Bayanbulak Grassland is located in the mountain basin in the northwest of Hejing County in Xinjiang and in the middle of the Tianshan Mountains. Surrounded by snow mountains, it is about 2,500 meters above sea level and covers an area of 23,835 square kilometers. It is the second largest grassland in China, second only to Hulun Buir Grassland in Inner Mongolia. Bayanbulak means "abundant spring water" in Mongolian. The grassland has flat terrain and abundant water and grass; it is a typical grass meadow grassland. If you are interested in grassland trips, then it is an amazing place to visit and explore.

Click the picture to enjoy the video of the grassland:

Features:

Chinese Name: 巴音布鲁克草原 [bā yīn bù lǔ kè cǎo yuán]

Location: located in the mountain basin in the northwest of Hejing County

Popular activities: sightseeing, photography, horseback riding, explore the herdsmen's lifestyle and culture

Suited to: everyone

Time needed: 1-2 days

Recommended Xinjiang tours:

7 Days Northern Xinjiang Tour

10 Days North Xinjiang Photography Tour

11 Days Northern Xinjiang Tour: Keketuohai, Kanas Lake and Turpan

Best Time to Visit Bayanbulak Grassland

The best time to visit Bayanbulak Grassland is from June to September, when the weather is relatively comfortable and the grassland is at its most beautiful. During this period, the vast meadows turn green, flowers bloom, rivers flow through the grassland, and herds of cattle and sheep create a peaceful pastoral landscape.

☀️ June to August (10–25°C) 

Summer is the most popular season to visit Bayanbulak. The grassland becomes full of life, with green meadows, blooming flowers, and clear streams. It is also the best period for sightseeing, horseback riding, photography, and visiting Swan Lake.

Minor downside:
Due to the high altitude, temperatures can drop quickly in the evening. Warm clothing is recommended even during summer. Mosquitoes are also common in the grassland, so mosquito repellent is useful.

🍂 September (5–20°C) 

Early autumn brings a quieter atmosphere to Bayanbulak. The grass gradually turns golden, and the clear sky, snow mountains, and colorful grassland create beautiful scenery for photography.

Minor downside:
The weather becomes colder, especially in the morning and evening, so visitors should prepare warmer clothes.

❄️ October to May

During winter and early spring, Bayanbulak experiences cold temperatures and heavy snow. The grassland becomes a quiet snowy landscape, but some activities may be limited due to weather conditions.

How to Get to Bayanbulak Grassland from Urumqi

By Car

Driving is the most convenient way to visit Bayanbulak Grassland, especially for travelers who want to explore the surrounding landscapes.

From Urumqi, visitors can drive along Wuyi Highway and then connect to the famous Duku Highway. The total distance is about 460 kilometers, passing through spectacular mountain scenery before reaching Hejing County and Bayanbulak Grassland.

The journey itself is part of the experience, as travelers can enjoy views of snow-capped mountains, valleys, forests, and alpine landscapes along the way.

What to Explore in Bayanbulak Grassland

Bayanbulak Grassland is famous for its vast alpine meadows, abundant water resources, snow-capped mountains, wetlands, and rich wildlife. As the second-largest grassland in China and the largest alpine grassland in China, it offers visitors a chance to experience magnificent natural scenery and traditional pastoral culture.

Swan Lake — A Paradise for Birds and Nature Lovers

Bayanbulak Grassland is home to the famous Swan Lake, which is actually a large wetland area consisting of many small lakes connected together. It is the first Swan Nature Reserve in China and an important breeding habitat for wild swans and other birds.

Surrounded by mountains and grasslands, Swan Lake provides a peaceful environment where visitors can observe swans, enjoy the beautiful wetland scenery, and take photos of the unique natural landscape. It is also an ideal destination for bird lovers who want to explore more about the wildlife of Xinjiang.

Enjoy the Vast Alpine Grassland Scenery

Bayanbulak is a typical grass meadow grassland with flat terrain, abundant water and grass, and wide open views. The grassland is surrounded by the Tianshan Mountains, creating a spectacular landscape of green meadows, winding rivers, snow-covered peaks, and grazing cattle and sheep.

Compared with many other grasslands, Bayanbulak has been less affected by human activities, allowing it to preserve its original natural environment. Visitors can walk through the grassland, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and experience the beauty of this hidden paradise.

Experience Mongolian Pastoral Culture and Herdsmen's Lifestyle

Bayanbulak has long been an important animal husbandry base in Xinjiang, and visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of local herdsmen. The grassland is home to Mongolian communities, where visitors can learn about their nomadic culture, traditional customs, and connection with nature.

Staying in a local yurt, tasting traditional food, and communicating with local people are wonderful ways to understand the unique grassland culture of Bayanbulak.

Explore the Nine Bends of the Kaidu River

The Nine Bends of the Kaidu River is one of the most famous viewpoints in Bayanbulak Grassland. The winding river flows through the vast grassland, creating a beautiful natural picture together with the surrounding mountains and meadows.

