Bayanbulak

Bayanbulak Grassland (巴音布鲁克草原) is located in Hejing County (和静县), Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture (巴音郭楞蒙古自治州), Xinjiang, within the central Tianshan Mountains (天山山脉). It forms part of the Bayanbulak National Nature Reserve (巴音布鲁克国家级野生动物自然保护区) and is one of China’s largest alpine wetland ecosystems. Sitting at 2,000–2,500 meters altitude, the basin is surrounded by snow mountains and crossed by the Kaidu River (开都河), forming lakes, marshes, and vast grasslands. It is widely known for its extreme openness, high-altitude ecology, and wildlife richness.

Swan Lake Wetland (天鹅湖)

Swan Lake is the core ecological highlight of Bayanbulak and the largest wild swan breeding area in China. From April to October, tens of thousands of swans and waterbirds gather here, including whooper swans, mute swans, and tundra swans. The wetland system is composed of interconnected lakes and marshes, creating a protected breeding environment. The best viewing time is early morning (06:30–08:00), when mist covers the water and swans actively feed. Visitors can only view from wooden boardwalks at a safe distance due to strict ecological protection rules.

Kaidu River Nine Bends (九曲十八弯)

The Kaidu River is the signature landscape of Bayanbulak, forming dramatic curves across the grassland basin. At sunset, the river reflects golden light, sometimes producing the rare “multiple sun reflection” effect known as Nine Suns (九阳连珠). This viewpoint is one of the most photographed locations in Xinjiang, especially during clear weather with calm wind conditions. The observation platform provides the main panoramic viewing point for sunset photography.

Grassland Ecosystem Highlights

Bayanbulak is a high-altitude meadow ecosystem with flat terrain, wetlands, and alpine pastures. The landscape is extremely open, surrounded by snow mountains and filled with seasonal wildflowers in summer. It supports large-scale livestock grazing and plays a key role in regional water conservation and climate regulation. The wetland system is part of the Tianshan World Natural Heritage ecological corridor.

Wildlife Highlights

The reserve supports over 120 species of wildlife. Key species include whooper swans (大天鹅) as the flagship species, along with mute swans, tundra swans, cranes, wild ducks, and gulls. Mammals include snow leopard, Siberian ibex, wolves, foxes, and marmots. The area is recognized as an internationally important bird habitat and one of the most critical wetland conservation zones in Eurasia.

Best Travel Experiences

The main highlight is early morning swan watching, when birds gather in large groups over misty waters with snow mountain reflections. Another signature experience is sunset at the Nine Bends Observation Platform, where the Kaidu River glows in golden light. Grassland photography includes nomadic yurts, livestock herds, and vast open plains. In summer, visitors can also experience Mongolian cultural activities during the Naadam Festival (那达慕大会).