I've found it! A complete guide to the lesser-known, treasure destination, Baisahu Lake in Xinjiang

Hey there! I recently visited Baisahu Lake in Xinjiang, which I had been dreaming of for a long time. The trip was so beautiful that I was lost for words! Before going, I did a lot of research, and now I'm sharing my travel tips with you. I guarantee that reading this one article is enough, so save it now! I. First Impression of Baisahu Lake: A Fulfilling Experience If I were to rate this trip to Baisahu Lake out of 10, I would give it 9.5 without hesitation! When I first saw the dreamy, clear blue lake water, surrounded by rolling sand dunes and lush forests, I was truly amazed by the masterpiece of nature. The biggest takeaway from this trip is that some scenery is really worth traveling across mountains and seas to see, and you can't skimp on it at all! II. Don't Be Careless with Pre-Trip Preparations 1. Documents: Be sure to bring your ID card with you. This is the most important thing for travel! If you are traveling across provinces, you should also check the local epidemic prevention policies in advance and prepare your nucleic acid test report and other relevant documents. 2. Clothing: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in Xinjiang. Even in summer, you must bring a thick coat, such as a windbreaker or down jacket, which will come in handy when watching the stars at night. The sun is strong during the day, so sun protection clothing, sun hats, and sunglasses are also essential. 3. Skin Care and Sun Protection: The climate there is dry, so bring enough moisturizing skin care products. You should also choose a high SPF sunscreen, otherwise you will easily get sunburned. 4. Medicine: Prepare some common medicines, such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and motion sickness medicine, just in case. III. Travel Tips 1. By Plane: You can first fly to Altay Airport, and then charter a car or share a car from Altay to Baisahu Lake Scenic Area. The price of a shared car is about CNY 150–200 per person, and the journey takes about 3–4 hours. Although the journey is a bit far, the scenery along the way is super beautiful, so it's worth it. 2. Self-Driving: If you have plenty of time, self-driving is also a great option. You can freely arrange your itinerary and stop at any time to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. However, you should plan your route in advance and pay attention to road conditions and refueling issues. IV. Tickets and Activities 1. Tickets: The ticket for Baisahu Lake Scenic Area plus the shuttle bus is about CNY 70 per person, which is a very reasonable price. 2. Horse Riding: It feels great to ride a horse along the lake. The price is generally CNY 80–150 per hour, and you can bargain with the herdsmen. 3. Photography: This is simply a paradise for photography enthusiasts. You can take great photos anywhere. Remember to bring a power bank, otherwise it would be a pity if your camera runs out of power! V. Travel Sequence and Schedule Recommended visiting time: 1–2 days. If time is limited, you can still have a fulfilling day: Depart from Altay at 9:00 in the morning and arrive near Baisahu Lake Scenic Area around 12:00–13:00 at noon. First, have lunch and taste the local specialties, such as pilaf and mutton skewers. Enter the scenic area at 13:30 in the afternoon, stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, admire the beauty of the lake from different angles, and get a close look at various water birds. From 16:00–17:00, you can go horseback riding and feel the joy of galloping on the grassland. From 18:00–19:00, find the best viewing spot and wait for the sunset. The sunset at Baisahu Lake is really super beautiful. The golden afterglow sprinkles on the lake, and the whole world is dyed in warm colors. If you have two days, you can get up early the next morning to watch the sunrise, and then go to the surrounding sand dunes to play sandboarding and experience different fun. VI. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Homestays near the Scenic Area: The price is about CNY 200–500 per night. The advantage is that it is close to the scenic area, making it convenient to watch the sunrise and sunset, and you can also experience the local customs. The disadvantage is that the conditions may be relatively simple. 2. Accommodation in Habahe County: There are many options, from budget hotels to luxury hotels, with prices ranging from CNY 150–800. The county has complete supporting facilities, so you can eat well and sleep well, but it is a certain distance from the scenic area, so you need to arrange your travel time in advance. VII. Travel Tips 1. Book in Advance: During the peak tourist season, accommodation and tickets around the scenic area are very tight, so be sure to book in advance to avoid delaying your trip. 2. Respect Local Customs: Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic area, so you should respect local customs, such as paying attention to dress when entering mosques. 3. Protect the Environment: The beauty of Baisahu Lake needs everyone to protect it together. Do not litter and cherish this pure land. Hey there, Baisahu Lake is really worth a visit. Pack your bags and take a trip, and encounter that dreamy blue wonderland!