Yingjisha South Lake Tourist Resort is located in Yingjisha County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, southeast of the county seat. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering about 1,500 mu, with a water area of 800 mu. Relying on natural lakes and wetland resources, the resort is a comprehensive tourist area integrating ecological sightseeing, folk custom experience, and leisure entertainment. The scenic area has facilities such as a central lake island, ecological parking lot, and tourist service center. The lake shoreline is about 3.2 kilometers long, and the lakeside trail is 2.8 kilometers in total length, with multiple viewing platforms and rest seats along the way, forming an ecological landscape feature of "lake scenery and shady trees."
History and Culture
The area where Yingjisha South Lake is located was originally a natural depression, historically serving as a water source and nomadic activity site for local residents. Since 2015, Yingjisha County has carried out ecological governance and tourism development in this area, transforming the barren beach depression into an ecological lake through measures such as dredging and vegetation restoration. During the construction of the scenic area, traditional Uyghur architectural elements and folk culture were integrated. For example, the pavilions on the central lake island adopt wooden structures and painted decorations, reflecting local handicraft characteristics. The name "South Lake" of the resort originates from its geographical location, echoing the natural landscape on the north side of the county, and has become an important window to display Yingjisha's ecological governance achievements and folk culture.
Main Attractions
South Lake Ecological Lake
South Lake is the core landscape of the resort, with a water area of 800 mu, an average water depth of 3.5 meters, and a maximum depth of 5.2 meters. The lake water mainly comes from Tianshan snowmelt and groundwater, with clear water quality. It is stocked with fish such as carp and silver carp. Waterbirds often perch on the lake, and migratory birds such as swans and egrets can be seen in spring, making it an ideal spot for birdwatchers.
Central Lake Island
Located in the center of South Lake, the Central Lake Island covers an area of about 15 mu and is connected to the shore by a 120-meter-long wooden corridor bridge. There are three Uyghur-style pavilions on the island, using mortise and tenon structures and painted woodcarving decorations. The pavilions display Yingjisha folk stories and handicraft products. The island is surrounded by fruit trees such as peach and pear trees, forming a beautiful scenery of "lake light and flower color" when blooming in spring.
Folk Culture Village
The Folk Culture Village is located on the west side of the lake shore, covering about 200 mu, composed of 20 traditional Uyghur dwellings. The village displays intangible cultural heritage skills such as Yingjisha knife making and pottery firing, and visitors can participate in handicraft experience activities. Folk song and dance performances, including traditional programs like Maxrap and bowl-topping dance, are held every Saturday and Sunday.
Lakeside Trail
The Lakeside Trail is 2.8 kilometers long, paved with bluestones and wooden boardwalks, with 6 viewing platforms and 8 rest pavilions along the way. The trail is lined with local tree species such as poplar and sea buckthorn. It is shady with green trees in summer and golden in autumn, making it a popular route for hiking and cycling.
Children's Amusement Area
Located at the entrance of the scenic area, the amusement area covers about 50 mu and has more than 20 amusement facilities such as Ferris wheels, carousels, and bumper cars. The 30-meter-high Ferris wheel is the landmark building of the scenic area, offering a panoramic view of South Lake.
Food
Yingjisha Baked Buns
Yingjisha baked buns use mutton as the main filling, paired with onions and seasonings, baked in a naan pit. The skin is crispy, and the filling is tender. Each bun weighs about 100 grams and is sold at 5 yuan per piece, one of the most popular snacks in the scenic area.
Yogurt in Earthen Pot
Served in traditional Yingjisha earthen pots, the yogurt is handcrafted by local herdsmen, with a thick texture and light milk fragrance. Each bowl has a capacity of 200 ml, priced at 8 yuan, and can be eaten with honey or raisins.
Roast Whole Lamb
Selected high-quality local sheep are marinated with special seasonings and then roasted in a special oven. The skin is golden and crispy, and the inside is tender and juicy. A whole roasted lamb usually weighs about 15-20 kg, suitable for groups of more than 10 people, priced at about 800-1,000 yuan per lamb.
