Baisha Lake

Baisha Lake is located in the 185th Regiment's 3rd Company on the northwest side of Habahe County (in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, a regiment and company refer to specific areas, with a company being roughly equivalent to a village). It is about 70 kilometers from Habahe County and 160 kilometers from Buerjin County. Surrounded by desert, Baisha Lake is a tranquil oasis with lush trees along its shores and shimmering waters, creating a striking contrast. Autumn is the peak season for visiting Baisha Lake, with vibrant red and yellow foliage perfect for photography. Summer is also a good time to visit, as you can see rare lotus flowers in the lake. However, it is very cold in winter and early spring, with the lake frozen over, making it unsuitable for visits.

The entrance to Baisha Lake Scenic Area is located along the Z840 road, about 2 kilometers from the lake. Visitors can walk or take a round-trip electric shuttle for 10 RMB (the shuttle runs continuously, and you can take any available one for the return trip). Once at the lake, you can stroll along the wooden boardwalk, which is about 1 kilometer long, offering scenic views of the lake and its surroundings. The boardwalk ends at a viewing platform with a broad view of the lake and a sand dune reflected in the water, making it an ideal spot for photography.

On the way back to the entrance, it is recommended to walk, as there is a sand dune with a pavilion at the top, offering panoramic views of the nearby Kazakhstani landscape. The pavilion is about a 15-minute walk from the road. Near the entrance, there is also a small birch forest, perfect for a leisurely walk and photos.

Visiting Baisha Lake typically takes about 3 hours. After the tour, visitors usually dine near the scenic area. Opposite the entrance is the 3rd Company of the 185th Regiment, where residents, originally from inland China, grow vegetables and run small restaurants. The authentic, mildly flavored Han Chinese farmhouse dishes offer a welcome change from the heavily spiced local cuisine, and the meals are affordable and delicious. In summer and autumn, you can even pick fresh vegetables directly from the garden.