Yengisar South Lake Tourist Resort is located in Yengisar County, Kashgar Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on the southeast side of the county seat. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction covering an area of about 1,500 mu, of which the water area reaches 800 mu. Relying on natural lakes and wetland resources, the scenic area is a comprehensive tourist attraction integrating ecological sightseeing, folk custom experiences, and leisure entertainment. The scenic area includes facilities such as a lake-centered island, an ecological parking lot, and a visitor service center. The shoreline is about 3.2 kilometers long, and the lakeside loop trail is 2.8 kilometers long. Along the way, there are multiple viewing platforms and rest benches, forming the ecological landscape feature of "lake and mountain scenery with green trees shading."
Historical Culture
The area where Yengisar South Lake is located was originally a natural depression and historically served as a water source and grazing activity site for local residents. Since 2015, Yengisar County has carried out ecological governance and tourism development in this area. Through measures such as dredging and vegetation restoration, the barren beach and low-lying land were transformed into an ecological lake. During the construction of the scenic area, traditional Uygur architectural elements and folk culture were incorporated. For example, the pavilions on the lake-centered island adopt wooden structures and painted decoration, reflecting local handicraft characteristics. The resort's name "South Lake" comes from its geographical location and echoes the natural landscape on the north side of the county seat, becoming an important window for displaying Yengisar's ecological governance achievements and folk culture.
Main Attractions
South Lake Ecological Lake
South Lake is the core landscape of the resort, with a water area of 800 mu, an average water depth of 3.5 meters, and a maximum depth of 5.2 meters. The lake water mainly comes from Tianshan snowmelt and groundwater. The water quality is clear, and fish such as carp and silver carp are farmed in the lake. Waterbirds often inhabit the lake surface. In spring, migratory birds such as swans and egrets can be seen, making it an ideal place for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Lake-Centered Island
The lake-centered island is located in the middle of South Lake, covering an area of about 15 mu, and is connected to the shore by a 120-meter-long wooden covered bridge. Three Uygur-style pavilions are built on the island, using mortise-and-tenon structures and painted woodcarving decoration. Inside the pavilions, Yengisar folk stories and handicrafts are displayed. Fruit trees such as peach and pear trees are planted around the island. When flowers bloom in spring, it forms the beautiful scene of "lake light and floral colors."
Folk Culture Village
The Folk Culture Village is located on the west side of the lake shore, covering an area of about 200 mu, and consists of 20 traditional Uygur dwellings. The village displays intangible cultural heritage skills such as Yengisar knife making and pottery firing, and visitors can participate in handicraft experience activities. Folk song and dance performances are held every Saturday and Sunday, including traditional programs such as Meshrep and bowl-topping dance.
Lakeside Loop Trail
The lakeside loop trail is 2.8 kilometers long and is paved with bluestone slabs and wooden boardwalks. Along the route, there are 6 viewing platforms and 8 rest pavilions. Local tree species such as poplar and sea buckthorn are planted on both sides of the trail. In summer, it is shaded by green trees, and in autumn, it turns golden, making it a popular route for hiking and cycling.
Children's Amusement Area
The amusement area is located at the entrance of the scenic area, covering an area of about 50 mu. It has more than 20 amusement facilities such as a Ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper cars. Among them, the 30-meter-high Ferris wheel is a landmark building of the scenic area and offers a panoramic view of the entire South Lake landscape.
Food
Yengisar Baked Buns
Yengisar baked buns use mutton as the main filling, paired with onions and seasonings, and are baked in a tandoor. The outer skin is crispy, and the filling is tender. Each bun weighs about 100 grams and costs 5 yuan each. It is one of the most popular snacks in the scenic area.
Pottery Bowl Yogurt
Served in traditional Yengisar pottery bowls, the yogurt is handmade by local herders. It has a thick texture and a light milky aroma. Each bowl has a capacity of 200 milliliters and costs 8 yuan. It can be eaten with honey or raisins.
