Things to do in Bortala

Wenquan County · 1.5 km from downtown

Luquan Hot Spring Center

5.4

3.9/5

26 reviews

Luquan Hot Spring Center in Wenquan County, Bole City, Xinjiang is located in Wenquan County, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is located at the northern foot of Tianshan Mountain and the western edge of Junggar Basin, with rich geothermal resources and beautiful natural scenery. Relying on the unique local hot spring resources, the hot spring center has created a comprehensive tourist destination integrating hot spring health care, leisure and vacation, and ecological sightseeing, allowing tourists to enjoy the physical and mental relaxation brought by hot springs while experiencing the customs of the Western Regions. Wenquan County itself is a place rich in tourism resources, and Luquan Hot Spring Center is surrounded by many natural and cultural attractions. With its natural hot spring resources, unique Western scenery and profound cultural heritage, Luquan Hot Spring Center has become a shining pearl of Xinjiang tourism, bringing tourists a full-scale experience of "hot springs, beautiful scenery, and cultural appreciation". It is an ideal choice to relax and feel the charm of the frontier.

No. 9 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Ili

Guozigou Valley

5.2

Huocheng · 86.4 km from Bortala

200 reviews

Guozigou Valley is a canyon passage between the branches of the Tianshan Mountains. Its northern end is adjacent to Sayram Lake, and its southern opening descends directly into the Ili River Valley. It has been a natural gateway to and from Ili since ancient times and is also a vital passage on the New Northern Silk Road. It is known as the "Iron Pass" and, due to its outstanding scenery, is called the "Number One Scenic Spot in Ili." The valley stretches for approx. 30 km, with steep peaks on both sides, spruce and birch trees covering the mountains and plains, and streams flowing at the bottom of the valley. In late spring and early summer, wild fruit blossoms and mountain flowers bloom one after another, and in the fall, the entire valley is painted with colorful foliage. Guozigou Valley's name comes from the wild fruit trees covering the mountains; patches of wild apples and apricots still grow on the riverbanks and hillsides today. In the early Yuan Dynasty, Yelü Chucai passed through this area while traveling west with the army. In his "Record of a Journey to the West" (Xiyou Lu), he wrote, "After passing the Round Lake, the southern descent is full of apple trees, with dense shade that blocks the sun." The "Round Lake" he referred to is Sayram Lake, and "linqin" refers to wild apples. Even earlier, Genghis Khan's western expedition army opened the road here. His second son, Chagatai, led men to chisel stone to clear the path and build 48 wooden bridges, making the steep mountain valley passable for carriages and horses. Later, Qiu Chuji passed by and left the poem, "Forty-eight bridges, ten thousand fathoms deep."

Jinghe · 55.1 km from downtown

Mutetal Desert Scenic Area

5

3.3/5

4 reviews

Mutetal Desert Scenic Area is a unique natural desert landscape in the region. The scenic area is characterized by vast shifting sands and rolling dunes, creating a magnificent desert landscape while preserving the natural desert ecosystem. The climate here is dry year-round with abundant sunshine, and the dunes constantly shift with the wind, showcasing the unique dynamic beauty of the desert. Visitors can experience various outdoor activities in the scenic area, such as camel riding, desert off-roading, and sand sliding, allowing them to experience the vastness and wonder of nature up close while capturing visually striking desert scenery. The surrounding terrain is diverse, featuring both Gobi plains and desert oases, providing a valuable sample for studying the ecological environment and natural landscapes of arid regions in Northwest China. Mutetal Desert Scenic Area is not only suitable for adventure and outdoor sports enthusiasts but also an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts to capture sunrises, sunsets, and the interplay of light and shadow in the desert.

No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Bole

The Valleys of Exotic Rocks

4.9

Bole · 34.9 km from downtown

287 reviews

Guaishiyu, formerly known as Guaishigou, is located about 48 kilometers northeast of Bole City in Bortala Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is a Attraction dominated by strange rock landforms and is very famous locally. It is not far from the famous tourist attraction Sailimu Lake. Many tourists will come here to see the wonders when they visit Sailimu Lake Attraction. The area of the Strange Rock Attraction is very large. Tourists need to take a shuttle bus to see the strange rock landforms. Then get off at a place called "Buddha Valley" and walk into the strange rock landforms. Generally, tourists can walk for about 2 hours, and it takes about 3-4 hours to visit the entire Attraction. The Attraction is dominated by a large area of strange rock landforms. The stones in the Attraction have strange shapes and are very magical standing on the vast grassland. Many stones are similar to certain shapes, so they are named as various landscapes. Tourists can take pictures of the strange rocks, appreciate the unique strange rock wonders, and feel the magic of nature. In addition, there are some Souvenir shops selling strange rocks, which can be purchased according to personal interests.

