Ulungur Lake Xinjiang: The ‘Sea’ Farthest from the Ocean – Complete Travel Guide 2026

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Ulungur Lake Xinjiang: The “Sea” Farthest from the Ocean

Updated: June 2026 | By the Xinjiang Solo Travel team

Deep in the heart of the Dzungarian Basin, roughly 500 kilometers north of Urumqi, lies a body of water so vast and unexpected that first-time visitors often stop in their tracks. Ulungur Lake (also known as Barentsohai or Fuhai Lake) is the second-largest lake in Xinjiang and one of China’s ten major inland lakes. Yet what makes it truly special is not its size alone — it is the way this enormous lake, sitting thousands of kilometers from any real ocean, creates a genuine “seaside” experience on the edge of the Gobi Desert.

Local travelers call it “the sea farthest from the ocean.” Standing on the silver sand beach at Golden Coast, with the vast water stretching to the horizon and a salty breeze on your face, you can almost believe you are on a Mediterranean shore — until you look up and see the Altai Mountains in the distance, and remember that you are in the middle of Asia, closer to the Arctic Ocean than to the Pacific, yet not near either one.

Where Is Ulungur Lake?

<a href=Ulungur Lake Xinjiang vast water landscape”>

Ulungur Lake is located in Fuhai County, Altay Prefecture, in the northern part of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The lake sits at an elevation of about 480 meters and consists of two connected bodies of water: the larger Barentsohai (the “big sea”) which is saline, and the smaller Jili Lake (the “small sea”) which is freshwater. Together they cover an area of approximately 1,035 square kilometers, making Ulungur the undisputed “sea of the north” in Xinjiang.

The lake has been an important stop on the bird migration route between Siberia and South Asia for thousands of years. More than 270 species of birds have been recorded here, including 10 species under first-class national protection and 44 under second-class protection. For birdwatchers, Ulungur is one of the best-kept secrets in northwest China.

Why Visit Ulungur Lake in 2026

The biggest reason to visit Ulungur Lake is the opening of the S21 Altay–Urumqi Desert Expressway, which slashed the driving time from Urumqi to Fuhai County to about 4–5 hours. What used to be a long, fatiguing journey is now a smooth highway adventure across the desert. This single infrastructure upgrade has transformed Ulungur from a remote local getaway into a realistic stop on any Northern Xinjiang road trip.

The second reason is the lake itself. Ulungur offers something almost no other destination in landlocked Xinjiang can: a proper beach experience. The Golden Coast scenic area, on the northeastern shore of Barentsohai, features more than ten kilometers of silver sand beach and a natural shallow-water zone extending nearly 100 meters from the shore. In summer (June to August), the water temperature stays around 20°C — warm enough for swimming, cool enough to be refreshing.

The Golden Coast: Xinjiang’s Only Seaside Resort

Golden Coast (黄金海岸) is the main developed area on Ulungur Lake and the place where the “seaside” feeling is strongest. The scenic area is rated AAAA (4A) and has been actively working toward AAAAA (5A) status. Facilities include:

  • Silver Sand Beach: A stretch of pale, fine sand imported and supplemented over years to create a genuine beach experience. You can swim, build sandcastles, or just lie in the sun.
  • Water Sports: Jet skis, sailing boats, speedboats, and a “sea parachute” (towed parasailing) are available in summer.
  • Fish Feast Restaurants: Ulungur is Xinjiang’s second-largest fishery base, producing more than 20 species of cold-water fish. The local “whole fish banquet” (全鱼宴) is a highlight of any visit.
  • Lakeside Camping: In recent years, camping and RV parking have been added, making it possible to stay overnight by the water.

Golden Coast beach <a href=Ulungur Lake Xinjiang“>

Bird Island: A Paradise for Birdwatchers

Jili Lake (the “small sea,” freshwater) contains Bird Island, a protected area where seagulls, swans, wild ducks, and egrets gather in large numbers. The best time for birdwatching is late April through May (spring migration) and September through October (autumn migration). Even if you are not a dedicated birder, seeing thousands of birds take of at once from a small island in the middle of a vast lake is an unforgettable sight.

Boat trips to Bird Island can be arranged at the Golden Coast dock. A typical trip on a 60-seat sightseeing boat costs about 96 RMB per person; faster 10-seat boats to Bird Island cost about 158 RMB per person (prices may vary by season).

Sea Devil City: The Yadan Formation on the Water

On the eastern shore of Jili Lake lies a rare sight: a Yadan (wind-eroded) landscape rising directly from the water’s edge. Locally called “Sea Devil City” (海上魔鬼城), this formation of wind-sculpted rocks stretches for several kilometers along the coast. At sunset, when the rock formations glow red and orange against the dark water, it is one of the most photogenic spots in all of northern Xinjiang.

