Bayinguoleng

Bayinguoleng has a clear day-night temperature difference, so bring warm clothing for nights on the grassland.

Bayinguoleng, often called “Bazhou,” is the largest prefecture-level administrative region in China by area. Travel here covers a wide range of landscapes, including grasslands, lakes, deserts, poplar forests, and cultural and historical sights. Because the region is so vast, consider using Korla as a hub and planning a 4–5 day trip by self-driving or chartered car.

• Bayanbulak Grassland: China’s second-largest grassland, known for its alpine meadows and Swan Lake scenery. The Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns area is best for watching the sunset and reflections on the water in the evening. It is recommended to enter the scenic area in the afternoon and prepare warm clothing in advance for the temperature drop after sunset.

• Bosten Lake: China’s largest inland freshwater through-flow lake, known as the “West Sea.” The Dahekou Scenic Area is good for lake views and sunsets, while Lianhai World is where you can see large stretches of water lilies. The overall pace is well suited to a relaxed holiday.

• Lop Nur People’s Village: Located in Yuli County, this scenic area brings together desert scenery, the Tarim River, and the folk culture of the Lop Nur people. Around Goddess Lake, you can see desert, lake, and poplar forest in the same view, creating a richly layered landscape.

• Tarim Poplar Forest Park: Located in Luntai County, the best time to see the poplars turn golden is usually from mid-October to early November. You can take a small sightseeing train into the forest and travel through large stands of poplar trees.

• Korla Iron Gate Pass: This was once an important route linking the north and south of the Tianshan Mountains. With both canyon scenery and historical significance, it is a good place to learn about this key transport pass in the Western Regions and its natural landforms.

Classic 4-Day Self-Drive Route

• Day 1: Arrive in Korla and Rest

After arriving in Korla, you can first stock up in the city on water, snacks, fruit, and other supplies. In the evening, head to Korla Food Street to try baked buns and laghman noodles. If you arrive early, you can also visit the Bazhou Museum to gain a basic understanding of the history of the Western Regions.

• Day 2: Korla → Bayanbulak Grassland

Take the Urumqi–Yuli Expressway toward Hejing County. The drive takes about 4 hours. After entering the Bayanbulak Scenic Area in the afternoon, take the shuttle bus to the Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns viewing platform and wait for the water reflections at sunset. Stay overnight in Bayanbulak Town. Night temperatures are very low, so bring sufficiently warm clothing.

• Day 3: Bayanbulak → Bosten Lake

Leave the grassland in the morning and take the Turpan–Hotan Expressway toward Bohu County. The drive takes about 3.5 hours. In the afternoon, choose between visiting Bosten Lake’s Dahekou Scenic Area or Lianhai World. Walk by the lake and watch the sunset, taking in the openness and quiet of this “water town of the Western Regions.” That night, you can stay in Bohu County or return to Korla.

• Day 4: Korla → Lop Nur People’s Village → Return

Depart from Korla for Lop Nur People’s Village in Yuli County. The drive takes about 2.5 hours. In the softer afternoon light, you can photograph desert scenery around the desert edge and Goddess Lake, and also try camel riding. After the visit, return to Korla Airport or the railway station for your onward journey.

Recommended Local Foods in Bayinguoleng

• Lop Nur Grilled Fish: Wild fish are skewered on red willow branches and grilled over charcoal. The skin is crisp and fragrant, the flesh is tender, and the fish carries a woody aroma.

• Bosten Lake Wudaohei Fish: Made with cold-water fish from Bosten Lake, this dish is often pan-fried and stir-fried with tomato sauce and honey. The finished dish is bright red, with firm fish and a lightly sweet flavor.

• Yuli Golden Roast Whole Lamb: Made with locally free-range sheep, slow-roasted over poplar wood with special seasonings. The skin is golden and crisp, while the lamb is tender and juicy.
• Bayanbulak Black-Headed Lamb Hand-Grasped Meat: Made with black-headed lamb from the grassland and slowly simmered in plain water. It is eaten with a chive flower sauce, which helps preserve the lamb’s natural flavor.

• Stir-Fried Meat Noodles: A common Xinjiang noodle dish. The noodles are chewy and served with beef or lamb and seasonal vegetables stir-fried in oil, giving the dish a rich flavor.

Practical Travel Tips

• Transport: Bazhou covers a large area, and the distances between attractions are long, so self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. The southern section of the Duku Highway and the Yuli–Qiemo Desert Highway offer good scenery along the way, but pay attention to speed limits in mountain tunnels and changing weather.
• Ticket Reservations: Popular scenic areas such as Bayanbulak require online ticket reservations in advance during peak season (June–August and the National Day holiday), and tickets may not be available on site. Also check the last entry time for each scenic area, such as entering before 18:00, so you do not miss the sunset.
• Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is large on the grasslands and in the desert. In Bayanbulak, nighttime temperatures may fall below 5°C, so keep a light down jacket or shell jacket in the car. UV rays are strong in the desert and lake areas, so sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and a windproof face covering are also recommended.
• Road Conditions and Supplies: Fill up the tank before setting out on a self-drive trip, as supply points are limited along some sections of the lakeside road and desert roads. If you are heading to Huludao Poplar Forest and need to pass over washboard dirt roads, it is recommended to drive an off-road vehicle and keep your speed under control.
• Time Difference and Daily Schedule: Xinjiang uses Beijing time, but the actual daylight rhythm is about 2 hours later. It is usually light around 9–10 a.m. and dark around 8–10 p.m., so adjust sightseeing and mealtimes accordingly.