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Hongtu Nur is located in the central part of Zhenglan Banner, Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, in the heart of the Hunshandake Desert, close to the Beijing-Tianjin area. "Hongtu" means swan in Mongolian, and "Nur" means lake.
As a rare inland seasonal salt marsh lake, it is special in the following ways:
Sand and spring symbiosis: The lake water originates from underground fault springs (annual average flow of 50,000 m³) and is surrounded by crescent-shaped sand dunes, forming a dynamic balance of "sand in and spring out".
Two-color lakeshore: the white sand on the east bank is as pure as snow (quartz sand content is 92%), while the red willows on the west bank are lush and flaming, and aerial photography shows a Tai Chi diagram.
Grasslands: Surrounded by vast meadow grasslands, rich in vegetation, supporting a diverse fauna.
Ecological characteristics: It is the habitat of many rare wild birds, such as swans, geese, etc.
Swan Station: During the spring and autumn migration seasons (April-May/September-October), over a thousand whooper swans visit the station, creating a "bird wave" that resembles a white storm at dawn and dusk.
Sandy medicine storehouse: Sandy medicinal herbs such as Cistanche deserticola and Cynomorium songaricum grow around the lake. Herders must follow the ancient rule of "taking the big and leaving the small" when collecting them.
During the peak spring season (May-June)
, groundwater is abundant, the lake area reaches its peak (about 3.8 km²), and the sand dunes are reflected like a mirror.
Swan season (early April/late September):
Swans molt en masse, and young birds create "water fireworks" as they learn to fly.
During the polar night (December-January),
the lake is frozen like obsidian, and the Milky Way arches over the sand dunes.
Scientific methods for observing the spring
:
Use a metal rod to probe the spring (consistent water temperature 8°C), take a water sample to test the pH (provided test paper indicates a weak alkaline pH), and
make a rubbing of the "ripple stone" (a relic of the ancient lakebed) on the lakeshore to compare the current and past water levels.
Photography tips: Drones are limited to a height of 150 meters. For aerial photography of the "Shaquan Tai Chi Diagram," wear indigo clothing to enhance the color contrast.
The historical secrets of the Xianbei Altar Ruins
: 1.5 kilometers from the north bank of the lake, the Xianbei people built an altar (22 meters in diameter) with stone in the 4th century AD, and threw a bronze pony during sacrifices (now in the Xilin Gol Museum)
.
Look for the "Astrological Stone" (with the Big Dipper carved on it) in the southeast corner of the altar; look for
arrowhead fragments exposed on the surface after a sandstorm (don't take them away! You can exchange them for milk tea from the herdsmen for photos).
The resilience of the red willow maze
: The roots of the 300 mu red willow forest on the west bank reach 15 meters deep. In September, the purple-red flower spikes resemble a haze, and sand foxes and jerboas scurry through
the forest .
Learn to make fire by drilling wood with red willow branches (herders teach the 45° angle friction method);
identify edible sand onion (serrated leaves) and the poisonous weed wolfsbane (purple-red flowers).
Hongtu Nur is a lake in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, known for its unique red soil and grassland ecosystem. It serves as a habitat for migratory birds and represents the natural and cultural heritage of the Mongolian plateau.
Hongtu Nur is located in Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia. The easiest way to reach it is by car or taxi from nearby towns. Public buses are limited, so arranging a private vehicle is recommended. Walking is possible around the lake for short distances.
The area is open year-round. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn when the weather is mild and the grasslands are vibrant.
Entrance fees are generally minimal. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site at the entrance.
Advance booking is not required for Hongtu Nur. Visitors can purchase tickets upon arrival.
2–4 hours are sufficient to walk around the lake, take photos, and visit nearby cultural sites.
Guided tours are occasionally offered by local operators in Mandarin. Audio guides are generally not available.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the lake’s perimeter, stop at viewpoints, visit yurts, and finish with a short hike to nearby hills for panoramic views.
Night visits are possible but limited due to lack of lighting. No light shows or special tours are generally available.
The site is generally not crowded. Weekdays outside of national holidays offer the quietest experience.
Basic facilities include public toilets, small rest areas, and local food stalls near the entrance. Shops are limited.
Most paths are suitable for children and elderly visitors. Accessibility for wheelchairs may be limited due to natural terrain.
Cash is recommended for small purchases; mobile payments may be accepted at larger stalls.
Few small local restaurants and cafes near the entrance offer simple Mongolian and Chinese dishes.
Vegetarian options are limited. Halal options may be available at local Mongolian eateries.
Nearby towns have small hotels and guesthouses suitable for overnight stays. Larger cities in Xilingol League provide more accommodation options.
Nearby grasslands, horse riding areas, and smaller lakes in Xilingol League can be combined for a full-day cultural and nature experience.
Some souvenir stalls sell Mongolian handicrafts, wool products, and small local keepsakes.
Visitors can use taxis or hire a car to reach nearby towns or explore other parts of Xilingol League. Limited bus services are available for local travel.
