Duolang River National Wetland Park is located on the northwest side of Aksu City, Aksu Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It borders Wensu County in the north, Aksu Canal in the east, the north of the southern line of National Highway 314 in the south, and Yiganqi Township in the west. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and the largest national wetland park in southern Xinjiang.
The park stretches 15 kilometers from north to south and 4 kilometers from east to west, with a planned total area of 1,291.4 hectares (19,371 mu), of which the wetland area is 581.13 hectares, accounting for 45% of the total area. The park is rich in water resources, with good water quality and abundant light and heat resources, forming a typical freshwater wetland in the arid region of northwest China. There are 5 viewing platforms and 23 lakes in the park, including 2 sedimentation tanks and 16 ecological ponds.
History and Culture
The earliest written record of the Duolang River can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, and it was most prosperous in the Tang Dynasty. The Aksu Prefecture where Duolang River National Wetland Park is located has a profound historical and cultural heritage. It was once an important passage of the Ancient Silk Road, and the Duolang culture has been inherited and developed here. The construction of the park has preserved part of the original topography, landforms, and historical relics. It also displays the pioneering history of the Corps and the traditional dwellings and lifestyles of the Uygur Duolang people through sculpture groups, allowing visitors to feel the rich historical and cultural connotations of the local area while enjoying the natural beauty.
Main Attractions
Viewing Tower
There is a 5-story wooden viewing tower in the park. Climbing to the top, visitors can have a panoramic view of the park and observe more than 200 species of birds.
Duolang Culture Exhibition Area
It displays the traditional dwellings and lifestyles of the Uygur Duolang people and shows the pioneering history of the Corps through sculpture groups, enabling visitors to deeply understand the Duolang culture and the development process of the local area.
Lake Landscape
The park has a total of 23 lake surfaces with clear water and lush surrounding vegetation. The lake water has been filtered, degraded, and purified layer by layer through ecological ponds, heavy metal treatment ponds, and eutrophic purification ponds, transforming from the original yellow muddy water into clear Class III water, forming a beautiful lake landscape and providing a good habitat for wild animals and plants.
Delicacies
Roasted Mutton Skewers
With a sauce-red color, spicy and fresh taste, oily luster, no greasiness or muttony smell, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with delicious meat and a unique flavor.
Nang Pit Meat
Selected lean-to-fat lamb is evenly barbecued in a nang pit, allowing the seasoning to penetrate deep into the muscle fibers, resulting in a mellow taste that is unforgettable.
Big Plate Chicken
Tender chicken is paired with wide noodles and waxy potatoes. The chicken is fresh and tender, the potatoes are soft and flavorful, and the wide noodles absorb the aroma of the chicken and soup, with a smooth and chewy texture, making it a classic Xinjiang dish.
Hand-Pulled Rice (Zhua Fan)
It is braised with ingredients such as rice, mutton, carrots, and raisins. The rice is distinct, the mutton is tender and juicy, the carrots are sweet, and the raisins are sweet and sour, with a rich taste, nutritious and delicious.
Roasted Buns
The outer skin is crispy, and the filling is generally mutton and onions, etc. When roasted to a golden color, taking a bite, the aroma of mutton and onions blends together, with a pungent fragrance.
Admission
Free of charge.
Opening Hours
Winter opening hours: 9:30 - 20:30; Summer opening hours: 9:00 - 22:00.
Tour Route
Visitors can start from the park entrance, first visit the Duolang Culture Exhibition Area to learn about the Duolang culture and the pioneering history of the Corps; then walk along the lake to enjoy the lake landscape and natural scenery, and observe wild animals and plants; then climb the viewing tower to overlook the entire park's beauty; finally, rest in the park's leisure area to enjoy a pleasant time. If time permits, you can also choose to cycle or take a sightseeing car to tour the park and appreciate the scenery more comprehensively.
Transportation
- Bus: Take bus No. 16 to Aksu National Wetland Park.
- Self-driving: Navigate to the park, and there is a parking lot nearby.
Must-visit Attractions
- Viewing Tower: A 5-story wooden structure, an excellent place to enjoy the panoramic view of the park and birds.
- Duolang Culture Exhibition Area: An important place to deeply understand the Duolang culture and the pioneering history of the Corps.
- Lake Landscape: A beautiful waterscape composed of 23 lake surfaces, with clear water and a beautiful surrounding ecological environment.
Tour Tips
- Take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures when visiting in summer.
- Keep warm when visiting in winter. In case of snow, the road may be slippery, so pay attention to walking safety.
- You can bring a telescope to facilitate the observation of wild animals and plants such as birds.
- If you want to deeply understand the park's history, culture, and ecological knowledge, pay attention to the park's explanation services or rent explanation equipment.
Notes
- Abide by the park regulations and do not arbitrarily damage vegetation and public facilities.
- Do not feed wild animals to avoid affecting their natural living habits and health.
- Do not smoke or litter in the park to keep the environment clean.
- Pay attention to safety, especially in lakeside and waterfront areas, and do not approach dangerous zones.
- Visit according to the opening hours and avoid staying in the park after closing.