Live Your Best Lives
Located in Yining County, the Swan Habitat Reserve covers an area of 50 mu and is home to underground hot springs that never freeze in winter. It is the only wintering habitat for mute swans in the valley. Because the lake water comes from underground hot springs, it never freezes in winter.
Every year when the swans arrive to spend the winter, a large number of photographers and tourists from all over the country come to watch. Every day, the swans fly gracefully over the small village, creating a beautiful scene.
The swan has been an auspicious totem worshipped by the Kazakhs and Mongolians since ancient times. It is also regarded as a symbol of loyal love by the Han people. On the vast grasslands of Xinjiang, swans live near water and grass and migrate with the climate.
During the severe cold of the 24th solar term, the unfrozen hot springs in Yingtamu Township become the winter habitat for swans. The swans that have raised their young in the Bayinbuluke Grassland and Sayram Lake fly with their families to the Ili River Valley, where it is warm in winter and cool in summer, to continue their love stories here.
Every year from early October to April of the following year, swans fly here to spend the winter and live here. Their number has grown from a few at the beginning to more than a hundred today.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
free
All day
Ili Swan Spring is a key ecological site in Yili, famous for its swan population and natural spring environment. It highlights regional biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Located in Yining, Yili Prefecture, Xinjiang. Accessible by taxi or private vehicle; public transport may be limited. Walking is recommended within the park.
Open daily, usually from morning until evening. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the swans are most active.
Entrance fee is approximately 40 RMB. Tickets are typically purchased at the entrance; online booking may not be available.
Advance booking is not necessary; tickets can be bought on-site.
2 to 3 hours is sufficient to walk the trails and enjoy wildlife observation.
Guided tours may be offered locally; language options are generally Chinese.
Viewing platforms near the main spring and along the lakeshore offer the best photography opportunities, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Start at the entrance, follow the main trail along the spring, stop at observation platforms, and circle back along the lakeside paths.
Night visits are generally not recommended; no regular light shows are reported.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded; weekends attract more visitors.
Basic restrooms and benches are available; food options may be limited, so bring water and snacks.
Most walking paths are flat and suitable for children and elderly; accessibility for wheelchairs may be limited in some areas.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments may be available depending on the ticket counter.
Nearby small cafes and local restaurants are available; options inside the park are limited.
Limited options; visitors may need to check local restaurants for vegetarian or halal meals.
Hotels in Yining city are the nearest options, ranging from budget to mid-range.
Small souvenir shops offer local crafts and swan-themed memorabilia.
Private car or taxi is recommended to visit nearby attractions or return to Yining city.
