Bayanbulak,
a vast highland prairie about 270 kilometers (167
miles) northwest of Korla, is home to the descendents
of Mongols who returned here from Russia one hundred
years ago. The natural splendor of the area testifies
to the accuracy of its Mongolian name which means
"Rich Fountains". Bayanbulak's considerable
water supply supports the luxurious grasslands, numerous
varieties of multihued flowers, and hundreds of thousands
of cattle and sheep. You get a glimpse of the beauty
of the area in the adjacent picture which also shows
a yurt, the circular domed tent used by Mongolian
nomads. Bayanbulak is the second largest grassland
in China encompassing an area of 23 thousand sq. km.
Bayanbulak has the distinction of having
the only nature reserve for swans in China and one
of the largest swan reserves in the world. Here, thousands
of swans from many different species live, play, and
breed providing a uniquely wonderful opportunity to
observe large flocks of graceful swans. This habitat
area has a lake named Swan Lake. It is comprised of
hundreds of small connected ponds that are fed by
springs and streams and covers about 300 square kilometers
(115 square miles). Swan Lake with its sparkling water,
reedy marshes, and adjacent grasslands make it a perfect
haven for swans and a visual delight for all people.
Against the backdrop of the lake, its marshes, and
the rich surrounding grasslands, visitors can observe
the spectacle of thousands of swans in flight across
the vast open sky. Nowhere else can you have this
breathtaking experience of seeing the sky fill with
a cloud of swans. Engaging a local guide who can help
you navigate the sometimes tricky marshes and share
interesting stories of the area will add greatly to
your enjoyment of Swan Lake. Swan watching is at its
height in May and June. If you can, you might consider
planning your trip to coincide with Nadam Fair.
Nadam Fair is an annual
grand Mongolian event that will be held at Bayanbulak
from the fourth to the sixth of June, 2003. (Its date
varies somewhat each year as the time of the Fair
is based on the lunar calendar.) Nadam Fair attendees
are entertained with horseracing, wrestling, dancing,
and singing, as well as having the chance to see and
purchase local foods, crafts, and other commercial
wares that are specialties of this area.
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