Ulungur Lake in Fuhai County, Altay

Located in the heart of northern Xinjiang, Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖)—also known as Burultokay (布伦托海) and Fuhai Sea (福海大海子)—is one of China’s most impressive inland lakes. Sitting in Fuhai County (福海县) of Altay Prefecture (阿勒泰地区), this vast water world is often called the “Xinjiang Beach Sea” and the “Gobi Ocean” due to its wide, open horizon and coastal-like scenery deep inside the desert steppe.

Overview of Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖)

Ulungur Lake lies between 46°50′–47°25′N and 86°59′–87°33′E, formed by two connected water bodies: the larger Big Sea (Dahaizi, 大海子 / Ulungur Lake) and the smaller Little Sea (Xiaohaizi, 小海子 / Jili Lake 吉力湖). These two lakes are linked by the Kuiyiga River (库依尕河), creating a unique hydrological system in northern Xinjiang.

The lake stretches across a vast basin, with the Big Sea extending roughly 41 km east–west and 27 km north–south, while the smaller Jili Lake measures about 17.5 km by 16.5 km. At higher water levels, the total surface area reaches around 173.8 square kilometers, making it one of Xinjiang’s largest freshwater lakes.

Despite its inland location, Ulungur Lake feels like a natural coastline. Wide beaches, blue waves, and endless sky reflections give visitors a surprising “sea-like” experience in the middle of Altay’s steppe landscape.

A Lake Shaped by Nature and Time

Geologically, Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖) formed through long tectonic and sedimentary processes in the northern margin of the Junggar Basin. Over millions of years, wind erosion, basin subsidence, and ancient lake sediments shaped its present form.

By the Middle Pleistocene period, the lake already existed in a basic outline, and by the Late Pleistocene, its modern structure was largely formed. Today, it remains a tectonic fault lake resting on ancient geological layers, surrounded by steppe plains and desert edges.

Climate and Natural Environment

The lake sits in a typical temperate continental desert climate zone. Winters are long and cold, while summers are short but comfortable.

Spring arrives in late March, bringing strong winds and rapid warming. Summer lasts only about one and a half months but is bright and pleasant, with large temperature differences between day and night. Autumn begins early, bringing crisp air and golden landscapes. By late October, temperatures drop sharply, and winter lasts for nearly five months, often with freezing conditions and thick ice covering the lake surface.

Sunshine here is abundant, with nearly 2,800–3,000 hours of annual sunlight, making the lake surface shimmer under clear skies almost year-round. This strong light condition also enhances the vivid colors of sunsets, wetlands, and desert reflections.

Wildlife and Ecological Value

Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖) is one of Xinjiang’s most important wetland ecosystems. It hosts more than 200 species of migratory birds, making it a key stop on the Central Asian migration route.

Bird species include swans, herons, ducks, eagles, and rare protected species such as the white-headed duck (白头硬尾鸭) and the white-tailed eagle (白尾海雕). During migration seasons, the lake becomes a living paradise of bird calls and water reflections.

The lake is also famous for its cold-water fish resources, including pike (白斑狗鱼), perch (湖拟鲤), and burbot (江鳕). Fishing culture is deeply rooted in local life, especially during the famous winter fishing festivals.

Four Seasons of Ulungur Lake

In spring, melting ice reveals fresh wetlands filled with migrating birds. The lake becomes lively again as reeds turn green and wildlife returns.

Summer is the best time for leisure travel. The water turns deep blue, beaches become warm and soft, and sunsets paint the entire horizon in golden colors. Many visitors enjoy swimming, boating, and lakeside camping.

Autumn is considered the most beautiful season. Golden reeds sway along the shore, and reflections of the sky create mirror-like landscapes perfect for photography.

Winter transforms the lake into a frozen world. Ice fishing, snow festivals, and traditional celebrations take place on the frozen surface, offering a rare cultural experience unique to northern Xinjiang.

Top Scenic Areas Around Ulungur Lake

Golden Beach Scenic Area (黄金海岸景区)

One of the most popular attractions of Ulungur Lake (乌伦古湖) is the Golden Beach Scenic Area (黄金海岸). Here, long stretches of fine sand meet calm blue water, creating a rare inland “seaside” atmosphere.

Visitors come for swimming, jet skiing, beach walks, and sunset photography. As the sun sets, the entire lake glows with golden reflections, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Altay.

Sea Devil City (海上魔鬼城)

Another iconic landscape is the Sea Devil City (海上魔鬼城), a natural formation of wind-eroded rock pillars rising directly from the lakeshore. These red and orange cliffs resemble ancient castles, especially when reflected in the water.

From above, the combination of cliffs, lake, and desert creates a surreal, almost Martian landscape. It is one of the most photographed areas around the lake.

Jili Lake Wetlands (吉力湖湿地)

The smaller Jili Lake (吉力湖) offers a quieter and more natural experience. Covered with reeds and shallow waters, it is a paradise for birdwatchers. White swans, wild ducks, and herons gather here, especially during migration seasons.

The wetlands remain largely untouched, preserving a raw ecological beauty rarely seen elsewhere.

Ulungur Lake Wetland Park

This protected wetland area is an important ecological zone. It offers walking trails, bird observation points, and seasonal photography opportunities. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, especially for wildlife enthusiasts.

Travel Route and Transportation

The most convenient gateway is Urumqi (乌鲁木齐). From there, travelers usually drive along the S21 Desert Highway, one of China’s most scenic desert roads.

The journey takes around 4–5 hours, passing endless steppe, sand dunes, and open sky landscapes. Self-driving is highly recommended, as it allows flexible stops along the lake and surrounding attractions.

Inside the lake area, most scenic points are connected by paved or semi-paved roads. Regular SUVs are sufficient for most routes.

Accommodation and Local Food

Accommodation options range from lakeside guesthouses to hotels in Fuhai County (福海县). Lakeside stays offer direct sunrise and sunset views over the water, while town hotels provide more convenience and dining choices.

Local cuisine is strongly influenced by freshwater fish culture. The most famous dish is the Ulungur Lake fish feast, featuring freshly caught perch, pike, and carp prepared in steaming, frying, or braised styles. The fish is known for its clean, tender texture without strong odor.

Xinjiang-style dishes such as hand-pulled lamb, big plate chicken, and flat noodles are also widely available.

Photography Tips

The best photography moments are during sunrise and sunset, when the lake reflects golden light. Wide-angle shots capture the vast horizon, while drone photography reveals the full scale of the lake, wetlands, and surrounding desert.

Golden Beach is ideal for sunset silhouettes, Sea Devil City is perfect for dramatic landscape shots, and Jili Lake offers peaceful wildlife photography scenes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ulungur Lake worth visiting compared to other lakes in Xinjiang?
Yes. Unlike alpine lakes such as Sayram Lake, Ulungur Lake offers a rare combination of desert, beach, and wetland landscapes, making it more diverse and relaxed.

Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, especially in the Golden Beach area during summer when water temperatures are comfortable.

Is it suitable for family travel?
Absolutely. The lake has shallow beaches, easy walking paths, and safe recreational areas suitable for children and elderly travelers.

Do I need a 4WD vehicle?
No. Most scenic areas are accessible by regular SUV or standard vehicles.

When is the best time to visit?
September to October offers the most beautiful scenery, while summer is best for water activities and winter is ideal for ice fishing festivals.