[2024 Hejing Attraction] Travel Guide for Bayanbulak Swan Lake (Updated Oct)

Bayinbuluke has no 'eternal soil,' but it has endless greenery

Bayinbuluke, this place name became well-known because of the movie 'Pegasus.' In fact, the filming location of the movie was in the Anjihai Grand Canyon, while the real Bayinbuluke is the second largest grassland in China, second only to Hulunbuir. Bayinbuluke Grassland is located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a large meadow grassland in the central part of the Tianshan Mountains. The terrain here is flat, with an altitude of 1500-2500 meters, a mild climate, and water sources mainly replenished by surrounding mountain meltwater rivers. Thanks to its isolated basin terrain, suitable climate conditions, and minimal human activity impact, Bayinbuluke Grassland has preserved many rare species of flora and fauna in the world, making it an ideal habitat for swans. Transportation: Located deep in the Tianshan Mountains, it can be reached by driving along the southern section of the Duku Highway. After arriving at the visitor center of the scenic area, you must take the scenic area bus to enter the grassland, as private cars are not allowed inside. Accommodation and Dining: Both can be resolved in Bayinbuluke Town, Hejing County. There are many accommodations and dining options locally, and the visitor center is generally within walking distance. Travel Tips: The scenic area is very large, and you must take the bus, which stops at three stations. The first stop is Swan Lake, where you can get off to see the swans and then queue up to continue the journey. Be sure to take your personal belongings with you and not leave them on the bus, as you might not take the same bus again. The second stop is a temple, which is a small attraction. The bus stops briefly, and it is not recommended to get off unless necessary, as you will have to wait for the next bus with available seats, which can sometimes delay your trip. The third stop is the final stop. After getting off, follow the path up to the viewing platform. The distance is short, so it is not recommended to ride a horse or take a small shuttle bus. Riding a horse is expensive, and the shuttle bus does not offer good views. Walking up is easy, with a gentle slope and a short distance. Regarding the best time to visit, it is recommended to depart from Nalati in the morning, have lunch and check-in at the town at noon, and visit the scenic area in the afternoon. The reasons are as follows: 1. It is cold in the morning, with high humidity. After the sun comes out, the fog lingers and may even rain, while the afternoon is mostly sunny. 2. Visiting in the afternoon allows you to see the sunset, and with the reflection of the river bends, you can see the 'nine suns.' Precautions: 1. Be sure to physically prevent mosquitoes as much as possible! Various mosquito repellents are generally not very effective. Long sleeves and pants are more reliable. 2. You can find horse farms along the way before driving into the town. Going in the morning means fewer people, larger horse farms, and after a simple lesson from the herders, you can ride freely for a long time.

