Baisha Lake Scenic Area

Baisha Lake Scenic Area

The Baisha Lake Scenic Area is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Baisha Lake Scenic Area is located 2.5 kilometers northwest of the China-Kazakhstan border and is an important attraction along the "Thousand-Mile Gallery" in the Altay region. Situated at an elevation of about 650 meters, the lake covers an area of 0.5 square kilometers and is a small desert lake surrounded by sand dunes. The distant Singing Sand Mountains are reflected in the emerald-green waters, while various mixed forests line the lakeshore in layered beauty. In June, lotus flowers bloom on the lake and wild ducks swim joyfully among them. By October, red and yellow leaves intermingle, creating a uniquely stunning landscape that has earned the area the nickname "Little Jiangnan of the North."

The Baisha Lake Scenic Area enjoys convenient transportation, being 150 kilometers from Kanas Airport, 260 kilometers from Beitun Railway Station, and 770 kilometers from Urumqi City.

In 2016, Baisha Lake Scenic Area was honored on the "Red List" of the National Tourism Administration's "Golden Week" holiday tourism evaluation, being recognized as the "Best Scenic Area in the Toilet Revolution" and receiving commendation.

Baisha Lake is one of the important scenic areas along the "Thousand-Mile Gallery" in the Altay region of Xinjiang. It is 100 kilometers from Habahe County, 260 kilometers from Altay Airport, 150 kilometers from Kanas Airport, 260 kilometers from Beitun Railway Station, and 770 kilometers from Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang. The Baisha Lake Scenic Area lies about 2.5 kilometers northwest of the China-Kazakhstan border, accessible by road. At an elevation of approximately 650 meters, the lake covers an area of 0.5 square kilometers and is a small desert lake surrounded by sand dunes. The area features a continental temperate cold climate characterized by indistinct seasons, frequent spring droughts and strong winds, short and hot summers, cool autumns, long and cold winters, dry air, low precipitation, high evaporation, abundant sunshine, and large temperature variations.

The lake surface spans only 0.5 square kilometers and has no inflow or outflow channels, making it a pristine desert lake nestled in the vast desert. The surrounding area is encircled by white sand dunes, and the lakeshore is lined with birch trees, gray poplars, and silver-gray poplars. The autumn winds of September paint the surrounding foliage in vibrant hues—some leaves fiery red, others golden like coins. Reeds in the lake sway with the breeze, while delicate pink water lilies on the shore open their buds and awaken with drowsy smiles, greeting visitors with radiant cheer.

The scenery of Baisha Lake is uniquely captivating. In June, lotus flowers bloom and wild ducks swim in the lake. By golden October, red and yellow leaves flutter in the wind, while the lake’s green waters mirror like glass. The interplay of lake and mountain views offers breathtaking sights from both near and far. The sunlit sands emit waves of earthy fragrance, intoxicating to the senses. The distant golden Singing Sand Mountains are reflected in the emerald lake, complemented by the layered mixed forests along the shore, creating a perfect natural bonsai-like scene before visitors’ eyes. Hence, it is known as the "Little Jiangnan of the North."

Baisha Lake is located within the Third Company area of the Northeastern Sanlian territory of the 185th Regiment, approximately 25 kilometers from the regimental headquarters, with road access and shuttle bus services. Situated in the desert at an elevation of 650 meters, the lake stretches approximately 2,100 meters from north to south and 1,300 meters from east to west, earning the title "Desert Wonder." With a water surface of about 10 hectares, the lake’s water level remains constant throughout the seasons—neither increasing nor decreasing, neither freezing nor becoming turbid. Where the water comes from and why it remains so stable year-round remain unanswered questions, yet these mysteries contribute significantly to the lake’s allure.

In mid-December 2015, the Baisha Lake Scenic Area of the 185th Regiment under the 10th Division of the Tenth Agricultural Division successfully passed the Landscape Quality Evaluation organized by the National Tourism Administration, officially entering the list for the creation of a national AAAAA-level scenic area.

Address: Within the Third Company area of the Northeastern Sanlian territory of the 10th Division of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, 100 kilometers from Habahe County.

Baisha Lake is one of the important scenic areas along the "Thousand-Mile Gallery" in the Altay region of Xinjiang. Located about 2.5 kilometers northwest of the China-Kazakhstan border, at an elevation of approximately 650 meters, the lake covers an area of 0.5 square kilometers and is a small desert lake surrounded by sand dunes, known as a "Desert Wonder."

Highlights: The lake has no inflow or outflow channels, making it a pristine desert lake nestled in the vast desert. The surrounding area is encircled by white sand dunes, and the lakeshore is lined with birch trees, gray poplars, and silver-gray poplars. In June, lotus flowers bloom and wild ducks swim in the lake, while in golden October, red and yellow leaves flutter in the wind. The water level remains constant throughout all seasons, and its origin remains an unresolved mystery.

Address: No. 6, Row 2, Aketuke Township, Habahe County, Altay Region

Type: Lake, Desert, Gobi

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: 2–3 hours

Opening Hours:

Summer & Autumn: 10:00–20:00

Ticket Information:

Admission: 45 RMB per person; Shuttle Bus: 10 RMB per person.

Further Reading:

· 32nd Batch of National AAAAA-Level Tourist Attractions (February 2017)