The Barkol Lake Scenic Area is located 18 kilometers northwest of Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County, Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area is named after Barkol Lake. The lake is about 12 kilometers wide from east to west and about 20 kilometers long from north to south, with a water area of about 113 square kilometers. It is the largest inland lake in the Eastern Tianshan region.
The scenic area is characterized mainly by plateau lake ecological landscapes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with vast grasslands along the lakeshore. In summer, the lake and mountain scenery complement each other; in winter, the frozen lake surface is like a silver mirror. It is a tourist destination integrating natural sightseeing, folk customs experiences, and ecological leisure. The scenic area has observation platforms, wooden boardwalks, a folk culture village, and other facilities, covering a total area of about 300 square kilometers, of which the core sightseeing area is about 20 square kilometers.
Historical Culture
In history, Barkol Lake was also known as "Pulei Sea." It was an important node on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road. Since the Han Dynasty, it has been a convergence zone between the Central Plains dynasties and the nomadic peoples of the Western Regions. Bronze wares from the Han Dynasty, coins from the Tang Dynasty, and other cultural relics have been unearthed near the lake, bearing witness to the history of East-West cultural exchange.
According to a local Kazakh folk legend, Barkol Lake was formed from the tears of a girl longing for her lover, so the lake is also called "Tears Lake." Every summer, surrounding herders hold folk activities such as "Aken Aitys" by the lake, passing on the unique charm of grassland culture.
In the Qing Dynasty, military posts and relay stations were established by the lake. The existing ancient city ruins and beacon tower remains reflect the historical scene of garrison reclamation and border defense at that time. In 2001, the Barkol Ancient City Ruins were listed as a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.
Main Attractions
Barkol Lake Main Lake
The core attraction of the scenic area. The lake has a relatively high salinity and is rich in brine shrimp and mirabilite. A wooden boardwalk about 500 meters long extends to the center of the lake, allowing visitors to view the lake up close. Large wetlands are distributed along the lakeshore and serve as a paradise for birds. More than 20 species of waterbirds such as egrets and gray cranes are commonly seen.
Bird-Watching Platform
A three-story steel structure observation platform located on the west shore of the lake, about 15 meters high, offering a panoramic view of the entire lake and wetland landscape. During the migratory bird seasons from April to May and September to October, this is the best place for bird-watching enthusiasts. At peak times, tens of thousands of migratory birds can be observed gathering here.
Grassland Stone Figures
On the grassland by the lake stand three Tang Dynasty grassland stone figures, about 2.5 meters high, carved from single blocks of rock. Their facial expressions are vivid, and they wear nomadic ethnic clothing. They are important physical materials for studying ancient Turkic culture and are currently protected by fencing.
Kazakh Folk Culture Village
A folk experience area covering about 30 mu, with 20 traditional Kazakh yurts. Visitors can participate in folk activities such as milking and felt-making, and taste Kazakh cuisine. Every evening, a bonfire party and ethnic song and dance performances are also held.
Beacon Tower Ruins
A Han Dynasty beacon tower located on the northeast shore of the lake, with a remaining height of about 8 meters and a base side length of 12 meters. It was built by ramming loess. Pottery shards, bronze arrowheads, and other cultural relics are scattered around the site. It is one of the better-preserved ancient military facilities in Xinjiang.
Food
Barkol Lamb with Braised Pancakes
The most distinctive dish in the scenic area. It uses wethers raised on the Barkol grasslands, cut into large pieces and stewed, then covered with thin pancakes and braised in the meat broth. The lamb is tender and juicy, and the pancakes absorb the meaty flavor. One portion is about 1.5 kilograms, suitable for 2-3 people, with an average price of 80 yuan per portion.
Kazakh Mare's Milk Wine
A traditional drink made from fermented mare's milk, with an alcohol content of about 3-5 degrees. It is sweet and sour and easy to drink, and helps digestion. The folk village in the scenic area offers freshly brewed mare's milk wine at 50 yuan per kilogram, which can be bottled and taken away.
Crispy Pastry Buns
A traditional Barkol staple food, made from flour, clear oil, and salt, baked and sprinkled with sesame seeds on the surface. It is crispy outside and soft inside, with a diameter of about 20 centimeters. Each costs 5 yuan and is a daily staple for local herders.
