Things to do in Bayanbulak

Bayinbuluke is definitely worth a visit. Besides swans, we also saw Siberian red-billed gulls at the Swan Sanctuary, and the interaction between the lambs and swans was particularly interesting. It's really cold up there, so be sure to dress warmly! The scenic area is much larger than I expected. From the entrance to the main attractions, even with no stops and a speed limit of 60 km/h, it takes about an hour, so be sure to allow plenty of time. The weather was exceptionally good the second time, and I wanted to go back in to watch the sunset. However, when I arrived at the scenic area at 6:30 PM, the staff said the sightseeing bus had already stopped running, so I unfortunately missed it. 🥲 If you want to see the sunset, be sure to check the last sightseeing bus time in advance. Also, if you're driving, after watching the sunset, drive slowly and carefully as it gets dark.

The famous "Swan Lake" in Bayinbuluke is the only swan nature reserve in China. It is an alpine wetland lake with an altitude of nearly 3,000 meters. The continuous snow-capped mountains and icy peaks around it form a natural barrier for the Swan Lake.

The Bayinbuluke "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns" Observation Deck, also known as the Basilik Observation Deck, is located in the southwest corner of the Bayinbuluke Grassland, in the core section of the Kaidu River Wetland. It is the only official high point from which to overlook the "Nine Suns in a Row" spectacle. 2025 "Nine Suns" Photographing Window: June 21:10–21:40 5–7 images 20:00 July–August 21:00–21:30 7–9 images 19:40 September 20:10–20:40 9 images (best) 18:50 Early October 19:40–20:10 6–8 images 18:20 To see all nine reflections, the following conditions must simultaneously be met: ① a cloudless sky ② wind speed ≤ Force 3 (calm water) ③ the angle between the sun's path and the river channel is less than 15°. Main Platform (2460 meters above sea level, with fan-shaped railings): Accommodates 400 people. A stone tablet with the inscription "Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns" stands in the scenic area, making it ideal for capturing the entire bend with a 24mm wide-angle lens. Left Hill (80 meters up the wooden railing): Less crowded. A 200mm telephoto lens can capture 18 river bends, leaving no foreground railings to obscure. Lower Plank Road Corner: 50 meters down, ideal for capturing silhouettes of people and the river bend, with the sunset backlight creating a golden haze.

There are many swans and flying birds, which are very beautiful to take pictures. The snow-capped mountains in the distance, the green lawns in September, and the swans in the water are very healing!

We were lucky enough to see seven suns. It is definitely worth going if you have the conditions.