Bulin Spring Scenic Area

Bulin Spring Scenic Area lies 11km north of Bayan Hushu Town, Ulagai Management District, Xilingol Grassland. It has Bulin Spring—a high-quality mineral spring that stays 4°C all year and flows about 4,000 cubic meters daily. A legend says Temujin once drank from it. The scenic area also has Bulin Temple ruins, first built in 1672. Besides, Wolf Totem's film setting is here, letting visitors feel the grassland towns' style in the 1960s-1970s. Here, you can enjoy grassland views, try Mongolian culture, and have a unique, nice time.

Highlights of Bulin Spring Scenic Area

Bulin Holy Spring

In Mongolian, "Bulin Spring" means "hot spring," and it is undoubtedly the core attraction of the scenic area. There are 8 spring outlets, each about 50 cm deep, with a daily flow of up to 4,000 cubic meters and an annual flow of 55,000 tons. The spring flows all year round and never dries up. The spring water stays at a stable temperature above 4°C all year, clear and sweet. Professional tests confirm it is high-quality, pollution-free natural mineral water, rich in minerals good for health. Legend has it that in 1170, Yesugei, Genghis Khan's father, took the 9-year-old Temujin to his mother's home for a marriage arrangement. When suffering from extreme heat, Temujin accidentally found this spring. After drinking the water, the father and son felt refreshed. Yesugei also predicted Temujin would find a good spouse, and this later came true. Today, visitors here can not only see the clear spring gurgling, but also hang prayer cards to place their good wishes and embrace the luck and blessings from the holy spring.

Wolf Totem Film Base

Located 2 kilometers southeast of the scenic area, the Wolf Totem Film Base served as the ranch headquarters where Chen Zhen (the lead character of the movie Wolf Totem) worked as an educated youth. It authentically recreates the style of a 1960s Mongolian grassland town. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time to that era: the supply and marketing cooperative displays old items with traces of years gone by; the post office seems to still carry thoughts from far away; buildings like clinics, purchase stations, and restaurants line up in order, each filled with the daily life vibe of that specific time. Here, visitors can learn about the life of educated youth back then and feel the lively atmosphere of the grassland town as a trade hub. You can also join film-themed activities—like putting on vintage costumes for photos or taking part in small stage plays—for an immersive experience of the unique charm from the blend of film culture and grassland culture, creating unforgettable memories.

Bulin Temple

Bulin Temple has a long history, first built in 1672 AD, and was also called "Baifo Temple" in the past. Initially, Sewang from the Left Banner of Ujumchin returned after studying Buddhist scriptures at Xizhao Monastery and set up a worship site near Dengkuer (now Bayan Hushu Town) to hold rituals. After Sewang's death, a Living Buddha took charge of the ceremonies. In 1790, the temple was granted a golden plaque inscribed with "Baifo Temple" by the Qing court. At that time, it was bustling with incense and had many monks, with the number reaching over 170 at its peak. Regrettably, the temple was destroyed by bombing during World War II in 1945. In 2010, Ulagai Ranch restored and renovated it following the principle of "minimum intervention, restoring the original appearance". Today, the Main Buddha Hall, Bell and Drum Towers, White Pagoda and the courtyard have been rebuilt. The main Buddha enshrined in the temple is Sakyamuni, and many Buddhist classics are preserved here. When visitors enter Bulin Temple, they can glimpse the profound connotation of Mongolian religious culture from the ancient buildings and precious classics, and feel the solemnity and sanctity accumulated over the years.

Educational Value

The legend about Bulin Holy Spring isn't just a story. In 1170, Yesugei (Genghis Khan's father) and Temujin (Genghis Khan) found the spring while going to arrange Temujin's marriage, and it shows 12th-century Mongolian tribes' social activities like migration and intermarriage. Bulin Temple's rise and fall also link key historical moments. Built in the Kangxi era, it reached its peak when the Qianlong Emperor gave it a golden "Baifo Temple" plaque. Later, it was destroyed in World War II and restored to its original form in the 21st century. This not only tells the religious site's fate but also reflects social changes from the Qing Dynasty to now, letting visitors feel history's depth through the building's "past and present".

Activities to do at Bulin Spring Scenic Area

Special Project Experience Bulin Spring Scenic Area has grass sliding, archery and horse riding. When sliding, visitors slide down high slopes quickly, with wind and excitement. They can try archery in a special area—pulling bowstrings, aiming, feeling Mongolian hunting skills and practicing focus. Guided by pro trainers, they ride horses on the grassland, enjoying views and the horseback nation's boldness, and trying Mongolian traditional travel.

Low-Altitude Flight Experience Fixed-wing aircraft, autogyros and other aircraft are available. Multiple premium routes are offered, passing by attractions like Wolf Totem film base, Bulin Holy Spring and Bulin Temple, allowing visitors to overlook these sights and feel the grassland's unique charm. The in-air time is 5-10 minutes (subject to weather), with the whole experience taking about 40 minutes. The fee covers one-on-one instructor-led flight, mountain transport, full-process video recording and professional gliding insurance.