Things to do in Bayingolin
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Top 10 attractions in Bayingolin
Bayanbulak
Bayanbulak Grassland has a flat landscape and abundant aquatic plants. It is a typical grassland and an ideal pasture at the south side of Tianshan Mountain. Every summer, Bayanbulak Grassland is covered with overlapping green grass, along with a host of lakes and wetlands. Cows and goats are herded here, creating a pastoral scene. The well-known Swan Lake is at the southeast part of the grassland. Kongnaiz Forest Area in the grassland is an ideal summer resort, with picturesque landscape and brilliant folk customs.Hejing · >100km from downtown
Duku Highway
Duku Highwayis the common name for the Dushanzi to Kuqa section of National Highway 217. It starts in the north at Dushanzi and ends in the south at Kuqa, the site of the ancient Qiuci kingdom. It spans approx. 561 km and runs through the Tianshan Mountains, cutting the travel distance between northern and southern Xinjiang, which originally required a detour of over 1,000 km, by nearly half. Half of the highway is at an altitude of over 2,000 m, and it crosses four mountain passes covered in snow year-round. One-fifth of the route lies in the alpine permafrost zone, and one-third consists of cliffs and precipices. It took ten years to build this road before it was fully opened to traffic. More than 100 soldiers who built the road rest forever in the Tianshan Mountains, and the Martyrs' Cemetery in Qiao'erma was built to commemorate them. It can be said that every kilometer was hard-won.Kuytun · 7.2km from downtown
Lop Nor Village
The Luobu village is located in the southwest of Yuli County, about 35 kilometers away from the county seat. It used to be one of the villages of the Luobu People's Congress. Today, many buildings with the characteristics of the Luobu people have been built on the original basis to make a huge one that reflects the culture of the Luobu people. cultural tourism area. Here you can visit many buildings such as houses and altars of the Rob people. At the same time, there are deserts, Tarim River, Populus euphratica forest scenery, which can be viewed and entertained. It is an important scenic spot in Yuli County. The Luobu people are one of the ancient ethnic groups in Xinjiang. People live by fishing on the banks of the Tarim River. This nation has been isolated from other nations for thousands of years. It has a unique culture and folk customs, which is very mysterious. Nowadays, there are not many real Rob people. The scenic spot is a good place to understand the mysterious culture of the Rob people. The area of the scenic spot is very large. As soon as you enter the scenic spot, you can see the surrounding sand dunes and Gobi scenery. Tourists need to take a shuttle bus here to enter the village. The shuttle bus is not far away, and you can see many tall poplar trees along the way, and the scenery is desolate and magnificent. After entering the village, you can see the houses, wedding rooms, altars and other distinctive buildings of the Rob people, learn about the special folk customs of the Rob people, and watch the local Rob people singing and dancing performances. In addition to understanding the culture, the Tarim River and Goddess Lake in the scenic area are all beautiful. In the depths of the scenic spot is a desert, where tourists can experience camel riding, desert paragliding and many other entertainment items, and can also go boating and rowing in the desert lake, which is full of fun.Yuli · 35.1km from downtown
Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park
The Tarim Populus euphratica Forest is located 70 kilometers away from the South Desert Highway in Luntai County. It was built in February 2004 and covers a total area of 100 square kilometers (including the original desert Populus euphratica forest park covering more than 20,000 hectares built in 1993). It has a total area of 100 square kilometers. It integrates the natural landscape of Tahe River, Populus euphratica landscape, desert landscape, and oil industry landscape. It is a natural scenic tourist destination for sightseeing, leisure and entertainment, outdoor adventure, and scientific research. The Tarim Populus euphratica Forest Park is divided into three areas: tourist service, sightseeing, and leisure and entertainment. Tourist service area: It is a comprehensive service area integrating Dining, accommodation, entertainment, and shopping. Sightseeing area: It is a Attraction road about 17 kilometers long with 126 bends to enter the ancient Populus euphratica forest. Along the way, you can enjoy the ancient and primitive Populus