Photography Enthusiast Yili Charter, June Lavender & July Grassland Flower Sea Dual Route Special Line
Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency’s senior Xinjiang travel customizer Guo Jing specializes in one-stop travel services across Xinjiang including custom car rentals, carpooling, and worry-free group tours. 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, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
Yili Photography Special Route:Chase lavender waves in June, explore grassland flower seas in July
📸 Detailed introduction to the route or destination
The Yili River Valley in Xinjiang is a ‘natural photography studio’ in the hearts of photographers of all ethnic groups. In June, the lavender fields of Huocheng surge with purple waves that meet the blue sky; in July, wildflowers spread across the Kalajun Grassland, golden lotuses sway by the shores of Sayram Lake, and the Nalati Grassland spreads out like a green carpet. There are scenic views in every season here, but June-July is especially ideal for photography:
Huocheng Lavender:The planting area exceeds 30,000 mu, with core production areas concentrated in Sigong Village, Lucaogou Town, and Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden. The peak blooming period is from June 15 to July 5, with soft light from 6-9 AM or 6-8 PM, ideal for portraits and panoramic shots of the flower fields. Some estates provide props such as swings and wooden chairs for composition.
Kalajun Grassland: Divided into East and West Kalajun and the Kuokesu Grand Canyon. The ‘Flower Terrace’ in East Kalajun has dense wildflowers, while the ‘Falcon Terrace’ in West Kalajun overlooks the boundary between spruce forests and grassland. The ‘Human Body Grassland’ in Kuokesu Grand Canyon shows layered curves on the grassy slopes when light hits at an angle before 11 AM, making it the golden time for capturing light and shadow.
Sayram Lake:The lakeside road is fully open, with multiple viewing platforms along the section from the East Gate to the South Gate. In June, wildflowers bloom by the lake; in July, golden lotuses and primroses dot the shoreline. Self-driving vehicles must stay on designated roads and are prohibited from driving on the grassland.
Nalati Grassland:At the ‘Nomadic Families’ scenic spot on the aerial grassland route, local Kazakh herders often graze their livestock, offering opportunities to photograph interactions between lambs and children. The ‘Panlong Valley Road’ in the river valley grassland has dense forests, ideal for forest-style portraits.
Xiata Ancient Trail:Hike to General’s Bridge, with views of the Muzart Glacier in the distance along the way. The glacier viewpoint is greatly affected by weather, so it is recommended to check the opening status via official park announcements before departure.
Yili Photography Special Route: Chase lavender waves in June, explore grassland flower seas in July🗺 ️Simple Itinerary (June-July Dual Route Design)
June Lavender Special Route (5 days, 4 nights)
Day 1:Meet in Yining → Liuxing Street (Russian-style old buildings) → Kazanqi Folk Village (horse-drawn carriage tour) → Stay in Yining city center
Day 2:Yining → Huocheng Lavender Estate (Jieyou Princess Garden/Sigong Village) → Guozigou Bridge viewpoint → Sayram Lake lakeside tour (key stops: Jiangjuntai, Qinshuitan) → Stay in lakeside guesthouse
Day 3:Sayram Lake sunrise → West lakeside route (Songshutou Boardwalk, Keleyongzhu) → Yizhao Highway (stop at rapeseed flower fields along the way) → Stay in Zhaosu county town
Day 4:Zhaosu → Xiata Ancient Trail (hike to General’s Bridge) → Tekes Bagua City (night tour light show) → Stay in Tekes
Day 5:Tekes → Kalajun Grassland (Flower Terrace, Falcon Terrace) → Return to Yining (end of tour)
July Grassland Flower Sea Special Route (6 days, 5 nights)
Day 1:Meet in Yining → Sayram Lake lakeside tour (photograph lake views and snow mountains) → Stay in Qingshuihe Town
📸Detailed introduction to the route or destinationDay 2:Qingshuihe → Huocheng Lavender (make-up shots of late blooming period) → Kalajun Grassland (Kuokesu Grand Canyon cable car) → Stay in Tekes
Day 3:Tekes → Qiongkushitai (light hike on the back mountain) → Stay in wooden cabin guesthouse
Day 4:Qiongkushitai → Nalati Grassland (aerial grassland + river valley grassland) → Stay in Nalati Town
Day 5:Nalati → Duku Highway (northern section, if open) → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery → Stay in Kuitun
Day 6:Kuitun → Anjihai Grand Canyon → Return to Yining (end of tour)
💰 Price Information (2026 Reference)
Custom car rental costs are affected by vehicle type, number of days, and number of people. The following are reference ranges for common vehicle types (subject to the contract):
4-seat business van (e.g., Buick GL8):5-day tour approximately 4800-6200 yuan, 6-day tour approximately 6000-7500 yuan
7-seat off-road vehicle (e.g., Toyota Prado):5-day tour approximately 6500-8000 yuan, 6-day tour approximately 8000-9500 yuan
Guo Jing of Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, a senior travel customizer with 10 years of deep experience in Xinjiang tourism, specializes in one-stop services for custom car rentals, carpooling, and group tours in Xinjiang. 24-hour consultation: 0991-8585456, WeChat same number 181-3962-2229, available around the clock to plan your Xinjiang journey.
