You must experience Ili, Xinjiang (伊犁，新疆) at least once❗ The reality surpasses the photos! In the vast land, the wind blows through the grass, revealing cows and sheep everywhere. It's vibrant and full of a chill vibe 🍃.

⏰ Best Time to Visit Ili
[May]
-- Affordable flights 🛩, reasonable accommodation costs 💰, beautiful scenery, and fewer tourists. Perfect for travel.
[June]
-- Travel off-peak. The Duku Highway (独库公路) 🛣 usually opens in June, and it's also the lavender season. Enjoy seasonal beauty spots.
[July]
-- Peak tourist season in Ili. The mountains, lakes, grasslands, and flower fields display unparalleled beauty.
[August]
-- After mid-August, it's better to explore Kanas (喀纳斯) and Hemu (禾木) in Northern Xinjiang instead of just Ili.

🍃 Northern Xinjiang 8-Day Tour
Day 1: Urumqi (乌鲁木齐)—Tianshan Tianchi (天山天池)—Koktokay (可可托海)
Day 2: Koktokay (可可托海)—Five Color Beach (五彩滩)—Buerjin (布尔津)
Day 3: Buerjin (布尔津)—Kanas (喀纳斯)—Jiadengyu (贾登峪)
Day 4: Jiadengyu (贾登峪)—Hemu (禾木)
Day 5: Hemu (禾木)—Devil City (魔鬼城)—Bahuang Camp (八荒营地)—Urho (乌尔禾)
Day 6: Urho (乌尔禾)—Sailimu Lake (赛里木湖)—Lavender Garden (薰衣草庄园)—Yining (伊宁)
Day 7: Yining (伊宁)—Nalati Grassland (那拉提空中草原)—Bayinbuluke (巴音布鲁克)
Day 8: Bayinbuluke (巴音布鲁克)—Duku Highway (独库公路, June)—Urumqi (乌鲁木齐)

👗 What to Wear

1. Day and Night Temperature Differences: Wear a T-shirt 👕 with a jacket over it. For bottoms, wear tapered pants 👖 or a skirt. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are a must ✔.
2. Color Contrast: For photos, girls can wear bright colors like white, red, yellow, blue, and green 📸. Bring dresses 👗. Boys can look stylish in outdoor jackets.

📝 Travel Tips
🏠 Accommodation: Book your stay in advance due to the long travel distances.
🔮 Sun Protection: The UV rays in Xinjiang (新疆) are stronger than in western Sichuan (四川), so protect yourself from the sun.
⌚ Time Difference: In summer, it gets dark around 8-9 PM. Don't overexert yourself to ensure you enjoy the next day's activities.
🍱 Food: Xinjiang (新疆) cuisine is delicious, including dishes like big plate chicken, roasted naan, baked buns, and stir-fried rice noodles.
🚮 Other Tips: Always carry your trash with you and protect the environment. Don't forget your ID 🪪.

Estimated Costs for the Trip:

• Accommodation: 2,800 CNY (approximately $390 USD) for 8 days
• Food: 1,400 CNY (approximately $200 USD) for 8 days
• Transportation: 1,600 CNY (approximately $225 USD)
• Attraction Tickets: 1,000 CNY (approximately $140 USD)

Total Estimated Cost: 6,800 CNY (approximately $955 USD)
Note: Costs can vary based on meal and accommodation choices and travel timing.