euphratica in different forms in different seasons. Leisure and entertainment area: It is a 13-kilometer-long circular sightseeing railway connecting 4-5 larger lakes in the forest. There are very lush poplar trees growing by the lake. In the golden autumn, they are all golden and reflected in the water. Taking the sightseeing train, you will jump over the green grass, run through the red willow bushes, cross the reed marshes, cross the Qiayang River, and circle the lake in the forest, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of the desert and the south of the Yangtze River. Explore the ancient city and the Silk Road, visit the Tahe River to appreciate the poplar trees, enter Lunnan to see the oil, and enter the Tazhong to see the vast sea. If you have not been to Luntai, you will not know the magnificence of the poplar trees, and if you have not seen the poplar trees, you will not know the splendor of life. The people of all ethnic groups in Luntai County sincerely welcome you to visit Luntai Tarim Poplar Forest Park.Luntai · 58km from downtown
Bosten Lake
Bosten Lake, also known as Bohu, was historically called the Western Sea. Located in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, it is China's largest inland freshwater lake and Xinjiang's premier lake. The surrounding area boasts stunning landscapes, including vast reed beds swaying in the wind, sunlit beaches reminiscent of coastal shores, and tranquil wetland fishing villages. Visitors can admire Xinjiang's rare wetland and seaside scenery, enjoy boat tours on the lake, and savor local delicacies in the fishing villages. It's a top destination for summer retreats, leisure, and vacation getaways in Xinjiang. Bosten Lake spans a vast area across Bohu County and Hoxud County, with several attractions developed along its shores, covering most areas accessible by the lakeside road. Most visitors explore the lake by visiting these attractions. If you prefer to enjoy the lake without entering the attractions, you can head to the lakeside villages directly east of Bohu town, though these areas offer limited entertainment and amenities, making them less recommended. The best season to visit Bosten Lake is summer, when it attracts mostly local Xinjiang residents. During this time, the lake's shimmering waters, lush wetlands, and scenic views of lotus flowers and migratory birds create a picturesque setting. Additionally,Bosten LakeIce and snow tourism has become increasingly popular in recent years, making winter a great time to enjoy ice activities and skiing. When visiting Bosten Lake, you can explore just one side or take a scenic tour around the entire lake. Currently, the entire southern shore of the lake area is planned asBosten LakeThe south shore tourist area operates on a single-ticket system, featuring the most scenic lakeside views in this region. With better facilities and services, it serves as the main destination for exploring Bosten Lake. Current attractions along the south shore from west to east include:Lotus Lake > Ahongkou > Water Pumping Station > Egret IslandIt takes about a day to visit all the attractions.LianhuahuLocated on the western side, this area doesn't feature vast lake scenery but rather 16 small lakes divided by reeds and lotus ponds. Visitors can admire numerous water lilies here, making it a prime flower photography destination every summer.LianhuahuThere is also a cruise service available for sightseeing on the large lake.AhongkouandLianhuahuThe scenery here is similar, featuring wetland landscapes with beautiful lotus flowers to admire, but you can also see the expansive lake in the distance.Egret IsletLocated on the eastern side, this lakeside desert transforms into a typical coastal beach scene due to the vast lake area, creating a uniquely striking contrast in the inland depths of Xinjiang. Visitors can enjoy swimming and water activities here during summer, experiencing the same relaxation and fun as coastal attractions. Come winter,Bosten LakeThe main location for ice and snow activities is also here. Additionally, there's another spot on the eastern side of the South Bank attraction.Haixin MountainIt is a hill extending into the lake, perfect for photography, and those interested can visit to take pictures. Besides the south shore tourist area, other lakeside attractions include the Dahekou Scenic Area on the east shore and the Jinshatan Scenic Area in Hoxud County on the north shore.Tian'ge Island (Yinsha Beach) AttractionDeng. Also known as Xihai Fishing Village, the Dahekou scenic area features lush reed marshes, charming lotus ponds, and is a prime spot for speedboating on the lake. This birdwatching paradise offers lakeside restaurants serving delicious freshwater fish and organizes barbecue activities by the shore, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway.Bohu · 26.5km from downtown