Cold Dressed Deer Antler Weed
Made from wild deer antler weed, a type of algae growing by the lake, washed and mixed with chili and vinegar. It has a crisp and tender texture and helps clear heat and relieve summer heat. Each plate costs 25 yuan.
Milk Tea
A traditional Kazakh drink, made by boiling brick tea, milk, and salt. It can be eaten with crispy pastry buns. The folk village offers Kazakh milk tea at 30 yuan per pot, enough for 4 people.
Tickets：
Free admission.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round, with daily opening hours from 8:30 to 20:30. In winter (December to February of the following year), the lake surface freezes and some boardwalks are closed, but ice and snow activities can be carried out. April to May and September to October are the best bird-watching periods.
Tour Route：
After entering the scenic area, visitors can first climb the bird-watching platform to enjoy the lake view and migratory birds, then walk along the wooden boardwalk to the lake-center observation platform to take photos. Afterward, go to the Kazakh Folk Culture Village to experience milking, visit yurts, and other activities, and have lunch in the folk village to taste dishes such as lamb with braised pancakes. In the afternoon, visit the grassland stone figures and beacon tower ruins, and finally ride horses or hike on the lakeside grassland. The whole trip takes about 4-5 hours.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from Hami city, drive about 150 kilometers along the G7 Beijing-Xinjiang Expressway, turn onto S303 Provincial Road to reach Barkol County, then drive 18 kilometers west to reach the scenic area. The whole journey takes about 2.5 hours. Parking at the scenic area is free.
Shuttle bus: Barkol County has 4 tourist shuttle buses to the scenic area every day. Departure times are 9:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 16:00. Return times are 10:30, 13:30, 15:30, and 18:00. The fare is 10 yuan per person.
Chartered car: Chartering a car from Barkol County to the scenic area costs about 150-200 yuan per day. It is suitable for family tourists and can also include nearby attractions such as Barkol Ancient City along the way.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Barkol Lake Main Lake: The largest inland lake in the Eastern Tianshan region. The wooden boardwalk and lake-center observation platform are the core photo spots. In summer, wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore; in winter, the ice surface can be used for skating activities.
Bird-Watching Platform: The best bird-watching point at an altitude of 2,000 meters. In April and May, tens of thousands of migratory birds can be seen resting here. Telescope rental service is available (20 yuan per pair).
Kazakh Folk Culture Village: An experience area composed of 20 yurts. Visitors can participate in activities such as making milk lumps and embroidery. The bonfire party at 20:00 every evening includes ethnic song and dance performances.
Travel Tips：
The best seasons to visit are June to August (grassland flower seas) and September to October (migratory birds and autumn scenery). In summer, sunscreen products are needed, and because the temperature difference between day and night is large, an outer jacket should be prepared.
Keep quiet when bird-watching and avoid using flash. You may prepare binoculars in advance or rent scenic area equipment.
Yurt accommodation in the folk culture village needs to be booked in advance. The price is about 200 yuan per yurt (can accommodate 4 people), including breakfast.
For lakeside hiking, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes. Some areas have wetlands and swamps, so visitors should walk along the boardwalks.
When tasting mare's milk wine, it is recommended to drink a small amount first and add more after getting used to it. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach to prevent discomfort.
Notes：
Littering is prohibited in the scenic area. Classified trash bins are set up by the lake to protect the plateau lake ecological environment.
The grassland stone figures and beacon tower ruins are cultural relic protection sites. Climbing or carving on them is prohibited, and violators will face fines.
There are many mosquitoes by the lake in summer. It is recommended to wear long-sleeved clothing and carry mosquito repellent.
When riding horses, follow the instructions of staff and wear a safety helmet. The cost is about 50 yuan per half hour, and bargaining is required in advance.
The scenic area is at an altitude of about 1,800 meters. A small number of visitors may experience mild altitude sickness. It is recommended to avoid strenuous exercise.
In winter, the thickness of the frozen lake surface is uncertain. Entering the ice surface without permission is prohibited to avoid danger.