[2025 Barkol Attraction] Travel Guide for Barkol Grassland (Updated Apr)

Hey ladies! Want to explore four stunning poplar forests all in one trip? How about some drone footage of the Tengger Desert? Check out this in-depth 11-day travel guide for Yinchuan, Alashan, and Hami! 🚩Itinerary at a Glance: Days 1-2: Depart from Shanghai by train🚄, arrive in Yinchuan, and begin your Northwest adventure! Day 3: Depart from Yinchuan, visit the Western Film City🎬, cross the Tengger Desert, and enjoy Sanhu Lake. Stay overnight in Alxa Left Banner. Days 4-5: Explore Alashan, visiting the Ruoshui Poplar Forest, the Ejin Banner Populus Euphratica Forest (also known as the Strange Forest of Black City), and the Ejina Poplar Forest. Experience the millennial legend of the poplar trees🍂. Days 6-7: Travel from Ejina to Yiwu, explore the Yiwu Poplar Forest and the Rainbow Lake🌈, then head to Hami to experience the unique Western Region charm. Days 8-9: Depart from Hami, cross the mysterious Gobi Desert, arrive in Barkol, visit the Barkol grasslands and lakes🏞️, and finally return to Hami. Days 10-11: Take the train🚄, enjoy the scenery along the way, and end your pleasant Northwest trip, arriving in Shanghai. 🌟This itinerary includes drone footage of the Tengger Desert to capture your amazing moments! Explore four poplar forests in one trip and experience the beauty of nature and the richness of history. 🎒 What to Pack for Your Yinchuan-Alashan-Hami Trip: 👕 Clothing: The temperature in March is moderate, but there is a large difference between day and night temperatures. It is recommended to bring a light down jacket, long-sleeved shirts, and jeans. Also bring a sun hat and sunglasses. Comfortable sneakers or desert boots are recommended for walking in the desert. 🎫 Documents and Other Items: ID card, driver's license, and cash are essential. You can also bring a student ID or other documents that may offer discounts. In addition, it is recommended to bring common medicines, such as cold medicine and painkillers, for emergencies. 📸 Accessories and Electronic Devices: Mobile phones and chargers are standard. You can also bring a camera to record the beautiful scenery. Don't forget sunscreen and lip balm for sun protection and moisturizing. In desert areas, a sand mask and goggles are also very useful! ✨From the charm of Yinchuan to the desert of Alashan and the fruits of Hami, this Northwest trip will leave you with wonderful memories! Don't forget to like and save this post～✨

| Barkol, the backyard garden of Hami, Xinjiang. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with meandering valleys across vast grasslands, horses, cattle, and sheep graze freely everywhere. You can even see local herdsmen taming and racing horses. 📷【Main Attractions】 1⃣ Tianshan Temple (Ticket 💰20 yuan) It takes about 1 hour to drive from downtown Hami to Tianshan Temple. The Tianshan Temple, White Stone, and Mingsha Mountain scenic spots along the way all require tickets (we didn't enter), but stopping for photos along the way is enough. 2⃣ Barkol Grassland (Free 💰) Located in Barkol County, it is one of the largest grasslands in Xinjiang. By the end of September, there are few cattle and sheep on the grassland, but you can see the grassland, Gobi, and snow-capped mountains, creating a beautiful layered landscape. 3⃣ Barkol Ancient City (Free 💰) We first visited Barkol Food Street, where we tried hand-pulled lamb rice and baked buns (the taste was average). Afterward, we explored the Barkol Ancient City Cultural Park, which houses the Qing Dynasty Granary, the Barkol County Museum, Songfeng Academy, and other attractions. The attractions are centrally located, so it's worth a visit if you have enough time. (PS: If you're not interested in history, you can go directly to Barkol Lake.) 4⃣ Barkol Lake (Free 💰) One of the four largest salt lakes in China (Chaka Salt Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake, Yuncheng Salt Lake, and Barkol Lake), with an altitude of 1585 meters. It's a forgotten scenic spot, but it's incredibly atmospheric, super photogenic, and very healing. Highly recommended! PS: From the entrance of the scenic area, there is a long boardwalk stretching towards the lake, requiring a walk. The scenery along the way is stunning. According to our driver later, horseback riding at Barkol Lake is very affordable, and the milk lumps sold there are both authentic and cheap. However, we were too captivated by the beautiful scenery at the time and didn't go horseback riding or buy any snacks (we were also a bit resistant to the commercialization of the scenic area), which is a slight regret. 5⃣ Gaojia Lake Wetland Park (Free 💰) A natural ecological park and a well-known spot in Xinjiang for stargazing and sunrise viewing. With an average altitude of 1600m, it's a huge natural oxygen bar. We caught a beautiful sunset (it's a slight regret that we didn't stay here, as I feel the sunrise and starry sky must be incredibly beautiful too).