Bosten Lake Dahekou Scenic Area
Bosten Lake Dahekou Scenic AreaLocated on the western shore of Bohu County's Bosten Lake in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, this national 5A-level natural attraction—formerly known as Xihai Fishing Village—has been developed around core tourism resources including wetland views, reed marshes, lotus ponds, ethnic customs, and cultural festivals. The destination integrates wetland sightseeing, eco-leisure, folk experiences, and cultural exploration into a comprehensive "Bosten" cultural experience. Positioned as "Xinjiang's water playground and a leisure resort for all residents," it aims to make Dahekou the birthplace of entertainment dreams.Bohu · 11.5km from downtown
Tata'S Secret Land-Lop Lake Resort
Tata Secret Land International Tourism Resort is located 887 kilometers south of National Highway 218, Yuli County, Bayinguolengmeng Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and is independently developed and operated by Outdoor Sky Group Co., Ltd. The total area is 30,000 mu, of which: Lop Lake Scenic Area is one of the key areas in the one city and three districts planning of Tata Secret Land International Tourism Resort, with a total planned land area of about 903 hectares. Relying on desert resources, the area has built a desert ecological leisure and vacation experience area that integrates "desert tourism, poplar exploration, Lop Nur Lake tour, intangible cultural heritage, western cultural experience, and folk customs experience". The Attraction includes several core business formats such as Dining, handicrafts, performing arts, entertainment, and Cruise. The scenic Attraction has built multiple entertainment experience projects such as double-sided phantom, nine tree water bar, Hot Air Balloon Rides, and poplar train. Integrating the new thinking of nature + architecture, connecting space with ecological tours, and allowing tourists to become explorers. It is a tourist destination that integrates sightseeing, adventure, photography, and in-depth experience of desert culture.Yuli · 64.7km from downtown
Loulan Ancient City
The world-famous ancient city of Loulan, an important historical site in Xinjiang, is located in the west of Lop Nur, the hub of the Western Regions, and occupies an important position on the ancient Silk Road. According to the records of "Historical Records: Biography of Dayuan" and "Han Book: Biography of the Western Regions", as early as the 2nd century, Loulan was a well-known "city-surrounded country" in the Western Regions. In 1900, Sven Hedin led a Swedish expedition to explore Lop Nur, but accidentally discovered the ancient city of Loulan. The existing Loulan ruins are roughly square, each side of the city wall is roughly 330 meters, and the urban area is roughly 1.1 square kilometers. There are still broken courtyards and towering pagodas in the city. Many ancient cultural relics were found in the ancient city of Loulan, including various utensils and coins, and the precious one is the manuscript "Warring States Policy" in the Jin Dynasty. The Loulan Kingdom has a history of more than 800 years, from its establishment before 176 BC to its demise in 630 AD. Loulan has always been an important transportation hub from the mainland to the Western Regions. Later, Loulan was rarely seen in historical records and gradually disappeared mysteriously. The disappearance of the Loulan Kingdom is still a mystery. The walls around the ancient city of Loulan have collapsed in more than 10 places, and only the intermittent walls are standing alone. The panoramic view of the Loulan ruins is ancient and solemn, and the ruins of the ruined buildings in the city are lifeless, which is particularly desolate and tragic.Ruoqiang · >100km from downtown
Lop Nor