Bole · 87.6 km from downtown

Kele Yongzhu

4.8

5.0/5

4 reviews

Keler Yongzhu is located in Sailimu Lake, Xinjiang. It is a scenic spot full of charm and magic, like a bright pearl inlaid on the shore of Sailimu Lake. "Keler" means "all springs" in Kazakh. There are many springs here. Clear spring water continuously gushes out from the bottom of the lake or the gravel layer on the lakeside, forming strings of pearl-like bubbles, which sparkle charmingly under the sun, hence the name "Keler Yongzhu". Keler Yongzhu's spring water is continuous, clear and sweet, and is particularly pure after being filtered through layers of gravel and meadow. The lake bay where Keler Yongzhu is located has soft and beautiful lines, and is guarded by two symmetrical sand spits at the bay mouth. The water in the bay is as blue as dye, and the water in the bay is rippling and silvery, which contrasts with the surrounding mountains and grasslands, forming a picturesque scenery. Keleyongzhu is the main habitat for wild waterfowl in Sayram Lake. Every spring and autumn, flocks of swans fly from Siberia to roost and play here. They sometimes sing loudly, sometimes comb their feathers, and sometimes swim happily in the water, splashing layers of water.

Selected for Night Attractions in Xinjiang

Sayram Lake Command Platform

4.7

4.7/5

13 reviews

The Generals' Platform at Sailimu Lake is a scenic spot with a long history. It is said that when Genghis Khan led his army to the west, he passed through Xinjiang and came to Sailimu Lake after crossing the Altai Mountains. He took a short rest here. During the rest period, in order to boost morale, he built such a generals' platform by the lake to review the soldiers.

Bole · 79.6 km from downtown

Bole · 81.6 km from downtown

Songshutou

4.6

5.0/5

4 reviews

Songshutou is located in the Sailimu Lake Scenic Area and is one of the highlights that cannot be missed during the tour around the lake. It is not only an observation deck overlooking the panoramic view of Sailimu Lake, but also connects the magnificent scenery of "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean" and "the first scene of Yili" Guozigou, integrating natural wonders, human history and photographic aesthetics. Songshutou is located on the south bank of Sailimu Lake, with an altitude of about 2,073 meters. It is named after the dense pine forest on the top of the mountain. After reaching the top, the view is suddenly clear. In the near distance, there are golden flowers and verdant meadows by the lake. In the distance, the azure lake water blends with the skyline. In the distance, the snow-capped peaks of the Tianshan Mountains can be seen like a screen, forming a three-dimensional picture of "lake-grassland-forest-snow mountain". If the weather is fine, you can also clearly see the shocking scene of the Guozigou Bridge crossing the canyon like a giant dragon. The magnificence of nature and man-made meets here.

Wenquan County · 2.2 km from downtown

Pattaya Holy Hot Spring

4.5

3.8/5

11 reviews

Pattaya Holy Land Hot Spring is a leisure resort integrating hot springs, leisure and entertainment. The park is mainly dominated by subtropical flowers and plants, creating a Southeast Asian style and subtropical garden style.

Bole · 87.8 km from downtown

Swan enjoying water

4.3

4.0/5

1 reviews

Swan enjoying water is located on the west bank of Sayram Lake Scenic Area. It is a wetland area where swans and other migratory birds gather, and it is also one of the important scenic spots along the lake loop road. This area is famous as a habitat for wild swans. From spring to fall each year, flocks of swans often swim and play on the azure lake. The shallow areas have gentle currents, and the lake water is crystal clear. The elegant figures of the swans are reflected in the water, forming a vivid natural painting with the distant snow-capped mountains and nearby grasslands. In the morning or evening, the light is soft, and the swans form beautiful silhouettes in the backlight, attracting photography enthusiasts to stop and admire. When driving or cycling around the lake to Swan enjoying water, visitors can stop here to enjoy the lake and mountain views. This place showcases the ecological harmony of the surroundings. Stroll along the boardwalk, listen to the calls of water birds, and experience the purity and tranquility of the alpine lake.