The pinnacle of Xinjiang's scenic beauty rankings, Bayinbuluke is a must-visit

Every time I see posts online saying "Avoid Bayinbuluke," "Don't go to Bayinbuluke if your schedule is tight," or "You'll regret going or not going to Bayinbuluke," I feel very regretful because the Bayin we visited was truly beautiful 😍. In our Xinjiang trip's scenic beauty rankings, it was either first or second ❤️. Bayinbuluke translates to "abundant springs," and indeed, the water and grass here are lush. You can also see many of Bayin's characteristic "black-headed sheep," which is quite spectacular. There are many large hotels at the entrance of the scenic area, which are cheap and have new facilities, so accommodation is very convenient. Here's the correct way to explore Bayinbuluke Scenic Area ⬇️. 1️⃣ Hotels 🏨: Book your Bayin hotel in advance. Whether you arrive early or return late, you can rest directly at the hotel. Just choose a location at the entrance of the scenic area! 2️⃣ Time 🕑: Be sure to enter the park around 6 PM. This way, the sun won't be too hot, and the beauty of Bayin is definitely in the evening! ⭐️ Enter the park at 6 PM, take the shuttle bus for about an hour, and arrive at the first stop, "Swan Lake," around 7 PM. We didn't see any swans 🦢 but saw a large flock of "red-billed gulls" flying low, which was also very beautiful. You can bring your own "naan 🫓" to feed them. There are also vendors selling bread nearby, 10 yuan for 4 pieces! It's more cost-effective if you don't bring your own naan 😂. Bayin is a paradise for migratory birds, with 131 species breeding and wintering here. ⭐️ Around 7:30 PM, take the shuttle bus for about 15 minutes to reach the second stop, "Lama Temple." It is one of the seven mobile temples brought by the Torghut tribe during their eastward return and the only one still in existence! Nomads can move their pastures, but their faith must leave a mark ❤️. Many online guides say the second stop is not worth seeing, just a broken temple 🫢. Really speechless... The Lama Temple closes at night, so be sure to check the time! ⭐️ Around 8:30 PM, arrive at the "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns" viewing platform. Here, not only are there 9 suns, but the scenery on the left side of the viewing platform can be "divine." It's really beautiful—the winding river bends, grasslands, Tianshan snow mountains, and sunset... It's truly worthy of being China's second-largest grassland ✔️. ⭐️ Around 9:30 PM, after enjoying the scenery at the viewing platform, go to the "Nine Suns in a Row" spot to wait for the sunset. When we went, there were two circles of people, which should be the normal number. Everyone was waiting. From this moment on, as the sun sets, the scenery changes every moment. On that day, there was a large cloud pressing down on the sunset, but no one gave up. We kept waiting, and finally, the sun briefly appeared through the cloud gap for about 5 minutes. Everyone around was exclaiming how beautiful it was 😍. It was worth it. ⭐️ Around 10:30 PM, after watching the sunset, quickly leave. By the time we got back to the hotel, it was almost midnight. Fortunately, the hotel is right at the entrance of the scenic area, so we could wash up and go to sleep immediately 💤. ⚠️ To see the "Nine Suns in a Row," you need to check the weather‼️ If it's cloudy, don't wait. Everyone complains about the long shuttle bus rides in Bayin, and it's true! We spent about 3 hours on the shuttle bus back and forth... My thought is, how can you see the beautiful scenery without going deep into the mountains 😂. To comfort myself, we even saw a rainbow 🌈 on the shuttle bus ride.

Xinjiang Hejing·Bayanbulak: Unlock the Quintuple Gifts of Nature in One Stop

🌟 Hidden atop the distant Tianshan Mountains lies a paradise on earth—Bayanbulak, a place whose very name signifies 'abundant springs,' invites you with its unparalleled natural charm to a feast for both the eyes and soul. Here, a single journey unveils five distinct landscapes, revealing Mother Nature's most magnificent veil. 🌈 First, the Dreamy Sunset of the Nine-Turn Eighteen-Bend River The meandering Kaidu River here sketches the most enchanting curves on Earth—the Nine-Turn Eighteen-Bend. As the sun sets in the west, golden sunlight blankets the river, resembling myriad strands of gold cast from the horizon, reflecting off clouds and mountains in a symphony of colors, each frame a masterpiece meticulously carved by God. 🦢 Second, the Light Feather Dance of Swan Lake This is the homeland of swans, where flocks dance gracefully over the clear waves each spring. They either sing softly or soar high, weaving together with distant snow-capped mountains and nearby meadows into captivating ecological tapestries. Observing these elegant creatures up close, one feels the harmonious coexistence of nature and life. 🌿 Third, the Vast Expanse of Alpine Meadows The Bayanbulak Grassland, China's second-largest grassland, is renowned for its unique alpine meadow scenery. Standing amidst this boundless green ocean, one breathes in the essence of grass and freedom, with cattle and sheep leisurely grazing and clouds hanging low, as if in a utopia that makes one forget the world's hustle and bustle. 🏞️ Fourth, the Majestic Snow Mountains Embrace Surrounded by snow-capped mountains like guardian deities, Bayanbulak exudes tranquility and sanctity in their embrace. Whether at dawn's first light or dusk's arrival, the mountains' silhouettes shift with the play of light and shadow, each gaze an admiration of nature's miraculous craftsmanship. 🌌 Fifth, the Cosmic Conversation under the Dazzling Starry Sky When night falls, Bayanbulak's sky turns into a vast expanse of black velvet, dotted with stars and crossed by the Milky Way. Far from the city's clamor, the purity of the starry sky here intoxicates the soul. Gazing up at the firmament, one seems to engage in a timeless dialogue with the universe, feeling one's own insignificance and the vastness of the cosmos. 🌟 Conclusion: In Bayanbulak, every step is an exploration, every glance a miracle. This place is not just a travel destination, but a spiritual cleansing and rebirth. Come, let us set foot on this magical land together, unlocking five kinds of landscapes, and harvesting the most unforgettable memories of life. Bayanbulak awaits every explorer yearning for the unknown and every nature lover.

