Graduation Trip: 8-Day Immersive Journey Through the Ili Grasslands Highlights: Nalati Grassland, Qiongkushitai, Scenic Drive Around Sayram Lake, Sailboat Lake Tour, Afternoon Tea on the Grassland, Naan Bread-Making Experience, and Leathercraft DIY Workshop

Day1

Yining

Today's Itinerary: Gather in Yining

Today marks the start of our journey. Please make your own way to Yining Airport or Railway Station, where our staff will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

For dinner, you may visit the night market to sample local specialty snacks.

Helpful Tips:
1. UV radiation is strong in Xinjiang. Please bring adequate sun protection.
2. There is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening. We recommend packing some warm clothing and dressing in layers.

Day2

Yining-Sailimuhu-Huocheng-Yining

Today’s Itinerary: Yining – Sayram Lake – Lavender Manor – Yining

[Sayram Lake] Every June and July, the grasslands along the lakeshore burst into bloom with colorful wildflowers, beautifully reflected in the azure waters beneath the snow-capped mountains—a truly breathtaking sight. Within the scenic area, enjoy a [sailing boat] ride on the lake, experiencing the dual pleasures of both road touring and boating.

After the visit, pass by the [Guozigou Bridge] en route to the [Lavender Manor]. This scenic area is the world’s third-largest lavender cultivation base, after Provence in France and Furano in Japan, and it is China’s only primary lavender-producing region! (Flowering season: approximately June to mid-July. Outside the flowering period, the itinerary can be adjusted to visit the [Kazanqi Folk Culture Tourism Area].)

After the tour, head to your hotel for check-in and rest.

3 Attractions

sailimu Lake
Sailimu Lake is backed by snowy mountains. The lake is a vast grassland. The lake water is clear and blue. It has always been one of the most famous attractions in Xinjiang due to its beautiful scenery. The year-round snow-capped mountains along Sailimu Lake are mainly located on the west side. Taking photos from the east area of the lake has a better perspective, and you can capture the beautiful scenery of the lake under the snow-capped mountains. The best season to play is June and July every year. At this time, the lakeside grassland is full of wild flowers, which should shine on the blue lake water under the snowy mountains. From the end of July to the beginning of August every year, local minority herdsmen hold the Nadam Grand Event here. The scenery covered in silver in winter is also very beautiful.
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guozigou bridge
The Guozigou Bridge, with a total length of approximately 700 meters and a clearance of about 200 meters from the deck to the valley floor, is a high-rise cable-stayed bridge. It integrates four innovations—new technologies, new structural designs, new construction methods, and new equipment—marking a major breakthrough in Xinjiang’s highway construction history. The bridge’s S-shaped alignment blends seamlessly with the scenic beauty of Guozigou, adding another striking feature to the Guozigou National Scenic Area.
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lavender base
Huocheng County, Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is known as the "Hometown of Lavender in China." It is located in the Ili River Valley at the northern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Together with Provence and Hokkaido, it is one of the world's three largest lavender planting bases. Lavender, as a cultural tourism economic industry vigorously promoted by Huocheng County, has achieved fruitful results in recent years. Countless tourists couldn't help but be immersed in the sea of flowers and intoxicated.
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1 Experiences

Sailboat on Sayram Lake
Hoisting sail on Sayram Lake is like stepping into a white, ethereal dream atop the “Pearl of the Plateau.” Silently, the sailboat glides across the azure surface, graceful as a swan skimming over what is known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.” In the distance, snow-capped mountains stretch endlessly, while shifting cloud reflections dance in the lake’s unfathomable depths. When the wind rises, the sails billow with the cool breath of the Western Regions; the hull tilts gently, and spray flecks the air with the crisp scent of glaciers.
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Day3

Yining-Tekesi

Today’s Itinerary: Yining – Qiongkushitai – Tekes

[Qiongkushitai] Snow-capped mountains draped in white, dense dark-green forests, and pale turquoise grasslands come together to create breathtaking vistas. Here you’ll encounter authentic nomadic herders living in traditional all-wooden houses scattered among the trees, fulfilling every fairytale forest dream. Within the scenic area, enjoy a [Grassland Afternoon Tea], savoring the free-spirited breeze for a uniquely memorable experience.