Roast Whole Lamb
Yengisar Knife-Shaped Noodles
Named because the noodles resemble a Yengisar knife, the noodles are about 1 centimeter wide and about 20 centimeters long. They are served with mutton soup and vegetables and have a smooth texture. Each bowl weighs about 300 grams and costs 15 yuan.
Sea Buckthorn Cake
Made from local sea buckthorn, the cake is brownish-red in color, soft and glutinous in texture, and has the sweet fragrance of sea buckthorn. Each piece weighs about 50 grams and costs 3 yuan. It is a specialty souvenir of the scenic area.
Tickets：
The ticket is 30 yuan per person. Some amusement facilities in the scenic area require separate tickets. As of 2025-06-12, no official WeChat public account has been found.
Opening Hours：
Open all year round, with opening hours from 10:00 to 20:00. In summer (June to August), it is extended to 21:00, with last entry at 19:30. The song and dance performances in the Folk Culture Village are at 12:00 and 16:00 every day, each lasting about 40 minutes.
Recommended Tour Route：
Recommended tour route: Enter from the scenic area entrance and first visit the Folk Culture Village to experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and song and dance performances; then walk along the lakeside loop trail to the lake-centered island to enjoy the lake view and Uygur architecture; at noon, taste specialty foods such as baked buns and knife-shaped noodles at the lakeside restaurant; in the afternoon, go to the children's amusement area, and finally ride the Ferris wheel to overlook the panorama. The whole journey takes about 4-5 hours. If time permits, you can rent a bicycle to ride around the lake. The bicycle rental fee is 30 yuan per hour.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From Kashgar city, drive east along National Highway G315 for about 60 kilometers, then turn onto the road on the southeast side of Yengisar County to arrive. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. The scenic area has an ecological parking lot, and the parking fee is 10 yuan per vehicle.
Bus: In Yengisar County, take Bus No. 3 to South Lake Scenic Area Station and get off. The fare is 2 yuan, and buses depart every 30 minutes.
Taxi: Taking a taxi from Yengisar County to the scenic area costs about 10 yuan, and the drive takes 5 minutes.
Must-Visit Attractions：
South Lake Ecological Lake: 800 mu of water area, birdwatching in spring, fishing in summer, and scenery appreciation in autumn. The landscapes differ in each season, and it is the core check-in point of the scenic area.
Lake-Centered Island: Connected by a 120-meter wooden covered bridge. The Uygur-style pavilions and spring flower fields on the island are popular photography spots.
Folk Culture Village: 20 traditional dwellings display intangible cultural heritage skills. There are two folk song and dance performances every day, allowing for an in-depth experience of Uygur culture.
Ferris Wheel: A 30-meter height offers a panoramic view of South Lake. It is recommended to ride in the evening to enjoy the lake view and sunset.
Travel Suggestions：
When traveling in summer, bring sunscreen and drinking water. Although there are small shops in the scenic area, prices are relatively high.
If you want to experience intangible cultural heritage handicrafts, you can contact the scenic area in advance to reserve knife-making or pottery-firing experience activities. Each session lasts about 1 hour and costs 50 yuan per person.
The best place to photograph the panorama of the lake-centered island is the viewing platform on the west shore of the lake. It is recommended to shoot before 10 a.m. when the light is soft.
Visitors with children can prioritize the amusement area and then go to the Folk Culture Village after 4 p.m. to watch performances.
There are many farmhouse restaurants around the scenic area where you can try specialty dishes such as roast whole lamb. Reservations are required 2 hours in advance.
Precautions：
Safety warning signs are set by the lake. Swimming or fishing without permission is prohibited. Violators will be fined 50-200 yuan.
Handicrafts in the Folk Culture Village can be purchased, but attention should be paid to bargaining etiquette, and visitors should avoid touching exhibits at will.
Some sections in the scenic area are wooden boardwalks, which are slippery on rainy days. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes.
When photographing folk song and dance performances, respect the performers. Flash photography is not allowed without permission.
The parking lot is not open at night. Self-driving visitors need to leave before the park closes.