Bayinbuluk Grassland

​​1. Overview​​
Bayinbuluk Grassland (巴音布鲁克草原, Bāyīnbùlǔkè Cǎoyuán), located in ​​Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture​​, is a ​​2,500-meter-high​​ plateau spanning ​​23,835 km²​​. Named "Abundant Springs" in Mongolian, it’s a ​​AAAAA-rated​​ scenic area and ​​UNESCO World Heritage Site (2013)​​, celebrated for its:

• ​​Unique Hydrology​​: Fed by 13 springs, 7 lakes, and the ​​Kaidu River​​ (a Silk Road landmark).
• ​​Biodiversity​​: Home to ​​700+ plant species​​ and ​​145 vertebrate species​​, including China’s largest wild swan population.
• ​​Cultural Legacy​​: A historic settlement for ​​Torgut Mongols​​ who migrated here in the 18th century.

​​2. Natural Wonders​​

• ​​Kaidu River’s "Nine Bends"​​: The serpentine river creates a surreal ​​"nine suns"​​ reflection at sunset, revered in Journey to the West as "Heavenly River."
• ​​Swan Lake Nature Reserve​​: China’s first swan sanctuary (1980), hosting ​​10,000+ migratory swans​​ (March–October) from India and Africa.
• ​​Alpine Ecosystems​​:
  • ​​Summer (June–August)​​: A sea of wildflowers (Poa pratensis, Iris lactea) and grazing herds.
  • ​​Autumn (September–October)​​: Golden grasslands under snow-capped peaks.

​​3. Cultural & Historical Significance​​

• ​​Torgut Mongol Heritage​​: In 1771, ​​17,000 Torgut Mongols​​ fled Russian oppression to settle here under Qing Dynasty protection. Their ​​"Eastward Return"​​ saga is reenacted in annual festivals.
• ​​Nomadic Traditions​​:
  • ​​Naadam Festival​​: Horse racing, wrestling, and throat-singing (June–July).
  • ​​Mobile Temples​​: The ​​Barenre Temple​​ is the last surviving nomadic Buddhist shrine.
• ​​Silk Road Crossroads​​: Ancient trade routes connected China to Persia via the ​​Yanqi Basin​​.

​​4. Key Attractions​​

• ​​Nine-Bend Viewpoint​​: A photography hotspot at ​​Brazilik Platform​​, accessible via electric shuttle (¥31).
• ​​Gongnaisi Forest Park​​: A cool retreat with ​​Tianshan spruce forests​​ and medicinal hot springs.
• ​​Aerxia Scenic Area​​: Marshes and lakes ideal for birdwatching.

​​5. Travel Essentials​​

• ​​Best Time to Visit​​: ​​June–September​​ for wildflowers; ​​April–May​​ for swan migrations.
• ​​Entry Fees​​: ​​¥65​​ (adults), ​​¥31​​ for shuttles; ​​¥310​​ for private vehicles (limited to 50/day).
• ​​Transport​​:
  • ​​Flights​​: Ürümqi → ​​Korla Airport​​ → 5-hour drive via ​​G217 Highway​​.
  • ​​Road Trip​​: Part of the ​​Duku Highway​​ route (open June–October).
• ​​Stay​​: Mongol yurts (¥200–500/night) or ​​Bayinbuluk Town​​ hotels.

​​6. Why Visit?​​
Bayinbuluk is a ​​harmony of nature and culture​​—where Silk Road history, alpine ecology, and living Mongol traditions converge. As UNESCO notes, it’s "a masterpiece of Earth’s evolutionary history."