Occurring in May and June, these 4 destinations are not to be missed!

1. Yili, Xinjiang – A Romantic Symphony of Purple Flowers and Grasslands Destination Overview Known as the "Jiangnan of the Frontier," Yili in June is the season when lavender blooms. The tens of thousands of acres of purple flower fields in Huocheng spread out like a dream. Paired with the snow-capped mountains and wildflowers of the Narat Grassland, it feels like being in a fairy tale world. Lake Sayram, the "last tear of the Atlantic," is breathtakingly blue under the sunlight, and every photo you take is wallpaper-worthy. Transportation Guide - Airplane + Self-Driving: Fly to Urumqi, then transfer to Yining (approx. 1.5 hours), and then rent a car for self-driving (recommended Yizhao Highway); or charter a car directly from Urumqi to take the Duku Highway (pay attention to the opening time). - Train: The train from Urumqi to Yining takes about 5 hours, with magnificent scenery along the way. Food Recommendations - Hand-pulled pilaf: Oily rice made with lamb chops and carrots, recommended "Ayr Khasar" in Yining City. - Roasted buns: Crispy crust wrapped in diced mutton, CNY 2 each, bursting with juice when you bite into them while they're hot. - Lavender honey: Available at farms along the road in Huocheng, CNY 50 per jar, sweet but not greasy. Itinerary Suggestions - Day 1: Yining → Huocheng Princess Jieyou Lavender Garden (best at sunset) → Guozigou Bridge Viewing Platform. - Day 2: Lake Sayram loop (self-driving or cycling) → Narat Grassland (stay at a starry sky camp). - Day 3: Kazanqi Folk Village (take photos in the blue neighborhood) → Return trip. Useful Tips - The lavender flowering period is only about 2 weeks, with the peak in mid-to-late June. It is recommended to pay attention to the opening of the farm in advance. - There is a large temperature difference in Xinjiang. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses during the day, and a light down jacket at night. It is recommended to choose an SUV for car rental, as some grassland sections are bumpy. 2. Zagana, Gannan – The Emerald Fairyland of the Tibetan Secret Realm Destination Overview Gannan is known as "Little Tibet." In June, the grasslands turn green, and wildflowers are dotted like stars. The Tibetan villages of Zagana and the misty stone city mountains constitute "the place where the gods live." The prayer wheel corridor of Labrang Monastery and the canyon streams of Langmusi are a double healing of culture and nature. Transportation Guide - Self-driving loop: Depart from Lanzhou → Xiahe (Labrang Monastery) → Sangke Grassland → Zagana (approx. 5 hours for the whole journey). - Public transportation: Take a bus from Lanzhou South Bus Station to Hezuo City (4 hours), and then take a shared car to various attractions. Food Recommendations - Yak hot pot: Freshly cut yak meat from Zagana Tibetan Restaurant, served with wild mushroom soup base, CNY 80 per person. - Tsampa with butter tea: Experience a Tibetan breakfast, with sweet and salty flavors to choose from, CNY 10 per set. Itinerary Suggestions - Day 1: Lanzhou → Labrang Monastery (photograph the morning mist and prayer wheels) → Stay in Xiahe. - Day 2: Horse riding on Sangke Grassland → Bird watching at Guomang Wetland → Hiking in Zagana Stone City (stay in a Tibetan B&B). - Day 3: Langmusi Town (explore Bailongjiang Canyon) → Return trip. Useful Tips - The altitude is around 3,000m, so avoid strenuous exercise and prepare oral glucose solution to relieve altitude sickness. - Respect Tibetan customs, turn the prayer wheel clockwise, and taking photos is prohibited in the temple. 3. Libo, Guizhou – The Emerald-like Karst Wonderland Destination Overview Libo Xiaoqikong is known as the "emerald on the belt of the earth." In May and June, the water volume is abundant, the Mandarin Duck Lake is as green as jade, and the vines and waterfalls in the Water Forest overlap. With fewer people and beautiful scenery, it is suitable for summer heat and forest-style photography. Transportation Guide - High-speed train + bus: Take the high-speed train from Guiyang North Station to Duyun (1 hour), then transfer to Libo by bus (2.5 hours). - Self-driving: About 3.5 hours from Guiyang, you can stop by the China Tianyan scenic spot along the way. Food Recommendations - Sour soup fish: Bouyei flavor, recommended "Zou Pangge Delicious", sour and spicy appetizer, CNY 60 per person. - Libo rice cakes: Crispy rice cakes, CNY 5 per pack, suitable for hiking snacks. Itinerary Suggestions - Day 1: Xiaoqikong Ancient Bridge → Laya Waterfall → 68-level Waterfall → Boating on Mandarin Duck Lake. - Day 2: Daqikong Natural Bridge → Yaoshan Ancient Village (experience the long table banquet and monkey drum dance) → Stay in Libo Ancient Town. Useful Tips - Entering Xiaoqikong from the east gate can avoid the crowds, and wearing non-slip sandals is convenient for wading. - There is no catering in the scenic area, so bring your own dry food. There are many mosquitoes in summer, so you need to bring mosquito repellent. 4. Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia – Pastoral Song of Grassland and Wetland Destination Overview The grassland begins to turn green at the end of May, and June is the best viewing period. The Morigele River meanders like a silver ribbon, the Erguna Wetland is inhabited by red-crowned cranes, and the exotic atmosphere of the Manzhouli Matryoshka Square and the grassland sunset constitute the ultimate romance. Transportation Guide - Airplane + Chartered Car: Fly directly to Hailar, chartered car loop (approx. CNY 500/day, including driver). - Train: Take an overnight train from Harbin/Shenyang to Hailar and start your journey the next morning. Food Recommendations - Hand-grabbed meat: Boiled lamb chops dipped in chive flower sauce, recommended "Nomin Tala Milk Tea Restaurant", CNY 90 per person. - Russian Lieba: Cheese buns from Manzhouli Rublisi Restaurant, CNY 15 each, with a rich milky flavor. Itinerary Suggestions - Day 1: Hailar → Morigele River (Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends Viewing Platform) → Erguna Wetland (stay in Genhe wooden house). - Day 2: Birch Forest Scenic Area → Enhe Russian Ethnic Township (make Lieba, paint Matryoshka dolls) → Shiwei Linjiang Boundary River. - Day 3: Horse riding in Black Mountain Head → Manzhouli Matryoshka Square → Return trip. Useful Tips - The grassland signal is weak, download offline maps in advance, and some B&Bs need to pay in cash. - The temperature difference between morning and evening reaches 15℃, so prepare a windbreaker + sun hat, and wear long pants for horse riding to prevent leg chafing. Summary These four destinations include flower fields, grasslands, Tibetan areas, karst and wetlands. May and June are the peak of their beauty. The itinerary is easy and the photo output rate is high! Book accommodation and vehicles in advance, start lightly, and let the scenery of early summer heal all fatigue~