Things to do in Korla
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Top 10 attractions in Korla
Kongque River
Kongque River originates from Bosten Lake, flows out from the western part of the lake, passes through the Iron Gate Pass canyon, travels east through Korla and Yuli County, and historically ended at Lop Nor. It is a rare river with almost no tributaries, nourishing the oasis of Korla and regarded by locals as their mother river. The origin of the river's name is quite interesting: legend has it that the famous Eastern Han general Ban Chao once watered his horses here, hence it is also known as the "Yinma River"; the name "Kongque" comes from a Uyghur transliteration, originally meaning "tanner," as it is said that tanners used to wash leather in the river in the past. The section flowing through the urban area of Korla has undergone years of renovation, and today it features open waters and tree-lined banks. Since 2000, a scenic tourist belt stretching about 10 km has been built along the river, with stone embankments connecting green spaces like Kongque Park and Lixiang Park, as well as several bridges with unique designs. Every April, the pear blossoms in Lixiang Park by the river are in full bloom, with the flowers reflecting in the clear water, living up to Korla's name as the "Pear City." Another aspect of this river's scenery awaits in winter: starting every fall and winter, flocks of swans fly to the Kongque River to overwinter. This phenomenon has continued for many years, and Korla is therefore known as the "City of Swans."Korla · 14.3 km from downtown
Iron Gate Pass
Iron Gate Pass was once a strategic natural barrier for transportation between northern and southern Xinjiang and a key passage on the ancient Silk Road. It connected to Yanqi in the south and Cheshi in the north. The post station was located in the valley between two mountains, right next to the rushing Kongque River. A pass was established here during the Jin Dynasty. Due to its impregnability, it was named Iron Gate Pass, and it is one of the 26 famous passes in ancient China. The Commentary on the Water Classic refers to the canyon where Iron Gate Pass is located asIron Gate Pass, which later generations called Zheliu Valley. Iron Gate Pass has been a place of strategic military importance since ancient times. On the cliff beside the pass, there are still 4 large characters in clerical script that read "embracing the mountains and girded by the river." Today, ruins of ancient garrison troops remain on the hillside next to the pass. Zhang Qian of the Western Han Dynasty passed through Iron Gate Pass while on a mission to the Western Regions, and Ban Chao also watered his horses at the Kongque River. Therefore, people also call the Kongque River theHorse-Watering River. The Tang Dynasty frontier poet Cen Shen once climbed Iron Gate Pass and wrote a poem: "The iron pass is at the western edge of the sky, gazing out, few travelers are seen. A minor official by the pass, faces the stone wall all day long. The bridge spans towering danger, the road winds narrow between two cliffs. Trying to climb the western tower to look out, one glance turns the hair white." The Iron Gate Pass gate tower seen today is a newly built imitation ancient brick-and-wood structure. Walking past the gate tower, you will find a hydroelectric station built by later generations on the Kongque River, as well as recreational facilities such as pleasure boats.Korla · 10.3 km from downtown
Swan River Scenic Area
Korla Swan River Scenic Area is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The Swan River Scenic Area is divided into the Peacock River Scenic Area Scenic Belt Section, the Swan River Scenic Area Section and the Hongyan River Scenic Area Section. It is an important water link connecting the Peacock River and the Azalea River. The scenic area starts from Korla Lixiang Lake in the south and ends at the Lion Bridge in Korla City in the north, with a total length of more than ten kilometers. The Swan River Scenic Area covers an area of 2,400 mu and a water area of 765 mu. It is an important scenic spot for leisure, tourism and sightseeing in Licheng.Korla · 3.2 km from downtown
Korla Swan Lake Scenic Area
Korla · 3.9 km from downtown
Kongque River Scenic Belt
Korla · 3.8 km from downtown
Iron Gate Pass - General Tower
In Korla City, Bayingoleng Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in the middle section of the Jinshanling Great Wall, there is an important pass called Houchuankou. On the cliff to the east of Houchuankou, there is an enemy building shaped like a coffin, which is the General Building (also known as the Flower Building).Korla · 9.6 km from downtown
Korla Silk Road Tourism Town
Korla · 2.2 km from downtown
Hongyan Square
Korla · 3.7 km from downtown
Dujuan River
Korla · 1.3 km from downtown
Chakhan Nur Daban
Korla · 6.3 km from downtown
Free things to do in Korla
Kongque River
Korla · 14.3 km from downtownIron Gate Pass
Korla · 10.3 km from downtownSwan River Scenic Area
Korla · 3.2 km from downtownKorla Swan Lake Scenic Area
Korla · 3.9 km from downtownKongque River Scenic Belt
Korla · 3.8 km from downtownIron Gate Pass - General Tower
Korla · 9.6 km from downtownKorla Silk Road Tourism Town
Korla · 2.2 km from downtownHongyan Square
Korla · 3.7 km from downtownDujuan River
Korla · 1.3 km from downtownChakhan Nur Daban
Korla · 6.3 km from downtown
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What travelers say about Korla
YoYo_9H7U5N1ASeptember 2, 2026
5.0
The Peacock River flows gently through the city of Korla, its banks lush with greenery and illuminated by dazzling lights at night. The river's gentle flow makes it perfect for an evening stroll, and while it boasts a rich natural and historical heritage, it lacks grand, breathtaking landscapes typical of urban areas.
Kongque River
风雨大漠客1969October 10, 2026
5.0
Korla boasts rare scenic spots rich in historical and cultural significance. The Tang Dynasty poet Ling Can wrote a poem there, and modern General Wang Zhen produced calligraphy. Many other literati and artists have also contributed. The dividing line between northern and southern Xinjiang is also quite interesting, offering a tangible visual experience.
Iron Gate Pass
whlyhJuly 10, 2025
5.0
【景色】据说天鹅飞来的时候，这里很美，我们这时候来的季节不对，但是在河边也能体会出那时的美【趣味】休闲旅游散步好去处【性价比】免费
Swan River Scenic Area
我是有毒的猹July 3, 2024
3.0
Hidden in a corner, the area is no more than 50 square meters. It's nice to see.
It takes 5 minutes to walk to the end.
The main problem. It's difficult to get a taxi on the way back.
Iron Gate Pass - General Tower
天羽博士May 4, 2026
1.0
Take bus number 4 to the Civic Center stop, then walk a little forward and to the right. Maps directly locate the nearby kindergarten. The so-called "town" is just a narrow alley a few hundred meters long. Most shops are closed. The only two things worth photographing are an elderly man—neither Xuanzang nor Zhang Qian—dressed in Hanfu but holding a six-ringed staff, and two children wrestling. The main entrance is in the middle of the alley, where the only open shop is a barbecue restaurant. The most infuriating thing is the statue at the entrance, designed by some genius, positioned right next to the main road; to take a picture, you have to stand on the side of the road and block traffic. I suggest not visiting this place.
Korla Silk Road Tourism Town
爱睡觉的猪01November 5, 2021
5.0
The night view of Korle in Hongyuan Square is still very beautiful. When the sun sets, Sun Road is there, giving people a feeling of a quiet atmosphere. All the flowers in my village have been picked, leaving only this beautiful river, which is very good.
Hongyan Square
_We***86November 4, 2025
5.0
It's beautiful and worth visiting. There are so many swans, and you can even see them sleeping.
Dujuan River
