Altun Mountains National Nature Reserve

Bayanbulak Grassland

It is China's second-largest grassland after the Ordos Grassland in Inner Mongolia, covering 22,000 square kilometres at the junction of Bayingolin, Aksu, and Ili. “Bayanbulak” means “rich spring” in Mongolian. Every year on the 4th day of the 6th lunar month, a two-day Mongolian Nadam festival begins on this fertile grassland. If you have enough time and money, hire an off-road vehicle and venture deep into the grassland, where little-known beauty lies at the very heart of it. Beyond the grass, the blue sky, and the distant mountains, there is only your own breath.

¥65; shuttle bus ¥75 · 0.5–1 day

Luoburen Village Scenic Area

Luoburen Village borders the Taklamakan Desert, China's largest desert. The Tarim River, the longest inland river in China, flows through the scenic area, and it contains the largest protected area of primeval populus euphratica forest. It is a distinctive scenic spot that combines natural and cultural landscapes. The Lop people are one of Xinjiang's oldest ethnic groups, and their folk customs, folk songs, and stories have unique artistic value. Visitors can wade across rivers, walk through forests, ride camels, and watch the sand sea. They can also go hunting, sandboarding, and fishing by boat, listen to Lop folk songs, watch Lop dances around a bonfire, and sleep in reed huts, experiencing the ancient Lop culture and the joy of returning to nature.

¥35; sightseeing bus ¥15 · 2–3 hours

Swan Lake

Swan Lake is a place everyone dreams of visiting. In Bayin Township on Bayanbulak Grassland lies a marshy lake system covering more than 1,000 square kilometres in total, scattered across the grassland like pearls. Every April, countless migratory birds fly to this peaceful land to nest, court, and raise their young. In October, when the weather turns cold, they fly away with their offspring. Swans are regarded as the masters of this lake, so please do not disturb them, or the herders, who see swans as sacred birds, will not let you off. The best place to watch swans is the “Baxilekendele” Birdwatching Platform in the eastern part of the nature reserve. It is built on a small hill with road access. Around June each year, swans lay and hatch their eggs, which makes it the best time for observation.

The county government operates a toll booth on a bridge, charging ¥48 per person; this bridge toll is the grassland entrance fee. Foreign visitors must join a tour group. The birdwatching platform charges ¥50. · 1–2 hours

Loulan Ancient City

At the ruins of the Loulan Kingdom, which vanished suddenly between the 4th and 5th centuries, there are traces of human activity dating back 10,000 years. This mysterious ancient kingdom has left many abandoned ancient cities along the Tarim River and in the Taklamakan Desert, along with countless enigmas that remain unsolved. Famous sites in the region include Luntai Ancient City, ancient tomb clusters, the Qiemo ruins, ancient beacon towers, and ancient rock paintings.

1 day

Kaidu River

Legend has it that this was the last of the 81 ordeals Tang Monk faced on his journey to fetch scriptures from the Western Heaven. The unique scenery of the Kaidu River's 18 bends can be admired from the highest point of the scenic area, reached by sightseeing bus, with wide and open views. At sunset, if you're lucky and find the right angle, you may see nine suns reflected in the river, making it a prized spot for photography enthusiasts.

Lop Nur

This is an endless expanse of desert, where a silence devoid of any sign of life prevails. Many Chinese and foreign explorers have come here to investigate. Known as Asia's mysterious “Devil's Triangle,” it has claimed many lives, yet even more brave adventurers are eager to test themselves against it.

1–2 hours