Bayinbuluke Hantaohaicun Village, Searching for the Dream of Nine Suns on the Prairie Secret

Vast sky and earth, winding river bends—this is the essence of China's second-largest grassland.

Located in the northwest of Hejing County, Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, lies a mesmerizing grassland—Bayinbuluke. Hantaohaicun Village is a shining pearl on this vast prairie.

The Essence of the Grassland, Not to Be Missed

When you visit Hantaohaicun Village, these experiences are a must:

The Sunset Spectacle of Nine Bends and Eighteen Turns: The Kaidu River winds through the grassland like a fairy’s ribbon. Around mid-September during the Mid-Autumn Festival, at sunset, the river reflects nine golden suns, as if the myth of Houyi shooting down the suns is reenacted here. Be sure to arrive at the viewing platform before 6 PM to secure the best spot.

Experience the Charm of Grassland Culture: Every summer, Hantaohaicun Village hosts the Grassland Nadam Festival, featuring horse racing, wrestling, ethnic song and dance performances, embroidery contests, and handmade dairy product competitions, allowing you to immerse yourself in traditional Mongolian culture.

The Elegant Ballet of Swan Lake: This is one of the world’s largest wild swan breeding grounds. Early morning is when the swans are most active, gliding across the mirror-like water, their wings creating ripples that turn the sunrise into golden flakes.

Practical Tips for a Perfect Trip

Transportation: You can drive along the Duku Highway, where snow-capped mountains, canyons, and grasslands alternate, giving you a full sense of freedom.

Accommodation: It is highly recommended to spend a night in a Mongolian yurt on the grassland. At night, gather around the bonfire to learn to play the dombra, and at dawn, open the door flap to a dazzling Milky Way.

**Tips**: The grassland has a large temperature difference between day and night, so remember to bring a thick jacket and sun protection; shopping inside the scenic area is inconvenient, so prepare food and drinking water in advance.

Standing on the Bayinbuluke grassland, gazing at the winding river bends where the sky meets the earth, you will suddenly understand—travel is not about reaching a destination, but about feeling every moment.

In this world, there is a kind of fate that makes you travel thousands of mountains and rivers just for one glance. And Hantaohaicun Village is exactly the place that makes all the journeys worthwhile.