Xinjiang Travel | Bayanbulak Guide

Xinjiang Travel | Bayanbulak Guide 🏔Attraction Introduction Bayanbulak is located in the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang, situated in the middle section of the Duku Highway and is a large mountain basin in the Tianshan Mountains🏞, with an altitude of about 2500 meters. Bayanbulak in Mongolian means 'abundant springs', and it is home to China's only wild swan🦆 nature reserve, as well as the most famous 'Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends' of the Kaidu River, which reflects the stunning view of nine suns🌞 at sunset. ⛰️Attraction Play Swan Homeland: A large number of swans and red-billed gulls🕊 reside here, and you can prepare bread and other snacks to feed them, as the swans are very friendly🤗. Barun Temple: Originally one of the seven mobile temples brought by the Torghut people during their return to the east🏛, it is splendid and grand with few people and beautiful scenery. Interested friends can get off the bus to visit. Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends: The core attraction of Bayanbulak️, equipped with numerous viewing platforms, overlooking the Kaidu River, and if you're lucky, you can witness the magical scene of nine suns🌞 at sunset. Check-in Strategy Buy a ticket to enter the park and take the scenic area's shuttle bus🚍 for about 30 minutes to reach the first stop, Swan Homeland (visit for about 35 minutes)️Continue on the shuttle bus for about 15 minutes to the second stop, Barun Temple (visit time about 30 minutes)️Then take the shuttle bus for about 15 minutes to reach the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends Service Center where you can have dinner (about 20 minutes)️There is about 3 kilometers to the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends viewing platform, you can choose to take a shuttle bus🚍 for a fee or ride a horse, or you can hike️Secure the best spot at the viewing platform first, and enjoy a dance performance of the scenic area along the way👭️After watching the sunset, take the shuttle bus back the same way, which takes about 1 hour to exit the scenic area. Because I arrived quite early and waited a long time for the sunset🌚, the actual time spent in the entire scenic area was 5 and a half hours. If the time is arranged reasonably, it can be visited in 3.5-4 hours. ️Considerate TIPS The best time to view the Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends is 20:00-21:00 The temperature difference is significant at night, so keep warm, and the scenic area rents out military coats with a 100 yuan deposit. The last shuttle bus out of the scenic area is at 22:00 Flying drones is prohibited🚫 Those who want to watch the sunset should have their meal first, as exiting the scenic area generally takes until after 22:30. Accommodation Bayanbulak Town Price and other TIPS Ticket + round-trip shuttle bus 140 yuan/person Nine Curves and Eighteen Bends viewing platform round-trip shuttle bus 20 yuan/person Horse riding round-trip 80 yuan/person

Going to Xinjiang for travel, seeking the best itinerary for Xinjiang trip?

