Visited Sayram Lake 5 times and put together this nanny-level guide

Sayram Lake is absolutely stunning!! No exaggeration, this is the bluest gem-like lake I've ever been to, unbelievably beautiful. After 5 visits, I’ve summarized this guide—if you’re planning to go, quickly save it! 📍Location: Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, next to the Lianhuo Expressway 🌟Nickname: The Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean💧 🎫Tickets: Peak season 70 RMB/person, off-season 35 RMB/person (remember to bring your ID~) 🚗Transportation: 1. Plane: You can fly to Urumqi Diwopu Airport first, then transfer by high-speed train or charter car, about 5 hours by car in total; or fly directly to Yining Airport, then self-drive or charter a car, about 2 hours to get there. 2. Train/High-speed rail: From Urumqi to Bole City, high-speed rail takes about 4 hours. Bole City has direct shuttle buses to the scenic area, about 1 hour to reach Sayram Lake. 3. Self-driving: Highly recommend self-driving! From Urumqi, take the Lianhuo Expressway, about 550 km and 6 hours. Along the way, enjoy the Tianshan scenery and stop at Kuitun and Jinghe for breaks—free and comfortable 🚘 ⏰Best travel time: - June to August: This is Sayram Lake’s peak beauty! The water is deep blue, wildflowers bloom colorfully by the shore, and the temperature is comfortable, 15-25℃, perfect for cycling and camping, full of summer romance~ - September to October: Autumn at Sayram Lake has its own charm, with brilliant fall colors and fewer tourists, allowing you to quietly enjoy the scenery🍁 - December to March: The lake surface freezes, pure white and pristine, like a scene from Frozen. You can also try ice activities, but temperatures are low, between -10℃ and -20℃, so dress warmly! 📸Must-visit spots: 1. Songshutou: Climb to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Sayram Lake and a distant view of the spectacular Guozigou Bridge. In summer, golden lotus flowers bloom on the hillside, perfect for photos. 2. Kele Yongzhu: There’s a spring by the lake that never freezes, even in winter. Swans often rest here, and if you’re lucky, you can see them gracefully swimming🦢 3. S-bend Road: A popular photo spot with snow-capped mountains and lake as the backdrop. Early morning or dusk light is soft, making your photos look amazing, like a professional shoot📷 4. Dianjiangtai: This is a historical site of Genghis Khan, with a wide open view, perfect for capturing lake reflections and creating stunning photos. 🎡Activities: 1. Cycling around the lake: Bikes can be rented in the scenic area for about 50 RMB/hour. Recommended to ride from the East Gate to the South Gate, the most beautiful stretch, feeling the wind and freedom. 2. Stargazing camping: There are several campsites in the scenic area, but you need to book in advance. Lying in a tent under a star-filled sky is incredibly romantic. 🏠Accommodation recommendations: - Inside the scenic area: - Dianjiangtai Starry Sky Camp: Transparent dome rooms where you can watch the stars from bed, very atmospheric, but a bit pricey, about 800 RMB/night. - Xihai Grassland Mongolian Yurt: Experience nomadic life, affordable at around 300 RMB/night. - Outside the scenic area: Bole City or Wenquan County have many budget hotels, 200-400 RMB/night, suitable for those on a budget. It’s recommended to enter the scenic area early the next day. 🍱Dining suggestions: Food prices inside the scenic area are relatively high, so bring some snacks. Don’t miss local specialties like hand-pulled rice, roasted buns, big plate chicken in Bole City, and Sayram Lake’s specialty high-white salmon dishes, with tender fish meat, about 120 RMB/serving. ❗Notes: 1. UV rays are strong, be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses; temperature difference between day and night is large, even in summer bring a jacket🧥 2. The lake surface is about 2071 meters above sea level, mild altitude sickness may occur, avoid strenuous exercise. 3. Drones are prohibited in the scenic area and must be reported in advance; do not litter, protect the beautiful environment🌱 4. Respect local Mongolian and Kazakh customs, ask before taking photos. Nearby attractions: - Guozigou Bridge: 30 minutes by car from Sayram Lake, with a free viewing platform offering a full view of the bridge, very impressive. - Huocheng Lavender: Best visited mid to late June, the Princess Lavender Garden is stunning, about 2 hours by car. - Ili Grasslands: Places like Nalati and Kalajun Grasslands are beautiful in summer and can be added to your itinerary. Sayram Lake is beautiful everywhere you look, every photo is great. Follow this guide for an amazing travel experience! If you have questions, leave a comment below, I’ll reply when I see them~