Wuliangsuhai

Wuliangsuhai

Wuliangsuhai is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Wuliangsuhai

Wuliangsuhai, located within the territory of Wulateqian Banner in Bayannur City, on the edge of the triangular area formed by Hohhot, Baotou, and Ordos, is 13 kilometers from Xishanzui Town, the seat of Wulateqian Banner government, 22 kilometers from National Highway 110, 4 kilometers from Xiwang Highway, and 15 kilometers from the Xishanzui exit of the Hadeng Expressway. It is one of China’s eight major freshwater lakes, covering a total area of 300 square kilometers, and is renowned as the “Pearl Beyond the Great Wall.” It is an extremely rare large-scale multi-functional lake in the arid grassland and desert regions of the world, as well as the largest wetland at the same latitude on Earth. It has been designated by the national forestry authorities as a demonstration project for the wetland waterfowl nature reserve and as a regional wetland waterfowl nature reserve, and is also included in the “List of Internationally Important Wetlands.”

Wuliangsuhai is a world of birds and a paradise for fish, with nearly 200 species of birds and over 20 species of fish thriving here, including 12 species of nationally protected Class I and II birds and 48 species under the China-Japan Migratory Bird Agreement. The lake’s surface shimmers with blue waves, the reed beds are picturesque, and the melodious chirping of hundreds of birds is a feast for the eyes. The Wuliangsuhai tourist area blends seamlessly with the Urad Grassland at the northern foot of the Ulan Mountains, forming a comprehensive tourist destination that encompasses the lake, grassland, and Ulan Mountains. It offers a stunning natural tableau of green mountains, lush grass, and clear waters, all blending harmoniously with the wild charm of nature.

Visitors to this area can enjoy the lake and mountain scenery of northern China, explore the mysteries of the activities of rare birds and migratory species, experience the culture of the Urad Grassland, and admire the wonders of Little Tianchi. This remarkable natural scenic area, shaped by the lake, grassland, and mountains, leaves travelers feeling refreshed and reluctant to leave. The graceful natural, ecological, and cultural landscapes of Wuliangsuhai are becoming a tourism hotspot for visitors from all over and a unique northern water town–style destination in western Inner Mongolia.

Wuliangsuhai, meaning “Poplar Forest” in Mongolian, is located in Wulateqian Banner, Bayannur League, Inner Mongolia. It is a river trace lake formed by the diversion of the Yellow River and is also an extremely rare large grassland lake in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. It is one of China’s eight major freshwater lakes, covering a total area of 300 square kilometers, and is known as the “Pearl Beyond the Great Wall.” It is an extremely rare large-scale multi-functional lake in the arid grassland and desert regions of the world, as well as the largest wetland at the same latitude on Earth. In 2002, it was officially included in the List of Internationally Important Wetlands by the International Ramsar Convention. “Wuliangsuhai” means “Sea of Red Willow” in Mongolian. In the past, dense red willow forests grew here, but it is now an important reed-producing area in Inner Mongolia.

The formation of Wuliangsuhai is related to the diversion of the main course of the Yellow River. Originally, the Yellow River flowed eastward along the Wujia River on the southern side of Langshan Mountain. Later, due to crustal uplift, the Yellow River was blocked and turned sharply southward, carving out a large depression, which became the precursor to Wuliangsuhai. Subsequently, due to the eastward encroachment of windblown sand and the continuous expansion of the alluvial fan on the southern side of Langshan Mountain, the riverbed rose, and the Wujia River was blocked by silt. The overflow of water into the depression formed Wuliangsuhai, while the main course of the Yellow River changed to flow eastward along the southern side. Modern-day Wuliangsuhai is mainly replenished by the tailwaters of the Wujia River and irrigation channels such as the Changji Canal and the Minfu Canal. Its depth ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 meters, with a maximum depth of about 4 meters, and its water storage capacity is between 250 and 300 million cubic meters. The salinity of the water is on an upward trend, measuring 4 grams per liter in the early 1970s and rising to 6 grams per liter by the late 1970s. The lake is rich in bait and fish resources. In addition to abundant carp, it also produces over 20 other fish species, including crucian carp, grass carp, and silver carp. Reed and cattail resources are also plentiful.

Wuliangsuhai was once part of the Yellow River. After the river changed its course, it became a river trace lake and is now the largest lake in the Yellow River basin and one of China’s eight major freshwater lakes. The lake features vast expanses of reeds, where you can hardly see the water amid the dense reed beds. Standing anywhere around the lake, you can hear the rustling sound of reed leaves swaying in the breeze, resembling the roar of surging waves. The air is filled with a refreshing scent, blending the fragrance of reeds with the coolness of the lake.

