Bayinbuluke lies in the middle section of the Duku Highway, featuring expansive grasslands and winding rivers. The nine bends are its main attraction. Most visitors come for sunset, but at an elevation of around 2400 meters, temperatures drop rapidly once the sun sets. Without proper preparation, you may feel very uncomfortable.
How do I get from town to the scenic area?
A shuttle bus is required to travel from the park entrance to the main viewing area, taking approximately 40 minutes one-way with one transfer. During sunset hours, buses are crowded; arriving an hour late may mean missing a good spot.
We arrived at the scenic area two hours early, strolling along the grassland first before heading to the observation deck. Since most visitors and vehicles converge during that final hour before sunset, arriving early helps you avoid the crowds and traffic jams.
II. How to capture the time around sunset
Summer sunsets typically occur around 9 PM, while winter sunsets happen much earlier; exact times vary daily, so check the sunset time before you depart. The river reflects best during the 40 minutes before sunset. Don't leave immediately after the sun dips behind the mountains—the sky remains lit for a while.
- Enter the scenic area 2 hours before sunset.
- The best time for river reflection is 40 minutes before sunset.
- Sky still bright after sunset; wait 20 more minutes.
- Trains to return are concentrated; inquire about the last departure time in advance.
How cold is it on the mountain?
The wind sweeps across the open grasslands with no shelter. You'll need a hardshell jacket even in summer, and add a down layer when entering scenic areas in autumn. Bring a hat and gloves—they come in handy during that final hour before sunset, when standing still gets increasingly cold.
III. How to reserve a spot at the viewing platform
The main viewing platforms overlook the same river, with minimal elevation differences. When it's crowded, store your tripod against the railing for better stability. To capture different angles, walk down a few steps to a less crowded spot, though climbing back up can be tiring.
4. Accommodation and Connectivity to Duku Highway
Accommodation in Bayinbuluke Town mainly consists of hotels and homestays. During peak season, availability is limited, so we recommend booking in advance. After watching the sunset, it takes about an hour to return to town for dinner. Since you'll be eating late, consider packing some snacks to tide you over.
Please confirm the opening and closing schedules for Duku Highway in advance; refer to the following details.Duku Highway Opening HoursThis one.BayinbulukeOftenNalatiOver the two days along the Duku Highway, we stayed in a town in between. This tour was part of a small-group, no-shopping trip organized by Xinjiang National Travel with 2 to 6 participants. Accommodations and park entry times were arranged in advance. For inquiries, please call 18999127242.
5. What to do in the grasslands during the day
Most visitors come for sunset, but Bayinbuluke is equally worth exploring during the day. The grassland features wetlands and a lake where you can spot water birds in summer. Scenic viewing areas are located just a short walk from the shore.
Horseback riding is available along the roadside. Before mounting, agree on the route and duration with your guide, wear all safety gear, and avoid galloping on the grass. You can sample dairy products from local herders' homes, but don't eat too much while traveling.
Town dining and lodging
The town is dominated by hotels and homestays, with significant variation in room quality. Check availability of hot water and heating before booking. Dinner service typically starts after 9 PM; returning just after sunset allows you to catch it. Note that restaurant service may be slower than usual.
Return to your lodging early and get some rest. If you're heading toward Duku Highway the next day, start early. Gas stations along the route are far apart—fill up before leaving town. Drive safely: watch for curves and livestock on the road.
Bayinbuluke sits at an elevation of around 2,400 meters. As a high-altitude grassland, it has low air pressure and large daily temperature swings. When you get off the vehicle, walk slowly; avoid rushing or running right away. Before sleeping at night, leave a small crack in the window to prevent stuffiness, which can disrupt your sleep. Weather here changes quickly: it gets scorching hot during the day, but temperatures drop sharply once the sun sets. Dress according to morning and evening conditions, not just midday temperatures.
Shopping and refueling in town
There are few shops in town. Water and snacks are available, but prices are slightly higher than in the city. It's more cost-effective to stock up on essentials in the county seat or at your previous stop before departing. A gas station is located in town; all vehicles heading toward Duku will refuel here. Expect queues during evening hours—fill up in the morning or early afternoon instead. Mobile signal is spotty across the grasslands. Download offline maps for navigation ahead of time and agree on a meeting point with your fellow travelers beforehand.
