Encounter Duolun Lake: Embark on a Date with Stunning Lake and Mountain Scenery

After spending a long time in the hustle and bustle of the city, we always yearn for a peaceful place to relax our body and mind. If you have such a thought, then you might as well come to Duolun Lake. The beautiful scenery, fresh air, and picturesque surroundings make it a paradise on earth, absolutely satisfying all your imaginations about nature. I. Basic Information Duolun Lake is located in Dahekou Township, Duolun County, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It covers a water area of 20,000 mu and is situated among high mountains, sandy lands, and grasslands. The east and west banks are 17 kilometers long. It consists of seven interconnected lakes, like a blue ribbon winding through the earth. The scenery here varies throughout the year, and each season has its unique charm. Spring brings rejuvenation, summer is cool and pleasant, autumn sees colorful foliage, and winter offers a silver wonderland. No matter when you come, you can harvest different beautiful scenery. The scenic area is open year-round from 08:30 to 17:30, and the ticket price is 38 yuan/person. You can book online in advance to save some time. II. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving: This is the most recommended way, as it offers high flexibility, and you can stop to admire the scenery along the way at any time. Starting from Beijing, the whole journey is about 350 kilometers along the Jingjia Line, and the road conditions are good. Just enter "Duolun Lake Scenic Area" in the navigation. 2. Public transportation: First arrive at Duolun County, and then transfer to a vehicle heading to the scenic area. You can take a long-distance bus from Beijing Liuliqiao Bus Station to Duolun County, and then take a taxi or local bus to Duolun Lake Scenic Area in Duolun County. However, there are fewer buses, so be sure to check the schedule in advance before traveling. III. Scenic Spot Check-in 1. Whale Island Viewing Platform: Named after the whale-shaped island in the lake, it is a popular check-in spot in the scenic area. Here, you can overlook the entire lake. The lake sparkles under the sunlight, and the distant mountains stretch into the distance, complementing the blue sky and white clouds. Every shot is a masterpiece. 2. Guanyin Cave: Filled with a strong religious atmosphere and profound cultural heritage, it reveals tranquility and peace. Walking into the cave, you can feel the serenity away from the hustle and bustle of the world. The Buddha statues in the cave are solemn and awe-inspiring. 3. Emo Mountain Pavilion: Climb Emo Mountain and stand in the pavilion to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Duolun Lake. The mountain breeze brings the fresh air of the lake, making you feel refreshed. This is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise and sunset. When the first ray of sunlight shines on the lake, or the afterglow of the setting sun dyes the sky orange-red, the picture is intoxicating. 4. Colorful Viewing Platform: From different angles, you can see diverse colors and landscapes, which is refreshing. With the changes in light and seasons, the colors of the lake, grassland, and mountain forest also change constantly, like a flowing painting. 5. Sea of Flowers: Summer is the most beautiful season for the sea of flowers. Colorful flowers bloom in competition, complementing the lake, like a fairy tale world. Walking in the sea of flowers, the fragrance of flowers fills the air, and butterflies dance around you, making you feel like you are in a dreamland. IV. Entertainment Projects 1. Horseback riding: Galloping on the grassland and feeling the wind whistling past your ears is a must-try experience for many people coming to Duolun Lake. There are many horse farms around the scenic area that offer horseback riding services of different durations, which you can choose according to your preferences. 2. Speedboat: If you want to experience speed and passion, then take a speedboat. Gallop on the lake, splashing waves, and enjoy the embrace of wind and water. 3. Rafting: Drifting down the river and admiring the natural scenery on both sides is leisurely and comfortable. During the rafting process, you can also have water fights with your companions, adding a lot of fun. 4. Sightseeing bus tour: If you don't want to drive yourself, you can also choose to take a sightseeing bus to tour the scenic area. The sightseeing bus will stop at various scenic spots, making it convenient for tourists to get off and take photos. V. Food Recommendations 1. Whole Fish Feast: Duolun Lake is rich in more than ten kinds of freshwater fish, such as carp and crucian carp, and the whole fish feast is a local specialty. All the dishes are made with fresh lake fish, cooked through various methods such as burning, grilling, frying, boiling, stewing, etc. The dishes are colorful, aromatic, and delicious, allowing you to eat your fill. 2. Roasted Whole Lamb: When you come to Inner Mongolia, how can you miss the roasted whole lamb? Selected from local high-quality sheep, after special marinating and roasting, the outer skin is golden and crispy, and the inner meat is tender and juicy, with a rich aroma, which is definitely a blessing for meat lovers. 3. Hand-grabbed Mutton: This is a traditional Mongolian food. Mutton is cut into large pieces and boiled. When eating, hold it with your hands and dip it in sauces such as leek flower sauce and mashed garlic. It has an original flavor and a unique taste. 4. Milk Tea: Mongolian milk tea is not ordinary milk tea. It is made by boiling milk and tea leaves, and the taste is rich and mellow. Drinking a cup can warm you up and relieve greasiness. It is perfect with some milk skin and fried rice. VI. Accommodation Recommendations 1. B&Bs in the scenic area: Staying in the scenic area is convenient for enjoying the beautiful scenery of Duolun Lake in the morning and evening, and you can also experience the local folk customs. Many B&Bs offer farmhouse dishes, allowing you to taste authentic food. However, the prices of B&Bs in the scenic area are relatively high, so it is best to book in advance during peak season. 2. Hotels in Duolun County: If you are looking for cost-effectiveness, you can also choose to stay in Duolun County. There are many hotels in the county, with a wide price range, so you can choose according to your budget. Moreover, the county has complete supporting facilities such as catering and shopping, making life more convenient. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from the county to the scenic area. VII. Travel Route Planning 1. One-day tour: Morning: Arrive at Duolun Lake Scenic Area, purchase tickets, and drive in. First, go to the Whale Island Viewing Platform to check in and take photos, and enjoy the unique scenery of the small island in the lake. Noon: Enjoy a whole fish feast at the restaurant in the scenic area. Afternoon: Take a speedboat tour of the lake and experience the speed and passion; then visit Guanyin Cave and experience the religious culture; finally, go to the Emo Mountain Pavilion to overlook the panoramic view of Duolun Lake and enjoy the sunset, ending the day's itinerary. 2. Two-day tour: Day 1: Arrive at Duolun Lake Scenic Area in the morning, check in to a B&B in the scenic area, and take a short rest. Have lunch at the B&B and taste local farmhouse dishes. In the afternoon, ride a horse and stroll through the grassland, experiencing the feeling of freedom; then go to the sea of flowers to take photos and immerse yourself in the ocean of flowers. Take a walk near the B&B in the evening and enjoy the starry night view. Day 2: Get up early to watch the sunrise and breathe fresh air; take a sightseeing bus to visit various scenic spots in the scenic area in the morning and learn more about the beautiful scenery of Duolun Lake; have lunch at the restaurant in the scenic area, pack your luggage, and return. VIII. Precautions 1. The temperature difference between day and night in the Duolun Lake area is large, so it is recommended to bring a thick coat even in summer to prevent catching a cold. 2. The ultraviolet rays here are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures, such as bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. 3. When playing water sports, be sure to follow the instructions of the staff, wear a life jacket, and ensure safety. 4. Respect local customs and habits. When visiting religious places, observe relevant regulations and keep quiet. Duolun Lake has vast grassland scenery, beautiful lake and mountain scenery, a wide variety of entertainment projects and food, and is very suitable for family trips, couple trips, or family outings. Find some time to start a romantic date with nature here. I believe Duolun Lake will not disappoint you!