Yili Autumn Winter Zhaosu Jade Lake Group Tour Price List, Complete Travel Guide, Recommended Routes, Costs and Prices

Contact Manager Maizi at phone number 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.

Explore the Secret Autumn and Winter Wonders of Ili:Zhaosu Jade Lake In-Depth Group Tour Travel Guide✨
(Opening icon: 🌄) In autumn and winter, Ili sheds its summer hustle and bustle, captivating the world with a different charm. Nestled in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, Zhaosu Jade Lake transforms into a ‘Blue Ice Kingdom’ under the influence of low temperatures, where ice bubbles, rime ice, and snow-capped mountain reflections intertwine to create a fairy-tale world. The average daily temperature here ranges from -15°C to -20°C in winter, with ice layers reaching up to 40 centimeters thick, yet hidden dangers such as undercurrent and cracks still lurk. This guide will provide you with a practical overview, covering route highlights, itinerary planning, cost breakdown, and registration methods, to help you unlock this icy wonderland.
I. Route Highlights: More Than Just Blue Ice – An Autumn and Winter Exclusive Experience
Natural Wonders:The ‘Color-Changing Magic’ of Zhaosu Jade Lake
Zhaosu Jade Lake owes its dreamy blue ice color in autumn and winter to glacial meltwater carrying fine granite powder into the lake. Air trapped beneath the ice forms clusters of bubbles that sparkle like scattered pearls in the sunlight. The lakeshore is lined with rime ice stretching for kilometers, creating a watercolor painting with the distant Muzart Snow Mountain in the background.
Ecological Conservation:Sustainable Exploration of a Lesser-Known Destination
The scenic area limits daily visitors to 3,000 and prohibits drone flights over the ice. Hiking trails avoid ecologically fragile zones. Visitors can participate in the ‘Leave No Trace’ program, receiving biodegradable trash bags in exchange for scenic area souvenirs.
Cultural Immersion:Winter Life of the Local Kazak Community
The itinerary includes a special visit to a Kazak winter pasture in Kaxiajia’er Town, where you can experience milking mares, making traditional cheese curds, and listening to dombra performances. Locals will treat you to steaming baursak (fried dough) with milk tea, offering a glimpse into their hospitality.
Photography Paradise:Guided Creation with Professional Instructors
The team includes photography guides familiar with ice reflection patterns and rime ice formation times. Recommended shooting spots include:Sunrise silhouettes at the Jade Mirror Sky Peak viewpoint, ice bubble close-ups at the dock area, and snowy pasture horse herding scenes in Aheyazi Gorge.
II. Simple Itinerary: 7-Day, 6-Night Classic Autumn and Winter Loop
(Itinerary designed based on 2026 winter road conditions and scenic area policies; reasonable changes may be made upon mutual agreement)

Explore the Secret Autumn and Winter Wonders of Ili: Zhaosu Jade Lake In-Depth Group Tour Travel Guide✨Day 1:Urumqi Assembly – Ice and Snow Acclimation Day
Transportation:Fly into Urumqi Diwopu International Airport from various locations; private transfer to a downtown hotel (20-minute drive from the airport).
Activities:Visit the Xinjiang Museum in the afternoon, focusing on the ‘Niya Site’ special exhibition; enjoy grilled stuffed buns and pilaf at the International Bazaar in the evening to adjust to the time difference and local cuisine.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel with floor heating and humidifiers.
Day 2:Urumqi → Sayram Lake (520 km, 6.5 hours)
Transportation:Head west along the Lianhuo Expressway, crossing the Guozigou Bridge (winter speed limit: 60 km/h).
Highlights:Self-drive around Sayram Lake, with stops at the General’s Platform, Kele Yongzhu, and Pine Tree Head. The lake freezes to a thickness of 60 centimeters in winter, allowing for ice biking (equipment provided by the scenic area).
Accommodation:Eco-friendly wooden cabin by the lake with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the snow-capped mountains.
Day 3:Sayram Lake → Ili-Zhaosu Highway → Zhaosu (380 km, 6 hours)
Transportation:The Ili-Zhaosu Highway is closed in winter; take National Highway G577 via Tekes instead, with a stop at Qiapuqihai Reservoir for snow views.
Key Focus:Watch ‘Wild Horses Treading on Snow’ at Zhaosu Wetland Park, where horse herds gallop across the snowy plains, kicking up clouds of snow.
Accommodation:Four-star hotel in Zhaosu County; enjoy dried meat naren (horse meat noodles) for dinner.
Day 4:In-Depth Zhaosu Jade Lake Tour (100 km round trip, 3 hours)

