Juyan Lake Wetland Park (also called Juyan Lake Basin) is one of the few remaining wetlands in the Gobi desert. Located in the north of Ejina Banner, Juyan Lake is as narrow as a crescent moon and is the terminal lake of Heihe River. Vast expanse of waters, lightly swaying reed, fascinating sunrise, paradise of waterbirds, roaming camels and sheep, Juyan Lake is a precious treasure bestowed by nature, attracting numerous people to travel to Ejin Banner, Inner Mongolia.
Facts About Juyan Lake Wetland Park
- Location: about 50 kilometers north of Dalaihubu Town, Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia
- Opening time:05:00 -20:00
- Ticket price:60 RMB for adults
- Time needed:about 3 hours
- Suited to:nature lovers, photographers, history buffs
History of Juyan Lake Wetland Park
Juyan Lake was once the largest lake in northwest China during ancient times, and an important passage through the Badain Jaran Desert and Gobi to reach the northern desert. In the Commentary on the Waterways Classic, it is translated as Ruoshui River Quicksand. During the Han Dynasty, it was called Juyan Marsh; during the Wei and Jin Dynasties, it was called North Lake; and since the Tang Dynasty, it has been called Juyan Lake.
On this oasis in the vast sands, by the clear water, there have been many legends and touching stories. It is said that during the Western Han Dynasty, the cavalry general Huo Qubing and the “flying general” Li Guang both made horses drink at Juyan marsh when attacking the Xiongnu. During the Yuan Dynasty, Italian Marco Polo also visited Juyan Lake. And Wang Wei, a great poet in Tang Dynasty, once stopped by the lake and wrote famous frontier poems.
In Chinese history, Juyan Lake was one of the earliest agricultural reclamation areas with abundant water and lush grass. But since the drying up of Juyan Lake in the 1960s, it has been covered by vast barren sand. After years of governance, Juyan Lake has achieved 20 consecutive years without drying up, with a water area of 30-40 square kilometers.
The wetland environment has significantly improved, and the forest and grass area has recovered nearly 7,000 hectares. Biodiversity in Juyan Lake has also remarkably increased, with over 60,000 birds of more than 100 species inhabiting the area.
Beauty of Juyan Lake Wetland Park
It’s hard to imagine that at the end of the vast desert, suddenly a blue lake with rippling waves appears in front of you. Juyan Lake is surrounded by reeds, and fish such as carp, crucian carp, bighead fish, grass carp grow in the lake. Swans, wild geese, cranes, ducks, and others usually come to inhabit this lake.
You can walk along the boardwalk towards the depths of the reeds. Ahead of you, as far as the eye can see, are various beautiful birds.
There are three observation decks in Juyan Lake Wetland Park, with the first one being slightly higher and offering a panoramic view of the entire Juyan Lake; on the second, you can see reeds and waterbirds, there is a speedboat dock, and you can take a boat tour of the lake; number three is the best spot to watch the sunrise.
Spectacular Sunrise
Be sure to watch the sunrise in Juyan Lake. At the moment of sunrise, the lake water is sparkling and shimmering with red and orange light, and the endless reeds are draped in a golden veil, which is really unforgettable.
It is recommended to check the sunrise time in advance and leave for Juyan Lake Wetland Park early. You can choose to take a shuttle bus to the observation deck, which has a fantastic view!
In addition to bird watching, hiking, and boating, you can engage in other leisure activities such as fishing and camping, which allow you to immerse yourself more in serene nature.
Best Time to Visit Juyan Lake Wetland Park
From May to October is widely considered the best time to visit Juyan Lake Basin when the weather is mild and comfortable, and the water level is high.
It is essential to note that you should always check the weather forecast and carry appropriate clothing and gear during your Inner Mongolia tours.
How to Get to Juyan Lake Wetland Park
After arriving Ejina Banner, you can drive a private car or charter a vehicle to reach Juyan Lake Wetland Park. Follow the road from Dalaihubu Town to Ceke Port for about 40 kilometers, then get off and cross a Gobi desert. It is easy to get stuck on the road, so a Jeep is preferable. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Attractions Nearby Juyan Lake Wetland Park
- Heicheng Ruins: the remains of an ancient city that was once a bustling Silk Road trade center.
- Populus Euphratica Forest: providinga breathtaking sight, especially in autumn when the poplar trees turn golden.
