A Must-Visit in Northern Xinjiang! Complete Guide to Playing at Ulungur Lake, the Dreamy Sapphire of the Gobi Desert

【Northern Xinjiang Pearl · First Encounter with Ulungur Lake】
Ulungur Lake is truly a sapphire in the Altay region of Xinjiang! 🌟 Located northwest of Fuhai County (specific address: northwest part of Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region), it’s rightly called the "Gobi Sea"~ The vast lake surface combined with the unique surrounding landforms makes every shot a masterpiece 📸

🔥【Top 3 Must-Visit Spots】
1️⃣ Golden Coast 🏖️
The Xinjiang version of the "Maldives" confirmed! Over ten kilometers of silver sand beaches as soft as paradise, with super comfortable water temperatures in summer~
🌟 Activities: Swimming / Sailing / Kayaking / Beach ATV
🌅 Best time: The sunset at dusk is absolutely stunning!

2️⃣ Devil City on the Lake 👹
The ultimate combo of Yadan landforms + lake views! The rock formations under the sunset are magical, you won’t stop taking photos~
📸 Photography tip: Wear bright-colored clothes for better shots!

3️⃣ Bird Island Birdwatching Paradise 🦢
In spring and autumn, witness the breathtaking scene of tens of thousands of migratory birds flying together! Bar-headed geese, gulls... a perfect harmony between humans and nature~

🎯【Ultimate Fun Guide】
💦 Water activities galore:
• Flyboarding is super thrilling! The aerial view of the lake is amazing
• Sailing and riding the wind is so cool~

🏜️ Desert and wetland dual experience:
• Ride a camel to feel the lonely smoke of the desert
• Birdwatching at Xiaohai Wetland for a slow-paced life experience

❄️ Winter exclusive activities:
• Join the lively Winter Fishing Festival! Watch fishing nets pulled from under the ice
• Freshly caught and stewed fish soup is unbelievably delicious!

🍴【Must-Try Lake Fresh Food】
🐟 Northern Pike: Steamed to keep the original fresh flavor!
✨ Wudao Black Fish: A divine fish that tastes great however it’s cooked
🔥 Lakeside Grilled Fish: The charcoal aroma is unbeatable, paired with cumin and chili is forever the best!

🚗【Transportation Guide】
• Self-drive: About 5 hours from Urumqi via S21 Desert Expressway
• Public transport: Fly to Altay → Fuhai County shuttle bus → taxi

🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】
• Fuhai Guesthouse: Prime location in the county town, super rich breakfast
• Lakeside Fisherman’s Homestay: Freshly caught and cooked lake fish is totally worth it!

⚠️【Friendly Tips】
• Big temperature differences! Be sure to bring a jacket
• Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen!
• Respect local Kazakh & Mongolian cultures
• Safety first for winter ice activities~