Things to do in Jinghe

Mutetal Desert Scenic Area

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.

Ebinur Lake

Ebinur Lake is the largest saltwater lake in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. At the time of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the lake's surface area was 1,200 square kilometers, but today it has shrunk to about 500 square kilometers. Desertification in the lakeshore area has intensified, making it one of the main sources of sandstorms in western China and directly threatening the sustainable development and safe operation of the economic belt on the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains. The lake is elliptical in shape, with an area of 650 square kilometers, an average depth of 2–3 m, and an elevation of 189 m. It is suitable for summer retreats, adventure, scientific research, camping, and photography.

Aibi Lake Wetland National Nature Reserve

Aibi Lake is a resource-rich lake with a unique wetland ecosystem, making it an ideal habitat for many plants and animals and a place of rich biodiversity.

Jinghe Ecological Park

Jinghe Ecological Park, located in Bortala, Xinjiang, with beautiful scenery and green grass, is a leisure place integrating tourism, entertainment and fitness. Here, visitors can stroll along the Silk Road while admiring the exquisite sculptures.

Jinghe Wutujing Fairy Lake

Jinghe County Xiaohai Scenic Area

2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Sayram Lake

[Sayram Lake introduction] Sayram Lake is located at the southwestern end of Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang, at the northern foot of the western Tianshan Mountains. This alpine lake and grassland national scenic area features natural landscapes including lakes, wetlands, grasslands, forests, and snow-capped mountains. Its main activities include sightseeing, eco-tourism, exploring the historical culture of the ancient Silk Road's northern route, and experiencing the ethnic customs of Mongolian and Kazakh minorities. Sayram Lake transforms with the seasons. In spring and summer, flower fields bloom in abundance, while golden fall brings a striking contrast between sky and water. Winter turns the lake into a dreamscape, with dancing ice crystals, pillars, curtains, and coral formations. Ice roses bloom freely, and mysterious blue ice eyes appear in ever-changing forms. Throughout the day, the lake presents shifting spectacles - morning glow, sunset hues, rain mist, sea of clouds, lightning, rainbows, and mist cascades. Sayram Lake covers a vast area, with a circular road around the lake spanning approx. 90 km. The lakeside scenery is exceptionally beautiful. Most visitors depart from Urumqi and arrive at the lake in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset before staying overnight. The next day, they can admire the sunrise and daytime lakeside views before heading to Huocheng, Ili, and other destinations. During the lake loop, you'll also encounter cultural relics such asGenghis Khan's Command Platform, Film and Television City, etc.These cultural structures stand quietly by the lakeside on the plateau, evoking a profound sense of melancholy and timeless grandeur. Quick guide to touring Sayram Lake

Haloxylon Forest of Ganjia Lake

The Ganjiahu Saxaul Forest is located in the southwestern part of the Junggar Basin,where nature's original state is preserved intact.With abundant groundwater,saxaulgrows tenaciously, forming dense forest belts.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Northern Xinjiang

Nalati Scenic Area

Nalati Scenic Area is located in the heart of the Tianshan Mountains and the eastern end of the Ili River Valley, a subalpine meadow grassland formed on ancient alluvial deposits. Legend has it that when the westward-expanding Mongol army crossed mountains to reach this place, they suddenly saw a sunlit plain carpeted with flowers. The soldiers exclaimed "Nalati," which means "the place with sunlight" in Mongolian, giving the area its enduring name. The attraction integrates snow-capped mountains, forests, valleys, meadows, and rivers, primarily divided into several sections: the River Valley Grassland, Sky Grassland, Panlong Valley Trail, and Wolta Jiaota. Along the River Valley Grassland by the Gongnaisi River, visitors can find Tawusani (meaning "beautiful mountain valley" in Kazakh), ancient tombs from the Wusun people of the Han dynasties, and the Grassland Tribe recreating Wusun tribal life. Following the uphill ride on the mountain road leads to the Sky Grassland, a high-altitude meadow suspended among peaks. The Tianjie Terrace at the boundary between the valley and grassland offers expansive views, while Snow Lotus Valley at the trail's end is often shrouded in mist, with snow lotuses blooming in midsummer. The Panlong Valley Trail is a forest loop without backtracking, flanked by towering Tianshan spruces. The Wolta Jiaota section is ideal for hiking, with the Tianxian Terrace providing stunning views of sunrise above sea of clouds. From June to September each year, the grassland enters its golden season, with lush green pastures and blooming wildflowers everywhere. Kazakh herders drive herds of cattle, sheep, and horses into summer pastures, where scattered yurts and curling smoke create a picturesque scene. Visiting the attraction during this time allows you to ride horses, try archery, and dress in traditional ethnic costumes. You might also encounter traditional equestrian activities like horse racing, kokpar (goat grabbing), and kyz kuu (girl chasing), experiencing the authentic Kazakh nomadic culture between snow-capped mountains and meadows.

Bayinnaomu Tourist Area