Beitun

Northern Xinjiang has a noticeable temperature difference between day and night, so you should bring a warm jacket even when traveling in summer.

Beitun is an important transport hub in Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, as well as a city administered by the Production and Construction Corps. Prices here are relatively affordable, accommodation is comfortable, and it is convenient to travel onward to Kanas, Hemu and the S21 Desert Highway, making it a suitable stopover during your trip. The following is a guide to attractions in and around Beitun.

• Ulungur Lake: Ulungur Lake is one of China’s eight largest freshwater lakes. The scenic area includes Golden Coast and the Sea Devil City. A wooden boardwalk runs along the lake, offering expansive views at sunset, and wild ducks and calves can be seen along the way. It is suitable for exploring by car.

• Yudai River Waterfront Leisure Scenic Area: This national 3A-rated scenic area has been developed along the local waterways. At night, visitors can watch musical fountains, water-screen films and light shows. The Central Street night market features a variety of local foods and is a good place to experience daily life in Beitun.

• Deren Mountain Park: Local legend holds that this was once a command platform used by Genghis Khan during his western campaign. Climbing the mountain in the evening offers panoramic views of Beitun, while city lights spread out below at night, making it suitable for walks and nighttime sightseeing.

• 10th Division Beitun Museum: The museum focuses on the history of the Production and Construction Corps’ settlement and border defense efforts. It contains large sculptures and reconstructed scenes, helping visitors understand Beitun’s urban development and military agricultural culture.

• Irtysh River: The Irtysh is the only river in China that flows into the Arctic Ocean. River-valley forests and riverside greenways line its banks. In clear weather, visitors can camp, enjoy the water and take photos, while the scenery along the river is particularly appealing in autumn.

Recommended Classic Itineraries

• One-day trip (relaxed city tour): Visit the 10th Division Beitun Museum in the morning to learn about military agricultural culture; take a walk in Yudai River Park in the afternoon; head to Deren Mountain before evening to enjoy the city views; and have dinner at the Central Street night market.
• Two-day trip (in-depth excursion nearby): On the first day, travel from Urumqi to Beitun along the S21 Desert Highway, visiting Ulungur Lake and the Sea Devil City; on the second day, travel from Beitun to Kanas or Hemu. The drive is about 1.5 hours shorter than departing from Burqin.
• Six-day road trip (the A-He Route): Urumqi — S21 Desert Highway — Beitun — No. 188 Regiment Buluntuo Sea Coastal Resort — A-He Highway — Hemu — Kanas — No. 185 Regiment Baisha Lake. Along the way, you can experience desert, lake, pasture and border landscapes in succession.

Recommended Local Foods

Prices in Beitun are generally low, and the signature dishes commonly found in the Altay region are generously portioned, making the city a good place to sample them.

Transportation and Accommodation Guide

• Getting there: A train from Urumqi to Beitun takes about 12–13 hours, with hard-sleeper tickets costing 174 yuan. By car, you can take the S21 Desert Highway or National Highway G216. The journey is about 550 kilometers and takes approximately 6 hours.
• Getting around the city: Beitun is not very large, and taxis have relatively low starting fares. Many bus stops feature a military agricultural style. When visiting nearby attractions such as Ulungur Lake, renting a car or hiring a private vehicle is recommended. Road conditions along the route are generally good, and an ordinary sedan is sufficient.
• Where to stay: Consider staying in the city center, such as near the Du’erbuljin River or around the pedestrian street, where transportation and dining are convenient. The GreenTree Eastern Hotel, Kuituli Hotel and Beitun Wanxin Hotel (formerly Chenji Garden Hotel) all have good accommodation reviews. A comfortable room usually costs 200–300 yuan.

Practical Tips and Notes

• S21 Desert Highway: There are relatively few service areas along the route. Before leaving Urumqi, fill the vehicle’s fuel tank and prepare enough drinking water and dry food, such as baked buns and naan.
• Sun protection and temperature changes: Northern Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet radiation, so bring sunglasses, a hat and sun-protective clothing. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, especially in autumn. Even in summer, you should bring a lightweight down jacket or a hard-shell outdoor jacket.
• Speed limits: Some sections of the S21 Highway and certain national highways have an 80 km/h speed limit. Pay attention to speed-limit signs while driving to avoid speeding and traffic violations.
• Respect local customs: When entering pastoral areas or passing a herder’s yurt, do not enter without permission, and do not photograph herders’ faces without consent.
• Roads around the Sea Devil City: Some visitors continue along the highway and enter through a gap in the blue fence on the right to avoid buying a ticket. If you take this route, do not drive onto the dirt road; walking along the highway is closer and safer. For safety reasons, using the official scenic-area entrance is still recommended.