The Barkol Gaojiahu Wetland Scenic Area is located in Shirenzi Township, Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area features a plateau wetland ecosystem, with vast grasslands, clear lakes, rich vegetation, and diverse wildlife. It is an important ecological barrier on the Barkol grassland. The scenic area covers about 40 square kilometers. The wetland contains numerous springs and rivers, forming a unique landscape of marshes, meadows, and lakes. In summer, the water and grass are abundant, and wildflowers bloom everywhere. In autumn, the layers of forest are dyed in brilliant colors, creating a pleasant scene. It is an ideal place for sightseeing, ecological photography, and grassland cultural experiences.
History and Culture
The Barkol grassland, where the Gaojiahu Wetland is located, has a long history and was an important passage on the northern New Route of the ancient Silk Road. It was once a settlement of nomadic peoples and nurtured a rich grassland culture. According to historical records, since the Han Dynasty, this area was a grazing place for peoples such as the Xiongnu, Turks, and Mongols, and many remnants of ancient nomadic life are still preserved today. On the grasslands around the wetland, Kazakh herders continue their traditional nomadic way of life. Every summer, traditional folk activities such as horse racing and Buzkashi are held, showcasing the rich characteristics of grassland culture.
The Gaojiahu Wetland is not only a treasure trove of natural ecology but also a witness to history and culture. Ancient rock paintings and tomb sites discovered in the wetland provide important physical materials for studying the history and culture of ancient nomadic peoples in the Western Regions. In addition, the villages around the wetland still preserve many traditional Kazakh dwellings and customs, where tourists can experience the authentic grassland ethnic culture.
Main Attractions
Gaojiahu Lake
Gaojiahu Lake is the core attraction of the scenic area. It is a naturally formed plateau lake with an area of about 5 square kilometers. The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by vast grasslands and continuous mountain ranges, making the scenery very beautiful. Various fish and waterfowl inhabit the lake, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts. In summer, various wildflowers grow along the lakeside, forming a sea of flowers that contrasts beautifully with the lake water. In winter, the lake surface freezes and is covered in silver, like a fairyland.
Wetland Grassland
The wetland grassland has a vast area of about 30 square kilometers and is a typical plateau grassland ecosystem. Dense grasses and various wildflowers grow on the grassland, making it an important part of the Barkol grassland. With abundant water and grass, it is an excellent natural pasture, and many herders graze here in summer. Tourists can ride horses and hike on the grassland, feel its vastness and magnificence, and also observe herds of cattle and sheep and galloping horses.
Spring Cluster
Numerous springs are distributed within the wetland, forming a unique spring cluster landscape. These springs have clear water and flow continuously all year round, serving as an important water source for the wetland. The largest spring has a diameter of about 2 meters. When the spring water gushes out, it forms beautiful splashes, and dense aquatic plants grow around it, making the scenery very charming. The spring cluster is not only an important part of the wetland ecosystem but also a sightseeing spot favored by tourists.
Food
Kazakh Roast Meat
Kazakh roast meat is a specialty food around the scenic area. It uses high-quality local mutton, cut into large pieces, skewered with red willow wood, and roasted over charcoal. The roast meat is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with delicious meat. After sprinkling an appropriate amount of salt, cumin, and chili powder, the flavor is very unique. This is the traditional cooking method of Kazakh herders and reflects the dietary cultural characteristics of the grassland people.
Kumis
Kumis is a traditional drink of the Kazakh people and one of the specialty foods of the scenic area. It is made by fermenting fresh mare's milk and is rich in nutrients. It has the effects of quenching thirst, strengthening the stomach, and aiding digestion. Kumis tastes sweet and sour, with a unique mouthfeel, and is a great product for cooling off in summer. In the homes of Kazakh herders around the scenic area, tourists can taste authentic kumis and feel the warmth and hospitality of the grassland people.
Kurts
Kurts is a traditional dairy food of the Kazakh people, made from cow's or sheep's milk through fermentation, coagulation, and drying. Kurts is rich in nutrients, contains a large amount of protein and calcium, and is an important food for herders. It tastes sweet and sour, with a rich milky aroma. It can be eaten directly or used to make tea. In the markets around the scenic area, tourists can buy various flavors of kurts as souvenirs to take home.
Tickets：
The ticket price is 30 yuan per person. The actual price of the scenic area shall prevail. As of 2025-06-02, no official WeChat public account was found.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round, with daily opening hours from 8:00 to 20:00. Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season, when flowers bloom on the grassland and the scenery is at its most beautiful. In winter (December to February of the following year), some facilities in the scenic area may be closed. The actual opening hours of the scenic area shall prevail.
Recommended Tour Route：
Tourists are recommended to adopt the following tour route: first arrive at Gaojiahu Lake to enjoy the lake scenery and photograph the lake and mountain views; then go to the wetland grassland to experience activities such as horse riding and hiking and feel the vastness of the grassland; next visit the spring cluster to learn about the wetland's ecological environment; finally go to the surrounding Kazakh villages to taste specialty foods and experience grassland culture. The entire tour is suggested to take 4-5 hours, and tourists can adjust appropriately according to their interests and time.
Transportation：
External transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Hami City to Barkol County, about 2 hours, then charter a car or take a taxi from the county to the scenic area, about 30 minutes; you can also drive from Hami City, taking the Lianhuo Expressway and then Provincial Road 303, about 150 kilometers in total, about 2.5 hours by car.
Internal transportation: The scenic area is relatively large, so it is recommended to take the scenic area sightseeing bus. The ticket price is 20 yuan per person and allows unlimited rides; horse riding is also available, with a cost of about 50 yuan per hour.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Gaojiahu Lake: The core attraction of the scenic area, a natural plateau lake with an area of about 5 square kilometers. The lake is clear, surrounded by grasslands and mountains, with beautiful scenery. It is an excellent place for photography and sightseeing.
Wetland Grassland: About 30 square kilometers, a typical plateau grassland ecosystem. In summer, the water and grass are abundant and wildflowers are everywhere. Visitors can experience horse riding, hiking, and other activities and feel the charm of the grassland.
Kazakh Villages: The surrounding villages preserve traditional Kazakh dwellings and customs. Visitors can taste specialty foods such as roast meat and kumis and experience grassland ethnic culture.
Travel Tips：
Tourists are advised to wear comfortable sports shoes and long pants for walking and horse riding on the grassland.
When visiting in summer, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun; in winter, pay attention to keeping warm and wear down jackets, scarves, gloves, and other cold-weather clothing.
The ultraviolet rays on the grassland are strong. It is recommended to carry drinking water and energy-supplementing foods such as chocolate and beef jerky.
Respect the customs of local ethnic minorities. When entering Kazakh villages, first obtain the owner's permission and avoid entering herders' tents without authorization.
Protect the scenic area's environment, do not litter, and protect the wetland ecosystem.
Precautions：
Some areas in the scenic area are wetland marshes. Tourists should comply with the scenic area's regulations and not enter unopened areas without authorization to avoid danger.
When riding horses, follow the guidance of staff, wear safety equipment correctly, and avoid dangerous movements on horseback.
There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area in summer, so carry mosquito repellent and other anti-mosquito products.
Mobile phone signals in the scenic area may be unstable. Tourists are advised to travel with companions and inform family or friends of their itinerary in advance.
When purchasing local specialties, it is recommended to go to regular shops or stalls to avoid being cheated.