Wuliangsuhai Lake
Wuliangsuhai Lake
Historical Overview
- Ancient Origins: Formed by Yellow River diversions 200 years ago, once a Silk Road oasis.
- Ecological Crisis: 1990s pollution from agricultural runoff degraded water to "black and stinky" levels.
- Modern Revival: A 30-year, $1.3B restoration (2000–2025) revived 81 km² of reed beds, slashing nitrogen/phosphorus levels by 60%. In 2024, endangered crested ibises were spotted for the first time.
Structural Layout
The lake is divided into three zones:
- Core Conservation: Strictly protected reed forests and bird nesting sites.
- Eco-Tourism: Boardwalks, birdwatching platforms, and reed forest boat tours.
- Agricultural Buffer: Solar-powered pumps and wetlands filtering farmland drainage.
Major Attractions
- Whooper Swan Sanctuary: 1,000+ swans winter here (Nov–Mar), the world’s largest colony.
- Reed Forest Maze: A 50 km² reed forest with floating boardwalks and lotus ponds.
- Solar Farm Viewpoint: China’s "Green Great Wall" desert PV panels visible from the lake’s south.
- Eco-Museum: Interactive exhibits on wetland restoration and bird migration.
- Fishing Village: Traditional nets and seasonal fish Festivals (Aug–Sep).
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Half-Day Tour
- Eco-Museum → Reed Forest Boardwalk → Whooper Swan Observation Deck.
- Highlight: Sunrise photography over misty reed beds.
- Full-Day Adventure
- Boat Tour (reed forests/lotus ponds) → Fishing Village Lunch → Solar Farm Hike.
- Add a visit to the Desert-Wetland Boundary for golden dune contrasts.
- Comprehensive 3-Day Expedition
- Day 1: Core Zone birdwatching (migratory season: Apr–May/Sep–Nov).
- Day 2: Agricultural Buffer Zone cycling and wetland science workshops.
- Day 3: Cultural tours to nearby Mongolian yurts and ancient oasis ruins.
Ticket Purchase
- Standard Entry: ¥80 (adults), ¥40 (students/seniors).
- Special Passes:
- ¥180 (2-day eco-tour + boat ride).
- ¥380 (3-day photography pass with guide).
- Discounts: Free for children under 1.2m; 50% off for disabled visitors.
- By Air: Fly to Baotou (BPE), then 1.5-hour taxi to Wuliangsuhai.
- By Train: High-speed rail from Hohhot (1 hour) to Urad Front Banner Station.
- Local Transport: Electric sightseeing cars (¥30/day) or bicycle rentals.
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: Apr–Oct (migratory birds Apr–May/Sep–Nov).
- Avoid Crowds: Early morning (7–9 AM) for photography; weekdays quieter.
- Essentials:
- Binoculars/telephoto lens for birdwatching.
- Waterproof gear for boat tours (May–Sep).
- Respect nesting areas: stay on paths, no drones near birds.
Contact Us
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
