Bosten Lake

Bosten Lake

Bosten Lake is a national scenic area, a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, and a national wetland park.

Anciently known as “Western Sea” and referred to as “Fish Sea” during the Tang Dynasty, it was officially named Bosten Lake in the mid-Qing Dynasty. Located within Bohu County in the southeastern part of the Yanqi Basin, it is the largest inland freshwater lake in China with both inflow and outflow. “Bosten” in Mongolian means “standing,” named after three central lake islands standing in the middle of the lake. The lake surface is only 14 kilometers from Bohu County and 24 kilometers from Yanqi County. The lake surface sits at an elevation of 1,048 meters, stretching 55 kilometers from east to west and 25 kilometers from north to south, roughly triangular in shape, with the main lake covering an area of 988 square kilometers.

The southwestern part of the main lake features dozens of smaller lakes of varying sizes. There are currently 16 relatively large lakes in the small lake area, covering a total area of 240 square kilometers. The combined water area of the large and small lakes is 1,228 square kilometers, with a water storage capacity of about 10 billion cubic meters. The lake is shallow in the west and deep in the east, reaching a maximum depth of 16 meters and a minimum of 0.8 to 2 meters, with an average depth of around 10 meters.

The vast waters of the main lake present an expansive, misty view, where the opposite shore blends seamlessly with the sky. Cruising the lake by yacht on a sunny day offers shimmering waves, a gentle breeze, and a refreshing experience; when strong winds blow, towering waves create a seascape-like spectacle. From winter to early spring, the lake freezes over for miles, glistening like a silver mirror. The smaller lakes are relatively independent yet interconnected by channels. In summer and autumn, the shores are lined with dense reeds and cattails, the water is clear and emerald green, and various aquatic flowers such as lotuses and water lilies bloom competitively. Waterbirds nest across the surface, and boating often brings you close to birds flying overhead or skimming the water. The chirping of birds, the splashing of fish, and the fragrance of lotus create a delightful atmosphere. Enjoying a fish feast here is an unforgettable experience. Bosten Lake is not only one of Xinjiang’s key fishing bases but also one of China’s four largest reed production areas.

In summer, a wide range of water sports and recreational activities can be enjoyed, while in winter it naturally transforms into an ideal ice sports destination. Tourist spots such as Dahekou, Yangshui Station, the Southwest Small Lake Area (Lotus Lake), Heshuo “Seaside Bathing Beach,” and Sishili City Xiangsi Lake have been developed. A poem praises the lake’s scenic tourism spots: “Snow melts on Bosten’s reeds and lotus, Four hues blend into the endless sky; A voyage here banishes heat and weariness, While dwelling feels like a paradise on earth.”

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of National Key Scenic Areas