Sayram Lake is absolutely stunning!

Here's a travel guide for Sayram Lake: Pre-Trip Preparation - Documents: Bring ID cards, student IDs, senior citizen cards, etc. to enjoy ticket discounts. - Clothing: Summer has large day-night temperature differences, pack thick jackets; winter requires down coats, snow boots, scarves, gloves and other warm clothing. - Sun protection: Strong UV rays, prepare high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hats. - Medicine: Common medications like cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, etc. Transportation Guide - External transport: Fly directly to Urumqi or Yining, then transfer by bus or chartered car; alternatively, self-drive from Urumqi via Lianhuo Highway (~550 km, ~6 hours). - Internal transport: Self-driving recommended within the scenic area. East Gate allows entry/exit, North Gate exit only with next-day re-entry, South Gate exit only. Non-drivers can take shuttle buses: off-season first/last at 10:00/18:00 (hourly), peak season every 15 mins before 12:00 and every 10 mins after. Ticket Information Peak season (Apr 1-Oct 31): ¥100/person; off-season (Nov 1-Mar 31): ¥60/person. Free/half-price for children under 6/1.2m, disabled persons, military with certificates; half-price for seniors over 60 and students with ID. Couples married in 2025 get free entry with marriage certificates. Itinerary Enter at East Gate, exit at South Gate, counterclockwise route: Moon Bay → Santai Grassland → Borhan Mountain → Waterside Beach → North Gate → Film City → Khan Bend → General's Platform → Swan Paradise → West Sea Grassland → Kelley Spring → Golden Sand Purple Flowers → Pine Tree Head → South Gate. Attractions - Viral S-curve: Jewel-blue waters, classic photo spot. - Pine Tree Head: 2000-step wooden path overlooks entire lake. - Kelley Spring: Concentrated springs, "ice bubbles" in winter. - Moon Bay: Crescent-shaped with sailboats, go-karts, etc. Accommodation - Scenic area entrance: Many hotels/B&Bs like Sayram Lake Milky Sea B&B for convenience. - Camping: Book fixed campsites like transparent dome rooms at General's Platform Starlight Camp or Mongolian yurts at Seven Stars Camp. - Outside: Budget hotels (¥150-300/night) in Qingshuihe Town (30-min drive); luxury hotels in Bole/Yining for long trips. Food Recommendations - Lake specialties: High-white salmon (sashimi, pan-fried, stewed), Spanish mackerel ball soup. - Xinjiang cuisine: Lamb skewers, pilaf, baked buns, Tujia big plate chicken, mixed noodles. - Snacks: Kumaiqi (flatbread) with wild leek sauce, lavender handmade ice cream, yogurt rice dumplings. Notes - Drones prohibited; register at East Gate police station if needed. - No littering to protect the ecosystem. - Swim only in marked areas; lake water is extremely cold.