Stunning Bayanbulak: A Paradise for Road Trip and Travel Enthusiasts

**Bayanbulak Travel Guide** – Xinjiang’s Aerial Grassland and the Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn River Bayanbulak, located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, is China’s second-largest grassland (after Hulunbuir) and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Renowned for its vast wetland grasslands, the spectacular sunset over the "Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn" Kaidu River, and Swan Lake, it’s a paradise for photography, road trips, and nature lovers. **1. Basic Info** - **📍 Location**: Northwest Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang - **⏰ Best Time to Visit**: **June–September** (lush grasslands, pleasant weather) - **🎫 Tickets**: - Bayanbulak Scenic Area: **¥140** (includes entry + shuttle bus) - Swan Lake and Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn are included. - **🚗 Transport**: **Self-drive or private car** recommended (8hrs from Ürümqi). **🌈 2. How to Get There** *1. 🚗 Self-Drive/Private Car (Recommended)* - **Ürümqi → Bayanbulak** (~550km, 8hrs) - Pass through the **Duku Highway** (northern section, stunning snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands; open June–October). - **Yining → Bayanbulak** (~350km, 6hrs) - Pass by **Nalati Grassland**, worth a stop. *2. Public Transport* - **Ürümqi → Hejing County** (train/bus), then hire a car (~3hrs). - **Nalati/Kuqa** has buses to Bayanbulak Town, but schedules are limited. **3. Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences** *1. Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn (Kaidu River) 🌅* - **Best Viewpoint**: Brazilik Observation Deck (shuttle bus terminal) - **Best Time**: Arrive 2hrs before sunset (~8–10pm in summer). - **Photography Tips**: - On clear days, capture the "Nine Suns" phenomenon (sunset reflected in the river). - Bring a telephoto lens (200mm+ recommended). *2. Swan Lake Nature Reserve 🦢* - **Highlights**: Wild swans, gray cranes, egrets (peak season May–September). - **How to Explore**: Walk along the wooden boardwalk; feeding birds is prohibited. *3. Bayanbulak Grassland 🌿* - **Features**: - China’s largest alpine grassland, dotted with grazing livestock and yurts. - Try **horseback riding** (~¥80–150/hr). *4. Duku Highway (En Route) 🚗* - If driving, take the **Duku Highway (northern section)**, passing: - 🌈 **Hashilegen Daban** (snowy peaks) - **Qiao’er Martyrs’ Cemetery** (tribute to road-construction heroes). **4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Bayanbulak Town**: 🏘 Many hotels, basic conditions (book early in peak season). - 🍀 *Budget*: Grassland Holiday Hotel, Swan Lake Hotel (¥300–600) - *Comfort*: Longxing International Hotel (¥600–1000) - **Yurt Experience**: Nomadic yurts near the grassland (~¥200–400/night), with bonfire parties. **5. Food Recommendations** - **🐑 Hand-Grabbed Lamb**: Grassland-raised, tender and non-gamey. - **Roast Whole Lamb/Lamb Skewers**: Traditional Mongolian style. - **Milk Tea & Dairy Products**: Authentic Mongolian milk tea and yogurt curds. - **Wild Mushroom Stewed Free-Range Chicken**: Delicious with grassland mushrooms! **6. Itinerary Suggestions (2–3 Days)** *2D1N (Compact Version)* - **Day1**: Ürümqi/Nalati → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak (visit Swan Lake) → Nine-Bend Sunset → Stay in town. - **Day2**: Horseback riding → Return. *3D2N (In-Depth)* - **Day1**: Ürümqi → Duku Highway → Bayanbulak (stay in yurt). - **Day2**: Swan Lake → Nine-Bend Sunset → Stay in town. - **Day3**: Grassland hike/horseback → Return. **7. Tips** 1. **Unpredictable Weather**: Even in summer, temps range 5–25°C; bring a windbreaker/down jacket. 2. **Sun & Mosquito Protection**: Strong UV (sunscreen + hat); wetlands have bugs (bring repellent). 3. **Shuttle Bus Schedule**: Last return departs 30mins after sunset—don’t miss it! 4. **Drone Rules**: Banned in the scenic area; apply in advance for permits. 5. **Respect Local Culture**: Avoid entering private pastures. Bayanbulak is one of Xinjiang’s most magnificent grasslands, and its Nine-Bend sunset is a must-see! If time allows, pair it with **Nalati Grassland** or the **Duku Highway** for Xinjiang’s ultimate landscapes. 🏞️🐎