Wenquan County in Bortala

Wenquan County is administered by Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture and is the only county in China named after geothermal hot springs. It is known as the “Hometown of Hot Springs in China” and a “Summer Resort in China.” Located on the northern slopes of the western Tianshan Mountains and in the upper reaches of the Bortala River, the county borders Kazakhstan to the west and is surrounded on three sides by the Alatau and Biezhentao Mountains. It covers a total area of approximately 5,885.5 square kilometers.

Wenquan is a National All-for-One Tourism Demonstration Zone, bringing together snow-capped mountains, river valleys and wetlands, alpine grasslands, geothermal hot springs, prehistoric archaeological sites, and the folk culture of the westward migration of the Chakhar Mongols. With its cool summer climate, it is an important stop for travelers driving along the western route around Sayram Lake (赛里木湖), offering an ideal place to rest and explore. Aerxiati Grassland (阿日夏提草原), Bogedale Sacred Spring, and Bortala River National Wetland Park are all located within Wenquan County.

Main Attractions and Highlights

Bogedale Sacred Spring and Hot Springs

Bogedale Sacred Spring Scenic Area (博格达尔圣泉景区) is a national 4A-rated attraction and one of the signature landmarks of Wenquan County. Also known as Bogedale Hot Springs, its natural springs flow continuously throughout the year, with water rich in a variety of minerals.

The scenic area includes Sacred Spring Lake Wetland, Oboo Square, and a Mongolian Medicine Wellness Center. Outdoor lotus-shaped hot-spring pools and the Wings of the Hot Spring Foot Bath Pool are open free of charge, allowing visitors to experience the natural geothermal waters and Wenquan's wellness-oriented atmosphere.

Bortala River National Wetland Park

Bortala River National Wetland Park surrounds the county seat. Extensive reed marshes form an important stopover along the Central Asian migratory bird route. During spring and autumn, visitors may see waterbirds such as swan geese, whooper swans, and black storks.

Wooden boardwalks extend along the riverbanks, providing easy walking routes through the wetland landscape. Early in the morning, mist often hangs over the river valley, creating a quiet and atmospheric setting for birdwatching and photography.

Adun Qiaolu Ruins and Rock Art

The Adun Qiaolu Ruins and Rock Art (阿敦乔鲁遗址与岩画) are important prehistoric remains dating to China's Bronze Age. Giant stone burial structures, stone-built house foundations, and grassland rock art are scattered across the mountain terraces. Often described as “Xinjiang's Stonehenge,” the site provides evidence of grassland civilization dating back more than 4,000 years.

The combination of megalithic structures and ancient rock carvings makes Adun Qiaolu an important destination for travelers interested in prehistoric archaeology and the ancient cultures of the Eurasian steppe.

Northern Xinjiang Salamander Ecological Park

At the Northern Xinjiang Salamander Ecological Park (北鲵生态园), visitors can learn about and observe the rare Xinjiang salamander, sometimes described as a living fossil. This ancient species has an extremely limited distribution in the surrounding region, making the park a valuable destination for environmental education, science programs, and family visits.

Aerxiati Grassland and Fairy Spring

Aerxiati Grassland (阿日夏提草原), part of the Fairy Spring Scenic Area, combines alpine meadows, Tianshan spruce valleys, snow-capped mountains, natural hot springs, Wusun burial mounds, and ancient grassland stone figures.

The landscape brings together several of Wenquan's defining features in one area: open mountain grasslands, forested valleys, archaeological heritage, and geothermal springs. It is particularly suitable for travelers looking for a more pristine and less commercialized grassland experience.

Etoksaier Tianquan

Etoksaier Tianquan (鄂托克赛尔天泉) is hidden deep within a mountain valley. The hot springs are backed by snow-capped mountains and surrounded by a relatively untouched natural environment, making this a good choice for travelers who prefer secluded mountain scenery and a quieter hot-spring experience.

Xiangzisu Flower Sea and Chakhar Heritage

The county is also home to the Xiangzisu Flower Sea (香紫苏花海). Every July, purple flowers spread across the hillsides, creating a striking contrast with the snow-capped mountains in the distance and making the area a popular photography spot.

Wenquan is also an important settlement associated with the westward-to-eastward migration and resettlement of the Chakhar Mongols. Local communities preserve considerable folk traditions connected with this history, together with cultural heritage related to frontier defense and border settlement.

Tickets and Opening Information

Individual attractions in Wenquan County sell tickets separately. Bogedale Sacred Spring, Aerxiati Grassland, and the Adun Qiaolu Ruins each charge separate entrance fees, while Bortala River National Wetland Park and the outdoor foot-bath hot springs in the county seat are free to visit.

Students and visitors aged 60–64 receive a 50% discount on standard entrance tickets. Seniors aged 65 and above and children under 1.3 meters tall can enter free of charge with valid identification. Hot-spring bathing, guided tours, and cultural or creative experiences are additional paid services.

During the peak season from May to October, most attractions generally operate from 09:00 to 19:30, with last admission at 19:00. In winter, many mountain attractions reduce their operating areas, while heavy snow and strong winds may result in temporary closures.

Allow approximately half a day for the wetlands and Sacred Spring around the county seat. If you also include Adun Qiaolu and Aerxiati Grassland, a full day is recommended.

Because Wenquan is located in a border region, carry your passport or other valid identification with you. Mountain areas experience large day-to-night temperature differences, so bring a warm jacket even during summer. Grasslands and wetlands are ecologically fragile; stay on designated paths and do not trample vegetation. Prehistoric ruins, rock art, and Xinjiang salamander habitats must be protected from disturbance—do not touch or damage them. When using hot springs, always follow the attraction's safety instructions.

How to Get There

Self-driving or hiring a private vehicle is the most convenient way to explore Wenquan County. From downtown Bole, the drive west takes approximately 1.5 hours. From Sayram Lake, travelers can reach Wenquan directly via the Saiwen Highway, with scenic mountain and grassland views along the way.

Public transportation within the county is limited. For excursions to surrounding grasslands and archaeological sites, self-driving or hiring a private vehicle is recommended.

A convenient western Bortala itinerary is:

Bole → Wenquan County (Wetland Park + Sacred Spring) → Aerxiati Grassland → Sayram Lake

Before driving into the mountains, make sure to fill your fuel tank in advance, as gas stations are relatively scarce along the western border routes.

Best Time to Visit

June to August is the best period for escaping the summer heat, with cool weather and comfortable conditions for exploring the grasslands and mountain valleys. July is the best month to see the Xiangzisu Flower Sea, when the hillsides turn purple.

By September, the grasslands gradually turn golden and the mountain air becomes especially clear, creating excellent conditions for landscape photography.

Early morning is ideal for visiting the wetland park and watching birds, while the hours around sunset provide beautiful light for photographing snow-capped mountains, wetlands, and river valleys.

Travel Tips

Wenquan is best experienced as a wellness and leisure destination, so consider staying overnight to enjoy the hot springs in the evening rather than treating the county only as a daytime stop.

The county's attractions are spread across a relatively large area, and facilities in the more remote mountain areas are limited. Bring sufficient drinking water and a simple meal when heading into the countryside, along with sun protection, warm clothing, and comfortable walking shoes.

If your itinerary is tight, you do not need to visit every remote mountain attraction. A combination of Bortala River National Wetland Park and Bogedale Sacred Spring around the county seat is enough to experience the distinctive character of China's only county named after hot springs, while still leaving time to continue toward Sayram Lake.