[2025 Bole ] Travel Guide for Sailimu Lake Paragliding Base (Updated Oct)

#chinatravel Even without the swans, Sailimu Lake is stunningly serene. We stayed in Wenquan County instead of the more popular Kuqa or Jinghe—why? Two great reasons: 1) it’s just an hour from the quieter north entrance (less traffic), and 2) many hotels here offer ticket waivers—spend ¥180 on lodging and get one lake entrance ticket (worth ¥70) waived! Just top up ¥75 for the self-driving pass at the gate. We explored the lake counter-clockwise, stopping at scenic spots along the way. Pine Tree Hill was worth the hot hike—those spruce trees against the lake are soul-soothing. Sadly, we saw zero swans at Kele Yongzhu, but playful marmots made up for the disappointment. We exited via the south gate and continued on to view the majestic Guozigou Bridge. #travel #trip #china #staycation #thingstodo #myitinerary

#chinatravel There’s a place in Xinjiang where the sky kisses the water, where wildflowers dance in the wind, and where legends whisper through the alpine breeze. That place is **Sailimu Lake (赛里木湖)**, the highest and largest alpine lake in Xinjiang, often called *"The Last Tear of the Atlantic"* for being the furthest point where Atlantic moisture reaches . I recently spent three magical days here, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. If you’re planning a trip, here’s my insider guide to making the most of your visit—plus some pro tips you won’t find in every travel brochure! --- ### **Why Sailimu Lake Should Be on Your Bucket List** - **Unreal Turquoise Waters** – The lake’s color shifts from deep sapphire to emerald depending on the sunlight, making it a dream for photographers . - **Wildflower Wonderland (June-July)** – Imagine endless meadows dotted with purple, yellow, and blue blooms—like nature’s own watercolor painting . - **Nomadic Culture** – Stay in a **Kazakh yurt**, sip salty milk tea, and listen to stories from local herders (yes, I did this—more below!) . - **Four Seasons in One Day** – Snow-capped peaks, summer grasslands, autumn gold—Sailimu’s scenery changes dramatically with altitude and weather . --- ### **My 3-Day Itinerary: The Highlights** #### **Day 1: Arrival & Lakeside Magic** - Entered via the **East Gate** (self-driving fee: ¥75) and drove along the **S-bend highway**—insta-famous for its panoramic views . - Stopped at **Moon Bay** for horseback riding and a picnic by the crescent-shaped shore . - Sunset at **Songshutou (Pine Tree Head)**: A short hike rewards you with a 360° view of the lake and Guozigou Bridge . #### **Day 2: Nomadic Immersion & Swans** - Visited **Xihai Grassland**—where Kazakh herders graze sheep (looks like a Windows wallpaper!) . - Fed **swans at Qinshui Beach** (bring bread!) and marveled at the "Golden Satin Edge" wildflower fields . - Overnight in a **yurt homestay** (¥100/night, includes meals). Pro tip: Try *kazy* (horse sausage) and fermented mare’s milk—if you dare! . #### **Day 3: Legends & Lavender** - Explored **Kele Yongzhu**, where springs gush like pearls into the lake . - Detoured to **Huocheng Lavender Farm** (1.5 hrs away)—June-July is peak purple paradise! . - Heard the tragic **Kazakh love legend** of how the lake was formed (bring tissues!) . --- ### **Travel Blogger’s Tips for the Best Experience** 1. **Best Time to Visit**: **Late May to early October** (wildflowers peak in June-July; autumn foliage in Sept-Oct) . 2. **Altitude Alert**: At **2,073m**, nights are chilly—pack layers (yes, even in summer!) . 3. **Skip the Crowds**: Avoid Chinese holidays. Rent a car or bike to explore hidden spots . 4. **Photography Gold**: Sunrise at **Jinhua Zihui** (golden flower

Hey, travel enthusiasts! Get ready for an 8-day tour of Northern Xinjiang and Kanas, where breathtaking scenery awaits. Here's a super detailed guide! / 🎉Route Suggestions: Explore the natural beauty of Kanas in Northern Xinjiang🌲 D1: Arrive in Urumqi and enjoy 24-hour pick-up service from the airport/station. Check in to your hotel and explore the city at your leisure. D2: Journey through the Gurbantunggut Desert and experience its vastness and mystery. Visit the Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort for some skiing fun and winter sports excitement. D3: Explore the serene and beautiful Kanas Lake within the Kanas Scenic Area and marvel at the spectacular natural scenery. D4: Stroll through the enchanting Shenxian Bay and admire the tranquility of Wolong Bay. Visit Moon Bay and experience the seamless blend of water and sky. Explore the Hemu Scenic Area and Hemu Grassland. Ascend the Hemu Viewing Platform for panoramic views of the magnificent mountains. D5: Visit the Hemu Viewing Platform again for a different perspective of nature's wonders. D6: Take a tour around Sayram Lake and admire the picturesque scenery. Visit scenic spots such as the Sayram Lake Observation Deck, Swan Lake, and the West Sea Grassland. Experience the magic and diversity of nature. Challenge yourself with activities like the Klerungzhu and paragliding at the Sayram Lake Paragliding Base. D7: Continue exploring the charm of Sayram Lake and enjoy the tranquility and harmony of nature. D8: Visit the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar and immerse yourself in the rich Western Region culture. Conclude your delightful Northern Xinjiang journey. / Travel Checklist:🧳 👕 Clothing: Bring a warm jacket, scarf, gloves, and hat. It's still cold in Kanas in March. 👟 Shoes: Snow boots are practical, non-slip, and warm. Choose a slightly larger size so you can add a heating pad. 🎒 Backpack: Carry a backpack for your water bottle, snacks, and camera for convenient photo-taking. 📷 Photography Equipment: How can you not take photos in Kanas? Bring your DSLR or phone to capture the beautiful scenery. 💳 Documents and Money: ID card, cash, and bank cards are essential. Don't forget them. 🍞 Food: Pack some dry food, such as energy bars, in case dining options are limited in the scenic area. 💊 Other: Bring some common medications, such as cold and pain relievers, just in case. / Kanas, a place you won't want to leave. Don't forget to like and save this post so more friends can discover this hidden paradise!

