You haven't truly lived until you visit Sayram Lake!

Here's a travel guide to Sayram Lake:

Best Time to Visit🕐

① June-August: Wildflowers bloom against the backdrop of azure waters and snow-capped mountains, perfect for photography and flower viewing.

② September-October: Surrounding mountains turn golden and fiery red with cool weather, ideal for hiking and road trips.

③ December-February: The frozen lake forms spectacular blue ice landscapes, and if lucky, you might see mesmerizing ice bubbles.

Transportation Guide✈️🚈🚙

① By Air: Fly to Bole Alashankou Airport or Yining Airport. From Bole Airport, it's about 40 minutes by taxi/shared ride to the scenic area. From Yining Airport, take a 2-hour tourist shuttle directly to the East Gate, or a 2.5-hour shared ride.

② By Train: High-speed rail from Urumqi to Bole takes about 3.5 hours, then a 1-hour shared ride to the scenic area.

③ By Car: About 5 hours from Urumqi via Lianhuo Expressway, or 2.5 hours from Yining via Provincial Highway S313. Self-driving is allowed in the scenic area but requires advance booking.

Accommodation Options🏯

① Inside the Scenic Area: Various options including yurts and hotels like Sayram Lake Stargazing Camp and Yuntu Hotel, offering great lake and starry views. Book early during peak season.

② Outside the Scenic Area: More affordable options in Qingshuihe Town, Bole City, and Jinghe County.

Itinerary Suggestions

③ One-Day Lake Circuit: Enter via East Gate, visit Qinshui Beach, Kelleyongzhu, Santai Grassland, Songshutou, West Sea Grassland, and Dianjiangtai.

④ Two-Day In-Depth Tour: Day 1 - Rent bikes for a lakeside ride, visit the film city in the afternoon, stay overnight in a yurt or hotel. Day 2 - Sunrise viewing, explore Haixi Grassland, exit via South Gate in the afternoon.

Must-Visit Spots🌹

① Moon Bay: A crescent-shaped bay with gem-like blue waters. Enjoy sailing and karting in summer, or capture sunset on ice in winter.

② Kelleyongzhu: Crystal-clear springs bubble up like pearls, the only unfrozen spot in winter and a gathering place for swans.

③ West Sea Grassland: Vast lakeside meadows where you can horseback ride and feel the freedom of the grasslands.

④ Songshutou: Perfect spot to frame the lake with Guozigou Bridge. Hike 2km to the summit for panoramic views.

Unique Experiences👍🏻

① Lakeside Cycling: Rent bikes and ride along the lake, enjoying the breeze and scenery.

② Boat Tours: Cruise to the lake's center for different perspectives of its azure waters and tranquility.

③ Stargazing: With minimal light pollution, Sayram Lake offers brilliant night skies for photographing the Milky Way and star trails.

Food Recommendations🍚🍚🍚👍🏻

① Sayram Lake High-White Salmon: A local specialty, delicious steamed, grilled, or in dumplings.

② Kazakh Cuisine: Try wind-dried meat naren, lamb skewers, pilaf, and milk tea.