The Yili River Valley in Xinjiang is a ‘natural photography studio’ in the hearts of photographers of all ethnic groups. In June, the lavender fields of Huocheng surge with purple waves that meet the blue sky; in July, wildflowers spread across the Kalajun Grassland, golden lotuses sway by the shores of Sayram Lake, and the Nalati Grassland spreads out like a green carpet. There are scenic views in every season here, but June-July is especially ideal for photography:9-12 seat minibus:5-day tour approximately 8500-11000 yuan, 6-day tour approximately 10000-13000 yuan
Included in the fee:Driver service fee, vehicle fuel costs, toll fees, basic insurance
Not included in the fee:Scenic area tickets, shuttle buses, accommodation, meals, personal expenses
📞 How to Register
You can register through Xinjiang Pathfinder International Travel Agency, which provides one-on-one itinerary customization services. Consultation phone:181-3962-2229, WeChat same number.
📋 Fee Description and Service Information
Reference for scenic area tickets (2026):
Sayram Lake:Ticket 70 yuan/person, shuttle bus 75 yuan/person, self-driving package 145 yuan/person (includes ticket + shuttle bus, valid for 48 hours)
Huocheng Lavender: The planting area exceeds 30,000 mu, with core production areas concentrated in Sigong Village, Lucaogou Town, and Jieyou Princess Lavender Garden. The peak blooming period is from June 15 to July 5, with soft light from 6-9 AM or 6-8 PM, ideal for portraits and panoramic shots of the flower fields. Some estates provide props such as swings and wooden chairs for composition.Kalajun Grassland:Ticket 80 yuan/person, shuttle bus 90 yuan/person; Kuokesu Grand Canyon ticket 40 yuan/person, boat ticket 60 yuan/person, shuttle bus 50 yuan/person
Nalati Grassland:Ticket 95 yuan/person, aerial grassland shuttle bus 60 yuan/person, river valley grassland shuttle bus 40 yuan/person
Xiata Ancient Trail:Ticket 30 yuan/person, shuttle bus 60 yuan/person
Huocheng Lavender Estate:Jieyou Princess Garden approximately 40 yuan/person, Sigong Village free (some estates require registration)
Service Standards:
Vehicles:Compliant commercial vehicles, regularly maintained, equipped with first-aid kits, drinking water, and charging devices
Driver:Local professionals familiar with road conditions and scenic area updates, working no more than 10 hours per day
Insurance:Basic travel accident insurance
Notes:
Kalajun Grassland: Divided into East and West Kalajun and the Kuokesu Grand Canyon. The ‘Flower Terrace’ in East Kalajun has dense wildflowers, while the ‘Falcon Terrace’ in West Kalajun overlooks the boundary between spruce forests and grassland. The ‘Human Body Grassland’ in Kuokesu Grand Canyon shows layered curves on the grassy slopes when light hits at an angle before 11 AM, making it the golden time for capturing light and shadow.Mountain weather is changeable; bring windproof jackets and sun protection
Scenic area opening status may change due to weather or policy; itinerary changes can be made by mutual agreement
During peak season (June-August), it is recommended to book accommodation and vehicles 15-30 days in advance
Specific details are subject to actual consultation and contract signing
📌 Photography Tips
Equipment:Wide-angle lens for flower fields, telephoto lens to capture snow mountains and wildlife, polarizing filter to reduce lake surface reflections
Clothing:White, red, and yellow clothing photograph better on the grassland; light blue or white dresses suit the lavender fields
Timing:The first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset are golden shooting times; avoid harsh midday light
Composition:Use grassland lines, flower field textures, and lake reflections to add depth to your images
Summer in Yili is a dialogue between the lens and nature. Whether it’s the purple romance of June lavender or the colorful tapestry of July grasslands, custom car rental allows you to avoid the crowds and capture the most authentic light and shadow. Confirm your reservation details before departure, bring all your equipment and good spirits, and leave the rest to the professional driver and the gifts of this land.
For 2026 Xinjiang travel custom car rental, customization, and carpooling tours, welcome to inquire (24-hour consultation phone: 0991-8585456). Xinjiang custom travel manager Guo Jing WeChat: 181-3962-2229 for customization
