# Barkol Grassland (巴里坤草原)

Hami, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region · Northwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/barkol-grassland
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Free
- **Opening hours:** 2026.01.01-2026.12.31 open all day
- **Time needed:** 2–3 hours
- **Address:** No. 85, Hancheng North Street, Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County, Hami City
- **Getting there:** Buses to Barkol leave from Hami Bus Station once they are full.
- **Good for:** Ethnic Culture, Nature

## About Barkol Grassland

Barkol Grassland is the second-largest grassland in Xinjiang and is known for its eight scenic views, including 'Snow on the Tianshan', 'Ao City by the Vast Sea', 'Moonlit Mirror Spring' and 'Scenic Yuetai'. Barkol lies on the China–Mongolia border and is home to a Kazakh community. Kazakh felt tents, snowy scenery, grasslands, lakes and wetlands blend harmoniously here. In June and July, the Barkol Grassland is at its most photogenic, with butterflies fluttering, birds singing and waves of green rolling across the land. August is the liveliest month, when traditional Kazakh activities take place, including horse racing, 'diao yang' (sheep-grabbing game), girl-chasing games and Akin bard singing.

## Tips from the guidebook

- Barkol Lake, known in ancient times as 'Puleihai' and popularly called 'West Sea', is free to enter. If you are self-driving, drive to the entrance with the two-swan gate before entering the scenic area. There are toilets at the Barkol Lake entrance, but none inside the area or on the floating bridge.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 840. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
Site: China Trip (https://cnatrip.com) — independent China travel guide in 13 languages.