Barikun Gaojiahu Wetland Scenic Area is located in Shirenzi Township, Balikun Kazakh Autonomous County, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Characterized by a plateau wetland ecosystem, the scenic area features vast grasslands, clear lakes, rich vegetation, and diverse wildlife, serving as an important ecological barrier on the Barikun Grassland. Covering an area of approximately 40 square kilometers, the wetland is dotted with numerous springs and rivers, forming unique marsh, meadow, and lake landscapes. In summer, the area is lush with water and grass, and wildflowers bloom everywhere; in autumn, the forests turn colorful, creating a picturesque view. It is an ideal destination for sightseeing, ecological photography, and experiencing grassland culture.
History and Culture
The Barikun Grassland where Gaojiahu Wetland is located has a long history and was an important passage on the northern new route of the ancient Silk Road. It was once a settlement for nomadic peoples, giving birth to rich grassland cultures. According to historical records, since the Han Dynasty, this area has been a grazing ground for ethnic groups such as the Xiongnu, Turkic, and Mongols, and many living relics of ancient nomadic peoples have been preserved to this day. On the grasslands surrounding the wetland, Kazakh herders continue their traditional nomadic lifestyle and hold traditional folk activities such as horse racing and goat-grabbing every summer, showcasing the rich characteristics of grassland culture.
Gaojiahu Wetland is not only a treasure trove of natural ecosystems but also a witness to historical culture. The ancient rock paintings and tomb sites discovered within the wetland provide important physical materials for studying the history and culture of ancient nomadic peoples in the Western Regions. In addition, the villages around the wetland still retain many traditional Kazakh dwellings and customs, allowing visitors to experience authentic grassland ethnic culture.
Main Attractions
Gaojiahu Lake
Gaojiahu Lake is the core attraction of the scenic area. It is a naturally formed plateau lake covering an area of about 5 square kilometers. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by vast grasslands and rolling mountains, creating a very beautiful scenery. There are various fish and waterbirds inhabiting the lake, making it a paradise for bird watchers. In summer, the lake is surrounded by wildflowers, forming a sea of flowers that contrasts beautifully with the lake water; in winter, the lake freezes over, presenting a silver world like a fairyland.
Wetland Grassland
The wetland grassland is vast, covering an area of approximately 30 square kilometers. It is a typical plateau grassland ecosystem. The grassland is lush with forage grass and various wildflowers, making it an important part of the Barikun Grassland. With abundant water and grass, it is an excellent natural pasture, and many herders graze their livestock here in summer. Visitors can ride horses or hike on the grassland, feeling the vastness and grandeur of the grassland, and can also watch groups of cattle, sheep, and running horses.
Spring Cluster
The wetland is dotted with numerous springs, forming a unique spring cluster landscape. These springs have clear water that flows all year round and are an important source of water for the wetland. The largest spring has a diameter of about 2 meters. When the spring water gushes out, it forms beautiful water splashes, surrounded by lush aquatic plants, creating a very charming scenery. The spring cluster is not only an important part of the wetland ecosystem but also a popular tourist attraction for visitors.
Cuisine
Kazakh Roast Meat
Kazakh roast meat is a characteristic food around the scenic area. It selects high-quality local lamb, cuts it into large pieces, strings it with red willow branches, and roasts it over charcoal. The roast meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with delicious meat. Sprinkled with an appropriate amount of salt, cumin, and chili powder, it has a very unique flavor. This is the traditional cooking method of Kazakh herders, reflecting the dietary cultural characteristics of grassland ethnic groups.
Koumiss
Koumiss is a traditional drink of the Kazakh people and one of the characteristic foods of the scenic area. It is made by fermenting fresh mare's milk and contains rich nutrients, with the effects of quenching thirst, strengthening the stomach, and aiding digestion. Koumiss has a sweet and sour taste and a unique texture, making it an excellent summer refreshment. In the Kazakh pastoral homes around the scenic area, visitors can taste authentic koumiss and experience the hospitality of grassland ethnic groups.
Dried Curd
Dried curd is a traditional dairy product of the Kazakh people. It is made by fermenting, coagulating, and drying cow's milk or goat's milk. Dried curd is nutritious, containing a large amount of protein and calcium, and is an important food for herders. It has a sweet and sour taste and a strong milk fragrance. It can be eaten directly or used to make tea. In the markets around the scenic area, visitors can buy dried curd of various flavors as souvenirs to take home.
Tickets
The ticket price is 30 yuan per person. Please refer to the actual price at the scenic area. As of June 2, 2025, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
The scenic area is open all year round, from 8:00 to 20:00 daily. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season in the scenic area, when the grassland is in full bloom and the scenery is the most beautiful; in winter (December to February), some facilities in the scenic area may be closed. Please refer to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route
It is recommended that visitors adopt the following tour route: First, arrive at Gaojiahu Lake to enjoy the beautiful lake scenery and take pictures of the lake and mountains; then go to the wetland grassland to experience activities such as horse riding and hiking and feel the vastness of the grassland; then visit the spring cluster to learn about the wetland's ecological environment; finally, go to the nearby Kazakh villages to taste characteristic foods and experience grassland culture. The whole tour process is recommended to take 4-5 hours, and visitors can adjust it appropriately according to their interests and time.
Transportation
- External Transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Hami City to Balikun County, which takes about 2 hours. Then charter a car or take a taxi from the county to the scenic area, which takes about 30 minutes. You can also drive from Hami City, following the Lianhuo Expressway and then turning onto Provincial Road 303. The whole journey is about 150 kilometers and takes about 2.5 hours.
- Internal Transportation: The scenic area is relatively large. It is recommended to take the scenic area sightseeing bus, which costs 20 yuan per person and allows unlimited rides. You can also choose to ride a horse, which costs about 50 yuan per hour.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Gaojiahu Lake: The core attraction of the scenic area, a natural plateau lake covering an area of about 5 square kilometers. The lake water is clear, surrounded by grasslands and mountains, with beautiful scenery. It is an excellent place for photography and sightseeing.
- Wetland Grassland: Covering an area of about 30 square kilometers, it is a typical plateau grassland ecosystem. In summer, the water and grass are lush, and wildflowers bloom everywhere. Visitors can experience activities such as horse riding and hiking and feel the charm of the grassland.
- Kazakh Village: The surrounding villages retain traditional Kazakh dwellings and customs. Visitors can taste characteristic foods such as roast meat and koumiss and experience grassland ethnic culture.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended that visitors wear comfortable sports shoes and long pants for easy walking and horse riding on the grassland.
- When visiting the scenic area in summer, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and wear warm clothes such as down jackets, scarves, and gloves.
- The ultraviolet rays on the grassland are relatively strong. It is recommended to carry drinking water and energy-supplementing foods such as chocolate and beef jerky.
- Respect the customs and habits of local ethnic minorities. When entering a Kazakh village, ask for the host's permission first and avoid entering the herdsmen's tents without authorization.
- Take good care of the environment in the scenic area, do not litter, and protect the wetland ecosystem.
Precautions
- Some areas in the scenic area are wetland swamps. Visitors should abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not enter unopened areas without permission to avoid danger.
- When riding a horse, follow the guidance of the staff, wear safety equipment correctly, and avoid dangerous actions on the horse.
- There are relatively many mosquitoes in the scenic area in summer. You can carry mosquito repellent and other anti-mosquito supplies.
- The mobile phone signal in the scenic area may be unstable. It is recommended that visitors travel in groups and inform their family or friends of their itinerary in advance.
- When buying local specialties, it is recommended to go to regular stores or stalls to avoid being deceived.