Xinjiang is divided into North and South Xinjiang by the Tianshan Mountains. North Xinjiang is located north of the Tianshan Mountains, while South Xinjiang is located south of the Tianshan Mountains. Due to its vast territory and abundant resources, Xinjiang has many unique landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, lakes, grasslands, deserts, and various exotic cultures. When going to Xinjiang, how many routes are available to choose from? A: DuKu+Nanjiang 6-day tour Day 1: Urumqi - (G30) - Kuitun - (G217) Narat Day 2: Narat - (G217) - Bayinbuluke Day 3: Bayinbuluke - (G217) Kuche Day 4: Kuche - (G314 Urumqi-Hongliuhe Line) - Korla Day 5: Korla - (Tuoyi Expressway) - Hewoxian (Tuhe Expressway) - Turpan Day 6: Turpan (Jingxin Expressway) - Urumqi Overview: The six-day journey on the southern route covers more than half of the distance on the Karakoram Highway. The Karakoram Highway is a road that connects the north and south of Xinjiang, with a total length of 561 kilometers. One-fifth of the road is on the high-altitude permafrost layer, crossing nearly ten major rivers in the Tianshan Mountains and four snow-covered mountain passes. The weather along the way can only be described as magical. The Karakoram Highway experiences temperature differences throughout the year, and the scenery along the way, including grasslands, snow-capped mountains, high cliffs, is breathtaking. It truly feels like being in heaven and hell at the same time. Attraction recommendations: DuKu Monument, Narat Grassland, Bayinbuluke Swan Lake, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, SuBash Buddhist Temple Ruins, Tiemenguan, Bosten Lake, Karez Irrigation System, Grape Valley, Flaming Mountains, Turpan Museum. Kanas Lake and Sayram Lake 7-day tour Day 1: Urumqi - (S201) Karamay - (G3014) Burqin Day 2: Burqin (S232) - Hemu Day 3: Hemu - Jiajiadyu (S232) - Kanas Geological Park Day 4: Jia Dengyu - (G217) Wuerhe Devil City Q (G3014) Karamay Day 5: Karamay - (G3014) Sailimu Lake - (G30) Yining Day 6: Yining - (G218) - Gongliu County (G218) - Narat Seventh day: Narat - (G217) Duku Highway - (G30) Urumqi Overview: This route is a comprehensive scenic area that combines glaciers, lakes, forests, grasslands, pastures, rivers, ethnic customs, and rare plants and animals. Kanas Lake is the core attraction, mainly to appreciate the mysterious Kanas Lake and Shennong Bay, Wolong Bay, and Moon Bay. The beautiful scenery here, composed of Kanas Lake and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and birch forests, is famous far and wide and is known as the "Switzerland of the East" and a "spectacular paradise for photographers". The magnificent glacier is reflected in the tranquil lake water, and the vast grassland embraces the deep primitive forest. The simple Tuva people live in the primitive villages of Hemu and Baihaba, which is fascinating. Recommended attractions: Wuciaitan, Ertix River, Kanas, Guanyuting, Shennong Bay, Wolong Bay, Moon Bay, Baihaba, Uluhe Ghost City, Sairimu Lake, Narati Grassland, and Duku Highway. Southern Xinjiang Grand Loop 9-day Tour: Day 1: Urumqi - (Jingxin Expressway) Korla (G218) - Loulan Ancient City Village Day 2: Korla (G314) - Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon (G217) - Kuche Day 3: Kuche (S307) - Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves (Turpan Highway) - Aksu Day 4: Aksu - (Z620) Tianshan Shenmu Park (Tuhe Expressway) - Kashgar Day 5: Kashgar Day Trip (Fragrant Concubine Tomb - Id Kah Mosque - Kashgar Old City) Day 6: Kashgar - (G3012) - Shache County - (G315) Hotan Seventh day: Hotan - (G217) Tarim Basin - (G217) Alar Day 8: Alar - (G3012) Tiemenguan - (G314) Korla Day 9: Korla (G314) - Dabancheng Q (Jingxin Expressway) - Urumqi Overview: This route mainly focuses on historical sites and natural landscapes. Among them, in the Taklamakan Desert, there is a desert highway that has been listed in the Guinness World Records. This road is a grand project to conquer the "Sea of Death", turning a millennium dream into reality, and becoming the world's longest flowing desert-level highway. It is also currently the world's longest flowing desert-level highway that passes through the desert, and has been the center of the ancient Silk Road since ancient times. Today, it is the main battlefield for oil exploration and development, and is the main oil and gas field base of China National Petroleum Corporation and China Petrochemical Corporation. It passes through the Lunan Oilfield, Tahe Oilfield, and Tazhong Oilfield, and is currently one of the destinations for many tourists to visit. Recommended attractions: Loulan Village Site, Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, Kuche Palace, Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, Tianshan Divine Tree Garden, Xiangfei Tomb, Etigar Mosque, Desert Highway, and Tiemen Pass. Attention: 1. In Xinjiang, everything is sold by weight, with 1 kilogram equaling 2 jin (1000g). Make sure to convert the price before making a purchase. 2. The Xinjiang government opens the Duku Highway from June to October every year. Please book your own travel time in advance. 3. When visiting a mosque, pay attention to respecting the local people's religious beliefs and customs. Do not discuss religious issues, and maintain silence when visiting the mosque for worship. 4. It is best to obtain the consent of the locals before filming them. You can communicate patiently, make friends with a smile, and not treat the locals as mere scenery in the lens. 5. Urumqi's peak time for restricting out-of-town vehicles: legal working days (Monday to Friday) morning peak from 9:30 to 10:30, evening peak from 19:30 to 20:30. 6. In Yining, the restricted hours for non-local vehicles are on legal working days (Monday to Friday) from 08:50-10:20, 13:00-14:00, and 19:20-20:20. 7. It is best to collect detailed information about Xinjiang, including transportation, dining, accommodation, scenic spots, and other aspects, before embarking on a self-driving tour. With this information, you can make a relatively accurate budget. 8. Check the vehicle before departure every day. Before departure every day, conduct a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle, including checking for oil and water leaks (look for oil stains on the ground under the car), measuring tire pressure, and checking if the tire pressure is appropriate; check the condition of the engine oil (pull out the dipstick and see if the color of the oil on top is normal and if the oil level is appropriate); don't forget to check if the spare tire is intact.

