The Last Tear of the Atlantic

Sayram Lake, known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," is the highest altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang. The lake water here is purely blue, and the scenes combining snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and the lake are strikingly beautiful. No matter how many times you visit, you can always discover new beauty. This comprehensive guide will help you enjoy your trip without any regrets! 1. Basic Information - Location: Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, beside the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, about 90 km from Bole City and about 160 km from Yining City. - Tickets: - Peak season (April 1 - October 31): 100 RMB/person; Off-season (November 1 - March 31 of the following year): 60 RMB/person. - Discount policy: Children under 6 years old or under 1.2 meters tall, disabled persons, and active military personnel with valid ID are free; seniors aged 60-69 and full-time undergraduate and below students with valid ID enjoy half-price; seniors over 70 with valid ID are free. - Opening hours: Peak season 8:00-22:00, off-season 10:00-19:00 (subject to the daily notice of the scenic area). 2. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation (Arriving at Sayram Lake) - Plane + Car: Fly to Bole Alashankou Airport or Yining Airport, then transfer by tourist bus, carpool, or taxi to the scenic area. It takes about 1.5 hours from Bole Airport to the scenic area and about 2 hours from Yining Airport. - Train + Car: Take a train to Bole Station or Yining Station, then take a taxi to the local bus station and transfer to a dedicated bus to Sayram Lake (about 2 hours per trip). You can also carpool directly (more flexible, about 30-50 RMB per person). - Self-driving/Charter: The most recommended way! It takes about 6-7 hours driving from Urumqi along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, with beautiful views like Guozigou Bridge along the way; local car rentals offer flexible itineraries, costing about 300-500 RMB per day (depending on the vehicle model). 2. Internal Transportation (Within the Scenic Area) - Self-driving: Allowed to enter the scenic area. The East Gate is the main entrance and exit; the North Gate allows exit and re-entry the next day with a ticket purchased on the same day; the South Gate is exit only (no entrance). The ring road around the lake is about 90 km, and driving the whole route takes about 3-4 hours (including stops for photos). - Scenic Area Shuttle Bus: For those who cannot drive, it stops at popular spots like the S Bay, Songshutou, and Kele Yongzhu. - Peak season (April-October): First bus at 8:30, last bus at 21:00, every 15 minutes before 12:00, every 10 minutes after 12:00, total trip about 2 hours. - Off-season (November-March): First bus at 10:00, last bus at 18:00, every hour, total trip about 2.5 hours. 3. Must-Visit Attractions - Popular S Bay: A landmark spot on the ring road, with a straight road extending to the lake, where the water and sky merge. Whether standing by the road for a panoramic shot or crouching by the lake for reflections, it naturally brings a "healing" feeling. It is recommended to shoot before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. when the light is soft and not backlit. - Songshutou: One of the highest points in the scenic area. From the top, you can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Sayram Lake, with snow mountains in the distance, grasslands nearby, and the deep blue lake. It’s especially suitable for panoramic photos. The trail to the top is gentle and takes about 1 hour round trip. - Kele Yongzhu: A cluster of springs by the lake, where water bubbles out forming small pools. In summer, the area is lush with aquatic plants and flocks of water birds; in winter, it features the stunning "ice bubbles" phenomenon (methane gas frozen under the ice), making it a must-photograph spot in winter. - Moon Bay: Named for its crescent-shaped shoreline, the water here is deeper than other areas. The shore has a sailboat dock, go-kart track, and other entertainment options. When tired, you can sit on a lakeside bench to bask in the sun and feel the lake breeze. - Dianjiangtai: The legendary site where Genghis Khan once reviewed his troops. Although there are few cultural relics, the open view allows you to see the grassland pastures and herds of cattle and sheep along the lake shore, perfect for capturing scenes combining culture and nature. 4. Accommodation Recommendations - Around the Scenic Area Entrance: The most convenient choice, only 1-2 km from the East Gate, with many hotels and guesthouses. You can walk or take a taxi to enter the park. Recommended are Sayram Lake Ruhai Guesthouse (freshly decorated, some rooms with lake views, offers breakfast and shuttle service) and Sayram Lake Impression Hotel (cost-effective, convenient parking, suitable for family trips). - RV Campsites/Guesthouses Inside the Scenic Area: For a deeper lake view experience, options include Sayram Lake RV Campsite (with courtyard and lake-view platform, fully equipped RVs, starry sky at night) and Yunshang Guesthouse (built by the lake, with lake views from the window, ideal for romantic experiences). Prices are higher (500-1000 RMB per person in peak season) and require booking 1-2 weeks in advance. - Accommodation in Bole City/Yining City: For those on a budget or wanting to combine other itineraries, Bole City offers better cost performance (150-300 RMB per person), while Yining City is livelier, offering the chance to experience Uyghur cuisine and culture.