After the tour, head to Tekes to taste [Lamb Chop Pilaf], then check into your hotel for rest.

1 Attractions

Qiongkushitai
Jonkushtai means "big platform child" in Kazakh. The Chonkushtai ravines are crisscrossed and have a masculine beauty in the grassland. Countless ravines are cut lengthwise on the terrace, outlining the calm grassland like waves rising in the sea. Here, you can see blue skies and white clouds. Under the white clouds are silver snow-capped mountains, dark green fir forests, light blue grasslands and colorful flowers. Several colors are clearly layered and harmonious in colors, forming a natural grassland. Beautiful scenery. If you put it another way, you can also say that under the blue sky and white clouds are snowy mountains, under the snowy mountains and fir forests is Jongkushi Terrace, and under the Jongkushi Terrace is Kalajun.
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1 Experiences

Afternoon tea at Kurdenin Camp
In the scenic area, surrounded by green mountains, winding rapids, mountains and rivers complement each other, and green grass. Have a cup of tea, quietly enjoy the afternoon, and give your mood a vacation.
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Day4

Tekesi-Gongliu-Xinyuan

Today’s itinerary: Tekes – Bagua City – Kurdening – Xinyuan

[Bagua City] The only ancient city in China named after the “Bagua” (Eight Trigrams), this historic and cultural heritage site centers on Bagua philosophy and is hailed as a “living fossil” of ancient Chinese walled-city architecture.

[Kurdening] Home to the largest primeval spruce forest in China, it boasts breathtaking scenery that combines valley rivers, alpine meadows, and snow-capped spruce ridges.

After the tour, head to Xinyuan to check into your hotel and rest.

2 Attractions

Turks the city
Tekes County is renowned for its Bagua-inspired urban layout. In 1996, the relevant authorities removed all traffic lights from its roads, turning the “Bagua City” into a city without traffic signals. The Bagua City boasts rich folk customs, a profound historical and cultural heritage, and stunning natural scenery.
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Kurdenin Scenic Area
Kuerdening is a “jade” nestled deep in the Tianshan Mountains. Unlike other famous mountains and rivers, its uniquely oriented north–south valley creates mild winters and cool summers, capturing the essence of the Ili River Valley. In one sweep, visitors can take in the towering Kababai Snow Peak, the world’s rare dense primary forests of Schrenk’s spruce on snowy ridges, and the rolling alpine meadows suspended in the sky, offering exceptionally rich layers of scenery.
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Day5

Nalati

Today’s Itinerary: In-Depth Exploration of Nalati Scenic Area

After breakfast, drive to the Nalati Scenic Area (priority given to self-driving tickets). Nalati is one of the world’s four great alpine river-valley grasslands. It boasts a stunning blend of blue skies and white clouds, glacial peaks, forests and meadows, as well as gorges and rivers. The Shanghai World Guinness Headquarters has recognized it as “the grassland with the largest Kazakh population.” Within the scenic area, the must-visit “Sky Grassland” features popular photo spots such as the viral single-log bridge and traditional nomadic homesteads. Lush green meadows and crystal-clear streams create a picturesque landscape, and you can enjoy horseback riding to experience the thrill of galloping across the grasslands.

Next, visit a local Kazakh herder’s family. Feed lambs on the grassland, DIY a leather accessory, and taste naan bread made with your own hands, gaining deeper insight into local ethnic customs and traditions.

After the tour, check in to your hotel for rest.

Friendly Reminder:
1. Self-driving permits for Nalati Scenic Area are limited in number, and successful purchase cannot be guaranteed. As an alternative, visitors may explore the area using the shuttle bus service.

