Sayram Lake | Clockwise Lake Tour | Comprehensive Guide

【Time Stamp】Opening Hours: 08:00-21:00. Self-driving tickets are valid for 24 hours and entry is via QR code. The full lake tour is approximately 92 kilometers, with a speed limit of 50 km/h in the scenic area. A map is included for reference.

1️⃣ Lake Tour Direction 🔃
Make sure to tour the lake clockwise! Enter through the New East Gate Visitor Center and turn left at the fork. Most scenic buses and tour groups take the counterclockwise route (entering from the East Gate and exiting from the South Gate). By going clockwise, you’ll drive closer to the lake, allowing you to enjoy the scenery through the car window. Parking spots are also on the right side, making it convenient to stop anytime. When we entered the park in the evening, the East Gate was heavily congested, taking an hour just to cover a few hundred meters. During peak season, it’s best to enter as soon as the gates open! Clockwise, only the area near Pine Tree Head gets crowded, whereas the counterclockwise route has multiple traffic jams. We were truly glad we chose the right direction.

2️⃣ Parking Options 🅿️
The area near the East Gate is far from the lake, so don’t rush to park! Drive at least to "Three Small Islands" before stopping for photos. It’s just a short walk to the water, and most portrait shots are taken here—time-saving and picturesque.

3️⃣ Photography Tips 📸
The blue of Sayram Lake changes with the angle. Distant shots highlight the blue hues better than close-ups. The best photography spot is around Pine Tree Head. Standing farther away allows you to capture the most stunning lake blues. Climbing up Pine Tree Head for an overhead view is absolutely worth the effort.

4️⃣ Scenic Area Accommodation 🏕️
For accommodation, consider staying near the East Gate Visitor Service Center, which offers a variety of options for different budgets. We stayed at the Point General’s Tent Camping Ground this time. Although the food was pricey (we recommend bringing your own snacks) and the bathrooms were shared, the experience was truly unique! Summer nights are around ten degrees Celsius, and the tents are equipped with electric blankets for a warm and cozy sleep. Sitting outside the tent, you can enjoy the sunset, and at night, the fairy lights illuminate the tents, creating a romantic atmosphere. On clear nights, you can stargaze, and in the morning, climb Point General’s Tent to watch the sunrise—experiences you can’t have if staying outside the scenic area.

5️⃣ Personal Favorite Spots ❤️
・Three Small Islands: A beginner-friendly spot close to the water, perfect for a first taste of the lake’s beauty.
・Pine Tree Head: A must-stop! The most beautiful and also the most crowded spot, ideal for capturing the lake’s blue hues.
・Kele Yongzhu: Home to swans (at least two, reportedly).
・West Sea Grassland: During the right season, fields of wildflowers create a colorful carpet.
・Point General’s Tent: Offers dining and camping areas, great for a mid-journey break.
・Second Half Waterfront: Although popular, I found it less impressive than the first half.

Standing on the shores of Sayram Lake, I finally understood what it means to be "eternally captivated at first sight." The distant snow-capped mountains stand like silent giants, guarding this blue sanctuary. The lake water is crystal clear, reflecting the sky, with a blue so pure and profound it seems to hold all the tenderness of the universe within its shimmering waves.

A gentle breeze ripples across the lake, bringing a refreshing coolness. Wildflowers bloom freely along the shore, their red, yellow, and purple hues resembling a spilled palette, perfectly complementing the azure waters. As you stroll along the lake, the crunch of pebbles underfoot and occasional bird calls break the serene silence, creating a beauty that’s utterly enchanting.

As the sun sets, the sky turns a fiery orange, and the lake dons a golden veil, its surface sparkling like scattered diamonds. I sat there quietly, watching the sky darken, my heart filled to the brim.

In that moment, I realized that the beauty of Sayram Lake is nature’s most generous gift. To witness such a breathtaking scene in person—ah, my life feels complete!