Sayram Lake Guide for March-April | Must-See Guide for the End of the Frozen Wonderland

"Sa Beining said, 'Not having been to Sayram Lake is like living in vain,' but 99% of people don't know: driving counterclockwise around the lake unlocks hidden photography spots, and the starry sky at 2 a.m. holds the secrets of the Milky Way... This nanny-level guide, based on three trial-and-error trips, will help you explore Xinjiang's divine lake!" 🔸Area: The lake covers 458 square kilometers, the scenic area covers 1,314 square kilometers, and the lake surface is at an altitude of 2,073 meters. It is the highest and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. 🔸Lake water characteristics: It is a cold, slightly salty lake with a transparency of up to 10–12 meters. The lake water is as clear as a mirror, with a water storage capacity of 21 billion cubic meters. The water is clear and pure because the surrounding snowmelt is filtered through gravel layers before flowing into the lake. 🔸Other names: Located at the end of the Atlantic warm and humid air current, it is known as "the last tear of the Atlantic." - 📍Four Seasons Scenery: 🔸Spring (April–May): Wildflowers bloom on the grasslands, forming a colorful sea of flowers. 🔸Summer (June–August): The lake water is azure blue, and the climate is cool, suitable for camping and cycling. 🔸Autumn (September–October): The forests are ablaze with color, and the golden grasslands contrast with the snow-capped mountains. 🔸Winter (November–March): The lake surface freezes over, covered in silver, like a frozen wonderland. 🐟Flora and Fauna: The lake is rich in cold-water fish such as the Sayram whitefish. The surrounding area is home to wild animals such as swans and marmots, making it an ideal place for ecological research and photography. - 📍Transportation 🔸From Urumqi: 🚗Self-drive: Drive about 400 km along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, which takes 4–5 hrs. 🚅Train/Bus: Take a train to Bole City or Yining City, then transfer to a special bus (about 1–2 hrs). 🔸From Yining City: Drive about 200 km along Provincial Road S220, which takes 3–4 hrs. - 📍Recommended Scenic Spots 🔸Moon Bay: Shaped like a crescent moon, the lake reflects the snow-capped mountains, perfect for taking stunning photos. 🔸Pine Tree Head: In the early morning, sunlight penetrates the pine forest, creating a picturesque interplay of light and shadow. 🔸Swan Spring: A romantic scene of hot springs and swans dancing together. 🔸West Sea Grassland: In summer, the lush green grass and flocks of cattle and sheep showcase the nomadic lifestyle. - 📍Featured Activities 🔸Self-driving/Cycling around the lake: The circular lake road is about 90 km long, allowing you to stop and enjoy the scenery at any time. 🔸Grassland camping: Watch the starry sky at night in summer and experience staying in a Kazakh yurt. 🔸Water activities: Boat tours and fishing (subject to scenic area regulations). - 📍Tickets and Opening Hours 🔸Tickets: Off-season (November–April) ticket + self-driving ticket: CNY 72.5/person; Peak season (May–October): CNY 145/person. 🔸Opening hours: 10:00–20:00 year-round. - 📍Travel Notes 🔸Climate and clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night. Sun protection is needed in summer (strong UV rays), and warm clothing is needed in winter. It is recommended to bring a windproof jacket. 🔸Environmental protection requirements: Swimming and littering are prohibited to protect the fragile plateau ecosystem. 🔸Cultural respect: The surrounding area is a multi-ethnic area, so respect the customs of Kazakh, Mongolian, and other ethnic groups. 🔸Safety tips: Avoid slippery areas when taking photos by the lake, and pay attention to mountain road conditions when driving.