Golden Bay Ecotourism Area

Golden Bay Ecotourism Area

The Golden Bay Ecotourism Area is located 14 kilometers north of Haibowan District, Wuhai City, covering an area of 2,000 hectares. It is closely connected to National Highway 110, the Airport Road, and the Beijing–Tibet Expressway. This auspicious site where Genghis Khan stationed his troops during his campaign against the Western Xia has become the national 3A-level scenic spot in Wuhai City—Golden Bay. The ceaselessly flowing Yellow River wraps around it like a colorful ribbon. Golden Bay was the only ecotourism area planned for full development during Wuhai City’s 11th Five-Year Plan period.

Rare and endangered plants from 70 million years ago thrive here with remarkable resilience. These include the Tetracentron sinense and its relatives such as the semi-shrub Tetracentron, Mongolian almond, Calligonum mongolicum, Haloxylon persicum, and Ilex pernyi—globally rare and endangered species as well as key protected plants at the national level. Tetracentron sinense is hailed by academia as a precious “living fossil” and nicknamed the “panda of plants.” It has drawn widespread attention from experts both in China and abroad. A few years ago, it was even listed as an ornamental plant in Beijing’s flower market, with individual plants priced as high as 40,000 yuan. Within the Golden Bay Protected Area, Tetracentron sinense is scattered across the landscape, and these “plant pandas” add a splendid touch to Golden Bay with their tenacious vitality.

Legend has it that between 1226 and 1227, the great Genghis Khan, while on his expedition against the Western Xia, passed through the mountain bay at the foot of Table Mountain. He was awestruck by the majestic high mountains serving as a natural barrier behind the bay, the surging Yellow River in front, and two golden hills nestled within the bay. The hero decided to set up camp, deploy generals, and station his troops here. Today, as you walk into Golden Bay, you can explore the ancient battlefield where Genghis Khan once fought; admire rare plants from 70 million years ago, such as Tetracentron sinense, semi-shrub Tetracentron, Ilex pernyi, Potaninia mongolica, and Leontopodium leontopodioides; ride camels or horses to experience the thrill of galloping across the desert; stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt to enjoy the warm hospitality of local hosts; savor Mongolian-style roasted whole lamb and roasted suckling lamb; and sip fine wine offered with song by Mongolian girls—it’s truly a delightful experience.

As the folklore goes, Golden Bay is a blessed land, backed by mountains to the east and facing the river to the west. Legend has it that Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty once built fortifications along the Yellow River in front of the bay to conquer the Xiongnu; Yue Fei camped here during his campaign in the Helan Mountains; Yang Liulang stationed troops here during his western expedition; and Tibetan monks passed through here while spreading Buddhist scriptures. In 2005, Jiamuwang Tubudan, the abbot of Beijing's Lama Temple, and his disciple Master Zhamusiren Chaogejile personally visited Golden Bay to perform rituals and chant scriptures. Xia Xia, Vice Chairman of the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and member of its Standing Committee, personally inscribed the name “Golden Bay.” Deserts have long been regarded as zones devoid of life—vast and mysterious. But when you ascend the two sand dunes that guard the north and south of Golden Bay and gaze upon the spectacular scene of “the dragon and tiger competing for the pearl,” you’ll find yourself immersed in a uniquely breathtaking and mystical realm. The summer nights in Golden Bay are incredibly pleasant—if you spend a night here, it will be an unforgettable experience. Cool breezes blow gently, the lights scattered across the sand dunes merge with the starry sky above, filling the air with the vibrant essence of life. Couples relax in movable tents, husband and wife stroll quietly across the serene sea of sand, children play without a care, and the stars above smile happily upon everyone. The Golden Bay under the night sky transports you to an extraordinarily wonderful realm, where the spirit of the sacred Mongolian rulers watches over you, blessing you with happiness and well-being.