Boertala

In summer, the temperature difference between morning and evening can be large. Bring warm clothing if you plan to visit alpine lakes or Wenquan County.

Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture (often shortened to Bozhou) is in northwestern Xinjiang. It combines alpine lakes, border areas, desert and Gobi landscapes, and natural hot springs, making it suitable for a more in-depth trip. The following covers itinerary planning, major attractions, local food, and travel tips.

• Sayram Lake: Known as “the last tear of the Atlantic,” it is Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine cold-water lake. Driving around the lake is convenient. You can visit Kele Yongzhu, the S-bend, and Dianjiangtai to enjoy lake views and the sunset.

• Xiaerxili Nature Reserve: Located on the China–Kazakhstan border, it is known as “China’s last pure land,” where snow-capped mountains, forests, and flower fields meet. Individual travelers cannot enter on their own. You need to register in advance and complete the required procedures through a licensed travel agency, then visit with the group as arranged.

• Wenquan County: This is the only county in China named after “hot springs,” with snow-capped mountains to the south. During your trip, you can visit Wenquan National Wetland Park to see swans, or experience natural hot springs at Luquan Hot Spring Center.

• Guai Shi Yu: This area has one of the larger strange-rock formations in northwestern China. The rocks were shaped by wind erosion over hundreds of millions of years, creating a distinctive granite landscape that is well suited to landscape photography.

• Mutetar Desert: Located in Jinghe County, it can be visited for activities such as four-wheel-drive dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding. Around dusk, the dunes take on a golden color in the light.

• Alashankou Port: This is an important crossing on the China–Kazakhstan border. You can visit the National Gate Scenic Area to learn about the border environment, or go to the comprehensive bonded zone to buy specialty goods.

Suggested Itineraries

• 3-day, 2-night short itinerary: Day 1: Drive around Sayram Lake, with time for lake viewpoints, sunset, and stargazing; Day 2: Go to Wenquan County, visit the wetland park, and enjoy natural hot springs; Day 3: Visit Guai Shi Yu and the Mutetar Desert, and try desert off-road activities.
• 5-day in-depth itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Bole City and visit the Bortala Museum and Binhe Park; Day 2: Spend a full day at Sayram Lake; Day 3: Go to Xiaerxili (advance registration required) or Wenquan County; Day 4: Head to the Mutetar Desert in Jinghe County; Day 5: Visit Alashankou Port, experience the border-area scenery, then return.

Local Food

• Sayram Lake whitefish: A cold-water fish from Sayram Lake, with tender flesh. Common preparations include sashimi, steaming, and casserole baking, making it a good choice for visitors who enjoy fresh lake fish.

• Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken: The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft and starchy, and it is served with wide belt noodles that soak up the sauce well. Bole has many long-established restaurants serving this dish.

• Baked buns and thin-skinned buns: Common breakfast and late-night snack options in local restaurants. The buns have a crisp, fragrant outer layer and juicy meat filling, and are usually eaten with vinegar and chili powder.

• Lagman with stir-fried meat: A representative style of Xinjiang hand-pulled noodles. Portions are generous, the meat slices are large, and the noodles are springy. Some restaurants offer free noodle refills.

• Stir-fried lamb offal: A common specialty in Bole restaurants. Cooked over high heat, it has a rich aroma. Pairing it with smashed cucumber or homemade pickles helps cut through the oiliness, and portions are generally substantial.

Travel Tips

• Day-night temperature difference and warmth: Bozhou has a clear temperature difference between day and night, especially around Sayram Lake and Wenquan County. Morning and evening temperatures can sometimes approach 0°C. Even in summer, bring a shell jacket or a light down jacket.
• Sun protection and moisturizing: Xinjiang has strong ultraviolet rays and relatively dry air. Prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and moisturizing skincare products, and carry lip balm and hand cream with you.
• Self-driving safety: The road around Sayram Lake has many bends, and some sections have speed limits, so control your speed. You may encounter cattle and sheep crossing the road; avoid honking so as not to disturb the animals. Some areas, such as routes to Xiaerxili, may include gravel roads, so a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle is recommended.
• Border-area management: Places such as Xiaerxili are military management zones or ecological protected areas and cannot be entered independently. You must register as a group through a qualified travel agency, obtain a border pass, and follow the group throughout as required. Drone flights are strictly prohibited.
• Respect local customs: Bozhou is home to many ethnic groups. During your trip, respect the customs and religious beliefs of local ethnic minorities. When dining in halal restaurants, do not bring in non-halal food.