(Opening icon: 🌄) In autumn and winter, Ili sheds its summer hustle and bustle, captivating the world with a different charm. Nestled in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains, Zhaosu Jade Lake transforms into a ‘Blue Ice Kingdom’ under the influence of low temperatures, where ice bubbles, rime ice, and snow-capped mountain reflections intertwine to create a fairy-tale world. The average daily temperature here ranges from -15°C to -20°C in winter, with ice layers reaching up to 40 centimeters thick, yet hidden dangers such as undercurrent and cracks still lurk. This guide will provide you with a practical overview, covering route highlights, itinerary planning, cost breakdown, and registration methods, to help you unlock this icy wonderland.Transportation:7-seat commercial vehicle directly to the scenic area parking lot (four-wheel drive recommended in winter).
Itinerary:
09:30 Arrive at the scenic area and receive anti-slip ice cleats and a guidebook;
10:00 Hike to the Jade Mirror Sky Peak viewpoint for panoramic blue ice views;
12:00 Experience ice camping at the dock area (warm tents and hot drinks provided);
14:00 Hike through the snowy plains of Aheyazi Gorge, searching for natural animal tracks;
16:00 Return to Zhaosu County for free time to purchase Kazak handicrafts.
Accommodation:Same as Day 3.
Day 5:Zhaosu → Tekes Bagua City → Kuerdening (280 km, 5 hours)
Transportation:Take Provincial Highway S220 to Tekes; winter road conditions require tire chains.
Highlights:Aerial photography of Tekes Bagua City (advance notice required); hike through the Kuerdening Snowy Spruce Forest Reserve, with potential sightings of snow cocks and red deer.
Accommodation:Homestay in Kuerdening scenic area with heated kang beds and wool felt.
Day 6:Kuerdening → Nalati Sky Grassland (180 km, 3.5 hours)

I. Route Highlights: More Than Just Blue Ice – An Autumn and Winter Exclusive ExperienceTransportation:Head east along National Highway G218; winter traffic restrictions apply from 19:00 to 08:00.
Key Focus:Winter scenery at Nalati Grassland, performances of the ‘Black Walking Horse’ dance by various ethnic groups, and participation in snow sheep herding competitions (agreement required).
Accommodation:Hot spring hotel in Nalati Town to relieve hiking fatigue.
Day 7:Nalati → Northern Section of the Duku Highway → Urumqi (550 km, 8 hours)
Transportation:The Duku Highway is recommended to be open from Jo’erma to Dushanzi in winter, with police escort for the entire journey.
Return Trip:Pay respects to road construction heroes at the Jo’erma Martyrs Cemetery along the way; arrive in Urumqi in the evening with airport transfer service available until 22:00.
III. Pricing Information: Transparent Fee Structure
(Fees may fluctuate based on departure date; subject to contract or on-site confirmation)
Basic Tour Fee (7 days, 6 nights)
Adult Price:7,980 RMB per person
Child Price (ages 6-12, no extra bed):5,380 RMB per person
：2,600 RMB per person
Fees Include:

Natural Wonders: The ‘Color-Changing Magic’ of Zhaosu Jade LakeTransportation:Full itinerary in a 7-seat commercial vehicle (including fuel, tolls, and driver allowance);
Accommodation:6 nights in four-star hotels/characteristic homestays;
Admission Tickets:First entrance tickets to scenic areas such as Sayram Lake, Zhaosu Jade Lake, and Nalati;
Meals:6 breakfasts + 10 main meals (including 3 special meals);
Services:Professional tour guide + photography guide + medical kit.
Optional Expenses (Voluntary)
Self-Drive Entry Fee for Zhaosu Jade Lake:100 RMB per vehicle (7 seats or fewer);
Ice Entertainment Projects:Ice biking: 50 RMB per hour; snowmobile: 150 RMB per lap;
Nalati Snow Sheep Herding Experience:200 RMB per person;
Special Performances:‘Black Walking Horse’ evening show by various ethnic groups: 180 RMB per person.
Discounts
Seniors (65+), students, medical workers, and military personnel receive a 10% discount on tour fees with valid identification;
Groups of 3 or more receive a 300 RMB discount per person;

Zhaosu Jade Lake owes its dreamy blue ice color in autumn and winter to glacial meltwater carrying fine granite powder into the lake. Air trapped beneath the ice forms clusters of bubbles that sparkle like scattered pearls in the sunlight. The lakeshore is lined with rime ice stretching for kilometers, creating a watercolor painting with the distant Muzart Snow Mountain in the background. Register 30 days in advance to receive a Xinjiang specialty gift package (including nuts and raisins).
IV. Registration Methods: Professional Service Guarantees
Register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency; consult Customer Service Manager Zhang Jing for information on departure availability, cost breakdown, and contract terms. Registration requires providing valid identification information for travel accident insurance; children must also provide a copy of their household registration book.
V. Fee and Service Explanations
Vehicle Configuration:Four-wheel drive commercial vehicles with snow tires, tire chains, and emergency tool kits are used in winter;
Accommodation Standards:Priority is given to hotels with sufficient heating and 24-hour hot water; homestays provide electric blankets;
Safety Measures:Blood oxygen meters and first aid medications are carried in the vehicle; tour guides monitor visitors’ temperatures daily;
Contract Signing:The Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s standard travel contract is used, clearly specifying included fees and optional expenses;
Subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
VI. Pre-Trip Tips: Balancing Experience and Preparedness
Clothing and Gear:Layered dressing (moisture-wicking base layer + fleece + down jacket); recommended items include snow boots, wool socks, and touchscreen gloves;
Electronic Devices:Apply hand warmers to phones to prevent shutdowns; keep spare camera batteries in inner pockets for insulation;
Environmental Protection:Bring a reusable thermos to reduce single-use items; sort and dispose of trash at designated points;
Policy Compliance:Follow tour guide instructions for ice activities at Zhaosu Jade Lake; do not cross warning lines.
(Closing icon:❄️) Autumn and winter at Zhaosu Jade Lake offer a visual feast from nature and a test of traveler awareness. Choose a professional team and prepare thoroughly to enjoy a warm and unforgettable journey in this ice and snow fairy tale.

Contact Manager Maizi at 13201333409 or WeChat 13201333409 to send your itinerary and receive a quote.