Discover Bortala: River Landscapes, Culture and Cycling Routes

River landscapes, cycling routes and vibrant culture offer several possible ways to shape a trip to Bortala. In the centre of Bole is the Bortala River Tourism Area: rated by the state as a 4A scenic area, it connects the northern old town with the southern new town. Three scenic belts are linked by three rivers and nine bridges—a distinctive starting point for exploring the different landscape areas.

Riverside, Lake and Cycling Routes

Along the Bo River is a green riverside area devoted to ecology and recreation, with five functional zones. The ecological cultural corridor along the Bo River also has a 38-kilometre cycling route. Another specific route lies within Bole’s administrative area: the Wanmuda Begonia Garden has a 10.8-kilometre cycling route. These figures refer to different places and routes; visitors who want to include cycling in their trip planning can take the respective route lengths into account when choosing excursions.

Water also shapes the surroundings in different ways. Kaiping Lake is artificial, formed from a natural depression in the terrain. The scenic belt along the Kaiping River features a large water show, adding to the area’s nighttime tourism offerings. Sayram Lake is also within Bole’s administrative area, on the northern Silk Road route; a wooden boardwalk runs along its shore. These places offer different options for travellers who want to include lake and river landscapes in their explorations.

Culture and History in Bole and the Surrounding Area

Training sessions and performances relating to intangible cultural heritage are regularly held in Bole. The programme includes the Jangar epic, Mongolian proverbs, the Sawurden dance, playing the tobshuur, paper-cutting and hand weaving. The range therefore extends from oral traditions and music to dance and crafts. Markets and presentations showcasing intangible cultural heritage, together with folk talent competitions, have attracted more than 5,000 spectators in total. Another cultural highlight is the immersive music and dance theatre performance “梦回孛罗”, which was first staged in Bole as an opening ceremony. Public cultural facilities within Bole’s administrative area are free to enter. A mobile library serves eleven townships, subdistricts and urban commercial areas there, and holds an average of more than 40 mobile reading events each year.

A historical excursion leads to the ruins of Dallet, also known as Dallet Pochengzi. They are located 37 kilometres southeast of Bole, on the northern edge of Pochengzi village. Historically, the site was on the middle section of the northern Silk Road route during the Tang dynasty. Schools from Bole regularly visit the ruins on sightseeing and educational trips. In the wider region, a digital VR exhibition at the ruins’ protection and administration office reconstructs the ancient city in 3D; visitors can experience historic Bolo there with explanatory commentary.

More Experiences and Travel Choices

For those looking to include ice sports alongside culture and scenery, Qinghe Ice Rink offers another area of interest. It has been operating for more than 20 years and has been equipped with new facilities for ice sports and recreation over the past two years. For a taste of local food, the night market on Beijing Road offers meals and snacks; there is also a bookshop and a milk tea shop.

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home in Bortala, it may help to decide first what you want to focus on: cycling routes and river landscapes, culture in Bole, the history of Dallet or other experiences. The routes, scenic areas and cultural offerings mentioned are located in different places.

More Destinations

Also discover Aksu, Changji, Bayingol, Kashgar, Hotan, Tacheng, Hami and Ili.

For the broader travel overview: Xinjiang.