Baiyinaobao Sandy Spruce Forest
白音敖包沙地云杉林
A national nature reserve with rare spruce forests growing on sand, regarded as a 'gene bank' of the living world.
Baiyinaobao National Nature Reserve lies in the northwest of Hexigten Banner. It protects red-bark spruce forests growing on sandy ground, a very small and rare sandy spruce community in the world and a relict of the Ice Age, which locals regard as sacred trees. The spruce forest is interspersed with grassland, dunes, and lakes. In summer the forest is cool with many wildflowers, and in autumn the surrounding grasslands turn yellow, contrasting with the evergreen spruces. The reserve has a resort and sightseeing trails, making it a good half-day detour between Dalinor Lake and Gonggeer Grassland. Visitors are limited to designated routes, so stick to the marked trails and do not light fires.
Opening hours
Open during the day in peak season; follow reserve notices
Nearby sights
- Huanggangliang National Forest Park
- Ganggeng Nur Lake
- Hexigten Global Geopark Museum
- Jingpeng Town
- Gongger Grassland
- Reshuitang Hot Spring
- Asihatu Stone Forest
- Mantuo Hill