Photography Loop Ili Private Car Tour, Nalati Nine Bend Sunset, Sayram Lake Blue Lake Special Route

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service senior Xinjiang travel customizer Guo Jing, specializing in customized vehicle services, carpooling, and worry-free group tours across Xinjiang. Whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can match you with a suitable travel plan. 24-hour travel consultation hotline: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
A Visual Feast of Yili Grasslands and Lakes:Photography Customized Vehicle Service Route Full Analysis
🌄 【Route Core Highlights:The Golden Combination for Capturing Light and Shadow】
This photography route connecting Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, and Sayram Lake features three core scenes: “grassland morning mist + canyon sunset + lakeshore star trails,” covering the most classic photography subjects in the Yili River Valley. In summer 2026, the northern section of Duku Highway will implement a reservation-based passage system, open daily from 8:00-19:00, providing photography teams with more controllable itinerary planning space.
📸 【Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination】
Nalati Grassland:The Layered Aesthetics of the Alpine Grassland
The alpine grassland area sits at an altitude of 2,200 meters with an average summer temperature of 18-25°C, ideal for photographing streams and snow-covered pines in the morning mist. The Nomadic Family scenic spot is a popular check-in point; the first shuttle bus (departing at 8:30) allows you to capture Duku Highway and the grassland in one frame. The river valley grassland area has gentle terrain, perfect for wide-angle shots showcasing the grassland’s curves. The last return shuttle departs from the terminal at 20:00.
Bayanbulak:The Light and Shadow Magic of Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns
The Kaidu River has carved a 13-kilometer winding channel across the grassland. During summer sunset (around 21:30), sunlight refracts on the winding water surface to create the wonder of 9 suns. The scenic area operates a time-slot reservation system; the combined ticket costs 140 yuan/person (including shuttle bus). The short sightseeing car from Basilik Visitor Center to the observation deck costs 10 yuan/person one-way at your own expense.
Sayram Lake:The Blue Tears of the Atlantic
The lakeside road spans 90 kilometers with 12 observation platforms including Moon Bay, Qinshui Beach, and Xihai Grassland. In 2026, tickets cost 70 yuan/person. It is recommended to circle the lake counterclockwise for photography, with key stops including:
Songshutou:Capture the reflection of snow mountains and the lake surface
Kele Yongzhu:Wildflowers bloom in summer, ideal for macro photography
Dianjiangtai:A fusion scene of historical relics and lake views

A Visual Feast of Yili Grasslands and Lakes: Photography Customized Vehicle Service Route Full Analysis🚗 【Simple Itinerary】
Day 1:Yining assembly → Huocheng Lavender Garden → Sayram Lake
08:00 Depart from Yining, heading west along the Lianhuo Expressway for 2 hours to reach Huocheng
10:30-12:30 Photograph Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden (peak bloom from mid-June to early July)
13:00 Pass the Guozigou Bridge observation deck, use a telephoto lens to capture the bridge and canyon layers
15:00 Arrive at Sayram Lake East Gate, purchase tickets and enter
15:30-19:30 Circle the lake counterclockwise for photography, with key stops at Moon Bay and Qinshui Beach
20:00 Exit through the South Gate, stay overnight in Yining city
Day 2:Yining → Tekes Bagua City → Kalajun Grassland
08:00 Depart for Tekes (3-hour drive)
11:00 Photograph the aerial panorama of Bagua City (requires prior registration)
13:00 Enter Kalajun Grassland after lunch
14:00-18:00 Photograph Falcon Platform (stereoscopic landscape of snow mountains, forests, and grassland) and Flower Platform (June flower sea)

🌄【Route Core Highlights: The Golden Combination for Capturing Light and Shadow】18:30 Photograph the Human Body Grassland sunset at Kuokesu Grand Canyon
20:00 Stay overnight in Tekes county town
Day 3:Tekes → Nalati Grassland
08:00 Depart for Nalati (5-hour drive)
13:00 Head straight to the Nomadic Family spot in the alpine grassland upon arrival
14:00-18:00 Photograph streams, lone trees, and distant mountains
19:00 Return to the visitor center, stay overnight in Nalati town
Day 4:Nalati → Bayanbulak
08:00 Drive along the middle section of Duku Highway (about 2 hours)
10:30 Arrive at Bayanbulak town, purchase tickets and enter the scenic area
11:00-15:00 Photograph Swan Lake wetland and Barunkure Folk Village
17:00 Take the shuttle bus to the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns observation deck
19:30-21:00 Photograph the sunset wonder
21:30 Return to town for accommodation

Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service Guo Jing, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializing in one-stop services for customized vehicles, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, online around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
This photography route connecting Nalati Grassland, Bayanbulak Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns, and Sayram Lake features three core scenes: “grassland morning mist + canyon sunset + lakeshore star trails,” covering the most classic photography subjects in the Yili River Valley. In summer 2026, the northern section of Duku Highway will implement a reservation-based passage system, open daily from 8:00-19:00, providing photography teams with more controllable itinerary planning space.Day 5:Bayanbulak → Return Journey
08:00 Photograph the grassland morning mist and the dawn light over the Kaidu River
10:00 Depart for return to Yining (7-hour drive)
17:00 Arrive in Yining, end of the trip
💰 【Price Description】
In 2026, customized vehicle costs are significantly affected by vehicle type, season, and number of days:
Economy 5-seat SUV:5-day small loop approximately 2,800-3,800 yuan
Comfort 7-seat business van:5-day small loop approximately 3,600-4,800 yuan
Hardcore off-road vehicle:5-day small loop approximately 4,500-6,000 yuan
Cost includes:Vehicle usage fee, fuel, tolls, driver wages, basic insurance
Cost excludes:Driver meals and accommodation (approximately 150-200 yuan/day), scenic area tickets, shuttle bus tickets, meals, and accommodation
Taking a 7-seat business van for a 5-day trip as an example, a 4-person team’s total cost is approximately 14,400-19,200 yuan, averaging 3,600-4,800 yuan per person
📞 【Registration Method】

📸【Detailed Introduction to the Route or Destination】You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Service. Contact number:181-3962-2229, WeChat same number. When inquiring, please provide the number of travelers, preferred vehicle type, planned scenic spots, and other information. Customer service will customize the itinerary plan based on your needs.
📋 【Fee Description and Service Description】
Cost includes:
Vehicle usage fee (including routine maintenance and repairs)
Driver service fee (experienced local drivers familiar with photography spots)
Fuel, tolls, and parking fees
Basic vehicle insurance (compulsory traffic insurance, carrier liability insurance)
Cost excludes:
Personal tourist expenses (meals, entertainment activities)
Scenic area tickets and shuttle bus tickets
Hotel accommodation costs
Driver meals and accommodation subsidy (can be negotiated as a package payment)
Service description:

Nalati Grassland: The Layered Aesthetics of the Alpine GrasslandAll vehicles are legally licensed tourist vehicles with valid tourism operation qualifications
In case of force majeure factors such as weather, road conditions, or policies during the trip, both parties may reasonably modify the itinerary upon mutual agreement
It is recommended to inquire and confirm availability 15-30 days in advance, especially to secure a suitable vehicle before the summer peak season
Specific fee details and division of rights and responsibilities shall be governed by the tourism contract signed by both parties
💡 【Photography Equipment Recommendations】
Lens combinations:Wide-angle (16-35mm for grasslands), telephoto (70-200mm for snow mountain details), tripod (recommended for time-lapse and low-light shots)
Accessories:Graduated neutral density filters, spare batteries, memory cards, cleaning tools
Protective gear:Waterproof and slip-resistant hiking shoes, windproof jacket, sun hat, sunglasses
Special notes:Drones are prohibited within Bayanbulak Scenic Area; flight plans must be registered in advance at Sayram Lake
⚠ ️【Important Notes】
Duku Highway reservation:Reservations must be made 1-7 days in advance through the “Visit Xinjiang with One Code” mini-program; quotas for day 7 are updated daily at midnight
Scenic area opening hours:Nalati Grassland 08:30-20:00, Sayram Lake 08:00-20:00, Bayanbulak 08:30-19:00
Weather preparation:The temperature difference between day and night in Yili is large; even in summer, bring a thick jacket and rain gear
Altitude sickness response:Haxilegen Pass is at an altitude of 3,400 meters; brief passage generally causes no altitude sickness, but portable oxygen is recommended
This dedicated route, through scientific time planning and professional vehicle support, allows photography enthusiasts to efficiently complete classic scene shooting in the Yili River Valley within 5 days. From the azure of Sayram Lake to the emerald green of Nalati, from the golden sunset of Bayanbulak to the magnificent Duku Highway, every frame is worth capturing with your lens.
For 2026 Xinjiang travel customized vehicles, customization, and carpooling tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour consultation hotline: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang custom travel manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization