Dalai Lake

Historical Overview
Dali Nur Lake has been a cradle of nomadic culture for millennia. Ancient petroglyphs near the lake, dating to the Bronze Age, depict hunting scenes and celestial patterns. During the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912), Emperor Kangxi reportedly organized fishing expeditions here, with local legends claiming he praised the lake’s silver carp as "unmatched in the empire." The lake gained modern recognition in 1997 when it was declared a provincial nature reserve, later upgraded to national status in 2025. Archaeological studies reveal layers of lakebed sediments preserving 20,000 years of climatic history, making it a key site for paleoclimate research.

Structural Layout
The lake’s basin features three distinct zones:

1. Volcanic Plateau: North of the lake, 102 extinct volcanoes form a "volcanic museum" with lava flows dating to the Pliocene epoch.
2. Wetland Complex: Southern marshes host reed beds and migratory bird nesting sites, interconnected by the Gongger River and Liangzi River.
3. Steppe Transition: Eastern grasslands grade into the Hunshandake Sandy Land, showcasing sand dunes stabilized by saxaul forests.
   Key landmarks include the 30-meter-high lake terraces on Mount Darhan and the 14th-century ruins of the "Fish Castle," a Ming Dynasty military outpost.

Major Attractions

1. Birdwatching Platforms: Observe flocks of bar-headed geese and Dalmatian pelicans during spring/autumn migrations.
2. Winter Fishing Festival: Experience traditional ice fishing (December–January), where nets are pulled from holes drilled in 1-meter-thick ice.
3. Volcano Trail: Hike the 5km path around Mount Wulan, passing cinder cones and basalt columns.
4. Ethnic Culture Village: Learn about Mongolian yurts, horseback traditions, and dairy product craftsmanship.
5. Sunset Viewpoint: Capture panoramas of the lake mirroring golden dunes at dusk.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Half-Day Birding Tour:
   Visitor Center → Southern Wetlands Observatory → Return
   Highlights: Close encounters with whooper swans and spotted eagles.
2. Full-Day Eco-Adventure:
   Volcano Trail Hike → Lunch at Culture Village → Boat Tour to Reed Islands → Winter Fishing Demo (seasonal)
   Highlights: Geological insights and aquatic ecosystem exploration.
3. Two-Day Cultural Immersion:
   Day 1: Archaeological Site Tour + Night Campfire
   Day 2: Sunrise Photography → Traditional Archery → Farewell Feast

Ticket Purchase

• Admission: ¥120 (peak season, April–October); ¥80 (off-season). Includes shuttle bus access.
• Booking: Advance tickets via Trip.com or the official WeChat account (ID: DaliNur2025). Same-day tickets limited to 1,000 daily.
• Exemptions: Children under 1.4m, seniors over 70, and disabled visitors.

Transportation

• By Air: Fly to Chifeng Yulong Airport, then 2.5-hour taxi (¥350) or bus (¥60, Route 603).
• By Train: High-speed rail to Chifeng Station, then 3-hour bus (¥80) to the lake.
• Self-Drive: From Beijing, take G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway to Hexigten Banner exit (4.5 hours).

Best Time & Tips

• Peak Season: May–September for lush reeds and active birdlife.
• Winter Highlights: January–February for Ice Festivals and aurora-like lake reflections.
• Essentials: Pack binoculars, waterproof boots, and thermal wear (temperatures drop to -30°C in winter).
• Prohibited: Drones near bird colonies; littering in protected zones.
• Local Dish: Try "Dali Nur Silver Carp" grilled over juniper wood.