Yingjisha Knife Noodles
Named for their resemblance to Yingjisha knives, the noodles are about 1 cm wide and 20 cm long, paired with mutton soup and vegetables, with a smooth taste. Each bowl weighs about 300 grams and is sold at 15 yuan.
Sea Buckthorn Cake
Made from local sea buckthorn, the cake is brownish-red, soft and glutinous, with the sweet taste of sea buckthorn. Each piece weighs about 50 grams and is sold at 3 yuan, a characteristic souvenir of the scenic area.
Tickets
The ticket price is 30 yuan per person, and some amusement facilities in the scenic area require separate tickets. As of June 12, 2025, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 10:00 to 20:00, extended to 21:00 in summer (June-August), and admission stops at 19:30. The song and dance performances in the Folk Culture Village are at 12:00 and 16:00 daily, each lasting about 40 minutes.
Tour Route
Recommended tour route: Enter from the scenic area entrance and first visit the Folk Culture Village to experience intangible cultural heritage crafts and song-dance performances. Then walk along the lakeside trail to the Central Lake Island to admire the lake views and Uyghur architecture. Have lunch at lakeside restaurants to taste specialty foods like baked buns and knife noodles. In the afternoon, go to the Children's Amusement Area, and finally board the Ferris Wheel for a panoramic view. The whole journey takes about 4-5 hours. If time allows, rent a bicycle to cycle around the lake at a rental fee of 30 yuan per hour.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Drive east along G315 National Highway from Kashgar urban area for about 60 kilometers, turn into the southeast road of Yingjisha County seat to reach, about 1.5 hours' drive. The scenic area has an ecological parking lot, with a parking fee of 10 yuan per vehicle.
- Bus: Take Bus No. 3 in Yingjisha County to South Lake Scenic Area Station, fare 2 yuan, departing every 30 minutes.
- Taxi: Taking a taxi from Yingjisha County seat to the scenic area costs about 10 yuan, 5 minutes' drive.
Must-visit Attractions
- South Lake Ecological Lake: 800 mu of water area, bird watching in spring, fishing in summer, and scenery appreciation in autumn, with different landscapes in all seasons, the core check-in point of the scenic area.
- Central Lake Island: Connected by a 120-meter wooden corridor bridge, the Uyghur-style pavilions on the island and the flower sea in spring are popular photography spots.
- Folk Culture Village: 20 traditional dwellings display intangible cultural heritage skills, with two daily folk song and dance performances, allowing in-depth experience of Uyghur culture.
- Ferris Wheel: 30 meters high for a panoramic view of South Lake, recommended to ride in the evening to enjoy the lake sunset.
Tour Tips
- Bring sunscreen and drinking water when visiting in summer. Although there are kiosks in the scenic area, prices are relatively high.
- To experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, contact the scenic area in advance to make reservations for knife making or pottery firing experience activities, about 1 hour per session, 50 yuan per person.
- The best position to shoot the panoramic view of the Central Lake Island is the viewing platform on the west bank of the lake, recommended to shoot before 10 am when the light is soft.
- Visitors with children can give priority to the amusement area and go to the Folk Culture Village to watch the performance after 4 pm.
- There are many farmhouses around the scenic area where you can try special dishes like roast whole lamb, which needs to be reserved 2 hours in advance.
Notes
- Safety warning signs are set by the lake. Swimming or fishing without permission is prohibited, with a fine of 50-200 yuan for violators.
- Handicrafts in the Folk Culture Village can be purchased, but pay attention to bargaining etiquette and avoid touching exhibits randomly.
- Some sections in the scenic area are wooden boardwalks, which are slippery in rainy days. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes.
- When shooting folk song and dance performances, respect the performers and do not use flash without permission.
- The parking lot is not open at night, and self-driving tourists need to leave before closing.