Yulongsha Lake

Historical Overview
The lake’s name derives from the legendary "Jade Dragon" of Hongshan Culture (5000–3000 BCE), whose jade artifacts—including China’s oldest dragon-shaped ceremonial jade—were unearthed nearby. Archaeological studies reveal human activity dating to the Neolithic era, with ancient nomadic tribes utilizing the lake for sustenance. In 1972, a Ming Dynasty-era stone inscription was discovered, detailing local Mongolian princes’ hunting expeditions. The lake gained modern recognition in 2010 when it was included in China’s "100 Key Ecological Restoration Zones," spurring conservation efforts. Cultural legends persist, including tales of Genghis Khan’s soldiers drinking from its springs before the 1206 Khuriltai.

Structural Layout
The reserve comprises three distinct zones:

1. Desert Core: A 15km² expanse of crescent-shaped dunes (up to 40m tall) and seasonally active sand seas.
2. Wetland Complex: Southern marshes with reed beds, lotus ponds, and migratory bird nesting sites.
3. Steppe Transition: Eastern grasslands blending into the Hulunbuir Plateau, dotted with saxaul forests.
   Key landmarks include the 12th-century "White Tower Ruins" (a Buddhist stupa fragment) and the modern Eco-Education Center with interactive sand dune formation exhibits.

Major Attractions

1. Dune Adventures: Sandboarding, off-road buggy tours, and camel treks across the "Singing Sands" (dunes that emit musical tones when disturbed).
2. Birdwatching Platforms: Observe flocks of black-headed gulls and Eurasian spoonbills during spring/autumn migrations.
3. Cultural Village: Experience Mongolian yurts, dairy product crafting, and traditional horseback archery.
4. Sunrise Viewpoint: Capture golden light reflecting off dunes at dawn.
5. Winter Ice Festival: January–February activities include ice fishing and frozen lake kayaking.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Half-Day Adventure:
   Visitor Center → Desert Entrance → Sandboarding → Wetland Observatory → Return
   Highlights: Thrilling dune activities and birdlife.
2. Full-Day Exploration:
   Add Cultural Village lunch, yurt stay, and evening campfire storytelling.
   Highlights: Immersive cultural exchange and stargazing.
3. Two-Day Eco-Immersive:
   Day 1: Guided dune hike + yurt stay.
   Day 2: Bird migration tour + Mongolian cooking class.

Ticket Purchase

• Admission: ¥150 (peak season, April–October); ¥100 (off-season). Includes shuttle bus access.
• Booking: Advance tickets via Trip.com or the official WeChat account (ID: Yulongsha2025). Same-day tickets limited to 2,000 daily.
• Exemptions: Children under 1.3m, seniors over 70, and disabled visitors.

Transportation

• By Air: Fly to Chifeng Yulong Airport, then 1.5-hour taxi (¥200) or bus (Route 603, ¥40).
• By Train: High-speed rail to Chifeng Station, then 2.5-hour bus (¥50) to the lake.
• Self-Drive: From Beijing, take G45 Daqing-Guangzhou Expressway to Wengniute Banner exit (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 sunscreen, goggles for sandstorms, and thermal wear (temperatures drop to -25°C in winter).
• Prohibited: Drones near bird colonies; littering in protected zones.
• Local Dish: Try "Yulongsha Roast Lamb" cooked over juniper wood.