The summer June season at Sayram Lake has returned, and I sincerely recommend visiting during the off-season in July-August!!!

Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," is like a sapphire embedded in the northwest land. The clear lake water reflects the snow-capped mountains, blue sky, and grasslands, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. To have a perfect trip here, a carefully planned guide is essential.

Classic Recommended Itineraries

Short 2-Day Essence Tour

Day 1: Arrive at Sayram Lake, check into a lakeside guesthouse and rest. In the afternoon, take a walk along the lakeside trail, feel the tranquility of the water, and wait for sunset to see the evening glow dye the lake surface with dreamy colors.
Day 2: Wake up early to watch the sunrise, then start a lake circuit tour, visiting various unique spots. Depart in the afternoon to return or head to the next destination.

In-Depth 4-Day Exploration Tour

Day 1: Departure point - Urumqi, adapt to the environment and taste local cuisine.
Day 2: Urumqi - Sayram Lake, afternoon lake tour to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery.
Day 3: Re-enter Sayram Lake for an in-depth visit to unvisited spots, then head to the lavender fields. Arrive in Yining by evening and stroll along Liuxing Street to experience exotic vibes.
Day 4: Yining - Guozigou Bridge - Huocheng, admire the perfect blend of bridge architecture and natural scenery, learn about local folk culture, then return.

Best Time to Visit and Arrangements

The sunrise and sunset at Sayram Lake are absolutely unmissable moments:

- Summer: It is recommended to arrive before 7 AM to wait for the first ray of sunlight to leap over the lake; watch the sunset after 7 PM when the afterglow turns the snow mountains and lake golden.
- Winter: You can wait for sunrise around 9:30 AM to feel the tranquility of the frozen lake; enjoy the sunset before 5 PM, where blue ice and evening glow weave a fairy-tale scene.
If time allows, it is recommended to spend two days: focus on sunset viewing on the first day, then wake early on the second day to watch the sunrise and explore deeply, leaving no regrets.

Transportation Guide

Self-driving

Navigate directly to Sayram Lake Scenic Area, with picturesque scenery along the way, like being in a natural gallery. The self-driving ticket in the scenic area is 143 RMB per vehicle (24 hours), allowing you to park anytime for photos and control your itinerary freely.

Public Transport

1. High-speed train + bus: Take the high-speed train to Bole Station (ticket about 122 RMB), then transfer to a bus to Sayram Lake (ticket 30 RMB), suitable for solo travelers.
2. Car rental/carpool: Contact local drivers in advance, who can provide pick-up and drop-off services at Bole Station, accompany you around the lake, and return you to the city, convenient and worry-free.

Tickets and Ways to Tour

- Self-driving/carpool: Adult tickets are 145 RMB per person, must be purchased in advance through official channels, and exchange for paper tickets at the visitor center before entering. Do not navigate directly to the East Gate to avoid entry issues.
- Non-self-driving: You can choose the scenic area shuttle bus, which stops at various attractions along the way, suitable for a relaxed tour. Specific ticket prices are subject to scenic area announcements.

Must-Visit Attractions

1. Moon Bay
The distant snow mountains stand tall, the lake surface mirrors the sky and mountains, and the grassy shore extends like a green carpet. It is recommended to shoot from a low angle to capture the crescent shape outlined by the shoreline; using a drone for an aerial view better showcases its grandeur.
2. Kele Yongzhu
This is one of the water sources of Sayram Lake, where clear spring water gushes from rock crevices, forming a unique stream landscape. Wildflowers dot the shore, and the lake water and snow mountains complement each other, perfect for fresh and natural portrait photography.
3. West Sea Grassland
The vast grassland connects with the blue lake, with cattle and sheep leisurely wandering. In spring and summer, wildflowers cover the hills like a fairy tale; in autumn and winter, golden and snowy white intertwine, showing a different kind of desolate beauty.
4. Waterside Beach
This is a habitat for swans, where you can watch swans playing in the water up close and interact with them for photos. Meanwhile, the road at Waterside Beach, along with the lake and snow mountains, forms an excellent background. Shooting road scenes in the soft morning light creates a full atmosphere.
5. Pine Tree Head Viewing Platform
Located on the east side of Sayram Lake, it is an excellent spot for panoramic views. Standing here, you can see the lake and mountains in full view, with the Guozigou Bridge spanning the valley in the distance, forming a magnificent landscape combination with Sayram Lake.

Food and Accommodation Recommendations

Specialty Food

- Kazakh-style cuisine: Taste authentic hand-pulled meat and roasted lamb, tender and juicy, paired with local naan bread for full flavor.
- Lake fresh dishes: Although fishing is prohibited in Sayram Lake, nearby restaurants offer fresh cold-water fish such as high white salmon, delicious steamed or braised.
- Xinjiang specialty snacks: Classic foods like baked buns, big plate chicken, and yogurt zongzi are also not to be missed, available in Yining or nearby scenic area restaurants.

Accommodation Suggestions

- Lakeside guesthouses: Recommended to stay in characteristic guesthouses around Sayram Lake, where you can see the lake view right from the window. The scenery in the morning and evening is especially charming, but booking in advance is necessary.
- Yining city center: If you want to experience richer nightlife, you can choose to stay in Yining, which has convenient transportation and diverse accommodation options.

Travel Tips

1. The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large, so bring a thick jacket whenever you go. Windproof clothing is also recommended in summer.
2. UV rays are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures, including sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
3. Protect the ecological environment by not littering or damaging plants.
4. When driving, control your speed as some road sections have many curves; when hiking, choose suitable shoes and avoid dangerous areas.

Bring this guide and step into the stunning picture of Sayram Lake to feel the poetry and romance bestowed by nature!