Sea Devil City is a separate ticketed area from Golden Coast, but the two can easily be combined in a single day. Many visitors choose to visit Golden Coast in the morning and afternoon (beach time), and catch the sunset at Sea Devil City.

The Cold-Water Fish Feast: What to Eat

Ulungur’s fish are legendary in Xinjiang. The lake produces more than 20 species, including pike (狗鱼), perch (鲈鱼), crucian carp (鲫鱼), and several species unique to cold-water environments. The “whole fish banquet” (全鱼宴) typically includes:

  • Griled whole fish (烤全鱼)
  • Fish soup with naan (鱼汤泡馕)
  • Cold fish salad (凉拌鱼丝)
  • Deep-fried small fish (油炸小鱼)

Vegetarians are not left out — the Fuhai area also produces excellent melons and tomatoes in summer, and the local Kazakh dairy products (like kurt and shubat) are widely available.

Winter at Ulungur: The Ice Fishing Festival

Ulungur Lake winter ice fishing festival Xinjiang

Most travelers visit Ulungur in summer, but winter is when the lake reveals a completely different personality. Every January or February, the Ulungur Lake Winter Fishing Culture Tourism Festival (乌伦古湖冬捕文化旅游节) takes place on the frozen lake. Activities include:

  • Ice Fishing Demonstration: Local fishermen drill holes through 50–80 cm of ice and pull up fish in traditional nets. It is an spectacular sight when hundreds of fish come up through a single hole.
  • Winter Swimming Challenge: Brave souls from across China gather to swim in the icy lake through a cut hole in the ice.
  • Horse-drawn Sleighs: A traditional way to travel across the frozen lake surface.
  • Fireworks and Bonfire: Evening entertainment on the ice.

If you are planning a winter trip to Xinjiang and want something truly unique, the winter festival at Ulungur is hard to beat.

Practical Information

Ticket Prices (Golden Coast):
Adult: 35 RMB
Student (ages 7–18): 19 RMB
Senior (ages 60–64): 19 RMB
Free: Children under 1.2m, seniors 65+, military, disabled (ID required)

Best Season:
June–August: Best for swimming and water sports. Daytime temperatures are warm; water temperature reaches 20°C.
September–October: Best for birdwatching and photography. The lake is calm; migratory birds are passing through.
December–February: Winter festival season. Extremely cold (–20°C to –30°C); dress accordingly.

How to Get There:
1. By car (recommended): From Urumqi, take the S21 Desert Expressway north toward Altay. Exit at Fuhai and follow signs to Golden Coast (about 22 km from Fuhai county seat). Total time: 4–5 hours.
2. By bus: Buses run from Urumqi to Fuhai County. From Fuhai, take a taxi to Golden Coast (about 30 minutes, 50–80 RMB).
3. By air + car: Fly to Altay Airport, then drive south to Fuhai (about 1 hour).

Where to Stay:
Golden Coast has hotels and yurts directly on the beach. Fuhai County (22 km away) has more options at lower prices. For a real experience, consider staying in a Kazakh yurt by the lake — many local families ofer this in summer.

Combine with Other Northern Xinjiang Destinations

Ulungur Lake sits almost exactly halfway between Urumqi and Altay, which makes it an ideal stop on a Northern Xinjiang road trip. A classic 7–10 day loop could include:

This route gives you the best of northern Xinjiang: Desert Highway, lake beaches, alpine forests, and Kazakh culture — all in a single trip.

Travel Tips and Warnings

  • Sun protection: The sun at Ulungur is intense, and the reflection of from the water doubles the exposure. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • Wind: Afternoon winds on the lake can be strong. Secure loose items and be cautious on the water.
  • Mosquitos: In summer, especially near Jili Lake and Bird Island, mosquitoes can be aggressive. Bring repellent.
  • Cash: Some vendors at Golden Coast do not accept cards or mobile pay. Bring some cash.
  • Altitude: At 480m, altitude sickness is not a concern. However, if you are continuing to Altay or Kanas (altitudes 1,000–1,500m), acclimatize gradually.

Final Thoughts

Ulungur Lake will not give you the alpine drama of Sayram Lake, nor the sacred stillness of Heavenly Lake. What it ofers is something rarer: a place where the desert, the steppe, and a vast inland “sea” meet — and where, for a moment, you can pretend you are at the beach, even though the nearest ocean is thousands of kilometers away.

If your Xinjiang itinerary has room for one more stop, make it Ulungur. Swim in the “sea farthest from the ocean,” eat fish pulled from the water that morning, and watch the sunset turn the “Devil City” rocks the color of fire. It is a memory you will not easily forget.

This guide was updated in June 2026. Prices and schedules are subject to change — please verify with oficial sources before traveling. The author visited Ulungur Lake independently and received no compensation for this review.

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