Dali Lake (达里湖, Dalinuoer) is a large alkaline lake within the Hexigten Geopark, surrounded by steppe grassland at an altitude of about 1,226 metres. It is not to be confused with the more famous Dali in Yunnan — this lake has its own character: glassy water reflecting an enormous sky, reed-fringed shores, and the distant silhouette of volcanic hills. The Hexigten Mongolian name means "ocean of the grassland," and the scale of the landscape does justice to that description.
The lake is a significant birdwatching site, particularly during spring and autumn migration when whooper swans, bar-headed geese, and various crane species pass through. In summer, resident breeding birds include ruddy shelduck, Eurasian oystercatcher, and multiple gull species. Boat trips are available from the shore in summer. The lake also supports a commercial carp fishery, and fresh fish from Dali is a regional specialty served at guesthouses near the shore. The best time to visit is late summer, when water levels are highest and birdlife is most varied.