Hami exploration tour🛤️ In northern Xinjiang, there is a small county that will steal your heart - Barkol. Located at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains, it is like a forgotten snow-covered "utopia." Barkol is almost deserted in winter, but it has a unique charm. Let's explore this mysterious and beautiful little county together! ❤️How to get to Barkol🚗 After arriving in Hami, Xinjiang, you can rent a car or take public transportation to Barkol. Follow National Highway 575 and pass through the Songshutang Toll Station to see the spectacular scenery of the Tianshan Mountains. Then, continue along National Highway 335 to reach your destination. Note that the mountain roads are winding, so drive carefully⚠️. ❤️Barkol travel tips 1. Attractions: Every corner here is a scenic spot, so you don't need to plan your itinerary. Just go with the flow. Be sure to check out Barkol Lake, Barkol Grassland (one of the three major grasslands in Xinjiang), Xihegou, and Guai Shi Mountain. The Hami Barkol Ice and Snow Amusement Park is also a must-visit, and the skiing activities are highly recommended. 2. Snow gear: Wear waterproof and non-slip shoes and jackets to ensure your safety and comfort. Ski goggles and photography equipment are recommended to make your ice and snow experience even better. 3. Notes: As the roads are snowy in winter, it is recommended to rent a four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires. Also, avoid driving at night as the roads are difficult to navigate. 🍛Food recommendations In Barkol County, you can enjoy the slow-paced life. The food here is diverse, especially the lamb dishes. If you like beef and lamb, this is the place for you. However, please note that personal tastes vary, so choose food according to your preferences. Travel tips 1. Wear waterproof pants👖 when skiing⛷️ to avoid getting wet if you fall. Ski goggles are also essential to make your skiing experience even better. 2. In addition to skiing, you can enjoy the beautiful lake view and distant snow-capped mountains at Barkol Lake. The scenery here is perfect for taking photos. 3. The locals are very friendly, so you can interact with them and experience the unique charm of the area. ❤️Itinerary suggestions Day 1: Hami (visit attractions and try local food) Day 2: Barkol (visit natural attractions and ice and snow activities) Day 3: Enjoy the slow-paced life in Barkol County (try local food and take photos) ❤️Summary Barkol is a mysterious and beautiful little county with unique natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Here, you can enjoy the fun of ice and snow and experience the warmth and friendliness of the locals. If you are looking for a quiet and beautiful place to spend your vacation, Barkol is a great choice! This is a detailed travel guide to Barkol, including recommended attractions and food. I hope it helps! Have a wonderful vacation in Barkol❤️

| A low-key and beautiful place that is often overlooked. Hami Barkol | A low-key and beautiful place that is often overlooked👉 👉Hami Barkol in Xinjiang is a low-key and beautiful tourist destination 👉It is also a tourist destination that is easily overlooked . ✅【Barkol Lake】The lake is slightly oval-shaped, surrounded by rolling mountains, lush grass, and beautiful water. The east lake is rippling with blue waves, while the west lake is silver-white. There are large marsh wetlands to the east of the lake, and vast pastures around the lake. Kazakh herders often hold grand "Aken singing and dancing parties" on the lakeside grassland. . ✅【Barkol Grassland】The second largest grassland in Xinjiang, it is home to eight scenic spots and historical sites, including "Tianshan Snow," "Hanhai Ao City," "Mirror Spring Moon," and "Yuetai Liusheng." However, unlike the endless grasslands of Inner Mongolia, where you can see the horizon where the grass meets the sky, Barkol is a basin. Looking far into the distance, the mountains are connected to the blue sky. . ✅【Barkol Ancient City】A major town on the northern new route of the Silk Road, it is also the first place where Central Plains culture landed in Xinjiang. This ancient city has a profound historical and cultural heritage. . ✅【Strange Stone Mountain】The "South Mountain Gate" at the top of the mountain is a must-see attraction, as well as the mysterious "Mushroom Stone," both of which are masterpieces of nature. . ✅【Mingsha Mountain】Listen to the sound of sand being trampled on the sand mountain, which sounds like singing, and enjoy a unique experience. . ✅【Barkol Ancient Houses】Yushu Lane Wang Family Courtyard is a representative of them, with strong local characteristics and historical value. . ✅【Kazakh Ethnic Style Park】The park is shaded by green trees, fragrant flowers, and green grass, with a quiet environment. Its unique architecture highlights the characteristics of pastoral culture, forming a unique landscape. . ✅【Silk Road Beacon】Yushu Lane Wang Family Courtyard is a representative of them, with strong local characteristics and historical value. . ⚠️In addition, the surrounding attractions of Barkol are also not to be missed, such as Tianshan Tianchi and Kanas Lake. Whether you like history and culture or natural scenery, you can find what you want in Barkol! . ✨March to May is really a good time to visit East Xinjiang, with comfortable weather and beautiful scenery! You can see the alpine pine forests and river valley grasslands in North Xinjiang, as well as the deserts, Yadan, and ancient cities in South Xinjiang!