Lop Noris located in the eastern part of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang. Historically known as Yanze or Puchang Sea, it was once the convergence point for rivers such as the Tarim River and the Peacock River. At its peak, the lake covered an area of thousands of square kilometers. Historical records from the Han Dynasty describe it as "stretching 300 li, with water that remains still and neither increases nor decreases in winter or summer." Due to a sharp decrease in water inflow from upstream, the great lake dried up completely in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, when viewed from satellite imagery, the outline of the dried lake basin resembles a giant ear. The alternating light and dark "ear patterns" are the salt crust imprints left by the receding lake water, which is how it earned the name "Ear of the Earth." This lake basin was also a vital passage on the southern route of the ancient Silk Road. TheLoulan Kingdomonce thrived by the lake, existing for several hundred years before quietly declining. Swedish explorer Sven Hedin discovered the ruins of theLoulan Ancient Cityhere, bringing the wasteland back into the public eye. The term "Yardang," used for this type of wind-eroded landform, also originates from the local name for these steep earthen mounds. After the great lake dried up, the vegetation vanished, the Populus euphratica forests withered, and the desert encroached, gradually merging with the Taklamakan Desert, which is how it became known as the "Sea of Death." The disappearance of scientist Peng Jiamu here in 1980 and the death of hiker and explorer Yu Chunshun in 1996 have only added to its legend and cautionary reputation. It is important to note that most areas of Lop Nor are closed to the public, and the terrain is complex with harsh and changeable weather.Ruoqiang · >100km from downtown
Kongque River
Kongque River originates from Bosten Lake, flows out from the western part of the lake, passes through the Iron Gate Pass canyon, travels east through Korla and Yuli County, and historically ended at Lop Nor. It is a rare river with almost no tributaries, nourishing the oasis of Korla and regarded by locals as their mother river. The origin of the river's name is quite interesting: legend has it that the famous Eastern Han general Ban Chao once watered his horses here, hence it is also known as the "Yinma River"; the name "Kongque" comes from a Uyghur transliteration, originally meaning "tanner," as it is said that tanners used to wash leather in the river in the past. The section flowing through the urban area of Korla has undergone years of renovation, and today it features open waters and tree-lined banks. Since 2000, a scenic tourist belt stretching about 10 km has been built along the river, with stone embankments connecting green spaces like Kongque Park and Lixiang Park, as well as several bridges with unique designs. Every April, the pear blossoms in Lixiang Park by the river are in full bloom, with the flowers reflecting in the clear water, living up to Korla's name as the "Pear City." Another aspect of this river's scenery awaits in winter: starting every fall and winter, flocks of swans fly to the Kongque River to overwinter. This phenomenon has continued for many years, and Korla is therefore known as the "City of Swans."Korla · 14.3km from downtown
Free things to do in Bayingolin
Bayanbulak
Hejing · >100km from downtownDuku Highway
Kuytun · 7.2km from downtownLop Nor Village
Yuli · 35.1km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeTarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park
Luntai · 58km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeBosten Lake
Bohu · 26.5km from downtownBosten Lake Dahekou Scenic Area
Bohu · 11.5km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeTata'S Secret Land-Lop Lake Resort
Yuli · 64.7km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeLoulan Ancient City
Ruoqiang · >100km from downtownLop Nor
Ruoqiang · >100km from downtownKongque River
Korla · 14.3km from downtown
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What travellers say about Bayingolin
Hi匣子30 September 2026
5.0
Bayinbuluke is definitely worth a visit. Besides swans, we also saw Siberian red-billed gulls at the Swan Sanctuary, and the interaction between the lambs and swans was particularly interesting. It's really cold up there, so be sure to dress warmly!
The scenic area is much larger than I expected. From the entrance to the main attractions, even with no stops and a speed limit of 60 km/h, it takes about an hour, so be sure to allow plenty of time.
The weather was exceptionally good the second time, and I wanted to go back in to watch the sunset. However, when I arrived at the scenic area at 6:30 PM, the staff said the sightseeing bus had already stopped running, so I unfortunately missed it. 🥲 If you want to see the sunset, be sure to check the last sightseeing bus time in advance. Also, if you're driving, after watching the sunset, drive slowly and carefully as it gets dark.
Bayanbulak
M54***5211 July 2026
4.0
Xinjiang Trip Day 9 ✨ Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery—Duku Highway—Urumqi
What incredible luck today! I woke up this morning to find out the Duku Highway was reopened! ✨ What would have been an 11-hour drive was reduced to just 8 hours! What amazing luck!
