Bayanbulak, a vast highland prairie about
270 kilometers (167 miles) northwest of Korla, is home to the descendents
of Mongols who returned here from Russia one hundred years ago. The natural
splendor of the area testifies to the accuracy of its Mongolian name which
means "Rich Fountains". Bayanbulak's considerable water supply
supports the luxurious grasslands, numerous varieties of multihued flowers,
and hundreds of thousands of cattle and sheep. You get a glimpse of the
beauty of the area in the adjacent picture which also shows a yurt, the
circular domed tent used by Mongolian nomads. Bayanbulak is the second
largest grassland in China encompassing an area of 23 thousand sq. km.
Bayanbulak has the distinction of having the only nature reserve for swans
in China and one of the largest swan reserves in the world. Here, thousands
of swans from many different species live, play, and breed providing a
uniquely wonderful opportunity to observe large flocks of graceful swans.This
habitat area has a lake named Swan Lake. It is comprised of hundreds of
small connected ponds that are fed by springs and streams and covers about
300 square kilometers (115 square miles). Swan Lake with its sparkling
water, reedy marshes, and adjacent grasslands make it a perfect haven
for swans and a visual delight for all people. Against the backdrop of
the lake, its marshes, and the rich surrounding grasslands, visitors can
observe the spectacle of thousands of swans in flight across the vast
open sky. Nowhere else can you have this breathtaking experience of seeing
the sky fill with a cloud of swans. Engaging a local guide who can help
you navigate the sometimes tricky marshes and share interesting stories
of the area will add greatly to your enjoyment of Swan Lake. Swan watching
is at its height in May and June. If you can, you might consider planning
your trip to coincide with Nadam Fair.
Nadam Fair is an annual grand Mongolian event that will be held at Bayanbulak
from the fourth to the sixth of June, 2003. (Its date varies somewhat
each year as the time of the Fair is based on the lunar calendar.) Nadam
Fair attendees are entertained with horseracing, wrestling, dancing, and
singing, as well as having the chance to see and purchase local foods,
crafts, and other commercial wares that are specialties of this area.
Admission Fee of Swan Lake: RMB 20