|Low-key and beautiful but always ignored. Hami, a famous historical and cultural city, hides a treasure - Barkol Grassland. As the second largest grassland in Xinjiang, although it is not as famous as Nalati and Kurdning, it has its own unique charm and distinctive scenery. Located at the foot of the Eastern Tianshan Mountains, Barkol Grassland is located in a basin and is surrounded by continuous mountains. It only takes more than two hours’ drive from downtown Hami to reach this natural wonder. Here, you can not only feel the vastness and tranquility of the grassland, but also visit eight major scenic spots and historical sites. Whether you are a traveler seeking novelty or a photographer looking for inspiration, Barkol Grassland can bring you unexpected surprises. 🍟Local food: Lamb stewed pancakes, large plate 🐔 + belt noodles, cantaloupe 🍈 🎬Tips: ✔️There are many mosquitoes in the Balikun grassland, so prepare mosquito repellent ✔️Bring your own drinking water💦 ✔️Be careful with sun protection, as the ultraviolet rays on the grassland are strong ✔️No accommodation in the scenic area 🌈Highlights: 📌Barkol Lake--There is a large wetland in the east of the lake, and vast pastures around the lake🐂. Kazakh herdsmen often hold grand "Aken singing parties". 📍Address: No. 85, Hancheng North Street, Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County, Hami City, 25 kilometers away from Barkol County 🚗Model recommendation: 4WD SUV

The prairie wind blows gently, clouds float atop the peaks. Oh, Barkol, you are like a poem, vast land stirs my heart. I came seeking dreams, treading on green grass, dreams soar under the starry sky. On this land, I found the truest form of life. Setting foot on the land of Barkol, I felt as if I had entered a whole new world. There are no skyscrapers, no bustling traffic, only the vast prairie and the distant rolling mountains. Barkol, a place full of natural charm and unique style, brought me an unprecedented experience. Upon arriving in Barkol, I was captivated by the boundless prairie. Standing on the prairie, I felt as if I could sense the breath of the earth, each deep breath filled with the fresh scent of grass. I tried riding a horse across the prairie like the locals, and that sense of freedom and wildness made me forget all my worries. At that moment, I felt as if I had become one with the land, becoming a part of nature. Besides the prairie, the mountains of Barkol also left a deep impression on me. I chose a small path and decided to hike to the top. Although the process was somewhat difficult, when I stood at the summit, overlooking the prairie below and the distant snow-capped mountains, the sense of awe and accomplishment was beyond words. I felt as if I was breathing with the heavens and earth, sharing destiny with all things. In Barkol, I was also fortunate to experience a unique herdsman life. I stayed in a yurt, living and working with the herdsmen. I learned how to milk cows, make cheese, and tasted the herdsmen's homemade milk tea and hand-grabbed meat. That simplicity and warmth made me feel the warmth of home. Of course, the night sky of Barkol is also a unique scenery. At night, I lay on the prairie, gazing at the brilliant starry sky. The stars seemed within reach, the Milky Way spanning the sky, and at that moment, I felt as if I had merged into the embrace of the universe. I quietly listened to the nocturne of the prairie, feeling the mystery and greatness of nature. This trip to Barkol made me deeply appreciate the diversity and richness of life. Here, I found the truth and beauty of life, and gained a rare sense of peace and satisfaction. Barkol, this place full of natural charm and unique style, will become a beautiful scenery in my life's journey. When leaving Barkol, I looked back at this vast land. It appeared more vivid and lively under the afterglow of the sunset. I know that no matter how time flows, Barkol will always remain in my heart, becoming one of my precious memories. Here, I found myself and also found the true meaning of life.

Barkol Kazakh Autonomous County is under the jurisdiction of Hami City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is located in the northeastern part of Xinjiang, bordering Yiwu County to the east, Yizhou District to the south, Mulei Kazakh Autonomous County to the west, and Mongolia to the north. The administrative area covers an area of ​​36,901 square kilometers. As of the end of 2019, it had a registered population of 105,441. It is composed of 13 ethnic groups including Han, Kazakh, Uyghur and Mongolian, of which Kazakhs account for 35%. One theory is that Barkol means "Tiger Lake" in Turkic, and it is named after Barkol Lake; another theory is that it is a homophone of Mongolian "Barkul", meaning "tiger front paw", and it was named after the dangerous terrain; One is said to be the ancient Yuezhi language. The border between China and Mongolia is 309 kilometers long, and there is a national first-class seasonal open port - Laoyemiao Port. Barkol has landscapes such as Barkol Mingsha Mountain, one of the four largest Mingsha Mountains in the country, Barkol Grassland, one of the three largest grasslands in Xinjiang, Xiheigou, and Strange Rock Mountain.