You have to visit Sayram Lake at least once, or else life would truly be incomplete

If you only have one chance in your lifetime to experience the mountains and rivers, save it for Sayram Lake. Sayram Lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," is located at the southwestern end of the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture in Xinjiang. It is the highest altitude and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, combining mountains, glaciers, forests, grasslands, clear lakes, and rare birds. It is renowned as "a strange land from the west, a spiritual realm beyond the world." At first sight of Sayram Lake🏞️, that clear blue is like a huge sapphire set between snowy mountains and grasslands, making you wonder if this is reality or a dreamy painted world. The color of the lake changes with the light and sky, sometimes fresh and elegant like Tiffany blue, sometimes deep and mysterious like cobalt blue. When the breeze blows, the lake surface sparkles like countless diamonds shining. The lakeside is an endless grassland. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom wildly—red, yellow, purple... colorful and dazzling, contrasting with the azure lake and white snow-capped mountains, breathtakingly beautiful. The distant snow mountains are covered with snow all year round, shining with a sacred glow under the sunlight, like a masterpiece carefully carved by nature. Here, not only is the natural scenery breathtaking, but there is also a profound historical and cultural heritage. Around the lake are cultural sites such as Genghis Khan’s Command Platform, the Wusun Earthen Mound Tombs, and ancient rock paintings, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty while feeling the weight and vicissitudes of history. For thousands of years, Sayram Lake has recorded the footprints and stories of travelers and poets from ancient to modern times, with unique folk culture and rich historical relics. At Sayram Lake, be sure to check in📸 at several key spots: - ✅ Sayram Lake Moon Bay Resort: Here you can experience thrilling sailing activities, feel the wind and waves on the lake, and let your body and mind fully relax amidst the lake and mountain scenery. - ✅ Qingshuitan: A popular spot for road photography. Standing by the road with the lake and snow mountains as the background, every shot looks like a magazine cover. - ✅ Kele Yongzhu: In winter, this is an unfrozen spring where flocks of swans gather. Remember to bring some food to feed these lovely creatures and have an intimate encounter. - ✅ Songshutou: An excellent spot to overlook the entire lake bay. Standing on the mountaintop, you can take in the full beauty of Sayram Lake. On the way down, you can also check in at the popular Guozigou Bridge and admire its magnificent posture. If time⌛️ allows, consider camping by the lake for a night. Lie under the starry sky, watch the dazzling Milky Way reflected on the lake surface, feel the gentle breeze, and listen to the ripples of the water. It feels as if the whole world is just you—this kind of shock and romance will become an unforgettable memory for a lifetime. ❤️ Travel Tips: - 🪪 Documents and Clothing: Always carry your ID card. Students should bring their student ID for exclusive discounts at some attractions. Sayram Lake has a huge temperature difference between day and night, even in summer, bring a long down jacket. Wear a pretty dress for daytime photos, and put on a thick coat when cold—warm and photogenic. - 👒 Sun Protection: The UV rays here are very strong. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat are all essential, or you might get sunburned and question your life choices. - 🚗 Transportation: You can first arrive in Urumqi, Bole, or Yining, then take a bus or charter a car to the lake. The drive from Urumqi takes about 7 hours, from Bole only 1 hour, and from Yining about 1.5 hours. Self-driving is highly recommended as you can drive into the scenic area and stop freely for photos. Book in advance on the official WeChat account "One Phone Tour Sayram Lake." Single-day tickets are 143 RMB/person, two-day tickets 190 RMB/person. Non-self-driving visitors can take the shuttle bus for 75 RMB/person, which stops at every scenic spot, allowing you to get on and off anytime. Tickets are valid all day. - 🎫 Tickets and Accommodation🏡: Tickets cost 70 RMB/person and are valid for 48 hours. Online purchase is more cost-effective. For accommodation, if you want a romantic experience, choose lakeside RV campsites (about 600 RMB/night) or Mongolian yurts. If on a budget, consider staying in Qingshuihe Town or Bole City outside the scenic area for better value. Some say that after seeing Sayram Lake, all other lakes feel like compromises. Only by stepping on this land can you truly appreciate its beauty and understand why Sa Beining exclaimed "No regrets in life" and why so many people are deeply attached to it. If possible, I wish to become a drop of water in Sayram Lake, forever intoxicated in this earthly paradise. This summer, set off on a date with Sayram Lake!