🇨🇳 The Last Tear of the Atlantic -Sayram Lake (赛里木湖)

Situated in Bole City, Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China.
It sits at an altitude of about 2,070 meters, making it the highest alpine lake in Xinjiang.

Overview:
Known as “The Last Tear of the Atlantic”, Sayram Lake is famous for its crystal-clear blue water, snow-capped mountains, and vast grasslands surrounding it.
During summer, wildflowers bloom all around, herds of cattle and sheep roam freely — it’s truly a paradise for photographers and road-trippers.

Name Origin:
“Sayram” means “blessing” or “peace” in Mongolian. Local legend says it was formed from the tears of two lovers, symbolizing eternal love and purity.

🌤️ Best Travel Season
• May – September: Warm weather, clear lake views, and blooming flower fields.
• Mid-July: Local grassland and Naadam festivals — experience Mongolian & Kazakh culture.
• Winter (Nov – Mar): The lake freezes over, offering a stunning ice scenery.

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🚗 Getting There
• From Yining: About 1.5–2 hours by car (self-drive or chartered car).
• From Urumqi: Around 7–8 hours by road — often part of the classic Ili route road trip.

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📸 Photo Spots

✨ Honestly, every corner of Sayram Lake is a photo spot!
There are no “bad angles” — whether you stop by the shore, grassland, or highway, it all looks like a postcard.

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🌅 Photography Tips
• Morning: Best for calm lake reflections and sunrise glow.
• Noon: Bright blue lake water, great for portrait shots.
• Evening: Warm sunset tones, perfect for romantic or cinematic photos.
• Night: Zero light pollution — amazing for star and Milky Way photography.

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