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Xinjiang

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One-day tour from Yili to Sayram Lake: Snow-capped mountains and blue lake mirror the Tianshan, the last teardrop of the Atlantic

Departs from Yining City

Free cancellationInstant confirmationBook now for tomorrowDuration: 9.8 hrsEnglish

From€63.16

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8D7N • North Xinjiang Escape: Duku Highway & Nalati Grassland with Scenic Afternoon Tea, Drone Vlog & Lake Round-Trip Shuttle

4.9/5

2 reviews7 booked

No crowds, no rush. Hike through Hemu Birch Forest Park, gaze at brilliant night skies, experience the tranquility of Sayram Lake, and discover the fairyland scenery of Kanas and Hemu. | No transport worries. 24-hour airport pick-up & drop-off, one-on-one WeChat butler, and a complimentary Sayram Lake full-circle tour with VIP shuttle - for an in-depth, unrestricted visit. | No need to worry about where to stay. We select comfortable 5-star local hotels with buffet breakfast, so you can settle in and focus on the journey.

MandarinGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

From EUR 986

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8D7N • Winter tour of Northern Xinjiang—snow party at sunset & Hemu bonfire—stay in Hemu wooden cabins & near Sayram Lake Scenic Area—optional skiing—no shopping, tips included

Max. 6 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Mini Group

260 reviews

Experience Hemu's bonfire night-an Altay sunset gathering, with ample time to explore Sayram Lake. There are no shopping stops or in-vehicle sales throughout the trip, and gratuities are not included. | Enjoy 7 nights of carefully selected comfortable accommodation, including 2 upgraded stays: one night at a Hemu log cabin hotel and one night beside Sayram Lake Scenic Area. | Enjoy reliable vehicles, 24-hour airport and station transfers in Urumqi, plus on-trip assistance and WeChat support for a smoother journey.

From EUR 381

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Experiences you can't miss in Bortala

Featured Day tours in Bortala

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Yining Departure Sayram Lake and Guozigou Day Tour with Private Charter and Tickets: Admire the Mountain Sapphire

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 5.5 hrs

English

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Instant confirmation

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From€76.91

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Departing from Yining, Xinjiang: Sayram Lake 1-day tour with round-trip private charter and driver (admission ticket not included)

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 9.5 hrs

English

Free cancellation

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From€231.64

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One-day tour from Yining to Sayram Lake | Unlock a 280° limited view with a 5-hour slow drive

Duration: 5.3 hrs

English

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From€69.49

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Yining departure | Sayram Lake in-depth lake loop + Guozigou Valley + seasonal lavender private 1-day tour

Duration: 10.5 hrs

English

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From€254.80

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Sayram Lake and Guozigou private chartered tour (departing from Yining)

Duration: 5 hrs

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From€75.15

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Sayram Lake & Guozigou Bridge Day Tour from Yining

Duration: 23 hrs

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From€370.61

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1-day tour to Guozigou Bridge and Sayram Lake in Yining, Xinjiang, China [the last tear of the Atlantic]

Duration: 6.5 hrs

English

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From€494.15

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Private Tours in Bortala

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8D7N • Wonderland of Northern Xinjiang: Altay Forests & Sayram Blue Lake

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

1 review

Discover the magic of Tianshan Tianchi, the dreamlike beauty of Kanas Lake and Hemu, and the alpine scenery of Sayram Lake. · Enjoy a pure sightseeing experience with no shopping stops for a more comfortable trip. · Stay in 5-diamond hotels, with a 1-night stay in each of the Kanas and Hemu scenic areas, where distinctive wooden houses create a relaxing atmosphere.

From EUR 875

7D6N • Colorful Xinjiang + fairy-tale Yili: your choice of grassland · 1-night stay in Nalati

MandarinGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Choose the experience for a comfortable Sayram Lake VIP shuttle ride with afternoon tea, and drone photography is included. · Selected 4-star hotels: 1 night in Tekes Bagua City, 1 night in Nalati Town - a comfortable stay awaits. · Enjoy a private car service with a dedicated driver and online concierge support, so you can travel at your own pace, stop anytime, and enjoy a worry-free journey.

