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If you haven't been to Sayram Lake, your life is incomplete

**Xinjiang Sayram Lake Summer Vacation In-Depth Travel Guide (Original)** **1. Why visit Sayram Lake in summer?** Sayram Lake is located in the Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang. It is a "blue sapphire" in the Tianshan Mountains and is known as "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean." Summer (June to August) is the most beautiful season at Sayram Lake: - **Comfortable weather**: Daytime temperatures range from 20-28°C, nighttime 10-15°C, perfect for escaping the heat. - **Prairie flower sea**: Wildflowers bloom along the lakeshore, especially the "golden lotus flower sea" from late June to early July. - **Bluest lake water**: With abundant summer sunshine, the lake water shows a dreamy Tiffany blue. --- **2. Suggested itinerary (3 days 2 nights classic plan)** **Day 1: Arrival + East Loop of the Lake** - Morning: Depart from Urumqi or Yining by self-driving or chartered car (about 5-6 hours). - Afternoon: Enter from the East Gate, visit **Moon Bay, Waterside Beach, and Santai Prairie**, and watch the sunset at **Dianjiangtai** in the evening. - Accommodation: Recommended to stay at the RV campsite inside the scenic area or Mongolian yurts near the East Gate (book in advance!). **Day 2: West Loop of the Lake + In-depth Experience** - Morning: Horse riding on the **West Sea Prairie** (about 100 RMB/hour), hike the wooden plank trail to enjoy flowers. - Afternoon: Watch swans at **Kele Yongzhu**, climb **Pine Tree Head** for a panoramic view (about 1-hour hike). - Night: If staying in the scenic area, you can photograph the starry sky (summer Milky Way is clear). **Day 3: Sunrise + Return Trip** - Early morning: Watch the sunrise at **Golden Flower Purple Herb**, where the lake water and snow-capped mountains shine together. - On the way back, visit **Guozigou Bridge** (30 minutes from the scenic area by car). --- **3. Detailed transportation options** 1. **Self-driving**: Highly recommended! Rent an SUV in Urumqi for about 400 RMB/day, take the Lianhuo Expressway (G30) directly. 2. **Public transport**: - Take the high-speed train from Urumqi to Bole (4.5 hours), then carpool to the scenic area (1.5 hours). - Take a bus from Yining Bus Station to Sayram Lake (about 3 hours). 3. **Chartered car**: 7-seater car from Yining/Urumqi costs about 800-1000 RMB/day (including driver). **Tips**: - The full loop around the lake is about 90 km, speed limit 60 km/h, the section from East Gate to South Gate is the most beautiful. - Drones are prohibited in the scenic area (advance registration required). --- **4. Must-visit spots and experiences** 1. **Pine Tree Head**: From the summit, you can see Sayram Lake, snow mountains, and Guozigou Bridge simultaneously. 2. **S-shaped road**: Near West Sea Prairie, with the lake and snow mountains as the backdrop, perfect for photos. 3. **Swan Water Fun**: Wild swans are often seen from May to September; you can interact with them by feeding bread crumbs. 4. **Horse riding/Cycling**: Rent horses from herders on West Sea Prairie or ride bicycles in the scenic area (50 RMB/hour). --- **5. Accommodation and food guide** **Accommodation**: - **High-end**: Sayram Lake Dianjiangtai Starry Sky Camp (about 1500 RMB/night, floor-to-ceiling windows with lake view). - **Cost-effective**: Mongolian yurts at the East Gate of the scenic area (about 300 RMB/yurt, including breakfast and dinner). - **Convenient**: Qingshuihe Town (1 hour drive from the scenic area, with many hotel options). **Food**: - Inside the scenic area: Recommended Gaobai salmon restaurant (fresh cold-water fish, about 80 RMB per person). - Nearby: In Qingshuihe Town, try **Big Plate Chicken**, **Grilled Baozi**, and drink **salty milk tea** at herders’ homes. --- **6. Essential items checklist** - **Clothing**: Sun-protective clothing, windbreaker (big temperature difference between morning and night), brightly colored dresses (for photos). - **Sun protection**: Sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat (UV rays are very strong). - **Others**: Moisturizing skincare products, motion sickness medicine, cash (some areas have poor signal). --- **7. Notes** 1. **Tickets**: 145 RMB/person (including shuttle bus), additional 75 RMB/car for self-driving, two-day tickets (190 RMB) are recommended. 2. **Environmental protection**: Do not trample the flower sea, carry your trash with you. 3. **Altitude sickness**: The lake surface is at 2071 meters above sea level, generally no altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise. --- **8. Summary** Sayram Lake in summer is a "fairyland on earth." A 3-day itinerary balances relaxation and in-depth exploration. It is recommended to travel off-peak (weekends are crowded), dress warmly in the morning and evening, and bring a camera to fully capture this pure beauty! If time allows, combine with the Ili grasslands (Nalati, Kalajun) to form a Northern Xinjiang loop.
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Posted: Jul 13, 2025
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