Bayinbulak Scenic Area is located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is situated in the mountain basin in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains and surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is a national 5A-level tourist scenic area.
The total area of the scenic area is approximately 1,259.47 square kilometers. The scenic area is characterized by its vast grasslands, winding rivers, rich wetland ecology, and unique Mongolian customs. The terrain here is flat, and the water and grass are abundant. It is a typical alpine meadow grassland and one of the most important animal husbandry bases in Xinjiang. There is the famous Kaidu River in the scenic area, as well as numerous lakes and swamps, forming a unique natural landscape.
History and Culture
Bayinbulak Grassland has a long history and has been a nomadic land for ethnic minorities such as the Mongols since ancient times. In the 18th century, the Torgut tribe of the Mongols returned to the motherland after going through hardships from the Volga River Basin and finally settled in Bayinbulak Grassland. They brought unique cultures and traditions, adding profound cultural connotations to this land.
Over the long course of history, the Mongolian people have lived here by following water and grass, forming a nomadic culture-centered way of life. Their traditional customs, song and dance art, food culture, etc., are all extremely distinctive. Traditional activities such as the Nadam Fair fully demonstrate the bravery, wisdom, and enthusiasm of the Mongolian people. At the same time, Bayinbulak Grassland still retains many historical sites and legends, which have witnessed the vicissitudes of this land and the integration of ethnic groups.
Main Attractions
Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends
Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends is one of the core attractions of Bayinbulak Scenic Area. The Kaidu River meanders through the grassland, forming a winding river channel, which is like a silver ribbon on the vast grassland. At specific times, especially at sunset, the sunlight will form multiple reflections in the river bends, and at most, nine reflections of the sun can be seen, presenting an extremely spectacular scene. The total length of the river is about 516 kilometers, and the drainage area is 22,000 square kilometers. It is one of the largest inland rivers in China.
Swan Lake
Swan Lake is a large-area marshland composed of many interconnected small lakes. It is the largest swan breeding habitat in China and also the largest and best-preserved swan habitat in Asia. Every spring, tens of thousands of rare birds such as swans and geese migrate here from distant southern regions to breed and live. The total area of the lake is more than 300 square kilometers, and there are abundant aquatic plants and fish in the lake, providing sufficient food sources for the birds.
Bayinbulak Grassland
Bayinbulak Grassland is the second largest grassland in China and a typical alpine grassland. The terrain on the grassland is flat, and the water and grass are lush. In the season when wildflowers are in full bloom, the entire grassland is like a magnificent picture scroll. There are many wild animals living on the grassland, such as Mongolian gazelles and marmots. The Mongolian herdsmen here still maintain their traditional nomadic lifestyle. Tourists can experience the rich Mongolian customs here and enjoy the spectacular grassland scenery.
Aiken Spring
Aiken Spring is also known as the "Devil's Eye". When overlooking from the sky, the spring eye and the deep red ring-shaped sediments on the surrounding land form a strange pupil shape. The diameter of the spring eye is more than 10 meters. Due to the long-term precipitation of sulfur minerals around the spring eye, circles interwoven with various colors such as reddish-brown, golden yellow, and rust color are formed, just like an eye inlaid on the earth.
Delicacies
Roasted Whole Lamb
Roasted whole lamb is a characteristic delicacy on Bayinbulak Grassland. Select fat and strong local sheep, and after special marinating, slowly roast them with fruit charcoal fire in a special naan pit. The roasted whole lamb has a golden and crispy outer skin, tender and juicy inner meat, and a rich aroma. It is a delicacy for the Mongols to entertain distinguished guests.
Handheld Mutton
Handheld mutton usually selects fresh mutton. Cut the mutton with bones into large pieces and cook them in clean water without adding too many seasonings to retain the original flavor of the mutton. When eating, directly grab and eat it with your hands, and pair it with onions, etc. It has a tender taste, is fat but not greasy, and is one of the favorite traditional delicacies of local herdsmen.
Milk Tea
Milk tea is an indispensable beverage in the daily life of the Mongolian people. It is mainly made from brick tea and fresh milk or goat milk through processes such as boiling and stirring. Milk tea has a rich taste and is nutritious. It can not only quench thirst but also satisfy hunger. On the cold grassland, a cup of steaming milk tea makes people feel very warm.
Milk Curd
Milk curd is a dairy product made from milk or goat milk through processes such as fermentation and drying. It is rich in protein and calcium, tastes sweet and sour, and has a chewy texture. Milk curd can be eaten directly or soaked in milk tea. It is a traditional snack of the Mongols.
