The most comprehensive travel guide to Bayinbuluke, ready to go with just one article
On the vast and boundless land of Xinjiang, Bayinbuluke shines like a dazzling pearl, exuding an enchanting charm. It boasts expansive grassland scenery, winding rivers, and elegant swans resting here, making it a highly desirable travel destination. Today, we present you with an ultra-detailed Bayinbuluke travel guide to help you easily explore this earthly paradise.
Thorough preparation beforehand
Documents: Always carry your ID card, essential for ticket purchase and identity verification. Students can enjoy ticket discounts with a student ID; seniors can also enjoy benefits with a senior card.
Clothing: Bayinbuluke has a large temperature difference between day and night. Even in the scorching summer, bring a light jacket and sun-protective clothing. Warm clothes like fleece or windbreakers are also indispensable to keep warm during nighttime outings. Additionally, sun hats, sunglasses, and scarves are must-haves for sun protection and style.
Other items: High SPF sunscreen is essential as the grassland has strong sunlight, so sun protection must be thorough. Moisturizing skincare products and lip balm help relieve discomfort caused by the dry climate. Mosquito repellent or insect repellent lotion is also necessary, especially in summer when mosquitoes are abundant. Common medicines such as cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills are recommended for emergencies.
Various transportation options for you to choose
External transportation:
Airplane: You can first fly to Korla Airport, then choose to charter a car or rent a car to the scenic area. This way, your trip is more flexible, and you can stop anytime to admire the magnificent scenery along the way.
Train: Take a train to Hejing County, then transfer to a bus to Bayinbuluke. This method is economical and allows you to enjoy the beautiful Xinjiang scenery through the window.
Internal transportation: Self-driving is prohibited within the scenic area; sightseeing buses are required for touring. The sightseeing buses comfortably shuttle between attractions, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful views.
Must-visit attractions
Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns: The Kaidu River meanders here, forming the world-famous "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns." At dusk, as the sun slowly sets, golden rays scatter over the river surface. Amazingly, you can see nine suns reflected in the water, as if in a dream. This unique sight attracts countless tourists every year.
Swan Lake: This is a national-level swan nature reserve and the largest wild swan habitat in China. From March to September each year, large numbers of swans breed and live here. You can see swans leisurely swimming in the lake, sometimes stretching their necks high, sometimes bending them low, creating a stunning picture with the blue sky and green water.
Barun Temple: A Tibetan Buddhist Gelugpa sect missionary temple and the last "mobile temple" on the grassland, full of mysterious religious atmosphere. Those interested in religious culture should not miss it, to experience the tranquility and solemnity here.
Delicious food recommendations
Hand-pulled lamb: Tender and juicy, without any gamey taste, eating it in big bites is extremely satisfying. The lamb is stewed to perfection, melting in your mouth, letting you fully appreciate the charm of grassland cuisine.
Xinjiang mixed noodles: The noodles are chewy and elastic, with a rich variety of toppings. Every bite is filled with happiness. Each noodle strand is coated with rich broth, leaving a lingering taste.
Baked buns: Crispy on the outside, delicious filling inside, biting into one releases a fragrant aroma. Freshly baked buns are steaming hot and a must-try delicacy.
Diverse accommodation options
Bayinbuluke Town hotels: There are many hotels in Bayinbuluke Town, conveniently located near the scenic area entrance, but prices are relatively high. The town is small, so no matter where you stay, the distance to the scenic area is not far. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons when rooms are tight.
Mongolian yurt experience: To feel the grassland atmosphere, staying in a Mongolian yurt is an excellent choice. Wake up to golden sunlight spreading over the grassland in the morning, and lie under the starry sky in the yurt at night to experience a unique grassland life.
Helpful tips to remember
Large temperature difference between day and night: When watching the sunset in the scenic area, be sure to bring a windbreaker or light down jacket to prevent catching a cold at night.
Mosquito prevention: Mosquitoes are abundant in summer, so remember to take mosquito prevention measures and bring repellent.
Visiting time: In summer, it is recommended to enter the scenic area after 5 p.m. The sunset usually occurs after 9 p.m.
Transportation within the scenic area: After getting off the shuttle bus, you still need to walk three kilometers uphill. You can choose to take a sightseeing bus (10 yuan/one way, recommended for the return trip as it gets late after watching the sunset and the temperature on the mountain is low) or ride a horse. You can hike on the way there and freely explore the grassland on the right side, but be careful not to go down from the top.
Hiking adventure: The plank road at the top continues to the left end of the plank road. You can hike on a wild path down to the grassland below, which offers excellent scenery, but the slope is steep, so be sure to assess your ability.
Bayinbuluke, this magical and beautiful land, is waiting for you to explore and discover. Pack your bags and step onto this charming grassland to start an exciting journey of your own. We believe it will leave you with unforgettable memories for a lifetime!