Bole & Guaishiyu

A Mongolian city in the Bortala River valley, with the granite rock formations of Guaishiyu, the sacred springs of Wenquan County and the Etuokesaier Valley; the Alashankou border gate lies to the northeast, and Sayram Lake is just to the west.

Bole is the capital of Xinjiang's Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, set in the Bortala River valley on the western edge of the Junggar Basin. It is backed by the Alatau Mountains to the north and borders Wenquan County to the west; to the northeast is Alashankou on the China–Kazakhstan border, and Sayram Lake (a separate destination) lies just over the mountains to the southwest. The main sights fall into three areas: around Bole (the granite rock formations of Guaishiyu, the Haritureg Forest Gorge, the ruins of the ancient city of Dalete, and the Bortala River tourist area in town); the Alashankou port and border gate to the northeast; and Wenquan County to the west (the Holy Spring, the Xinjiang Salamander Culture and Science Park, the Etuokesaier Valley and its Heavenly Spring, the Arixiate Fairy Spring and stone figures, the Bronze Age site of Adunqiaolu, and fields of clary sage in summer). The best time to visit is Jun–Sep, with Naadam festivities in Jul–Aug; the valleys are at their most colorful in late September. Winters are bitterly cold, but it's a good time for hot springs and rime frost. Getting there: Bole has Alashankou Airport and Bole Station, about 6–7 hours by train from Ürümqi. Sights are spread out, so self-driving or a chartered car is recommended; allow 3–4 days, and combine with Sayram Lake and Yining. Alashankou and Adunqiaolu are close to the border — always carry your ID, and some areas require a border permit. Xinjiang runs on Beijing time, but daily life runs about 2 hours later, so many attractions stay open past 9 pm. Temperatures swing widely between day and night, so bring sun protection and warm layers.

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