1 Attractions

nalati grassland
The grasslands of the Nalati Tourism Scenic Area are part of one of the world’s four major grassland regions, characterized by subalpine meadow vegetation. Situated on the northern slope of Mount Nalati, this mid-elevation mountain grassland rests on ancient Tertiary alluvial deposits and comprises three components: the Sky Grassland, the River Valley Grassland, and the Nalati National Forest Park. From June to September each year, the scenic area turns lush green, wildflowers bloom in abundance, and the climate is pleasant. The river valleys, peaks, deep gorges, and forests create a harmonious landscape, making it a premier tourist destination.
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2 Experiences

Kazakh herdsmen visit home
Visiting a Kazakh herder’s home is an immersive program that lets you experience the nomadic culture of the grasslands. Whether you’re looking for a brief taste or a deeper stay, you’ll come away with unique and rich memories.
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Horseback riding in Nalati
Horseback riding is the unmissable highlight of the Nalati Grassland. Here, you’ll not only feel the thrill of speed and passion but also merge with nature, experiencing the purest joy life has to offer.
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Day6

Nalati-Kuitun

Today’s Itinerary: Nalati → Duku Highway → Dushanzi Grand Canyon → Kuitun

[Duku Highway] This road embodies the spirit of freedom and distant horizons. Open only four months a year, it offers “four seasons in one journey,” taking you from grasslands to snow-capped mountains and then to the Gobi Desert, winding between sheer cliffs, dense forests, and snowy peaks.

[Dushanzi Grand Canyon] Featuring distinctive canyon landscapes shaped by millions of years of erosion from river and rainwater, creating a breathtaking and majestic vista.

Arrive in Kuitun and check in for rest.

2 Attractions

Dushanzi Grand Canyon
The Dushanzi Grand Canyon has a valley floor width of 100–400 meters and a rim width of 800–1,000 meters. The elevation difference from the valley floor to the rim can reach up to 200 meters, with an overall altitude of 1,070 meters above sea level, characteristic of a canyon landform. Standing on the canyon rim and gazing into the gorge, one is presented with a quintessential grand canyon vista.
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DUKU ROAD
Duku Highway is the highway from Dushanzi to Kuqa. A 561-kilometer-long highway connecting the north and south Xinjiang. It spans high mountains and passes through deep mountains and canyons, connecting many ethnic minority areas. Its connection has shortened the distance between north and south Xinjiang by nearly half from the original more than 1000 kilometers. It is a monument in the history of highway construction in China.
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Day7

Kuitun-Wulumuqi

Today’s itinerary: Kuitun – Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum – International Grand Bazaar – Urumqi

After breakfast, depart by coach for Urumqi. Upon arrival, visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, one of the first batch of national first-class museums and a provincial-level comprehensive museum of local history and culture. The museum serves as an institution for the collection, conservation, scientific research, and public education of cultural relics and natural specimens in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. After the tour, proceed to the International Grand Bazaar. With its distinctive Islamic architectural style, the bazaar blends functionality with a contemporary sensibility, reviving the splendor of the ancient Silk Road and showcasing the rich ethnic characteristics and regional culture of China’s Western Regions. After the visit, check in to your hotel for rest.

2 Attractions

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum
The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, located in the Shayibake District of Urumqi, is the provincial-level museum of Xinjiang. Its exhibits showcase the region’s history and the folk customs of its diverse ethnic groups, and feature rare displays such as a desiccated-mummy gallery. The collections are distinctly characteristic of Xinjiang, including renowned artifacts like the ancient “Loulan Beauty” mummy and the Han-dynasty brocade inscribed with “Five Stars Rise in the East.” It is a must-see attraction in Urumqi.
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International grand bazaar
The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar is the largest bazaar in the world, integrating Islamic culture, architecture, ethnic commerce and trade, entertainment, and dining. With its distinctive Islamic architectural style, it balances functionality and contemporary sensibilities while reviving the splendor of the ancient Silk Road, vividly showcasing the rich ethnic characteristics and regional culture of China’s Western Regions.
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Day8

Wulumuqi

Today’s itinerary: Urumqi → Your cozy home
Based on your return flight schedule, our staff will escort you to the airport in advance, bringing your wonderful journey to a pleasant close!

Highlights

Itinerary

sailimu Lake

guozigou bridge

lavender base

Sailboat on Sayram Lake

Qiongkushitai

Afternoon tea at Kurdenin Camp

Turks the city

Kurdenin Scenic Area

nalati grassland

Kazakh herdsmen visit home

Horseback riding in Nalati

Dushanzi Grand Canyon

DUKU ROAD

Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum

International grand bazaar