Ski season is here! Enjoy an 8-day family trip to Northern Xinjiang and Kanas, combining skiing⛄ and sightseeing, folk experiences, tea by the fire, lake tours, and family fun! . 🎉Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy airport transfer service🛬️, and start your free time after checking in! Day 2: Cross the Gurbantunggut Desert🏜️ and experience the fun and excitement of the Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort⛷️. Day 3: Explore Kanas Scenic Area and immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of Kanas Lake🌊. Day 4: Visit Shenxian Bay🌅, Wolong Bay, and Moon Bay🌙, explore Hemu Scenic Area, climb Hemu Viewing Platform, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of Hemu Grassland🌾. Day 5: Continue to enjoy the vastness and natural harmony of Hemu Grassland🌾. Day 6: Tour Sayram Lake💧, check in at Sayram Lake Point General Platform, Swan Water Park🦢, West Sea Grassland🌱, and Keleyongzhu, and experience the thrill and fun of Sayram Lake Paragliding Base🪂. Day 7: Feel the charm of Sayram Lake💧 again, revisit Sayram Lake Point General Platform, and leave unforgettable memories. Day 8: Leave Urumqi🛫️, enjoy airport transfer service, and end your wonderful journey. . Attraction recommendations: 🌟 Sayram Lake: The scenery here is breathtaking! In June and July, you can see beautiful wildflowers🌸, the ring road is also a great place for photos, and there are cultural relics to visit! 🌾 Hemu Grassland: A great choice for family trips! Here, you can experience the charm of nature and wildlife with your children and enjoy the harmony of primitive villages and grasslands. 🐏🌿 . 🎒 Travel Checklist: Northern Xinjiang Kanas Trip 👚👖【Clothing】 Xinjiang is cold in winter, so remember to bring down jackets, thermal underwear, and thick sweaters. Windproof pants and non-slip snow boots are warm and practical. Don't forget hats, scarves, and gloves to keep warm. 🎫💳【Documents and Important Items】 Bring your ID card and passport, and your driver's license if you have one. Prepare some cash and credit cards just in case. Mobile phones and chargers are essential, as well as power banks to stay connected. 💊🧴【Health and Skincare】 Cold medicine, painkillers, stomach medicine, sunscreen, and lip balm. Bring moisturizing spray to keep your skin hydrated. Xinjiang's climate is dry, so be prepared. . 🎉Northern Xinjiang Kanas, a beautiful gallery of nature, is waiting for you to explore its endless charm!🎉

Here's an 8-day tour guide for Northern Xinjiang and Kanas! Don't miss the beautiful scenery. Save this guide and start your dream trip now! / Route Overview: D1: 🛬 Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy 24-hour pick-up service, and check in to the hotel for free time. 👉 When you first arrive in Urumqi, arrange your accommodation and explore the charm of this city! D2: 🏜️ Gurbantunggut Desert -> Ghost City of the Sea Scenic Area 👉 Cross the desert and feel the endless charm of the sand sea, then explore the mysterious Ghost City of the Sea. D3: 🌲 Kanas Scenic Area -> Kanas Lake 👉 Go deep into Kanas, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, and enjoy the tranquility and harmony of nature. D4: 🏞️ Fairy Bay -> Wolong Bay -> Moon Bay -> Hemu Scenic Area -> Hemu Grassland -> Hemu Viewing Platform 👉 Visit multiple scenic spots in one day, from the bay to the grassland to the viewing platform, with endless beautiful scenery. D5: 🌊 Hemu River 👉 Stroll along the Hemu River, enjoy the clear water and the surrounding natural scenery, and relax. D6: 💧 Sayram Lake -> Sayram Lake Point General Platform -> Swan Water Park -> West Sea Grassland -> Kele Yongzhu -> Sayram Lake Paragliding Base Tour around the lake, visit the Point General Platform, swans, and grassland, and experience paragliding, thrilling and fun. D7: 🌅 Sayram Lake 👉 Visit Sayram Lake again, feel the lake and mountains at different times, and leave beautiful memories. D8: 🛍️ Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar 👉 Visit the lively Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, buy special products, and end your pleasant journey. 🎉 The whole trip is colorful, from desert to lake, from grassland to city, enjoy the diverse scenery of Northern Xinjiang! / Travel Preparation: 🎒 👗 Clothing: Bring a fleece jacket, warm and windproof. Sweaters and thermal underwear are also essential to resist the temperature difference between morning and evening. Also, don't forget comfortable long pants and non-slip short boots, perfect for walking on snow and grass! 🎩 Accessories: Sunglasses, scarves, and hats, sun protection and fashion. A U-shaped pillow allows you to take a comfortable nap in the car. Also, power banks and chargers are essential, so you can rest assured that your phone is always charged. 📘 Documents and Others: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential for travel. Also, bring common medicines just in case. Oh, and bring a waste bag for an eco-friendly trip. / 🎉 Northern Xinjiang and Kanas Tour, may you enjoy the beauty of nature and return with a full heart!