Kekesuli is located in Fuyun County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, and is one of the main scenic areas of the Keketuohai National Geopark, a national 4A-level scenic spot. It is a naturally formed marsh wetland, formed by the convergence of snowmelt from surrounding high mountains. The lake covers an area of 2,677 mu, with an average water depth of 2 meters, and there are more than 20 large and small floating islands in the lake. The scenic area is dominated by natural landscapes such as mountain scenery, water scenery, and grass scenery, with abundant animal resources. Wild ducks, water chickens, red geese, and other birds gather here to live and reproduce, earning it the reputation of "Jiangnan in the Northern Kingdom."
Historical Culture
According to legend, in Kekesuli, there was a beautiful maiden named Susan who lived in the distant sky. One mid-spring evening, she met a handsome young man named Buleteer in her dreams. Buleteer expressed his love and invited her to the human world. Despite her father's obstruction, Susan resolutely followed Buleteer to the mortal realm. The moment she stepped through the Heavenly Gate, she transformed into a swan with pure white wings. She lived happily and reproduced with Buleteer, the black swan in the mortal world, in Kekesuli. Ever since, Kekesuli has been known as the "Swan Lake" and become the hometown of thousands of swans.
Main Attractions
Kekesuli Lake
Also known as Wild Duck Lake, the lake is blue and clear, with rich aquatic plants and animals. There are more than 20 large and small floating islands in the lake, which are rich in plant species, and the reed marshes are melodious and dreamy. Every summer and autumn, large numbers of red geese, whooper swans, demoiselle cranes, seagulls, wild ducks, and other birds gather here to live and reproduce.
Thousand-Mu Flower Sea
The "Thousand-Mu Flower Sea" project developed by the lake plants dozens of flower species such as pink muhly grass and gesang flowers, creating a four-season viewable landscape. It is full of greenery in summer and golden reeds in autumn.
Viewing Platform
Located directly opposite the scenic area entrance, this platform offers a high-angle panoramic view of Kekesuli, making it an excellent place for photography.
Food
Cold-Water Fish
A local specialty of Fuyun County, the fish has tender and delicious meat and rich nutrition, with various cooking methods such as steaming and braising.
Stewed Mutton
Made with high-quality local mutton slow-cooked over a low fire, the meat is tender and the soup is fresh and delicious, a common dish in local farmhouses and restaurants.
Local Hot Pot
A local specialty hot pot with a variety of ingredients, usually including various meats, vegetables, and vermicelli, which is very warm to eat in cold weather.
Dongfeng Noodles
Dongfeng noodles in Fuyun County are famous for their handmade production and fresh, tender taste, a must-try for locals.
Milk Crumbs, Nang, Horse Intestines, etc.
Kazakh specialty foods such as milk crumbs, nang, and horse intestines can be tasted at the scenic area's ice and snow markets or local shops.
Admission
The admission fee is 28 yuan per person.
You can search for the official scenic area WeChat public account "可可托海景区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 9:00 to 20:00, with the last entry at 19:30.
Tour Route
Visitors can first overlook the panoramic view of Kekesuli from the viewing platform, then take a walk along the lakeside boardwalk to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery. They can also choose to visit the flower sea for photo opportunities, and finally, taste food in the lakeside rest area to enjoy leisure time. If time permits, they can also participate in scenic area activities such as boating.
Transportation
- Public Transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Urumqi International Long-Distance Bus Station to Fuyun County, then transfer to a local minivan or Santana to the scenic area, with a fare of about 20 yuan.
- Self-Driving: Start from Urumqi to Fukang City's Xingfu Crossing, proceed along National Highway 216 to Fuyun, which takes about 7 hours. Then travel from Fuyun to Keketuohai Town, which takes about 50 minutes. The distance from Keketuohai Town to Kekesuli Scenic Area is relatively short.
Must-See Attractions
- Kekesuli Lake: The core landscape of the scenic area, with clear water, swaying reeds, and numerous birds. It combines the delicate beauty of the West Lake and the labyrinthine reed marshes of Baiyangdian, showcasing the beauty of a water town.
- Thousand-Mu Flower Sea: With a variety of flower species and different scenery in each season, it is an excellent place for taking photos.
- Viewing Platform: Offers a panoramic view of the scenic area, allowing visitors to take in the beautiful lake and mountain scenery with excellent photography results.
Tour Tips
- Summer and autumn are the best seasons to visit, with beautiful scenery and numerous birds, allowing visitors to enjoy the charming beauty of the "grassland water town."
- Enter the park early in the morning to enjoy the morning scenery with soft light, suitable for photography; the scenery at dusk is also beautiful, and visitors can watch the sunset by the lake.
- Prepare some bread and other food to feed the birds by the lake, adding fun to the tour.
- If you want to experience local folk culture, visit the pastoral yurts in Tuerhong Township to experience activities such as milking cows and making dairy products.
Notes
- The temperature difference between morning and evening in the scenic area is significant. Even in summer, prepare a jacket to keep warm.
- Follow regulations while visiting the scenic area, do not climb steep hills or cliffs, and pay attention to safety.
- Protect the environment, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs, especially when visiting pastoral yurts and other places.