Lop Nor Village in Bayingolin

Lop Nor Village is located in Dunkuotan Township, Yuli County, Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. A National 4A Tourist Attraction, it lies on the northern edge of the Taklamakan Desert, with the Tarim River flowing through the scenic area. The village is approximately 35 kilometers from Yuli County town and 85 kilometers from Korla.

The area is traditionally associated with the Lop Nor people (Lop Nor ethnic community), an ancient community that has lived for generations around Lop Nur and along the Tarim River. For centuries, they depended on the waters of the Tarim River and made their living primarily through fishing rather than agriculture or animal husbandry.

Today, the scenic area combines desert landscapes, the Tarim River, ancient Populus euphratica forests, and Lop Nor folk culture, making it one of the few destinations in southern Xinjiang where visitors can experience desert, river, Populus euphratica, and indigenous Western Regions culture in one place. Many travelers include Lop Nor Village in a broader itinerary connecting Korla and the Tarim Poplar Forest in Luntai.

Main Attractions and Highlights

Abudan Square (阿不旦广场) is the main folk-culture area at the entrance. In the Lop Nor dialect, “Abudan” means a “good place to live.” Traditional Lop Nor dwellings have been reconstructed around the square using Populus euphratica wood and tamarisk branches, preserving a simple and rustic appearance.

The square also displays the traditional kapeng dugout canoe (卡盆), a distinctive Lop Nor fishing boat, together with ancient fishing tools. At the Silk Road Bazaar, visitors can purchase local handicrafts and souvenirs. Folk music and dance performances may also be staged here, while local specialties such as Tarim River grilled fish and Lop Nor ephedra tea provide an opportunity to experience the region's traditional food culture.

The village's folk-culture exhibition hall uses physical objects, photographs, and explanatory panels to introduce the origins of the Lop Nor people, their traditional fishing and hunting customs, and the historical and environmental changes of the Lop Nur basin.

Following the wooden boardwalk farther into the scenic area leads to the Tarim River Viewing Platform. The river flows gently through the landscape, with Populus euphratica trees lining its banks in both living and weathered forms. Wetlands beside the river provide habitats for various waterbirds.

Dongsha Mountain (东沙山) is the main desert recreation area. Golden dunes stretch toward the interior of the Taklamakan Desert, where visitors can try activities such as sandboarding, desert off-road driving, and camel riding. From the top of the dunes, you can capture the classic landscape of desert, river, and Populus euphratica appearing together in a single panorama.

Goddess Lake (神女湖) is a small, tranquil lake surrounded by desert. Its calm surface creates clear reflections of the Populus euphratica trees, making it one of the most popular photography spots in the scenic area.

From mid-to-late October to early November, the Populus euphratica leaves turn brilliant golden yellow. The combination of golden trees, blue water, and yellow desert sands creates the most spectacular scenery of the year and is the peak season for landscape photography.

Tickets and Opening Information

The main entrance ticket is RMB 35, while the scenic-area shuttle bus costs RMB 15 and is required for visiting the scenic area. Students and visitors aged 60–64 receive a half-price discount on the main entrance ticket. Visitors aged 65 and above and children under 1.2 meters are exempt from the main entrance ticket, while the shuttle bus fee still applies.

Activities such as sandboarding, desert off-road vehicles, camel riding, and specialty dining require additional payment.

During the peak season from May to October, the scenic area is open from 09:00 to 20:00, with admission ending at 18:30. Opening hours are shortened during winter.

Allow approximately 3–4 hours for a complete visit covering the folk-culture area, Tarim River, Goddess Lake, and desert area. If you plan to stay for sunset, additional time should be allowed.

The desert environment has intense UV radiation and frequent wind and blowing sand, so bring adequate sun protection, a face covering, and sunglasses. Day-night temperature differences can be substantial, making a thick jacket advisable. Do not leave the main boardwalks or designated roads or enter the desert interior on your own. Protect the Populus euphratica vegetation and never break or remove branches. When observing wildlife, keep your distance and avoid disturbing the animals.

How to Get There

Self-driving or private chartered vehicles are the most convenient options. From Korla, drive south along G218 National Highway. The road conditions are generally good, and ordinary private cars can reach the scenic area directly. A large free parking lot is available at the entrance.

Buses are available from the Korla Passenger Transport Station to Yuli County town, after which visitors can take a taxi to the scenic area, but this option is considerably less flexible.

A recommended itinerary is Korla → Lop Nor Village. If you have enough time, you can continue onward toward the Tarim Poplar Forest National Forest Park in Luntai.

For longer self-driving journeys, fill your vehicle with fuel before departure, as gas stations are relatively far apart along some sections of the route.

Private vehicles are not permitted to drive inside the scenic area. Visitors must transfer to the scenic-area shuttle bus to reach the various viewpoints.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for sightseeing is generally from around 16:00 until sunset. The lower-angle afternoon light emphasizes the textures of the sand dunes and the distinctive silhouettes of the Populus euphratica trees.

Mid-to-late October is particularly recommended for photography, when the Populus euphratica forest turns golden. Summer brings greener vegetation and a stronger sense of oasis vitality, but midday temperatures can be extremely high, so avoid spending long periods in the desert around noon.

Recommended Visiting Route

For travelers interested in the cultural side of Lop Nor Village, spend some time around Abudan Square and wait for the local folk performances, then visit the folk-culture exhibition hall to learn about the history and traditions of the Lop Nor people.

If your main goal is natural scenery and photography, prioritize the Tarim River Viewing Platform → Goddess Lake → Dongsha Mountain route. This combination provides the best variety of river, Populus euphratica, water reflections, and desert scenery.

Dining and Travel Tips

Dining options inside the scenic area mainly focus on local specialties such as Lop Nor grilled fish and tamarisk-grilled meat. Prices can be relatively high, so bringing your own drinking water is recommended.

During the peak season, organized tour groups tend to arrive around midday. Entering in the afternoon generally means fewer visitors and provides better conditions for photography, especially if you plan to stay for sunset.

Lop Nor Village is particularly distinctive because it brings together the Tarim River, desert, Populus euphratica forest, wetlands, and Lop Nor folk culture in a single destination. For travelers exploring the Korla–Yuli–Luntai area, it makes an especially convenient stop for experiencing both the natural and cultural landscapes of southern Xinjiang.