#新疆伊犁

The Zhaosu region in Ili, Xinjiang, boasts expansive grasslands where you can encounter breathtaking scenery just by driving through. The sight of cattle and horses, herded by ethnic minorities, freely and energetically running across the grasslands was truly moving. The landscape of Zhaosu was so magnificent that I envied the locals who could ride horses and gallop across the beautiful grasslands. Incidentally, it seemed that the ethnic minorities herded their livestock equally on horseback and motorbikes. ▶︎Notes ☀︎June is the season when foals, calves, and lambs are born, as the locals informed me. If you want to see foals frolicking, I recommend visiting in late June when the cold starts to ease. ☀︎The weather in the great outdoors can change quickly, so it's reassuring to have layered clothing ready!

On the second day of our Ili trip, we visited Sayram Lake, a must-see attraction. I must say, my luck was incredible. While it had been raining heavily in Yining City for the past few days, we arrived at Sayram Lake to find blue skies, white clouds, and a gentle breeze. We stopped to take photos of the few remaining red flowers by the entrance. The red on the ground, combined with the slightly yellow grasslands and the blue sky, was truly beautiful! A restored post station from the Zhang Qian era stands by the lake, adding a touch of ancient charm. The clear and pristine lake water was irresistible, especially in the hot summer; it felt particularly refreshing to touch. (After leaving the scenic area, we had some whitefish from the lake, and it was fantastic!)

Our last stop in Xinjiang was a day trip to the Nalati Grasslands near Ili. We departed from Yining City and took the highway all the way, with a toll fee of 184 RMB. The entrance ticket to the scenic area, which includes the shuttle bus, costs 135 RMB per person, and the round-trip shuttle to Xuelian Valley is 60 RMB per person. At the scenic area, we chose the Sky Grassland ticket with the shuttle bus. The shuttle stops at three spots on the way up, and on the way down, it goes directly to the visitor center. So, make sure to get off at each stop to enjoy the attractions. Today, we also added a one-hour horseback riding activity, which costs 80 RMB per person (I also recommend riding in Xuelian Valley for better scenery and fewer people). At the Nomadic Station, you can buy a shuttle ticket to Xuelian Valley. I highly recommend going there as it is the most beautiful spot. I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Feel free to ask any questions. 🕰️Business Hours: 8:30 AM - 8:30 PM

In June, the grass in Ili already has a fresh scent, even though the flowers have yet to bloom. In June, you can see the snow-capped mountains in Urumqi without needing extra layers! A city in China where you can see snow-capped mountains. In June, Sayram Lake is calm and serene. In June, the grasslands are filled with the enticing aroma of lamb skewers! Let's embark on a journey to Xinjiang, where the flowers haven't bloomed yet, but we can avoid the crowds.