How Much Does It Cost for a Group Tour of Yili via Yizhao Highway Recommended Itinerary Costs and Prices
Contact Manager Wang Fei at phone number 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.
⭐【In-depth Tour of Yili’s Yizhao Highway: Unlock the 7-Day Secret Realm of Cloud Grasslands】⭐
If you plan to visit Yili, Xinjiang in the summer of 2026, the combination of the Yizhao Highway and the surrounding grasslands is truly a “double feast of nature and culture.” This S237 provincial road, connecting Yining City and Zhaosu County, is famous for its “four seasons in one day” spectacle, with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons intertwined along the way. Paired with the vast expanse of the Nalati Grassland and the three-dimensional画卷 (scroll) of the Kalajun Grassland, it forms a flowing ecological masterpiece. Below is a practical guide covering itinerary design, cost breakdown, and service guarantees.
I. Itinerary Highlights: The Collision of the Cloud Highway and the Grassland Kingdom
【Core Experience of the Yizhao Highway】
Landscape Diversity: The highway spans approximately 180 kilometers, connecting three major landmarks: the Baishi Peak Observation Deck (elevation 3,475 meters), Wild Wolf Valley, and Zhaosu Grassland. In the early morning, as you pass through the clouds, the snow-capped mountains appear faintly visible; in the afternoon, sunlight pierces through the clouds, causing the grasslands to shimmer with golden waves; in the evening, the setting sun casts a molten-gold glow, dyeing the river valley orange-red.
Limited Access:The highway is open from June to September each year (subject to official announcements), with typical operating hours from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is advisable to avoid the midday traffic peak.
Ecological Interaction:In Wild Wolf Valley, you may encounter marmots. In summer, the Zhaosu Grassland features rapeseed flowers framed by snow-capped mountains, while in autumn, wheat waves roll across the fields. Known as the “Homeland of Celestial Horses,” you can watch displays of world-famous horse breeds.
【Twin Grassland Gems】
Nalati Grassland:A 5A-rated scenic area renowned for its “空中草原 (sky grassland),” it is covered in wildflowers from June to August and bursts with autumn colors in October. You can take a shuttle bus to the Youmu Renjia (Nomadic Family) station for horseback riding or hiking, then spend the night in a grassland wooden cabin, gazing up at the Milky Way.
Kalajun Grassland:Another 5A-rated scenic area, famous for its “人体草原 (human-body grassland)” and Flower Terrace. At sunset, the undulating curves of the meadow blend with the setting sun. Photography enthusiasts can hike along the Falcon Terrace to capture the changing light and shadow.
【Cultural Landmarks】
⭐【In-depth Tour of Yili’s Yizhao Highway: Unlock the 7-Day Secret Realm of Cloud Grasslands】⭐Tekes Bagua City:An ancient city laid out in accordance with the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) principle, it maintains orderly traffic without traffic lights. In the evening, take a Ferris wheel ride for a panoramic view of the city, stroll through the streets at night, and savor a Xibe ethnic feast known as the “Nine Bowls in Three Rows.”
Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden:From June to July, the garden bursts into a sea of purple lavender. Wear a light-colored dress for idyllic photos, and visit nearby shops for DIY lavender sachet experiences.
II. 7-Day Classic Itinerary (Enter and Exit via Urumqi)
【Day 1: Urumqi → Yining City】
Transportation:Arrive in Urumqi by morning flight, then transfer to an afternoon flight or overnight hard-sleeper train to Yining City (approximately 6 hours by train or 1.5 hours by flight).
Accommodation:Hotel near Liuxing Street in Yining City for convenient car pickup the next day.
Dinner:Savor hand-pulled rice and baked stuffed buns in the Kazanqi Folk Village while experiencing the courtyard life of various ethnic groups.
【Day 2: Yining City → Yizhao Highway → Zhaosu County】
Morning:Traverse the Yizhao Highway, stopping at the Baishi Peak Observation Deck and Wild Wolf Valley to capture stunning photos of the cloud highway.
Afternoon:Arrive in Zhaosu County, visit the Tianma Cultural Park (if open), and enjoy the grassland sunset in the evening.
Accommodation:Zhaosu Grassland Inn to experience the yurts of various ethnic groups.
【Day 3: Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Trail → Tekes County】
If you plan to visit Yili, Xinjiang in the summer of 2026, the combination of the Yizhao Highway and the surrounding grasslands is truly a “double feast of nature and culture.” This S237 provincial road, connecting Yining City and Zhaosu County, is famous for its “four seasons in one day” spectacle, with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and canyons intertwined along the way. Paired with the vast expanse of the Nalati Grassland and the three-dimensional画卷 (scroll) of the Kalajun Grassland, it forms a flowing ecological masterpiece. Below is a practical guide covering itinerary design, cost breakdown, and service guarantees.Morning:Take a light hike in the Xiata Scenic Area to General Bridge (6 kilometers round trip), passing through glaciers, forests, and grasslands.
Afternoon:Drive to Tekes Bagua City, take a Ferris wheel ride for a panoramic view, and explore the Bagua streets at night.
Accommodation:Hotel in Tekes County. Try Xibe ethnic cuisine.
【Day 4: Tekes → Kalajun Grassland → Nalati Town】
All Day:Explore Kalajun Grassland in depth, focusing on photographing the human-body grassland and Flower Terrace. In the afternoon, head to Nalati Town and check into a grassland-themed guesthouse.
