# Swan Lake (天鹅湖)

Bayingolin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region · Northwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/swan-lake
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** 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.
- **Opening hours:** 2027.04.25-2027.10.11 09:00-19:00 (seasonal opening)
- **Time needed:** 1–2 hours
- **Address:** National Highway 217, Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region
- **Getting there:** Located beside National Highway 217 in Hejing County, Bayingolin Prefecture; about 3 hours by self-drive from Hejing County seat
- **Good for:** Nature

## About 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.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. Low temperatures: The grassland is quite cold. The average temperature in July is only around 10°C, and it drops even lower at night, so bring warm clothing and essential rain gear. Some swans have now taken a liking to this place and stay even in winter, so the swan-watching season has been extended. However, heavy winter snow may block the roads, so call ahead before you go.
- 2. Kaidu River: If you have looked at a map of Xinjiang, you may have noticed a winding river called the Kaidu River. Its curves may be among the most beautiful in the world. The lookout hill at Tower Mountain, about 30 km west of the county government, is the best place to admire the river.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 875. 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.
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