Naan
Naan is a common traditional noodle food in Xinjiang. It is made by fermenting flour, adding seasonings such as sesame seeds and onions, and baking it in a naan pit. There are various types of naan, such as thin naan and thick naan. It has a crispy taste, is easy to store and carry, and is one of the favorite staple foods of local residents and tourists.
Entrance Tickets
The entrance ticket price of Bayinbulak Scenic Area is 140 yuan per person (including the ticket and the fee for the shuttle bus within the scenic area). For some self-funded projects in the scenic area, such as horseback riding, the price varies according to the specific situation. Generally, the cost of horseback riding ranges from 50 yuan to 200 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "巴音布鲁克景区", to obtain the latest news or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Bayinbulak Scenic Area is open throughout the year from 08:00 to 20:00. However, due to factors such as weather and road conditions in winter, some areas may be restricted from entry. Please refer to the official announcements of the scenic area for details.
You can obtain the latest news on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, you generally take the shuttle bus for sightseeing. The recommended tour route is: Take the shuttle bus at the tourist center—Swan Lake scenic spot (you can get off to watch swans and other birds, and the tour time is about 1 hour)—Continue to take the shuttle bus to the Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends scenic spot (you can enjoy the scenery of the Kaidu River here, and wait for the spectacular scene of nine reflections of the sun at sunset, and the tour time is about 2 to 3 hours)—Return to the tourist center. If you have enough time, you can also take a leisurely walk on the grassland to feel the vastness and tranquility of the grassland, or experience activities such as horseback riding.
Transportation
- By plane: You can first fly to Korla Airport, which is about 360 kilometers away from Bayinbulak Scenic Area. Then take a bus from the bus station in Korla City to Hejing County, and transfer to a bus from Hejing County to Bayinbulak Town. After arriving in Bayinbulak Town, go to the scenic area.
- By bus: There are long-distance buses from cities such as Urumqi and Yining to Hejing County. After arriving in Hejing County, transfer to a bus to Bayinbulak Town. The driving time from Urumqi to Hejing County is about 5 to 6 hours, and the driving time from Hejing County to Bayinbulak Town is about 3 to 4 hours.
- Self-driving: Starting from Urumqi, you can reach Bayinbulak Scenic Area via Turpan-Huocheng Expressway, National Highway 218, etc. The whole journey is about 520 kilometers, and the driving time is about 7 to 8 hours. When driving by yourself, pay attention to the road conditions, especially in mountainous sections, and drive carefully.
Must-visit Attractions
- Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends: The Kaidu River is winding, and the spectacular scene of multiple reflections of the sun can be seen at sunset. The total length of the river is about 516 kilometers, and the drainage area is 22,000 square kilometers. It is a landmark landscape of the scenic area.
- Swan Lake: The largest swan breeding habitat in China, with a lake area of more than 300 square kilometers. A large number of swans and other rare birds inhabit and breed here every spring.
- Bayinbulak Grassland: The second largest grassland in China, a typical alpine grassland, with a vast area, lush water and grass, where you can experience rich Mongolian customs.
Tour Tips
- It is recommended to spend 1 to 1.5 days visiting, so that you can visit the main attractions more fully and have time to experience the grassland activities.
- If you want to enjoy the sunset scenery of Nine Turns and Eighteen Bends, it is recommended to arrive at the scenic spot in advance to occupy a better viewing position. Generally, it is more appropriate to arrive 1 to 2 hours before sunset.
- The temperature difference between day and night on the grassland is relatively large. No matter which season you go, you should bring enough warm clothes, such as thick coats, hats, gloves, etc.
- Respect the local customs and habits, especially the cultural traditions of the Mongols. During the visit and experience activities, do not randomly damage the grassland environment and facilities.
- Since the scenic area is relatively large, the shuttle bus is the main means of transportation. Pay attention to the operation time of the shuttle bus and arrange your itinerary reasonably.
Notes
- Some sections in the scenic area are at a relatively high altitude, and altitude sickness may occur. Those who are not feeling well should make preparations in advance, such as bringing anti-altitude sickness medications.
- In the habitats of birds such as Swan Lake, do not make loud noises or disturb the birds. Keep quiet and enjoy the view in a civilized manner.
- Activities such as horseback riding have a certain degree of danger. Obey the guidance of the staff, wear safety equipment correctly, and do not ride the horse wildly without permission.
- When purchasing goods or consuming in the scenic area, check the prices carefully to avoid unnecessary disputes.
- When going there in summer, take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses and sun hats, to prevent sunburn.