From EUR 584

8D7N • Xinjiang + Ili + Sayram Lake + Tekes Bagua City + Kuerdening Scenic Area + Nalati Sky Grassland + Kazanchi Street in the Old City Scenic Area + Liuxing Street

MandarinGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Experience the essence of Northern Xinjiang in one journey, with strikingly diverse landscapes throughout the trip. · Experience contrasting grasslands in depth, with perfectly balanced styles that leave no regrets. · Stay closer to key destinations with thoughtfully selected accommodations.

From EUR 656

6D5N • Xinjiang - Northern Xinjiang + Ili + Sayram Lake + Nalati Scenic Area + Guozigou Bridge + Urumqi

MandarinGuaranteed departureFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Explore two distinct grasslands on a no-backtracking loop - carefully designed to offer depth, variety, and a truly memorable journey. · Stay in 5-diamond hotels rated to the Chinese standard, with a twin or king room at the hotels listed above or a same standard hotel. · Explore the rich and varied landscapes of Ili in a single, well-planned trip.

From EUR 686

8D7N • Urumqi + Northern Xinjiang - Altay, venture into Altay to discover fairy-tale Hemu Village, stunning Kanas Lake and Sayram Lake

Mandarin/EnglishGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Multiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Explore Northern Xinjiang's highlights, including Kanas, Hemu, and the Tianchi Scenic Area of Tianshan Mountain. · Explore Northern Xinjiang's classic highlights on an exclusive private tour, including Tianchi Lake, Kanas Lake, Hemu Village, and Devil's Town, with no itinerary planning needed. · Enjoy a private group experience for your booking with no car-sharing, flexible stops, and complimentary airport transfers with no waiting.

From EUR 778

12D11N • Northern Xinjiang, Altay Prefecture + Ili + Kanas Scenic Area + Hemu Scenic Area + Sayram Lake + Nalati Sky Grassland + Kuerdening Scenic Area + Tianshan Tianchi

MandarinGuaranteed departureArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Travel at your own pace and visit the scenic spots and iconic attractions in mainland China with professional drivers and tour guides. · Enjoy luxury accommodation in a convenient location close to key destinations, making your trip more comfortable and efficient. A good sleep helps you travel better and enjoy the journey more. · A dedicated one-on-one travel planner creates a personalized itinerary for your trip in Xinjiang.

From EUR 1,693

8D7N • Xinjiang + Tianshan Tianchi + Sayram Lake + Nalati Sky Grassland + Dushanzi Grand Canyon + Guozigou Bridge

MandarinGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Excellent accommodationMultiple car types availablePrivate Tours

Experience the essence of Northern Xinjiang on a well-paced loop tour with no backtracking, featuring strikingly varied landscapes along the way. · We carefully design immersive experiences and select premium 5-star hotels to make every night's stay a highlight of your journey. · Direct buses have been upgraded for the three major scenic area - Sarym Lake, Karajun Grassland, and Kuerdening - eliminating the need for crowded shuttle buses.

From EUR 946

10D9N • Enchanting northern Xinjiang & dreamy Altay: three lakes · 1-night stay in Hemu Scenic Area & vast night sky

MandarinGuaranteed departureDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Private Tours

Enjoy an aerial photography experience at a designated location, a complimentary tour of Sayram Lake with VIP access, and afternoon tea in Hemu. · Enjoy a comfortable stay with 7 nights in carefully selected 4-diamond hotels, plus distinctive overnight experiences in a wooden cabin inside Hemu Scenic Area and a guesthouse in Nalati Town. · Our local experienced drivers know the roads well to ensure your safety, and the itinerary can be adjusted to suit your needs.

