Golden Bay Ecotourism Area

　　    Golden Bay Ecotourism Area is situated 14 kilometers north of Haibowan District in 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 land where Genghis Khan once stationed his troops during his campaign against the Western Xia has become the national AAA-rated Golden Bay Scenic Area in Wuhai City. The ever-flowing Yellow River resembles a colorful ribbon tied around its chest. Golden Bay is the only ecotourism area that Wuhai City plans to fully develop during the Eleventh Five-Year Plan period.

　　    Rare and endangered plants from 70 million years ago thrive here with remarkable resilience. These include the Tetracentron sinense—referred to academically as a precious “living fossil” and hailed as the “panda of plants”—along with its relatives such as the semi-shrub Tetracentron, Mongolian almond, Calligonum, Haloxylon persicum, and Ilex pernyi. These are all globally rare, endangered species and key protected plants at the national level. A few years ago, in Beijing’s flower markets, Tetracentron was even listed as an ornamental plant with a price tag of up to 40,000 yuan per plant. Within the Golden Bay Protected Area, these “plant pandas” are scattered across the landscape, adding a brilliant touch to Golden Bay with their tenacious vitality.

　　    Legend has it that between 1226 and 1227, the great Genghis Khan, on his expedition against the Western Xia, passed through the mountain bay beneath Table Mountain. He was awestruck to see towering mountains acting 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 explore Golden Bay, you can witness the ancient battlefield where Genghis Khan once fought; admire 70-million-year-old rare plants from around the world such as Tetracentron, semi-shrub Tetracentron, Ilex, Acantholimon, and Saussurea; ride camels or horses to experience the thrill of galloping across the desert; stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt to experience local hospitality; savor Mongolian-style roasted whole lamb and roasted suckling lamb; and enjoy fine wine offered with song by Mongolian girls—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 Han built fortifications along the Yellow River in front of the bay to conquer the Xiongnu; Yue Fei once stationed troops here while campaigning in the Helan Mountains; Yang Liulang also garrisoned forces here during his western expedition; and Tibetan monks traveling to spread Buddhist scriptures specifically passed through this area. In 2005, Jiamuxiang Tubdan, 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 and member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, personally inscribed the name “Golden Bay.” Deserts have long been seen as barren and mysterious, yet when you ascend the two sand dunes that guard the north and south of Golden Bay, and gaze upon the majestic spectacle of “dragon and tiger competing for the pearl,” you’ll discover a unique and breathtaking 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, the scattered lights of the sand dunes merge with the starry sky, and everywhere radiates the vibrant energy of life. Couples rest in movable tents, newlyweds stroll quietly across the serene sands, children play without a care, and the stars smile down on everyone’s happiness. Under the night sky, Golden Bay transports you to a wonderfully magical place, where the spirit of the sacred Mongolian rulers will bless you with peace and joy.