Wuliangsuhai is a world of birds and a paradise for fish, with nearly 200 species of birds and over 20 species of fish thriving here, including 12 species of nationally protected Class I and II birds and 48 species under the China-Japan Migratory Bird Agreement. The lake’s surface shimmers with blue waves, the reed beds are picturesque, and the melodious chirping of hundreds of birds is a feast for the eyes. The Wuliangsuhai tourist area blends seamlessly with the Urad Grassland at the northern foot of the Ulan Mountains, forming a comprehensive tourist destination that encompasses the lake, grassland, and Ulan Mountains. It offers a stunning natural tableau of green mountains, lush grass, and clear waters, all blending harmoniously with the wild charm of nature. Visitors to this area can enjoy the lake and mountain scenery of northern China, explore the mysteries of the activities of rare birds and migratory species, experience the culture of the Urad Grassland, and admire the wonders of Little Tianchi. This remarkable natural scenic area, shaped by the lake, grassland, and mountains, leaves travelers feeling refreshed and reluctant to leave. The graceful natural, ecological, and cultural landscapes of Wuliangsuhai are becoming a tourism hotspot for visitors from all over and a unique northern water town–style destination in western Inner Mongolia.

Covering an area of 293 square kilometers, Wuliangsuhai is one of the larger lakes in Inner Mongolia and a famous tourist destination, known as the “Pearl Beyond the Great Wall.” It is located at the eastern end of the Hetao Plain and the western end of the Alibeng Grassland within Wulateqian Banner, 23 kilometers from the banner government seat in Xishanzui Town, and is accessible via a blacktop road.

Wuliangsuhai means “Poplar Lake” in Mongolian. This area was originally a low-lying region with poplar trees and a small river trace lake left behind by the ancient Beiriver, covering an area of just 20 hectares. Later, due to mountain floods and the convergence of water discharged from the Hetao Irrigation District, it formed the Wuliangsuhai we see today.

Wuliangsuhai stretches 50 kilometers from north to south and 20 kilometers from east to west. Its surface is covered with lush reeds and cattails, and the vast waters are home to over 20 species of fish, including crucian carp, grass carp, silver carp, and red-eye fish. It is particularly famous in Inner Mongolia for its abundance of Yellow River carp. During spring, summer, and autumn, the lake teems with fish leaping through the water and birds singing among fragrant flowers. Over 130 species of rare and precious birds make their homes and breed here, including several under national key protection, such as the mute swan, whooper swan, spot-billed pelican, and saddle-billed stork.

The surface of Wuliangsuhai shimmers with silver light, blending seamlessly with the sky, creating a vast expanse of crystal-clear water and endless ripples. In spring and summer, the green shade is lush, and the lake water complements the cattails, while the blue sky mirrors the clear waters, adding emotional depth and beauty to the serene landscape. At the southern end of the Alibeng Grassland, the rugged peaks of the Ulan Mountains rise dramatically, with strange rocks jutting out. From the mountaintop, looking northwest, the three major landscapes of the lake, grassland, and mountains stretch out before your eyes. The beautiful natural scenery attracts numerous domestic and international tourists who come here to sightsee, relax, and enjoy the serenity.

A range of tourist facilities have been built here, including a tourist building, European-style wooden cabins on the lake islands, and a group of grassland yurts. Motorboats and passenger ships are also available, drawing a steady stream of visitors every year.

Shaped like an orange slice, Wuliangsuhai is divided into several water bodies of varying sizes by reeds and cattails. It stretches 35–40 kilometers from north to south and 5–10 kilometers from east to west, covering an area of approximately 293 square kilometers. The lake surface sits at an elevation of 1018.5 meters, with a maximum depth of about 4 meters. Most of the water is shallow, ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 meters deep. In recent years, due to the influx of large amounts of nutrients, aquatic plants on the lake’s surface have expanded continuously, forming underwater grasslands, and the lake has noticeably taken on the characteristics of a marshy lake. This relatively young lake is showing signs of aging. The upper layer of the lakebed consists of accumulated silt, 0.2–0.5 meters thick, composed of black-gray, foul-smelling sandy loam soil with fine particles, while the lower layer is pale yellow, primarily replenished by irrigation runoff, rainwater, mountain floods, and groundwater.

The formation of Wuliangsuhai is related to the diversion of the main course of the Yellow River. Originally, the Yellow River flowed eastward along the Wujia River on the southern side of Langshan Mountain. Later, due to crustal uplift, the Yellow River was blocked and turned sharply southward, carving out a large depression, which became the precursor to Wuliangsuhai. Subsequently, due to the eastward encroachment of windblown sand and the continuous expansion of the alluvial fan on the southern side of Langshan Mountain, the riverbed rose, and the Wujia River was blocked by silt. The overflow of water into the depression formed Wuliangsuhai, while the main course of the Yellow River changed to flow eastward along the southern side. Modern-day Wuliangsuhai is mainly replenished by the tailwaters of the Wujia River and irrigation channels such as the Changji Canal and the Minfu Canal. The salinity of the water is on an upward trend, measuring 4 grams per liter in the early 1970s and rising to 6 grams per liter by the late 1970s. The lake is rich in bait and fish resources. In addition to abundant carp, it also produces over 20 other fish species, including crucian carp, grass carp, and silver carp. Reed and cattail resources are also plentiful.

Wuliangsuhai was once part of the Yellow River and is now the largest lake in the Yellow River basin. The lake features vast expanses of reeds, where you can hardly see the water amid the dense reed beds. Standing anywhere around the lake, you can hear the rustling sound of reed leaves swaying in the breeze, resembling the roar of surging waves. The air is filled with a refreshing scent, blending the fragrance of reeds with the coolness of the lake.