Mongol Khan City

Dalinur Lake Tourist Area

The Dalinur Lake Tourist Area is situated in the northwest of Hexigten Banner, approximately 90 kilometers from Xilinhot City. It is a comprehensive national nature reserve mainly focused on conserving rare bird species and the various ecosystems that support them, including lakes, wetlands, grasslands, deserts, and forests. In July 1998, the reserve was officially approved and established, and it has been included in the “Important Wetlands of Asia.” The reserve encompasses diverse ecosystems such as tableland plateau vegetation, lacustrine plain grassland vegetation, low wetland vegetation, and sandy sparse forest grassland vegetation. Dalinur is also a massive volcanic field and forms part of the Hexigten Global Geopark.

Dalinur Lake is the core of the nature reserve, covering a water area of 240 square kilometers with a water storage capacity of 1.6 billion cubic meters and depths ranging from 10 to 13 meters. It is a soda-type semi-saline lake and the third largest lake in Inner Mongolia. Located on the Inner Mongolia Plateau with a sparse human population, the vast lake surface is surrounded by meadows and wetlands, making it a paradise for birds. It serves as a crucial migratory route for birds in North China, hosting 152 bird species across 32 families and 15 orders. Among these are 26 species under first and second-class national protection, including the rare red-crowned crane, making it a key sanctuary for precious bird species. The peak seasons for bird activity are spring and autumn. From late April to early May, as snow melts and fresh grass sprouts, flocks of migratory birds arrive from the south to inhabit the lake area, filling the skies and waters with lively bird calls. From late September to early October, various migratory birds begin their southern journey but often pass through Dalinur Lake again, with white swans and wild geese being particularly numerous. In recent years, the number of swans has increased significantly, sometimes reaching up to 70,000. When the swans take flight, they resemble flying snow against blue skies, and when they land, they look like white silk spread upon the earth—earning Dalinur Lake the nickname “Swan Lake.” Due to the lake’s brackish water, only the Huazi fish (a type of carp) and crucian carp can survive here. Though limited in species, the fish yield is high and the catch is well-known. The Huazi fish, scientifically named *Leuciscus waleckii*, is commonly called “Red-eye Huazi” because of the bright red color around its eyes. These fish reproduce naturally, grow in the wild, and are both delicious and nutritious.

Surrounding Dalinur Lake are numerous historical sites, including the Zhenshan Rock Carvings, Manduo Shuiyun Cave, the ruins of Yingchang Road, the ruins of Longxing Temple, and the Jin Dynasty border fortifications. The twin lakes of Dalinur—Ganggen Nur (Yak Pool) and Duolun Nur (Carp Pool)—are located to the east and west respectively, and are known for producing carp, which is not found in Dalinur Lake itself.