From EUR 1,422

Group Tours in Bortala

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8D7N • Winter Tour in Northern Xinjiang · 7-Seat 1 + 1 Business Van · Jiangjun Mtn Cable Car Sunset + Hemu Bonfire · Wooden Cabin Stay + Sayram Lake Hotel + Optional Skiing · No Shopping · Tips Included

Max. 6 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedMini Group

245 reviews

Winter N. Xinjiang in snow: Hemu is a fairy-tale snow village, Sayram Lake offers blue ice & golden sunsets with re-entry, Ghost City shows wind-eroded Yardang against white snow. · Stay 5 nights in 4-star diamond hotels with rooms of about 320 sq ft, upgraded with 1 night in a Hemu wooden cabin and 1 night beside Sayram Lake - stay right inside the scenery. · Spacious 14-to-7-seat van, a window seat for every passenger, no special luggage size limits, refund locally; visitors aged 60 + enjoy discounted tickets.

From EUR 381

10D9N • Xinjiang + Urumqi + Ili + Kanas + Sayram Lake: group tour for up to 6 guests, premium airline seats, no scenic transfers & Nalati & Hemu in-scenic-area lodging

Max. 6 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedMini Group

65 reviews

This tour includes Sayram Lake, Kuerdening, and Narat, with nonstop shuttle service, a cruise on Sayram Lake, and drives along two famous scenic highways: Ahe Highway and Duku Highway. · This tour features premium, highly rated stays, including Hemu homestays, and a downtown Urumqi hotel for dining and shopping. · Enjoy a small-group tour for up to 6 people in a refurbished 7-seat vehicle with airline-style first-class seats, plus free, flexible cancellation or changes up to 48 hours before departure.

From EUR 816

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8D7N • Winter tour of Northern Xinjiang—snow party at sunset & Hemu bonfire—stay in Hemu wooden cabins & near Sayram Lake Scenic Area—optional skiing—no shopping, tips included

Max. 6 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedMini Group

681 reviews

Experience Hemu's bonfire night-an Altay sunset gathering, with ample time to explore Sayram Lake. There are no shopping stops or in-vehicle sales throughout the trip, and gratuities are not included. · Enjoy 7 nights of carefully selected comfortable accommodation, including 2 upgraded stays: one night at a Hemu log cabin hotel and one night beside Sayram Lake Scenic Area. · Enjoy reliable vehicles, 24-hour airport and station transfers in Urumqi, plus on-trip assistance and WeChat support for a smoother journey.

From EUR 464

9D8N • Xinjiang&1+1 Business Vehicle&2-Night In-resort Hotel, 1-Night Hotel Near Scenic Area&Hemu Family Visit+Lake-view Hot Pot+Hot Spring Bathing+Sunset Party+Bonfire Party

4.9/5

187 reviews

Max. 6 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedHigh-speed train rideMini Group

This itinerary features Nalati sightseeing, local family visit, Hemu bonfire & aerial photography, Sayram Lake hot pot, Nalati hot spring, and cable-car sunset viewing at General Mountain. · Enjoy 6 nights of luxury accommodation, including a 1-night in-resort stay at Nalati, 1 night near Sayram Lake, plus an upgraded 1 night at a distinctive Hemu wooden cabin homestay. · This itinerary includes no shopping stops, gratuities included, licensed vehicles, 24-hour airport pick-up and drop-off in Urumqi, and dedicated WeChat butler service.

From EUR 583

11D10N • Xinjiang&1+1 Business Vehicle&2-Night In-resort Hotel, 1-Night Hotel Near Scenic Area&Hemu Family Visit+Lake-view Hot Pot+Hot Spring Bathing+Sunset Party+Bonfire Party

Max. 6 peopleMandarinGuaranteed departureNo mandatory shoppingTour guide includedDeposit acceptedArr. & dep. transfers incl.Mini Group

This itinerary features Nalati sightseeing, local family visit, Hemu bonfire & aerial photography, Sayram Lake hot pot, Nalati hot spring, and cable-car sunset viewing at General Mountain. · Enjoy 8 nights of luxury accommodation, including a 1-night in-resort stay at Nalati, 1 night near Sayram Lake, plus an upgraded 1 night at a distinctive Hemu wooden cabin homestay. · This itinerary includes no shopping stops, gratuities included, licensed vehicles, 24-hour airport pick-up and drop-off in Urumqi, and dedicated WeChat butler service.

From EUR 567

12D11N • Xinjiang Northern Xinjiang + Xinjiang Kanas National Geopark + Hemu Scenic Area + Sayram Lake + Nalati Scenic Area + Kuerdening