Stand on the bank of the Kaidu River in the centre of Korla and you are looking at something no other city in Xinjiang can offer: a river running through the middle of town. In winter, the Swan River section of that waterway fills with swans and wild ducks, and the bridges and islands of the Swan River Scenic Area become the city's most rewarding walk.
Korla suits travellers breaking the long journey between Ürümqi and the southern Silk Road towns, and anyone interested in the older layers of the region's history. It is a working city with oil-field offices and pear orchards rather than a restored tourist town, so the pleasures here are riverside, desert-edge and archaeological.
This guide covers the sights named in the source material, ordered so that the strongest come first, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Korla
1. Swan River
The Swan River Scenic Area runs for 10 km through the southern urban area, linking the Peacock River and the Rhododendron River. Its framework is made up of 20 bridges, 10 islands and 12 docks, with cultural landscapes including Cen Shen sculptures and Ban Chao sculptures. In winter it draws hundreds of wild animals such as swans and wild ducks, and it holds the largest musical fountain in southern Xinjiang.
Come in the colder months if you want to see the birds; the sculptures and bridges are the draw at any time of year. It is the easiest sight in the city to reach, since it sits within the urban area rather than out in the desert.
2. Bosten Lake
Bosten Lake lies 57 km from Korla and is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in China. Swimming is possible.
A trip with Longxin Youth Hostel costs ¥600 for a 6-person van, and the price is negotiable. Going as a group keeps the cost per person down, so ask at the hostel about filling a van before you commit.
3. Iron Gate Pass
The Iron Gate Pass, also called Tiemen Pass, is about 7 km north of the city on the road leading to Karasahr. Because it was easily defended, it played an important part in protecting the ancient Silk Roads from raiding nomads from the north.
It pairs naturally with a journey onward to Karasahr, since it sits on that route rather than in the city itself.
4. Lop Nor Village
Lop Nor Village sits within the territory of Dunkuotan Township in Yuli County. Its terrain is mainly desert and Gobi with oases scattered among it, and the vegetation is desert plants such as saxaul and poplar. The main spots include the traditional villages of the Robu people, a desert adventure area with off-road vehicle surfing and sand sliding, an ecological reserve area where you can observe the desert ecosystem up close, and historical relic areas with ancient beacon towers and tombs.
This is a full excursion rather than a quick stop, so set aside the time for it and treat the desert sections as the main event.
5. Kaidu River
The Kaidu River, also known as the Konqi River or Kongque River, flows through the centre of Korla, a unique feature among cities in Xinjiang. The Chinese name "Kongque River" means "Peacock River", but it comes from a distorted transliteration of the Uyghur name "Konqi Darya", meaning "Tanner's River".
Walking the river is the simplest way to see the centre of the city, and it connects directly with the Swan River Scenic Area in the southern urban area.
6. Lotus Pond
Lotus Pond is named among the city's main attractions.
It is a city sight rather than an excursion, so it fits into a short stop rather than a half day.
7. Sun Island
Sun Island is named among the city's main attractions.
Like the other city sights, it is best combined with the riverside rather than treated as a separate trip.
8. Princess Peak
Princess Peak is named among the city's main attractions.
It is one of the city's sights rather than a desert excursion, so it can be slotted into a day already spent in Korla itself.
9. Yuzigan Old City
Yuzigan Old City is named among the city's main attractions.
It is one of several archaeological sites around Korla, so if you are working through them, group it with the other old-city sites rather than making separate journeys.
10. Tuowuqi Ancient City
Tuowuqi Ancient City is named among the city's main attractions.
It belongs with the other ancient-city sites in the area, and is best seen as part of a run through them.
11. Airlike Ancient City
Airlike Ancient City is named among the city's main attractions.
As with the other old cities, plan it alongside the neighbouring sites rather than on its own.
12. Ku'erchu Mound
Ku'erchu Mound is named among the city's main attractions.
It is one of the smaller archaeological sights, so combine it with the other sites you are already visiting.
13. Jiamai Mosque
Jiamai Mosque is named among the city's main attractions.
It is a city sight, so it fits into time spent in Korla itself rather than into a desert excursion.
14. Yeyungou Ruins
Yeyungou Ruins is named among the city's main attractions.
It is the last of the archaeological sites listed for the city, and is best grouped with the others rather than visited alone.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start in the centre of the city on the Kaidu River, then walk the Swan River Scenic Area in the southern urban area, taking in the bridges, islands and the Cen Shen and Ban Chao sculptures. In winter, this is when you are most likely to see the swans and wild ducks.
Afternoon: Head about 7 km north of the city to the Iron Gate Pass, the defended pass that once protected the Silk Roads. If you have time left, work through the city's other sights — Lotus Pond, Sun Island, Princess Peak, Jiamai Mosque and the old-city and ruins sites at Yuzigan, Tuowuqi, Airlike, Ku'erchu and Yeyungou.
Evening: Return to the Swan River Scenic Area for the musical fountain, the largest in southern Xinjiang.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see the swans in Korla?
Every winter, the Swan River Scenic Area attracts hundreds of wild animals such as swans and wild ducks. The colder months are the season for them.
Can I swim near Korla?
Yes. Bosten Lake, 57 km from Korla, is one of the biggest freshwater lakes in China and swimming there is possible.
How do I get to Bosten Lake without my own vehicle?
A trip with Longxin Youth Hostel costs ¥600 for a 6-person van, and the price can be negotiated. Sharing the van with other travellers brings the cost per person down.
What is the Kaidu River called in Chinese, and why?
The Kaidu River is also known as the Konqi River or Kongque River. The Chinese name "Kongque River" literally means "Peacock River", but it actually comes from a distorted transliteration of the Uyghur name "Konqi Darya", which means "Tanner's River".
Decide whether you are coming for the winter swans or the desert edge of Lop Nor Village, and start building your Korla itinerary around that.