Korla attractions

Yadan Spectacle is located in the north of Ruoqiang County. Yadan means in Uyghur language is the “steep mound” which is formed by loose earth with strong wind. The word Yadan indicates the special topography in dry areas. In Lop Nur, it has Yadan topography on its east, west and north.

Among which, Yadan on the east which is called Dragon city is famous with covering an area of 3,500 square meters. The Yadan Spectacles can be all sorts of shape, and present a splendid sight.

Loulan ancient city is found on the west bank of Lop Nur in 2nd century BC. Loulan Ancient city was the capital city of Loulan kingdom and served as the economic, political and cultural center for Loulan Kingdom. It also used to be the important trading stop for caravans on Ancient Silk Road.

It was prosperous during its short life and vanished in 6th century BC. It is still mystery for archaeologies why the city suddenly vanished. It was discovered by Swedish adventurer Sven Hedin in 1900. It is located 300 km to Ruoqiang County.

Now you still can see remains of ancient city walls, especially the one on south of city is well preserved. Inside the city wall, wood posts of the houses are scatter on the ground since the house walls are all fallen apart.

Since it was discovered, large amount of relics has been discovered from the ancient city, which includes: pottery wares, jewelries, wood pieces, wood slip documents, bronze wares, stone tools, iron instruments, coins, and silk clothes. In 1980’s, a female body has been found and nicknamed as a “Loulan Beauty” and which dates back to some 3,800 years.

Note: It is advised to travelers to this site that bring a lot of water, warm clothes, and medicine. Be prepared for high temperetuare and dusty weather. There is no paved road to the site therefore it is advised to ride a camel or walk.

Bosten Lake is located 57 km northeast of Korla city. Bosten Lake also known as Baghrash Kol in Uyghur langue. It is covered an area of 1,000 square km and considered largest inland fresh water lake in the country.

It is in a triangular shape with altitude of 1,048 above the sea level. It is famous as “bright pearl of the Oasis”. It’s average depth is 9 meters and maximum depth reaches to 17 meters.

Bosten Lake consist of big lake and small lake. The big lake is 57 km to Korla city whereas the small lake is 21 km. Main source of water for Bosten Lake is from Kaidu River which accounts 83 % of total water at the lake.

Bosten lake rich for fish and reeds, and is the largest fishing place in the region. Beside this, it’s also famous for wild animals such as yellow goat, deer’s and more.

Since Bosten Lake is surrounded by high mountains, you will encounter various climate during your stay. Climate here labeled as dry hot summer and cold winter. During summer time, various activities held here and during winter time when the water frozen, ice sports held here.

Tiemen Pass (Iron Pass in English) is the important pass which Ancient Caravan’s crossed on ancient Silk Road in order to enter to Tarim Basin. It is located deep and steep part of Tianshan Mountain. It is located 8 km north of Korla city.

Iron Gate located at the Tieguan Gorge where Caravan’s have to cross in order to enter to Tarim Basin back 2,000 years ago. If you look upward, you will see only cliff and see flawing water to Kongque River when you look downwards.

There is a famous love story about the princess and the son of minister. It is also another reason for many people to visit the place in order to commemorate their sacrifice for the love. There is not much to see at Iron Gate since it was rebuilt in 1989 according to ancient description.

Bayanbulak Grassland is located 270 km northwest of Korla. It covers an area of 23,000 square km and considered as a second largest grassland in whole country.

Bayinbulak means in Mongolian language is the “abundant spring” and it is inhabited by Mongol people. During summer time, you can flocks and herds grazing around and area covered with greenery together with various wild flowers.

During summer time, the grassland filled with all kind of traditional activities such as horse racing, wrestling, sing and dancing performances. This use this opportunity to visit their relatives, and friends which they didn’t quite some time.

There is a famous Swan Lake in Bayanbulak Grassland which consist of many ponds. There you can see all different types of swans swimming around, it is the first place in China where the Swan’s are protected. There are 128 species of swan’s currently living in Swan Lake. Every year in April, thousands and thousands of different species of birds comes here to spend their summer. The Bayinbulak Grassland attracts so many rare species of birds because of well protected natural environment. May and June is the perfect season for swan watching. The Swan Lake became as a swan protection zone in 1980 and approved as a national nature reserve in 1986.