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Bayingolin has large temperature swings between day and night. Pack warm clothing even when visiting the alpine grasslands in summer.

Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, known as Bazhou for short, is Xinjiang’s largest prefecture by area. Its landscapes range from snow-capped mountains, grasslands and inland freshwater lakes to deserts, Euphrates poplar forests and ancient Silk Road towns. Planning by region allows for a more in-depth trip.

Bayanbulak Grassland

• Landscape highlights: China’s second-largest grassland is dominated by alpine meadows, with sunset over the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns as its signature view. Summer temperatures are relatively cool, making it a good escape from the heat.

• Visiting tips: Save the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns viewing platform for around sunset. Under the right conditions, multiple reflections of the sun appear at once in the winding river.

Bosten Lake

• Landscape highlights: China’s largest inland freshwater lake, Bosten Lake is known for its clear water and shoreline reed beds. Summer activities include swimming, fishing and boat trips.

• Visiting tips: Choose between the Dahekou Scenic Area and Golden Beach. In the evening, the setting sun turns the water orange-red, making this a good time for views and photography.

Lop People’s Village

• Landscape highlights: Set beside the Tarim River, the village preserves traces of a traditional fishing and hunting way of life. Euphrates poplar groves, dunes, rivers and lakes come together here, offering a glimpse into the lives and customs of desert communities.

• Visiting tips: You can ride a camel into the dunes. Leave time in the evening to watch the desert sunset, and try the local Lop-style grilled fish at mealtime.

Tarim Euphrates Poplar Forest Park

• Landscape highlights: This park contains the world’s largest natural Euphrates poplar forest. In mid-to-late October, golden poplars combine with the desert and river to create striking autumn scenery.

• Visiting tips: Visit in mid-to-late October for autumn colors, and take the small sightseeing train into the forest. For photographs of poplar silhouettes, plan to be there around sunset.

Swan Lake

• Landscape highlights: Located within the Bayanbulak Scenic Area, Swan Lake is a swan habitat where you can enjoy views of the lake, mountains and swans.

• Visiting tips: Early morning and evening are best for birdwatching. The lakeside boardwalk is relatively level, so take a slow walk and watch for swans along the way.

Iron Gate Pass

• Landscape highlights: A Silk Road pass during the Tang dynasty, Iron Gate Pass combines gorge scenery with historical remains. Its proximity to central Korla makes it suitable for a half-day visit.

• Visiting tips: Combine Iron Gate Pass with sightseeing in central Korla as a stop for learning about the history of ancient Silk Road towns.

Classic 5-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: After arriving in Korla, start with a stroll along the Peacock River walkway. In the evening, try baked buns and pilaf at Tuanjie Road Night Market or the Southern Xinjiang Grand Bazaar while gradually adjusting to the local time difference and climate.

• Day 2: Travel from Korla to Bosten Lake, a journey of about 1.5 hours. Spend the afternoon enjoying the lakeside reed beds and stay until sunset. Spend the night in Bohu County or return to Korla.
• Day 3: Leave Korla early in the morning and reach Bayanbulak in about 5–6 hours. Enter the scenic area in the afternoon to visit Swan Lake, then head to the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns for sunset. Stay overnight in Bayanbulak Town.
• Day 4: Enjoy the morning mist over the grassland, then head south toward Luntai County or Yuli County. Visit the Lop People’s Village in the afternoon to see the desert meeting rivers and lakes.
• Day 5: Continue exploring the Lop People’s Village in the morning, or choose a drive along the Tarim Desert Highway. Return to Korla in the afternoon and buy local specialties such as Korla fragrant pears before ending the trip.

Local Food Specialties

• Lop-style grilled fish: Wild fish from the Tarim River or fresh fish from Bosten Lake is threaded onto tamarisk branches and slow-grilled over charcoal. The result is fragrant, crisp skin and tender flesh. Try it at the Lop People’s Village in Yuli; expect to spend CNY 60–90 per person.

• Korla fragrant pears: This signature local fruit has thin skin, plenty of juice and a crisp texture with little grit. September and October are good months to try them, and they also make a good gift to take home.

• Baked buns and tandoor-roasted meat: Both are common street-side breakfast choices, and many vendors also sell them at Korla’s Tuanjie Road Night Market. Baked buns cost CNY 3–5 each, while tandoor-roasted meat costs CNY 20–30 per serving. Both are known for their fragrant roasted flavor.

• Pilaf: Rice is simmered in lamb fat with carrots and yellow carrots, giving it a rich texture and meaty aroma. Try a well-regarded, long-established local restaurant such as Minyang Pilaf. Expect to spend CNY 25–40 per person.

• Mixed noodles: Hand-pulled noodles are served with stir-fried toppings, with oil-seared meat being a classic choice. The noodles are chewy and smooth, and portions are generous. This is a common local lunch option.

Travel Tips

• Getting around: Bazhou covers a vast area, and attractions are often hundreds of kilometers apart. Public transport connections are not very convenient, so driving yourself or hiring a car with a driver is generally more suitable.
• Sun protection and warm clothing: Xinjiang has strong UV radiation, so use sun protection outdoors. Day-to-night temperature swings are significant. Even when visiting Bayanbulak in summer, bring a shell jacket or lightweight down jacket.
• Time and supplies: Beijing Time is used throughout the area, but daily routines run roughly two hours later, and it usually does not get dark until around 10 p.m. Outdoor visits can be long, so carry drinking water and snacks.
• Communication and navigation: Some roads through the Gobi and along desert edges may have no mobile signal. Download offline maps before setting out, and bring two-way radios if traveling in a convoy.
• Local customs: Bazhou is home to several ethnic minority communities. Respect local customs and religious beliefs. When visiting the grasslands, avoid trampling the pasture and do not disturb livestock.