Bortala Travel Guide: The Green Grassland and the Atlantic's Last Tear

1.Introduction: The Western Jade of the Junggar Basin Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, often referred to as "Bo Zhou," is a land of profound beauty and strategic importance located in the northwest corner of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Nestled in the southwestern margin of the Junggar Basin, it serves as a vital corridor on the northern route of the ancient Silk Road. The name "Bortala" comes from the Mongolian language, translating to "Green Grassland," a fitting descriptor for a region characterized by its lush pastures, expansive wetlands, and towering mountain ranges. To its north and west lies the Republic of Kazakhstan, with a border line stretching over 380 kilometers, making it a crucial gateway for China’s opening to the west.

2.The geography of: Bortala is defined by high mountains to the north and south, flanking a central valley plain, often described as "two mountains guarding a valley." This unique topography creates a wind corridor known as the Alataw Pass (Alashankou), which has historically shaped the climate and ecology of the region. From the snow-capped peaks of the Alataw Mountains to the saline depths of Ebinur Lake, Bortala offers a diverse array of landscapes that captivate travelers, researchers, and photographers alike.

3.Sayram Lake: The Last Tear of the Atlantic While often visited en route to the Ili Valley, Sayram Lake (Sailimu Hu) is the crown jewel of Bortala. It sits at the pinnacle of the prefecture's alpine scenery. Known poetically as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," it is the highest and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. The epithet derives from the fact that it is the farthest point reached by the warm, moist air currents from the Atlantic Ocean; upon hitting the mountains here, the moisture condenses to form this miraculous body of water. In winter, the lake transforms into a magnificent ice sculpture garden. The snow-capped mountains and evergreen pines surrounding the lake create a stark, beautiful contrast against the white snow cover, forming a classic landscape of the northern forest snowfields. In spring and summer, the scene changes dramatically. The lake, azure and crystal clear, is ringed by lush grasslands that burst into color with blooming wildflowers. Flocks of sheep and cattle graze by the water, and white yurts dot the green slopes, creating a pastoral idyll that feels untouched by time. The lake's water is exceptionally clear, often compared to a sapphire embedded in the Tianshan Mountains. It is not just a scenic spot but a vital ecological node, regulating the local climate and supporting a unique biodiversity.

4.Ebinur Lake: The Saline Giant and the Wind Gap In the lower reaches of the valley lies Ebinur Lake (Aibi Hu), the largest saltwater lake in Xinjiang. Unlike the alpine purity of Sayram, Ebinur Lake represents the rugged, desolate beauty of the basin. It is located at the lowest point of the Junggar Basin. The lake is shallow, with an average depth of only 1.4 meters, but it holds immense ecological value. Ebinur Lake is a treasure trove of resources, containing salt reserves calculated to be worth over 6.8 billion Yuan. However, its importance transcends economics. It serves as a critical ecological barrier. The lake sits directly in the path of the relentless winds blowing through the Alashankou (Alataw Pass). These winds are powerful and constant; historically, as the lake's water levels fluctuated and shrank due to agricultural water usage and climate change, the exposed dry lakebed became a source of salty dust storms. Today, significant efforts are being made to restore and protect Ebinur Lake. It is surrounded by wetlands that host the "Desert Hero" plants—Populus euphratica (Hu Yang) and red willows (Hong Liu). These plants are resilient, anchoring the sand and soil against the fierce gales. The area is also a haven for wildlife, including red deer and gazelles, making it a paradise for ecological observation. The contrast between the white salt flats, the golden desert sands, and the deep blue water creates a surreal, alien landscape that is starkly different from the green grasslands of the upper prefecture.

5.Alashankou: The Gateway to Eurasia Bortala is home to Alashankou (Alataw Pass), one of the busiest land ports in China. It is the point where the railway connecting China to Central Asia and Europe crosses the border. Known as the "Wind Capital," this area experiences strong winds for much of the year. While historically a challenge for habitation, modern technology has turned this wind into a resource, with massive wind farms generating clean energy. The port itself is a bustling hub of international trade, where trains loaded with goods thunder past, symbolizing the modern revitalization of the Silk Road Economic Belt. Seeing the massive transcontinental trains and the border gates offers a tangible sense of connection between East and West.

6.Cultural Heritage and The Mongolian Spirit: As a Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Bortala retains rich Mongolian traditions. The Obo (Aobao) festivals, held annually, are vibrant displays of culture where locals gather to worship the mountain spirits, race horses, and wrestle. The hospitality of the Mongolian people here is legendary. In the pasturelands, traditional yurts are still common, and visitors are often welcomed with bowls of milk tea and dried cheese. In addition to the Mongolian culture, the region is a melting pot of ethnic groups including Han, Uighur, Kazak, and Hui people, all living in harmony. This diversity is reflected in the local architecture, music, and daily life. The prefecture is also home to the Guai Shi Yu (Strange Stone Valley), a landscape of granite rocks eroded by wind and time into bizarre and fascinating shapes, resembling animals, humans, and mythical creatures. It is a natural gallery of geological art that sparks the imagination.

7.Wenquan County: The Hometown of Hot Springs To the west of the prefecture lies Wenquan County, named explicitly after its abundance of geothermal resources. It is the only county in China named "Hot Spring." The area is famous for its three major springs: the Bogeda Hot Spring, the Ebolah Hot Spring, and the Tuergen Hot Spring. These springs are renowned for their high mineral content and therapeutic properties. Set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and forests, soaking in these hot springs is the ultimate relaxation experience, earning the county the nickname "Holy Water of the Western Regions." In Wenquan County, one can also find the Be Salamander (Beiya), a prehistoric amphibian species that has survived since the Jurassic period. The existence of this "living fossil" in the high-altitude wetlands is a testament to the unique and pristine environment of Bortala.

8.Conclusion Bortala is a land of contrasts: the fire of the desert heat and the ice of the glaciers; the salt of Ebinur and the fresh water of Sayram; the roar of the wind at the pass and the silence of the mountain peaks. It is a place where the grandeur of nature meets the warmth of nomadic hospitality. Whether you are a history buff tracing the Silk Road, a nature lover seeking the pristine wilderness, or a photographer chasing the perfect light over a high-altitude lake, Bortala offers a journey that is both rugged and profoundly beautiful. It is not just a destination, but a vivid experience of the vastness and diversity of China's western frontier.