Dali Nor Tourist Area

　　The Dali Lake Tourist Area is situated in the northwest of Hexigten Banner, 90 kilometers from Xilinhot City. It is a comprehensive national nature reserve mainly focused on the protection of rare bird species and their habitats, including lakes, wetlands, grasslands, sandy lands, and woodlands. Officially approved and established in July 1998, the reserve has also been included in the list of “Important Wetlands in Asia.” The area features diverse ecosystems such as plateau steppe vegetation, lakeplain meadow vegetation, low-wetland vegetation, and sandy sparse forest-steppe vegetation. Dali Nor is also part of a massive volcanic cluster and forms a section of the Hexigten Global Geopark.

　　 Dali 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 brackish lake and the third largest lake in Inner Mongolia. Located on the Inner Mongolian Plateau, where human activity is scarce, the vast lake is surrounded by grasslands and wetlands, making it a paradise for birds. It serves as an important migratory corridor for birds in northern China, hosting 152 bird species from 32 families across 15 orders. Among them are 26 species under first and second-class national protection, including the rare red-crowned crane, making it a sanctuary for precious bird species. Bird populations peak during spring and autumn. From late April to early May, as snow melts and fresh grass sprouts, migratory birds arrive in flocks from the south to inhabit the lake area. The entire lake becomes lively with the sounds of countless birds. From late September to early October, various migratory birds begin their southern journey again but pass through Dali Lake, predominantly white swans and wild geese. In recent years, the number of swans has grown significantly, reaching up to 70,000 at its peak. When taking flight, the swans resemble flying snow in the blue sky; when landing, they look like white silk spread across the ground. Hence, Dali Lake is also known as the “Swan Lake.” Due to its brackish water, only Huazi fish (a type of carp) and crucian carp can survive here. Though few in variety, these fish are abundant and highly reputed. The Huazi fish, scientifically named Leuciscus waleckii, is commonly called “red-eyed Huazi” due to the bright red color around its eyes. These fish reproduce naturally, grow in the wild, and are known for their delicious taste and high nutritional value.

　　 Surrounding Dali Lake are numerous historical sites, including the Zhanzi Mountain Rock Carvings, Mantuo Shuiyun Cave, the ruins of Yingchang Road, the ruins of Longxing Temple, and the Jin Dynasty border fortifications. The twin lakes of Dali Nor — Ganggen Nor (Yak Pool) and Duolun Nor (Carp Pool) — lie to the east and west respectively, and are rich in carp, which is not found in Dali Lake.