8-Day Tour of Ili, Xinjiang

Gathering in Yining

As winter sets in, around December, the Sea Lake begins to freeze gradually. Due to its large surface area and deep water, the freezing process starts from the shallow areas near the shore. The biting northern winds stir up the lake water, breaking the ice and creating "ice waves," which are more accurately referred to as "ice piles." Fragmented ice chunks and ice particles float in the water, swaying with the wind and waves, creating a mesmerizing effect on the lake's surface, resembling the scales of an ethereal silver dragon. This phenomenon of ice formation is quite unique.

Take a ride to Yuhu, also known as Zhao Su Yuhu, which is a secluded and mysterious place. During winter, the lake freezes, and beneath the ice, there are numerous beautiful ice bubbles. The journey passes through the snow-covered terrain of Zhao Su. If fortunate, one can attend the "Wanma Pengteng" event, which is held seasonally during winter. After the tour, we checked into the ZhaoSu Wang Lake Estate.

Head downstream along the Tux River, passing through Kalatohai, which is also a popular spot for viewing ice bubbles. It's less crowded and offers beautiful scenery. Overnight stay in Kurdengyin.

Today, we departed from the town of Kuerdengen to visit the Kuerdengen Scenic Area. We enjoyed the breathtaking scenery of the canyon and the snow-covered forest. Here, we mounted horses and used drones to capture stunning footage of one person and a horse, having fun and playing around in the snow before settling in for the night at Xinyuan.

In the Naranti scenic area, we can experience skiing. It is located in the Haixi Village within the scenic area and covers an area of 340 hectares. This location offers not only spectacular snow scenery but also excellent skiing facilities and various ice and snow recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for both skiing enthusiasts and families on vacation. After enjoying the skiing experience, we are planning to visit the Sky Meadow. After the tour, you can unwind and relax in the snow-covered hot springs, which will help alleviate fatigue. As your body gradually immerses itself in the warm waters, the warmth will gently caress every inch of your skin, providing an ultimate wellness experience.

The Yining Palace Bazaar is located within the Youqunwang Hui Ethnic Township of Yining County. This bazaar is well-known throughout Xinjiang, with live livestock trading being the largest in Asia. Traders from all parts of Xinjiang regularly come to purchase and transport cattle, sheep, and goats to the mainland. After experiencing the unique ethnic customs, we will visit Kazaqli or Liuxing Street. Kazaqli Folk Tourism Area is renowned as a "museum of residential architecture." Liuxing Street has become a large-scale humanistic tourist attraction that integrates unique street tours, craftsmanship processing, and retail, characterized by its beautiful environment, tranquility, and harmony.

Return journey from Yining