Bayanbulak Town & Great Yulduz Grassland
巴音布鲁克镇
A Mongolian town deep in the grasslands, serving as the gateway, lodging, and supply hub for the scenic area. Surrounding pastures stretch for miles, and visitors can experience yurts and hand-held mutton.
Bayanbulak Town lies in the northwest of Hejing County at an elevation of about 2,500 meters. It is the center of the Bayanbulak Grassland and home to the scenic area's visitor center. 'Bayanbulak' means 'abundant springs' in Mongolian. The Bayanbulak Grassland covers about 23,000 square kilometers and is often called China's second-largest grassland. Its residents are mainly descendants of the Torghut Mongols, who returned east from the Volga region in the 18th century. The town is small, with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, and gas stations along a few streets. In peak season (July and August), accommodation is scarce and expensive, so book in advance. Visitors can try hand-held mutton, milk tea, and yogurt curd. In summer, the Nadam fair is often held, featuring horse racing, wrestling, and archery. On the grassland outside town, herders on the move and yurts can be found, and horseback riding is available, though prices and safety should be confirmed with the herders. Transport: when the Duku Highway is open (roughly June to October), you can drive from Nalati or Kuqa. The county seat of Hejing is reachable by road year-round, and Hejing Bayanbulak Airport has a few flights. Note that highland temperatures vary greatly between day and night, so wear a warm jacket in the morning and evening.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Bayanbulak Swan Lake
- Nine-Bend River of Bayanbulak
- Kunes Forest Farm & Kunes Valley
- Aiken Daban Pass
- Tielimaiti Pass