Dinner:Savor Kazakh farmhouse dishes in Nalati Town, such as milk tea sets and dried meat.
【Day 5: In-Depth Tour of Nalati Grassland】
Morning:Take a shuttle bus to explore the sky grassland, then hike or ride a horse from the Youmu Renjia station.
Afternoon:Visit the river valley grassland to experience local life and watch the grassland sunset in the evening.
Accommodation:Wooden cabin guesthouse in Nalati Town. Join a bonfire party at night (weather permitting).
【Day 6: Nalati → Duku Highway → Yining City】
Morning:Enter the Yili section of the Duku Highway, enjoying views of canyons, streams, and forests along the way.
I. Itinerary Highlights: The Collision of the Cloud Highway and the Grassland KingdomAfternoon:Return to Yining City and freely purchase local specialties (such as lavender products and dried milk curd).
Dinner:Sample handmade ice cream and grilled lamb skewers at the Liuxing Street Night Market.
【Day 7: Yining City → Urumqi】
Morning:Take a stroll in the Yili River Scenic Area and photograph the river amid morning mist.
Afternoon:Transfer to the airport/station based on your flight/train schedule to conclude the itinerary.
III. Cost Breakdown (Reference Range for 2026)
【Package Tour Costs】
Basic No-Frills Itinerary (3,980–4,980 RMB per person):
Includes:6 nights in comfortable hotels, standard tourist bus, first admission tickets + shuttle buses for core attractions, 6 breakfasts + 3 main meals, guide services, and travel accident insurance (coverage of 500,000 RMB).
Excludes:Round-trip transportation to Urumqi, personal expenses (approximately 800 RMB per person).
Comfortable No-Frills Itinerary (5,280–6,580 RMB per person):
【Core Experience of the Yizhao Highway】Upgrades:4-diamond hotels, 2+1 first-class land coaches, 5 special main meals (50–60 RMB per person), afternoon tea at Sayram Lake or ethnic costume photoshoot.
Premium No-Frills Itinerary (6,980–7,980 RMB per person):
Upgrades:5-diamond hotels + Sayram Lake camper van/Hemu wooden cabin, 7-seat business vehicle, all meals included (80–100 RMB per person), Hemu horseback riding, drone aerial photography, and other experiences.
【Self-Guided Tour Cost Reference】
Transportation:Round-trip flights between Urumqi and Yining City cost approximately 1,500–2,500 RMB per person. Customized transportation on the Yizhao Highway (5-seat SUV) costs about 1,200–1,500 RMB per day during peak season.
Accommodation:Budget hotels in Yining City cost approximately 200–400 RMB per night, while grassland guesthouses in Nalati cost about 400–800 RMB per night.
Admission Tickets:Nalati: 95 RMB per person; Kalajun: 170 RMB per person; Sayram Lake: 145 RMB per person (subject to official景区 announcements).
【Cost Notes】
Prices may fluctuate based on travel dates and should be confirmed via contract or customer service.
Included items must be explicitly stated in the contract to avoid verbal promises.
For solo travelers, every effort will be made to arrange shared accommodations. Special circumstances require separate negotiation.
IV. Registration and Service Guarantees
Landscape Diversity: The highway spans approximately 180 kilometers, connecting three major landmarks: the Baishi Peak Observation Deck (elevation 3,475 meters), Wild Wolf Valley, and Zhaosu Grassland. In the early morning, as you pass through the clouds, the snow-capped mountains appear faintly visible; in the afternoon, sunlight pierces through the clouds, causing the grasslands to shimmer with golden waves; in the evening, the setting sun casts a molten-gold glow, dyeing the river valley orange-red.【Registration Methods】
Register through Xinjiang Explorer International Travel Agency. Customer service manager Zhang Jing provides itinerary consultations, vehicle scheduling, and route planning services.
【Service Notes】
Qualification Verification:Before registration, request to view the travel agency’s business license, vehicle operation permits, and driver qualification certificates.
Contract Signing:Both parties sign a formal travel contract clearly outlining the itinerary, cost breakdown, and liability for breach of contract.
Emergency Support:The travel agency provides 24-hour emergency services, and vehicles are equipped with basic first aid kits.
Specifics are subject to actual consultation and contract signing.
V. Pre-Trip Tips
Climate Preparation:Yili experiences significant temperature variations between day and night. In summer, bring a light jacket and sun protection. Mountainous areas may encounter sudden showers, so pack rain gear.
Cultural Respect:Do not bring pork products into restaurants. Obtain consent before photographing local residents.
Dining Suggestions:Travelers who are not accustomed to lamb should inform the guide in advance to adjust meals. Choose licensed restaurants and avoid drinking untreated water.
Reminders:Do not venture alone into remote areas such as deep mountains or canyons. Follow signs in scenic areas and avoid unopened regions.
The beauty of the Yizhao Highway lies in its “gentle danger”—steep mountain roads are accompanied by gently flowing rivers, while the harsh cold wind carries the warm smiles of various ethnic groups. Choosing a licensed travel agency, signing a detailed contract, and planning your itinerary carefully will ensure a trip without regrets.
Contact Manager Wang Fei at 18095969599 or WeChat 18095969599 to send itinerary and quotation.