XinjiangDuku Road | The southern section of the Dukuku, the dream of the 360° snow-capped mountains out of the Bayinbulak, all the way to the south, the altitude climbs, the road trip becomes a dream surrounded by 360° snow-capped mountains. The most beautiful scenery in Xinjiang is on the road. The sheep's white body here is a black head, climbs up the alpine meadow and climbs to the clouds. : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Doku Road is another road section that is strongly recommended not to doze: Bayinbulak - Tielibu Tunnel, all the way to the snow-capped mountains.

Because the circumstance just entered Bayinbulak and passed the Swan Lake Reserve, it was also a stop on the roadside. These stops have now evolved into scenic spots on the roadside. In fact, the most beautiful scenery along the way is On the road, those pictures that are too small to be frozen are the most attractive souls of the Northwest.

When I came to Bayinbulak, it was only in April, even the innkeeper asked us why we came to Bayinbulak this season. The grass here is still green, and the snow has not melted. In their words, there is nothing here. But it doesn't matter, we love to watch the snowy Bayinbulak. At this time, Bayinbulak is really deserted, and the door to the scenic area is not open, and we can only find the path to see the Swan Lake in the snow and ice. It is an alpine basin in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is about 2,500 meters above sea level and covers an area of 23,835 square kilometers. It is the second largest grassland in China, second only to the Inner Mongolia Erdos grassland. Bayinbulak Mongolian means Fengquan rich spring water. The grassland is flat and the water and grass are abundant. It is a typical grass meadow grassland and one of the most important animal husbandry bases in Xinjiang. There are not only the paradise surrounded by snow-capped mountains, but also the Kaidu River, which is a nine-curve and eighteen-bend, and an elegant and charming Swan Lake.

Bayinbulak Swan Lake is the largest swan nature reserve in Asia and the largest wild swan population in China. Swan Lake is located in the Bayinbulak grassland of Hejing County, Xinjiang, with an average elevation of 2,400 meters and a total area of about 1,100 square kilometers. It consists of numerous lakes with curved curves. Bayinbulak grassland is the second largest grassland in China after Erdos, covering an area of 24,000 square kilometers, with an altitude of 2