Sayram Lake

[Sayram Lake | A Pristine Encounter with the Last Tear of the Atlantic] Nestled in the folds of the northern Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang lies a hidden gem known as the "Last Tear of the Atlantic"—Sayram Lake. At an altitude of 2,073 meters, this alpine lake boasts a dazzling azure surface spanning 458 square kilometers, weaving together snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and forests into an everlasting oil painting. Trip.com invites you to journey through the four seasons and experience the pristine beauty of this ancient wonder. 🌊 A Dreamlike Theater of Shifting Seasons • Spring's Awakening (April-May): As the ice and snow melt around the lake, wild lilies bloom amidst the remnants of winter, and flocks of swans glide across the water, composing a symphony of life. • Summer's Feast (June-August): 600,000 acres of grassland transform into a sea of flowers, where golden lotuses and Schrenk spruces complement each other, dotted with the yurts of Kazakh herders. At night, the star-studded sky becomes a haven for Trip Moments photographers. • Autumn's Gilding (September-October): The Sontou Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the colorful forests, while the Guozigou Bridge stretches across the valley. The "Golden Mountain Sunset" spectacle at dusk captivates photographers. • Winter's Fairytale (November-March): The lake surface freezes into crystal-clear blue ice, with ice bubbles shimmering beneath the surface. Ice diving enthusiasts dance with swans, capturing Nordic-style photos without filters. 🚗 In-Depth Guide to Exploration ✅ Self-Drive Around the Lake: Starting from the east gate, follow the 93-kilometer ring road counterclockwise. Marvel at the ice flowers of Keqin Yongzhu, the swan flocks at Qinshuitang Beach, and the reflections of snow-capped mountains at the iconic S Bay. Renting a new energy vehicle is recommended, as charging stations are available throughout the area. ✅ Hiking Adventure: Hike from Sontou to Santai Haizi, traversing through primeval forests and alpine meadows, encountering red deer and marmots. The 15-kilometer trek is best undertaken with a professional guide. ✅ Cultural Immersion: Stay in a Kazakh yurt by the lake, savor hand-pulled meat and butter tea, and participate in the horse racing and archery events of the Mongolian "Nadam" festival. ✅ Photography Tips: Capture the sunrise mist at Dianjiangtai in the early morning, the changing hues of the lake and mountains at Moon Bay at dusk, and the breathtaking Milky Way reflected in the lake at night with long exposure shots. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation • Sayram Lake Chaoke Starry Sky Camp: Dome tents offer direct lake views, allowing you to gaze at the Milky Way at night and wake up to the calls of swans in the morning. • Yilai Resort Hotel: Private villas nestled in pine forests offer exclusive access to the lakeshore and customized Trip Moments photography services. • Wenquan County Tianquan Hotel: Soak in natural geothermal hot springs, admire the distant snow-capped mountains, and experience the ultimate "ice and fire" indulgence. 🎫 Exclusive Offers for 2025 • Free Admission: Free entry on specific holidays like Police Day and Nurses Day with valid ID. Newlyweds enjoy free admission year-round with their marriage certificate. • Package Deals: Save CNY 20 by booking the "East Sand West Lake" package on WeChat, which includes tickets to both Sayram Lake and Muttar Desert. • Cashback: Spend CNY 180 or more at designated guesthouses in Wenquan County and redeem a free ticket to Sayram Lake. • Annual Pass Privileges: Purchase the "Explore Bortala" annual pass for unlimited access to Sayram Lake and surrounding attractions for 12 months. 🌿 Environmental Protection Initiative Sayram Lake adheres to the principle of "protection first." An 80-kilometer ecological fence surrounds the lake, grazing is prohibited on 164,500 acres of grassland in the core area, and only clean energy vehicles are used within the scenic area. Visitors can participate in the "Clean Lake Campaign," joining park rangers in cleaning up litter and protecting this pristine blue sanctuary.