At sunset, the river reflects the golden sunlight, and the curves of the river create a stunning scene that attracts many photographers. It is one of the best places to appreciate the magnificent beauty of Bayanbulak.

Things to do in Bayanbulak Grassland

Enjoy the fabulous views and horseback riding

When it comes to grasslands, many people will immediately picture warriors of ethnic minorities riding on horseback, the huge wings of golden eagles casting shadows in the air, the lonely oboo in the wilderness, and the smoky yurt rising in the dusk. Indeed, horseback riding on the grassland must be an indispensable project. Therefore, if you like, you can ride a horse to enjoy the grassland's charming scenery and let the warm wind caress your face and feel the speed on the horse's back - so free and so happy! Here, you can feel the different feelings of riding on flat land, hills and mountains at the same time. Many pastures here provide horse rental for tourists. If you like excitement, choose a Mongolian horse that is good at running. If you are a beginner, choose a white swift horse. Moreover, it will be an unforgettable memory for couples to ride horses and enjoy the sunset on the grassland together.

Photography

Bayanbulak Grassland is located in the intermountain basin of Tianshan uplift belt and belongs to Mesozoic intermountain fault depression. The basin bottom is covered by quaternary sediments. It is a natural scenic spot integrating mountains, basins and grasslands. Grassland water supply is mainly composed of ice and snow dissolved water and rainfall. Groundwater supply is available in some areas, forming a large number of swamp grasslands and lakes. Bayanbulak Grassland has 13 springs, 7 lakes and 20 rivers; and the famous Swan Lake is located on the grassland. Swan Lake Nature Reserve is a mountain and basin type scenic tourist area integrating nature reserve and natural landscape. And there are different kinds of birds, so it's a nice place for bird lovers to visit and explore more about birds. Meanwhile, you also can take some special photos with the beautiful swans or other birds here.

Experience Mongolian and Kazakh culture

Bayanbulak Grassland is not only a place with beautiful scenery but also a region rich in ethnic culture. Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of local Mongolian and Kazakh people, including staying in a yurt, tasting local specialties, listening to folk songs, and enjoying traditional performances. Through these experiences, travelers can learn more about the unique nomadic culture that has developed on the grassland for centuries.

Watch the spectacular sunset at Nine-Bend Bay

One of the most unforgettable experiences in Bayanbulak Grassland is watching the sunset at the Nine-Bend Bay of the Kaidu River. The winding river flows through the vast grassland, creating a stunning landscape with dozens of curves. When the sun sets, the golden sunlight spreads across the river, and the reflection on the water creates a breathtaking view. On clear days, visitors can also see the famous "nine suns" reflection phenomenon, when multiple reflections of the sunset appear along the bends of the river. It is one of the best places in Xinjiang to enjoy the beauty of nature and capture amazing sunset photos.

Travel Information

Opening Time: 08:00-18:30 (June 1 - October 31)

Customer Service Phone: 0996-5350198

Tickets:

Admission Fee: 65 CNY/person
Scenic Tour Bus: 75 CNY/person

Accommodation and Food

Stay in Bayanbulak Town

Since it usually takes a full day to explore Bayanbulak Grassland, many visitors choose to stay overnight in Bayanbulak Town. There are several hotels and guesthouses available in the town.

The price of a standard room is usually around 100-150 CNY per night. During the peak tourist season, prices may increase and rooms can become limited, so it is recommended to book accommodation in advance.

Experience a Herdsmen's Yurt

For travelers who want to experience local culture, some herdsmen's yurts are also available for accommodation. Staying in a yurt offers a chance to experience traditional grassland life and learn more about local customs, although the facilities are relatively simple.

Food and Dining

Most visitors have meals in Bayanbulak Town, where restaurants offer local dishes and basic dining options. Prices may be slightly higher than in cities, but they are generally acceptable compared with many scenic areas.

Since there are limited shops inside the scenic area and prices may be higher, visitors are advised to prepare snacks, drinking water, and other personal necessities before entering the grassland.

Travel Tips for Bayanbulak Grassland

Prepare Warm Clothing

Bayanbulak Grassland is located at a high altitude, and the temperature difference between day and night can be significant. Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cold, especially when watching the sunset at the Nine Bends of the Kaidu River. A light jacket, windproof clothing, or warm layers are recommended.

Bring Sun Protection

The sunlight can be strong on the open grassland due to the high altitude and wide landscape. Visitors are advised to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect themselves during outdoor activities.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The scenic area covers a large area, and visitors may need to walk between different viewpoints and explore the grassland on foot. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes are recommended for a better travel experience.

Prepare Mosquito Repellent

During summer, mosquitoes can be common in the grassland area, especially near wetlands and Swan Lake. Bringing mosquito repellent is recommended to avoid discomfort during outdoor activities.

Respect Local Culture and Nature

Bayanbulak is home to local Mongolian and Kazakh communities and traditional grazing areas. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs, avoid disturbing livestock, and help protect the natural environment of the grassland.

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