Jinqilian Prairie

Jinqilian

Introduction: Jinqilian Prairie is located along the Shandian River in Zhenglan Banner. The prairie is covered with golden lotus flowers, which are bright yellow with seven petals encircling a center, several blooms on a single stem. They flourish in June, covering the land in a vast golden expanse, hence the name "Jinqilian" (Golden Lotus) Prairie. During the Liao Dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of Huanzhou and served as a hunting and summer retreat for Liao emperors and noble Khitan officials. The Jin Dynasty emperors also used this area as a summer "Nabo" (imperial hunting ground) retreat. Jinqilian also served as a summer hunting and palace retreat for Mongolian royal family members. Kublai Khan even established his base here, recruiting scholars and talents from across the land to form a capable political group of both civil and military officials — the historically renowned "Jinqilian Administration." The best time to enjoy the flowers at Jinqilian is in the summer.　

Inner Mongolia, Xilin Gol