Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan)
五彩滩
Yardang landforms in colour on the north bank of the Irtysh River. At sunset the red, yellow and purple rock layers interweave, in sharp contrast with the oasis on the opposite bank.
Rainbow Beach (Wucaitan) lies on the north bank of the Irtysh River, about 24 km northwest of Burqin County seat. It is a yardang landform sculpted by wind erosion. The rock layers contain different minerals, showing red, orange, yellow, green and purple. On the opposite bank, however, dense populus euphratica trees and oases grow, summed up in the saying 'one river divides two banks, two different worlds.' The scenic area is not large. A wooden boardwalk loop takes about an hour, and viewing platforms overlook the colourful gullies and the river. The best time is about an hour before sunset. In Xinjiang, sunset in summer and autumn falls around 9 p.m. Beijing time, and under low, angled light the rock walls show their richest colours. Flat midday light is not recommended. Admission is about 45 yuan. Most visitors stop here the night before heading from Altay or Burqin to Kanas. From Burqin County town, it is about 30 minutes by self-drive; you can hire a driver and ask them to wait. The area is windy and exposed, so in summer guard against sun and drink plenty of water. The Burqin night market nearby, with grilled fish and kvass, makes a natural extension after dusk.
Opening hours
10:00 until after sunset (approx. 21:30)
Nearby sights
- Irtysh River Wetland (Burqin)
- Burqin Riverside Night Market
- Burqin Old Town
- Habahe Birch Forest
- Agonggaiti Grassland
- Jeminay Grassland Stone City
- Baisha Lake (White Sand Lake)