Wulungu Lake National Wetland Park is located in Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The park covers an area of over 1,270 square kilometers, of which the wetland area is 1,095 square kilometers. It is mainly composed of Bortala Lake and Jili Lake. The wetland types include lake wetlands, swamp wetlands, and river wetlands. The scenic area is characterized by being one of the top ten freshwater lakes in inland China, the second largest fishery base in Xinjiang, and an important habitat for migratory birds. With rich biodiversity, it allows visitors to enjoy unique natural scenery and ecological landscapes.
Historical Culture
Wulungu Lake has been recorded since the Yuan Dynasty. The Secret History of the Mongols called it "Qishilebashihai"; Liu Yu's Records of a Western Mission referred to it as "Qizeli Basihai"; Biography of Guo Dehai in the History of the Yuan Dynasty recorded it as "Qizeli Bahai". In the Qing Dynasty, Imperial Compilation of the Western Regions Map compiled by Fu Heng and others called it "Heselebashinuo'er", Xu Song's Records of Waterways in the Western Regions recorded it as "Galezarbashinuo'er", and History of the Qing Dynasty referred to it as "Kalezhebashinuo'er" or "Guzarbashinuo'er". In the Qing Dynasty, the Bortala Lake Administrative Commissioner was established here, and the area was an important land reclamation site. The current name Wulungu Lake is derived from the Mongolian language, meaning "Lake of Clouds and Mist".
Main Attractions
Wulun Coastal Golden Beach
The southeast coast of Dahaizi is a beach composed of fine and soft white quartz sand, with no silt. The lake bottom has a gentle slope, and the lake water is crystal clear. Most of the surrounding lake shores are fixed or semi-fixed sand dunes; the western lake shore is covered with dense reeds and swamps, and the lakeside is a lacustrine plain; the north shore has a silver beach about 10 kilometers long, suitable for water activities such as swimming, surfing, skateboarding, and boating. There are also well-equipped seaside bathing beaches and amusement facilities by the lake.
Jili Lake (Xiaohaizi)
Xiaohaizi is located south of Dahaizi, covering an area of 160 square kilometers, about 16.8 kilometers long and 6.3 kilometers wide, and is a freshwater lake. Boating on the lake, the scenery is comparable to the "800-li Dongting Lake". The east coast and both sides of the river mouth are densely covered with calamus and reeds; the bird island in the lake is a "paradise for birds", where seagulls can be seen spreading their wings, and whooper swans and demoiselle cranes are common. During summer and autumn, flocks of wild ducks gather, and bird nests and eggs can be found everywhere on the island.
Food
Whole Fish Banquet
Wulungu Lake is rich in more than 10 kinds of fish, such as carp, crucian carp, perch, common ruffe, and northern pike. These can be made into a delicious whole fish banquet, offering multiple ways to enjoy one fish, with excellent color, aroma, and taste.
Awei Mushroom Stewed Fish
This is a famous specialty of Altay, with an incomparable taste. The unique aroma of Awei mushrooms blends into the fish, making the soup fresh and delicious, and the fish tender.
Barbecued Meat
Xinjiang-style barbecued meat is a great pleasure to taste by the lake. Fresh mutton is used, roasted until the skin is golden and the inside is tender, sprinkled with seasonings such as cumin and chili powder, emitting an appetizing aroma.
Fruits
Xinjiang's fruits are sweet and juicy, such as watermelons, Hami melons, and grapes. Here, you can taste fresh fruits in their original flavor, adding sweetness to your trip.
Tickets
The scenic area is free to visit. Some play projects require fees.
Opening Hours
Open from 09:00 to 21:00 (admission and ticket sales stop at 21:00) from January 1 to December 31.
Tour Routes
You can first go to the Wulun Coastal Golden Beach to enjoy beach and water activities, then take a boat tour of Jili Lake to admire the bird island and reed marshes in the lake, and finally taste food at the lakeside restaurant. If time permits, you can also camp by the lake to enjoy the beautiful lake view and starry sky.
Transportation
- Aviation: Altay has a civil airport where small aircraft can take off and land. The flight route is from Karamay to Urumqi. You can first go to Altay and then transfer to a vehicle to Wulungu Lake in Fuhai County.
- Road: Fuhai County has a well-developed road network, including 2 national highways, 3 provincial highways, 3 county and township roads, and more than 100 special oilfield roads. National highways such as the Urumqi-Yili Highway and the Altay-Dushanzi Highway run through the surrounding areas, and you can drive or take a long-distance bus to get there.
Must-See Attractions
- Wulun Coastal Golden Beach: With high-quality beaches and rich water activities, it is an excellent place to enjoy sun, sand, and water entertainment.
- Jili Lake (Xiaohaizi): With unique natural scenery and charming bird island landscapes, it allows visitors to get close to nature and feel the beauty of ecology.
Tour Tips
- When visiting in summer, take sun protection measures and carry sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hats, etc.
- If participating in water activities, follow the staff's instructions and wear a life jacket.
- When visiting in winter, you can enjoy the beautiful ice lake scenery, but pay attention to keeping warm and wear thick cotton clothes, cotton shoes, gloves, etc.
- Photography enthusiasts can bring a telephoto lens to capture birds on the bird island and beautiful lake views.
Notes
- Abide by the scenic area regulations and do not arbitrarily damage the ecological environment or public facilities.
- When playing by the lake, pay attention to safety, especially for visitors with children, who should take care of them to prevent drowning.
- Respect local customs and religious beliefs.
- If camping in the scenic area, take away all garbage when leaving to keep the environment clean.