Bayanbulak Grassland & Lop Nur

 Bayanbulak Grassland

Covering an area of more than 23,000 square kilometers ( 5,683,424 acres), Bayanbulak is the second largest grassland in China and is one the most important stock raising bases of Xinjiang. Bayanbulak means 'abundant spring water' in Mongolian. If you come here you will be provided a unique chance to enjoy vast green grasslands which stretch as far as the eye can see. During the hot summer, many varieties of wild flowers are in bloom competing for attention. Many yurts are dotted in the grassland like pure white clouds. Sheep leisurely wander over the grasslands, adding a touch of beauty and a pastoral air to the whole scene.

In this vast Bayanbulak Grassland there is the famous Swan Lake. Specifically, Swan Lake is a wide area of wetland that is made up of many interconnected small lakes. Swan Lake in Bayanbulak Grassland is the first area for the protection of swans anywhere in China. Altogether there are 128 species of swans living in this beautiful place. Each morning all kinds and sizes of swans present you with a picture that makes you feel close to nature. Some swans are at rest, some begin to look for breakfast, while some industrious ones fly across the grassland, hovering over the valleys in the distance. When the sun is high in the sky the number of swans increases, and it is time for them to have a mid-day nap. They have their siesta in different ways. Some lie on the ground, some stand in brushwood with one leg hidden in their feathers, and some float on the surface of the water. Dusk is the time that swans look for their supper. Every day at this time the swans show you an amazingly attractive water ballet. You cannot help but become entranced by these lovely birds.

Tips:
1.    When to go / best timing: September
2.    It is cold at night on the grassland even in summer, so it is suggested to wear warm if going out at that time.

 Lop Nur

Lop Nur was once a vast area of water, and it supported a splendid ancient civilization. In fact it is 2,000,000 years old. But due to the influence of human activity and deterioration of the environment Lop Nur dried up in 1972. The dried-up Lop Nur is like a huge ear in a boundless desert sea in the east of Tarim Basin, listening to sonatas made by strong winds and sand. A trip to Lop Nur can actually be a test of courage. Although the natural environment here is rather stark, the present Lop Nur is still not a desolate place. Diversifolious poplars, liquorice plants, wild camels, red deer, and wild boars are here for you to see.