Bayanbulak Grassland------ the Second Largest Grassland in China

Bayanbulak is a vast highland prairie about 270 kilometers (167 miles) northwest of Korla. Bayanbulak’s considerable water supply supports the luxurious grasslands, numerous varieties of multihued flowers, and hundreds of thousands of cattle and sheep. Bayanbulak Grassland is the second largest grassland in China encompassing an area of 23 thousand sq km.

Bayanbulak means 'abundant spring' in Mongolian. Being a far-flung and level prairie, it abounds in varieties of grass, and is studded with numerous lakes, large and small, and is surrounded by mountains. The prairie teems with Yanqi Tianshan horses, Bayabulak dawei (large tail) sheep, Chinese meilinu sheep and yak (otherwise known as the 'tableland tank'), known as its 'Four Treasures'.

The well-known Swan Lake is located in the prairie. In fact it is many small lakes and is the only nature reserve for swans in China. Every year, around April, swans and other rare birds return from the south to live and breed here. At that time, it is quite exciting to witness the splendid spectacle of the sky full of flying swans. In the sun, flying swans, glittering lakes, surrounding peaks and clouds altogether create a picturesque and breathtaking view.

There holds a big event called Nadam Fair on the prairie, which is from June 4th to 6th in the lunar calendar every year. At this time, locals and tourists are entertained by various activities such as horse racing, wrestling, dancing, singing and archery. It is a good opportunity to experience local customs. (PS: The temperature in the prairie is low, so you need to cover yourself with a thick quilt in the evening, even though it might be summer.)

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