The Legendary "Nine Suns" of Bayanbulak

Bayanbulak Practical Travel Guide: A Hidden Grassland Paradise in the Tianshan Mountains Bayanbulak, meaning "abundant spring" in Mongolian, is located in Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. As China's second-largest grassland and one of the most spectacular wetland grasslands in the Tianshan Mountains, it features the meandering Kaidu River ("Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns"), the magnificent Wild Swan Lake, vast pastoral grasslands, and unique Mongolian culture. As a frequent visitor to Bayanbulak, I'll share the most practical tips to help you plan a perfect grassland adventure. 1. Why Choose Bayanbulak? Highlights: ✅ World-class natural scenery: Sunset at Nine Bends, Swan Lake Wetland, and Tianshan snow peaks create breathtaking views ✅ Less crowded & pristine: Compared to Nalati or Kalajun, it's more untouched and authentic ✅ Unique cultural experiences: Mongolian nomadic life, horseback riding, and bonfire parties ✅ Photographer's paradise: Perfect for capturing sunrises/sunsets, starry skies, and wildlife 2. Best Time to Visit 1. Ideal seasons: - June-August: Lush grasslands, wildflowers, and swan nesting season (best for birdwatching) - September-October: Golden autumn landscapes, ideal for photography - Winter (December-February): Vast snowfields, but challenging transportation (for hardcore explorers) ⚠️ Note: July-August is rainy season; some roads may be muddy—check weather forecasts. 2. Recommended duration: - 2 days/1 night (classic): Nine Bends + Swan Lake + horseback riding - 3 days/2 nights (in-depth): Explore Bayanbulak town surroundings + night photography 3. Transportation Guide 1. How to get there: - 🚗 Self-drive (recommended): - Ürümqi→Bayanbulak (~8hrs via G218) - Nalati→Bayanbulak (~3hrs via southern Duku Highway) - Kuqa→Bayanbulak (~4hrs via G217 Duku Highway) ⚠️ Note: Duku Highway is only open June-October—check road conditions. - 🚌 Public transport (less convenient): - Ürümqi→Hejing County (bus/train)→Private car to Bayanbulak (~4hrs) 2. Within the scenic area: - Shuttle bus (included in ticket): Direct to Swan Lake and Nine Bends viewpoint - Horseback/hiking: Recommended for deeper grassland exploration (¥50-100/hour) 4. Must-Visit Attractions & Experiences 1. Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns (Kaidu River) 📌 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📌 Best time: 2 hours before sunset (~8-10pm in summer) 📌 My experience: - Requires 30min hike/horseback to viewpoint—bring telephoto lens for "nine suns" reflection - Sunset transforms the river into golden ribbons—absolutely breathtaking ⚠️ Tips: - Windy with temperature drops—bring windproof jacket - Arrive early for best viewpoint spots 2. Swan Lake (Bayanbulak Wetland) 📌 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📌 Best season: May-September (swan breeding period) 📌 My experience: - Mirror-like lake with wild swans, cranes, and other birds - Wooden boardwalks allow close ecological observation ⚠️ Tips: - Don't feed swans—protect the ecosystem - Drone use requires prior approval 3. Horseback Riding & Nomadic Family Visit 📌 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📌 Location: Pastures near Bayanbulak town 📌 My experience: - Drink milk tea and eat hand-pulled lamb in yurts (~¥80-100/person) - Sunset horseback rides (~¥50-100/hour) are magical ⚠️ Tips: - Negotiate prices upfront - Wear long pants to prevent chafing 5. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Bayanbulak Town (convenient but basic) - 🏨 Longxing International Hotel (best in town, ¥500-800/night) - 🏡 Yurt homestays (authentic experience, ¥200-400/night) 2. Within scenic area (closer to nature) - ⛺ Camping (bring gear, summer only) - 🏕️ Pasture yurts (near Nine Bends for sunrise views) ⚠️ Book 1 month ahead for peak season (July-August)! 6. Food Guide 1. Must-try: - 🍖 Hand-pulled lamb (freshly prepared, no gaminess) - 🥛 Mongolian milk tea (savory, perfect with naan) - 🍢 Lamb skewers (street stalls beat restaurants) 2. Recommended eateries: - Grassland Ballad Restaurant (town center, ~¥80/person) - Nomadic family feasts (book ahead for authentic meals) ⚠️ Tips: - Town prices are high—pack snacks - Avoid raw milk if stomach-sensitive 7. Practical Tips 1. Clothing: - Day: 20-25°C; Night: 5-10°C—pack windbreaker/down jacket - Strong UV—sunglasses & hat essential 2. Photography: - 200mm+ lens for Nine Bends - Tripod for star shots (minimal light pollution) 3. Avoid scams: - Agree on horseback/car prices beforehand - No ATMs in scenic area—bring cash 4. Eco-tips: - Pack out trash - Don't disturb wildlife 8. Itinerary Suggestions Classic 2-Day Trip Day1: Ürümqi/Nalati→Bayanbulak→Swan Lake→Nine Bends sunset→Yurt stay Day2: Horseback riding→Nomad visit→Departure In-Depth 3-Day Trip Day1: Arrival→Swan Lake→Hiking→Town stay Day2: Nine Bends sunrise→Horseback exploration→Stargazing→Yurt stay Day3: Nomadic experience→Departure 9. Why Bayanbulak Stands Out - More pristine than Nalati with less commercialization - Diverse activities: photography, riding, birding, and astronomy - Rich Mongolian culture—perfect for immersive travel ⚠️ Final reminders: - Strict security checks—always carry ID - Spotty signal—download offline maps Bayanbulak's beauty lies in its vast, untouched landscapes. Here, you can truly unwind amidst poetic "wind-swept grass revealing cattle and sheep" scenery. May this guide help you embark on an unforgettable journey! 🏔️🐎