Boertala

The temperature difference between day and night is quite large in summer, and mountain winds can be strong, so bring warm clothing.

Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (Bortala for short) lies in northwestern Xinjiang. It is home to attractions including Sayram Lake, Guai Shi Yu, Alashankou and natural hot springs, making it a worthwhile stop on a northern Xinjiang road trip.

• Sayram Lake: The highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. Its waters are a clear blue, while the surrounding meadows and snow-capped mountains create a striking landscape. It is therefore known as “the last tear of the Atlantic.”

• Guai Shi Yu: Located on the southern foothills of the Alataw Mountains, this area covers 230 square kilometers. Extensive wind-eroded rock formations are scattered throughout the area, and their honeycomb-like holes, together with the snow-capped mountains and grasslands, create a distinctive landscape.

• Wenquan County: The county takes its name from the many natural hot springs found throughout the area. Visitors can enjoy open-air hot springs at the foot of snow-capped mountains or visit the Etuoke Sai'er Tianquan Scenic Area to admire alpine lakes and glaciers.

• Alashankou: An important land port in northwestern China. Visitors can tour the National Gate Scenic Area, learn about the operation of China-Europe freight trains, and experience the broad, stark scenery of the hundred-kilometer wind corridor.

• Mutetale Desert: Located in Jinghe County, this landscape features golden dunes on one side and Populus euphratica woodland and wetlands on the other. At sunset, the desert and wetlands form a vivid contrast in the evening light.

Classic 5-Day Self-Drive Itinerary

The attractions in Bortala are spread far apart, so driving yourself or hiring a private car allows for a more flexible itinerary.

• Day 1: After arriving in Bole, take a walk along the Bortala River Ecological and Cultural Corridor. Before evening, head to Central Mingzhu Food Street to sample local Xinjiang specialties. Stay overnight in Bole.

• Day 2: Travel from Bole to Sayram Lake. Enter through the north gate and drive around the lake; in the afternoon, visit Guai Shi Yu to see its wind-eroded rock formations. Stay overnight in Bole or Jinghe County.
• Day 3: Head to Wenquan County. Visit the Cold-Water Fish Park in the morning, then enjoy natural open-air hot springs at Bortala River National Wetland Park in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Wenquan County.

• Day 4: Travel from Wenquan County to the Etuoke Sai'er Tianquan Scenic Area. Follow the Tianshan Highway, taking in snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes, then return to Bole in the evening after exploring the remote scenic area.

• Day 5: Visit the National Gate Scenic Area in Alashankou and take in the vast scenery of the border region. Alternatively, head to the Mutetale Desert for off-road driving and sandboarding before starting your return journey.

Local Specialties to Try

Bortala cuisine combines Mongolian and Kazakh influences. Meat dishes, especially those made with lamb, and various noodle and flour-based foods are among the local specialties.

• Naren: A traditional Kazakh dish made by cutting boiled lamb into pieces and placing it over handmade flat noodles, then adding onion sauce and meat broth. The noodles are pleasantly chewy and the lamb is flavorful.

• Hand-Pulled Lamb: Local lamb is tender and has a relatively mild gamey flavor. It is simply boiled and served with chili powder and cumin, allowing the natural aroma of the lamb to shine.

• Baursak: Traditional deep-fried dough that is crisp on the outside and soft inside, with a lightly sweet flavor. It is usually served with salted milk tea and is commonly eaten for breakfast or afternoon tea.

• Sayram Lake Salmon: A cold-water fish from Sayram Lake. Its flesh is tender and is well suited to steaming or making soup. It is one of Bortala's signature aquatic specialties.

• Saike Meat Naan: A traditional flour-based food with a crisp, tender naan crust and a filling of lamb, vegetables and seasonings, offering a mix of textures and flavors.

Travel Tips and Practical Information

• Getting around: Bortala's attractions are quite spread out, and public transport services are limited, so driving yourself or hiring a private car is recommended. If traveling by high-speed rail, you can first arrive at Bortala Station and then transfer to a local vehicle.
• Border permits: A border permit is required for areas near the border, including Alashankou and the Etuoke Sai'er Tianquan Scenic Area. Apply in advance in Bole or Wenquan County.
• Weather and clothing: Temperatures vary significantly between day and night in Bortala. Even in summer, bring a waterproof jacket or light down jacket. Winds are strong in the mountains and exposed passes, so use sun protection and wear sunglasses.
• Taking photos at Sayram Lake: After 4 p.m., Sayram Lake is more likely to have backlighting. If you want to photograph blue skies, white clouds and reflections on the lake, plan to visit in the morning. Observe speed limits when driving around the lake.
• Booking accommodation: During public holidays, accommodation prices around Sayram Lake and in Bole can rise sharply, so book at least a week in advance. To avoid the crowds, you can stay in Wenquan County and enter Sayram Lake through the north gate the following day.
• Respect local customs: When visiting pastoral areas or ethnic-minority villages, follow local customs and do not step on the thresholds of yurts. Always ask permission before photographing local herders or their livestock.