Korla Swan River Scenic Area is located in the southern urban area of Korla City, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area starts from Lixiang Lake in Korla in the south and ends at Shizi Bridge in Korla City in the north, with a total length of 10 kilometers. It covers an area of about 2,400 mu, of which the water area is 765 mu. There are 20 bridges of different sizes, 10 islands, and 12 docks in the scenic area. Its characteristic lies in the perfect integration of urban water system landscape and natural ecology, with winding rivers, row upon row of buildings, and hundreds of wild animals such as swans and wild ducks that visit every year. With colorful lights, it is like a Jiangnan scene beyond the Great Wall.
History and Culture
The Swan River Scenic Area was upgraded and built on the key livelihood project "Three Rivers Connection" in Korla City, which connects the original Peacock River, Dujuan River, and Hongyan River in Korla City through the Swan River, making the city more beautiful. This project was also awarded the "China Habitat Environment Model Award" by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development. Along the scenic area, there are humanistic landscapes such as Cen Shen Sculpture, Ban Chao Sculpture, Fragrant Pear Sculpture, and Hetu Luoshu Sculpture, demonstrating the local historical and cultural heritage. Hetu Luoshu is the beginning of Chinese civilization. The large-scale cultural square with this as the theme adopts modern design techniques, allowing people to experience the long history and culture while feeling the modern atmosphere.
Main Attractions
Dreamy Music Fountain
Located in front of Tianyuan Bridge, it is the largest fountain in southern Xinjiang, with a circumference of 90 meters and a maximum range of up to 100 meters. The fountain dances to the rhythm of music, integrating light, music, water shapes, and laser. The nightly fountain performance dresses up the scenic area with flowing light and color, which is magnificent.
Fragrant Pear Sculpture
Located at the intersection of Yan'an Road and Tianyuan Road (west of the Swan River Dreamy Fountain), the huge "fragrant pear" shape represents the crystallization of life, and the ribbon at the base rises into the air, symbolizing the continuous Peacock River, meaning the spirit and strength of the Korla people to keep forging ahead and climbing upward.
Hetu Luoshu Sculpture
The sculpture with the theme of Hetu Luoshu shows the origin of Chinese civilization and has profound cultural connotations. Standing on Tiekeqi Bridge, you can take a panoramic photo of Heluo and enjoy the Heluo scenery.
Bridge Landscape
There are 20 bridges of different styles in the scenic area, connecting parks and water systems or communities on both banks. Lying across Swan Lake, they are like guarding Lichen. Standing on the bridge, you can take beautiful photos like Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall and appreciate the charming scenery on Swan River.
Food
Roasted Lamb Skewers
Fresh lamb is marinated with special seasonings and then roasted over charcoal fire. The lamb is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a rich aroma. Sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, it is very delicious.
Hand-Pulled Rice
It is made by braising rice, lamb, carrots, raisins, and other ingredients together. The rice is clear and distinct, absorbing the aroma of lamb and the sweetness of carrots, with rich taste, nutrition, and deliciousness.
Baked Nang
A traditional Xinjiang pasta made from flour, yeast, salt, and other raw materials, with sesame and other seasonings sprinkled on the surface, and baked in a nang pit. The baked nang is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a strong wheat fragrance. It can be preserved for a long time and is a convenient food for tourists to carry.
Tickets
Free admission. Cruise ships and speedboats are charged separately.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are 00:00 - 24:00, and the cruise ship hours are 20:00 - 23:30. The music fountain is open from May 1st to October 1st, three times a day at 21:00, 22:00, and 23:00, each time for about 20 minutes. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Route
It is recommended to take a boat tour, starting from Lixiang Lake Wharf, passing through Minsheng Bridge, Yingbin Bridge, Ningyuan Arch Bridge, Tengfei Bridge, Wufu Arch Bridge, Tiekeqi Bridge, Civic Center, and Kalasu Bridge, arriving at the Swan River Dreamy Fountain, and then turning around and returning to Lixiang Lake Wharf along the original route, with a total length of about 5 kilometers and a time of about 40 minutes. You can also walk or ride along the riverbank, enjoy the bridges, sculptures, and other landscapes along the way, and rest in the leisure areas by the river to feel the natural scenery.
Transportation
- You can drive there, and there are parking lots around the scenic area.
- Take Korla Bus No. 26, 28, 9, or 51 to Peacock Park Station and walk about 600 meters to reach.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Dreamy Music Fountain: It has a spectacular fountain landscape, with a maximum range of up to 100 meters. It dances to the rhythm of music and has gorgeous lighting effects. It is a landmark attraction of the scenic area.
- Swan Viewing Point: Hundreds of wild animals such as swans come to inhabit every year. Tourists can watch these elegant creatures up close and feel the harmonious coexistence between man and nature.
- Bridge Landscape: 20 bridges with different styles are not only traffic channels but also unique landscapes. Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy the beautiful river view and the scenery on both banks.
Tour Tips
- If you want to enjoy the night view and music fountain, it is recommended to go to the scenic area after 20:00 and arrive early to choose a good viewing position.
- When taking a boat tour, you can choose a seat by the window to better enjoy the scenery along the way.
- The temperature is high in summer, so pay attention to sun protection and heatstroke prevention; it is cold in winter, so pay attention to keeping warm.
- You can bring a camera or mobile phone to take beautiful photos of the scenery and wild animals, but please do not use the flash to scare the animals.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area and do not damage public facilities, flowers, and trees at will.
- When playing by the river, pay attention to safety, especially for tourists with children, take good care of the children to prevent accidental falling into the water.
- Respect the local customs and cultural differences.
- If you choose to take a cruise ship, follow the arrangements of the staff and wear a life jacket.