The Ultimate Guide to the "Blue Tears" on Earth

Here comes the 7-day itinerary for exploring Sayram Lake this summer vacation💙! Known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," the lake's water is as blue as sapphire✨. This ultra-detailed guide will help you make the most of your Sayram Lake adventure~

🚗 Itinerary:
𝐷𝑎𝑦1: Ürümqi ➠ Anjihai Grand Canyon⛰️ (China's version of the "Grand Canyon," marvel at nature's craftsmanship) ➠ Dushanzi Grand Canyon (breathtaking sunset views!) ➠ Overnight in Kuytun

𝐷𝑎𝑦2: Kuytun ➠ Sayram Lake🌀 (enter from the East Gate, recommended to circle the lake clockwise) ➠ Dianjiangtai Ruins (Genghis Khan's military inspection site) ➠ Sunflower fields near Ertai🌻 (best viewing in July) ➠ Stay at Sayram Lake RV Camp

𝐷𝑎𝑦3: Sayram Lake sunrise🌅 (don't miss the swan lake sunrise!) ➠ Guozigou Golden Summit (instagrammable cliff photo spot) ➠ Khorgos Port (shopping spree💰) ➠ Yining Kazanqi (colorful town📸) ➠ Overnight in Yining

𝐷𝑎𝑦4: Yining ➠ Turgun Apricot Valley (lush green grasslands in summer) ➠ Nalati Grassland (horse riding on the most beautiful "sky grassland"🐎) ➠ Overnight in Nalati Town

𝐷𝑎𝑦5: Nalati ➠ Bayinbuluke Nine-Bend Eighteen-Turn (stunning sunset🌄) ➠ Swan Lake Nature Reserve (feed swans up close🦢) ➠ Overnight in Bayinbuluke

𝐷𝑎𝑦6: Bayinbuluke ➠ Duku Highway (the most beautiful road open only 4 months a year🛣️) ➠ Usu Grand Canyon (awe-inspiring aerial views!) ➠ Overnight in Jinghe County

𝐷𝑎𝑦7: Jinghe ➠ Ürümqi International Grand Bazaar (bargain for souvenirs) ➠ Return home

🔔 Travel Tips:
1. Large temperature differences at Sayram Lake—bring a jacket even in July! (A hoodie is enough, no need for down jacket)
2. Book RV campsites 1 month in advance, especially during peak summer season🔥
3. Few and expensive restaurants in scenic areas—bring snacks and water
4. Sun protection essentials: sunglasses🕶️ + hat🧢 + sunscreen (strong UV rays)
5. Drone flying requires registration, some areas have restrictions✈️
6. Best swan feeding time: 9-11 AM

🍴 Food Recommendations:
✔️ Sayram Lake whitefish (local specialty, super tender)
✔️ Baked buns (Yining's baked buns are the best)
✔️ Yogurt rice dumplings (local dessert)
✔️ Big plate chicken (Kuytun's Jinke Big Plate Chicken is delicious)

🏡 Accommodation Tips:
Must stay overnight at Sayram Lake‼️ The starry sky🌌 and sunrise are unforgettable~
Choose RV camps if budget allows, or stay in yurts at the scenic area entrance for savings