Nalati National Wetland Park is located in Nalati Town, Xinyuan County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The total area of Nalati National Wetland Park is about 1,600 hectares, and the wetland rate is over 60%. The scenic area has a rich wetland ecosystem, including various wetland types such as rivers, swamps, and meadows. It is a habitat and migration transit station for many migratory birds. Facilities such as a science popularization and education hall, a bird-watching tower, wooden plank roads, and viewing platforms have been built in the park, providing visitors with good places for sightseeing and science popularization education.
History and Culture
The Nalati area has a long history and culture. Since ancient times, it has been an important passage of the Silk Road, witnessing the exchange and integration of Eastern and Western cultures. Local ethnic minorities such as the Kazak people have lived and thrived here, forming a unique folk culture. The traditional nomadic lifestyle of the Kazak people blends with the wetland landscape. Herdsmen graze around the wetland, and their traditional customs, songs and dances, food culture, etc., all have a strong ethnic flavor. In addition, the wetland also plays an important role in the local ecological environment and economic development. It used to be an important water source and pasture for nomadic peoples.
Main Attractions
Science Popularization and Education Hall
The Science Popularization and Education Hall is an important science popularization and education place in Nalati National Wetland Park. Through methods such as graphic display, physical exhibits, and multimedia demonstrations, the hall introduces in detail the wetland ecosystem, biodiversity, the functions and values of wetlands, and the importance of wetland protection, providing visitors with an opportunity to comprehensively understand wetlands.
Bird-watching Tower
The bird-watching tower is an excellent location for visitors to enjoy wetland birds. The tower is about 15 meters high, and when you climb to the top of the tower, you can have a panoramic view of the entire wetland. It is a habitat for many migratory birds. In spring and autumn every year, a large number of migratory birds stop, forage, and breed here. Visitors can observe various rare birds such as swans, egrets, and demoiselle cranes here.
Wooden Plank Road
The wooden plank road shuttles through the wetland, with a total length of about 3 kilometers. Visitors can stroll along the plank road and feel the charm of the wetland up close. Various wetland plants grow on both sides of the plank road, and some aquatic animals can also be seen. The design of the plank road not only facilitates visitors' sightseeing but also plays a protective role in the wetland environment.
Viewing Platform
The viewing platforms are distributed in different locations of the wetland, providing visitors with places to appreciate the beauty of the wetland from multiple angles. On the viewing platform, visitors can overlook the vast scenery of the wetland, enjoy the picture of lush water plants and playing water birds in the wetland, and feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.
Delicacies
Hand-held Mutton
Hand-held mutton is a local characteristic delicacy. Fresh mutton is selected, chopped into large pieces with bones, and cooked in clear water. Without adding too many seasonings, it maximally retains the original flavor of the mutton. When eating, it is paired with side dishes such as onions. The meat is tender and delicious.
Kazakh Steamed Noodles
Kazakh steamed noodles, also known as "Naren," are traditional Kazakh cuisine. Main ingredients such as mutton and noodles are used. The cooked mutton is shredded and mixed with the steamed noodles, and then seasonings such as mutton soup are added. It has a chewy texture and a rich flavor.
Milk Tea
Milk tea is an indispensable drink in the daily life of local herdsmen. It is made from brick tea and fresh milk through the cooking process. The milk tea has a rich taste and is nutritious. It can quench thirst and satisfy hunger. Drinking a cup in cold weather can make you feel warm all over.
Admission Ticket
There is no admission fee for Nalati National Wetland Park. The price of the cruise ship is 90 yuan.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Nalati National Wetland Park are from April 1st to November 30th every year, from 9:00 to 19:00 (The specific opening hours may be adjusted according to the season and weather conditions. It is recommended to consult the scenic area in advance).
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, visitors can first go to the Science Popularization and Education Hall to learn about wetland knowledge, then take a sightseeing bus to the bird-watching tower and climb the bird-watching tower to observe birds. Then, stroll along the wooden plank road to have close contact with the wetland landscape. You can stop at the viewing platform to enjoy the wetland scenery. Finally, take the sightseeing bus back to the scenic area gate at an appropriate time. If you have enough time, you can also experience the folk culture of the Kazakh people around the wetland.
Transportation
- By Air: You can first arrive at Yining Airport in Yining City and then transfer to a car to Nalati Town, Xinyuan County. There is also Nalati Airport in Xinyuan County, and you can choose a suitable airport according to the actual situation.
- By Rail: You can take a train to Xinyuan County, and there are transportation methods from Xinyuan County Railway Station to Nalati Town.
- By Road: Self-driving tourists can go to Nalati National Wetland Park via highways such as National Highway 218. There are parking lots around the scenic area. You can also take a bus to Nalati Town in Yining City, Xinyuan County, and then go to the scenic area after arriving in Nalati Town.
Must-visit Attractions
- Bird-watching Tower: The 15-meter-high bird-watching tower is a great place to watch migratory birds. In spring and autumn, you can see a variety of rare birds, and you can have a panoramic view of the wetland.
- Wooden Plank Road: The wooden plank road with a total length of about 3 kilometers goes deep into the wetland. Visitors can have close contact with wetland plants and aquatic animals and feel the unique ecological environment of the wetland.
- Science Popularization and Education Hall: The rich scientific content in the hall enables visitors to comprehensively understand the wetland ecosystem and biodiversity, which has important scientific education significance.
Tour Suggestions
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons to watch migratory birds. You can see a large number of migratory birds when you go there at this time.
- When going in summer, pay attention to taking sun protection measures. There are many mosquitoes in the wetland, so you can bring anti-mosquito items.
- In winter, some areas of the wetland may freeze. Pay attention to safety when playing, and it is not recommended to go to some dangerous areas.
- Respect the customs and habits of local ethnic minorities such as the Kazak people, especially when experiencing folk culture.
- When watching birds, try to keep quiet and do not disturb the birds.
Precautions
- Comply with the regulations of the scenic area, do not damage the wetland ecological environment, and do not pick wetland plants at will.
- Play according to the designated route and do not enter the unopened areas to ensure your own safety.
- When taking the sightseeing bus, follow the arrangements of the staff and fasten your seat belt.
- Take care of the public facilities in the scenic area and do not litter.
- If encountering bad weather such as heavy rain and strong winds, follow the instructions of the staff in the scenic area and evacuate the dangerous area in time.