Ulungur Lake

Ulungur Lake is a lake in Xinjiang, China, situated in the region’s northern lowlands. It is a notable inland water body in that part of Xinjiang.

Shorelines offer open water and reed beds and the lake is used locally for fishing and small-scale shoreline recreation. The area can attract waterbirds seasonally and is visited for day trips from nearby towns.

The lake is a natural inland lake fed by local rivers and streams and has been used by local communities for fisheries and irrigation. Over time its shoreline and use have been shaped by local agricultural practices.

Geographically it sits in northern Xinjiang near the international border with Kazakhstan, within a broadly flat, steppe landscape.

• Location note: Located in northern Xinjiang close to the Kazakhstan border, the lake lies within a steppe and semi-arid landscape.

• Visit Ulungur (Urho) Lake around sunrise or late afternoon for the best light on the water and increased bird activity-these times also tend to be calmer winds for reflective photos.
• Approach the lake from Ulungur/Urho County by the main access roads and allow extra travel time; the area is remote and road conditions can add significant time to day trips.
• If you're interested in birdwatching, set aside time to explore the lake's reedbeds and shoreline viewpoints rather than just stopping at the main parking areas-many migratory and waterbird species are most visible from quieter stretches of shore.