland, offering opportunities to experience milking mares and making milk tofu.Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency, which provides the following services:
Contract Guarantee:Sign a national tourism standard electronic contract specifying cost details and liability for breach of contract
Vehicle Configuration:Use vehicles in operation for less than 5 years, each equipped with a first aid kit and car charger
Emergency Response:24-hour customer service manager Zhang Jing available to handle emergencies
Insurance Plan:Travel agency liability insurance + complimentary travel accident insurance (coverage: 200,000 RMB/person)
(V) Pre-Trip Recommendation Guide
▶ Equipment Checklist:
Clothing:Windproof jacket, thin down jacket, quick-dry clothes, sun hat, sunglasses
Medications:Altitude sickness prevention pills, motion sickness medicine, stomach medicine, insect repellent
Others:Thermos, power bank, non-slip shoes (for wetland boardwalks)
[Ecological Protection] As a high-quality nature reserve, the scenic area uses eco-friendly shuttle buses for transportation, and self-driving is prohibited in the core area. A new helicopter tour service (by reservation) launched in 2026 offers an aerial view of the wetlands, but low-altitude flight regulations must be followed.▶ Precautions:
The scenic area is at an altitude of 2,500 meters; avoid strenuous exercise and inform the guide promptly if experiencing headaches or other symptoms
The Duku Highway is open from June to September each year; exact dates are subject to traffic department announcements
Photography Tips:Bring a telephoto lens of 200mm or longer and occupy the east side of the viewing platform 2 hours before sunset
Environmental Requirements:Drones are prohibited in the reserve; all garbage must be taken out of the scenic area
(VI) Special Reminders
The scenic area implements a timed reservation system in 2026; valid identification information for tourists must be provided 3 days in advance
Accommodation around Narati/Bayanbulak scenic areas may be tight; it is recommended to register at least 45 days in advance
In case of extreme weather, grassland activities included in the itinerary may be changed to indoor cultural experiences
Specific itinerary details and costs are subject to the contract signed with Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency; prices may fluctuate based on market supply and demand
This summer, let’s traverse the Tianshan Mountains and experience the boldness and gentleness of the grassland people amid the sunset glow of the Nine Bends. Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency will provide professional services to present a pure Ili without shopping stops or hidden fees!
Contact Manager Guo Jing at 18139622229 or WeChat 18139622229 to send itinerary and quotation
