I'm definitely visiting Sayram Lake in winter!

**Sayram Lake Travel Guide** I. Overview Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," is a jewel of Xinjiang. The interplay of lake and mountain scenery offers stunning views year-round. Let me guide you through this beautiful destination, so you can experience a fairytale journey! II. Opening Hours and Tickets Sayram Lake is open year-round. The scenic area's shuttle bus operates from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. Tickets are priced at CNY 145 per person, including shuttle bus fare. III. Transportation From Yining or Urumqi, you can take public transport or drive. Self-driving offers more flexibility and allows you to enjoy the scenic route. IV. What to Wear 1. February: Temperatures around -20°C. Dress warmly in long down jackets, fleece-lined jackets, and thermal underwear. For better photos, consider bright scarves and furry earmuffs. 2. March: Temperatures fluctuate between -10°C and 5°C. Layer up with a windproof jacket, fleece, and thermal underwear. Don't forget sunglasses, as the ice glare can be intense. 3. April: Temperatures gradually rise, but pack windproof clothing. A raincoat is also wise, as lakeside weather can change quickly. V. Must-See Spots and Hidden Gems 1. Dianjiangtai Blue Ice Formation: 3:00 pm is the best time to capture the ice cracks. Get low and use a wide-angle lens to frame yourself with the ice pillars for a post-apocalyptic feel. 2. Keleryongzhu Swan Lake: Bring naan bread, and swans might swim ashore for a close encounter (most swans appear around 11:00 am). 3. Pine Tree Head Hiking Trail: Hike halfway up for panoramic views of the S-shaped road and the azure lake, perfect for capturing manga-style photos. Note that some trails might be closed in early April due to ice. VI. Recommended Itineraries 1. 2-Day Sayram Lake Tour: Ideal for in-depth exploration. Spend the first day enjoying the lake's beauty and the second day visiting Anjihai Grand Canyon. 2. 3-Day Sayram Lake Tour: Explore the surrounding areas, including the Strange Stone Valley, Gudao Hot Springs, and Shuanghe. 3. 3-Day Yili Apricot Blossom + Sayram Lake Tour: Combine Sayram Lake with the beauty of Yili's apricot blossoms, Nalati Grassland, and other attractions. VII. Things to Avoid 1. Cell service can be unreliable. Download offline maps in advance. 2. Restaurants inside the scenic area are expensive and mediocre. Pack your own snacks. 3. Register drones beforehand and avoid flying them near swan habitats. 4. Test the ice before taking photos. Some areas start to melt after April. For safety, avoid walking or staying on the ice. VIII. Conclusion Sayram Lake is a place of wonder and beauty, perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Please prioritize safety and protect this beautiful lake during your visit. Have a memorable trip to Sayram Lake!