🌄 Surprise at the start: The Hundred-Mile Gallery is breathtakingly beautiful! Every snapshot is wallpaper-worthy scenery 🏞️
The Duku Highway truly deserves its title as Xinjiang's most beautiful highway 🏆 Today we witnessed:
✓ 20°C summer at the foot of the mountain vs. a sub-zero snowy world at the summit ❄️
✓ A changing panorama of scenery throughout the four seasons: grassland → spruce forest → snow-capped mountains → Danxia canyons
✓ A southerner screamed with excitement upon touching a real snow-capped mountain for the first time (I won't say who it was 😝)
🚗 Driving Tips:
1️⃣ Duku Highway Opening Hours: June 1st - October 15th
2️⃣ Restricted Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
3️⃣ Essential Items: Thick coat! Sunscreen! Sunglasses! (Don't ask how I know, I just got three shades tanned 😭)
💯 Today's highlights:
A snowball fight at the foot of the snow-capped mountains ☃️ Zero traffic jams + zero livestock = a silky smooth experience
Still savoring the experience on the way back to Urumqi, this was definitely the most worthwhile day of my Xinjiang trip! I highly recommend that everyone visiting Xinjiang add the Duku Highway to their must-see list~
#XinjiangTravel #DukuHighway #HundredMileGallery #TangbulaGrassland #UrumqiTourism
Duku Highway
Anonymous user1 October 2026
5.0
Our day tour in Korla was led by Mr. Liu, a local resident familiar with the local culture. He was a skilled driver, obeyed speed limits, and drove very steadily. He even went hungry himself to accommodate everyone's decision to eat in the city. He also provided local fragrant pears for everyone and helped accommodate those who didn't want to try off-road driving. Tomorrow we will continue with our company's day tour packages.
Lop Nor Village
535***1718 October 2026
5.0
The Tarim Poplar Forest Park is a must-visit, especially if you drive there – it's so enjoyable! You can park your car on the side of the road whenever you see a beautiful view, provided it's safe to do so. The poplars are interspersed with patches of yellow, which fulfills our longing for a poplar forest.
Tarim Populus Euphratica Forest Park
Anonymous user12 October 2025
5.0
The West Sea lives up to its reputation, with an endless expanse of turquoise blue and emerald green nearby. Seagulls fly, waves crash against the riverbank, and how can you not be mesmerized by the tranquility? Let the love song of the West Sea ring out!
Bosten Lake
Anonymous user27 July 2026
4.0
A journey to northern Xinjiang to encounter Kanas makes all the travel fatigue worthwhile. Crystal-clear lakes, rolling forests, and flowing river bends create a breathtaking panorama, with the three bays shrouded in ethereal beauty at dawn. The natural scenery is pure and healing; every frame is a natural wallpaper. It's a place you'll want to return to again and again.
Bosten Lake Dahekou Scenic Area
M26***gl22 August 2026
5.0
The scenery is beautiful, and the natural environment is well-preserved, making it perfect for a holiday trip. The staff were great and very helpful; seeing that I was short on time, they even planned a sightseeing route for me. Highly recommended! 👍👍👍
Tata'S Secret Land-Lop Lake Resort
苦海无边，望不到岸31 December 2021
5.0
You must go to an uninhabited area once in your life! Crossing Lop Nur, exploring the ancient city of Loulan... Going there once is enough to brag about for the rest of your life
Once upon a time, the huge ancient city of Loulan was located in the northwest, bustling with people and the gateway to the Silk Road. Now, only a faint ruin remains, which has disappeared for hundreds of years, causing endless sighs.
Loulan Ancient City
西域融城国际旅行社16 March 2023
5.0
You can go to the Huyang Hotel in Ruoqiang to sign up for a tour group to the Altun Mountains in Lop Nor, but the special tour fee is high. Two or three people travel hundreds of kilometers in an off-road vehicle. But it is worth it. There are the Altun Mountains Nature Reserve, Xiaohe Cemetery, Loulan Ancient City, Haitou Ancient City. If you are willing, there are treasures to pick up haha
Lop Nor
YoYo_9H7U5N1A2 September 2026
5.0
The Peacock River flows gently through the city of Korla, its banks lush with greenery and illuminated by dazzling lights at night. The river's gentle flow makes it perfect for an evening stroll, and while it boasts a rich natural and historical heritage, it lacks grand, breathtaking landscapes typical of urban areas.
Kongque River
