The winter scenery of Sayram Lake is the true "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean."

Location: Sayram Lake Date: December 15 • Weather: -20–2°C, sunny Recommended outfit: down jacket, snow boots, and fleece-lined pants This is the best time to visit Xinjiang, and you can save up to 50% compared to peak season. Priority 1: Fewer people—You can drive into the scenic area without taking a shuttle bus. It's like a fairy tale world all to yourself. Take as many photos as you like and enjoy the freedom. Priority 2: Beautiful scenery—The scenery in Altay during the transition from autumn to winter is rich and spectacular, rivaling that of midsummer! Hemu and Kanas are just as beautiful as Norway, Finland, and Switzerland! Priority 3: Cost-effective—During peak tourist seasons like summer and autumn, hotel, homestay, and ticket prices are high. In November, prices are at least half as much. Sayram Lake Scenery December–January: The lake begins to freeze, and you can take photos of the blue ice from the shore. January–February: The lake is completely frozen, and bubbles of various shapes form in the ice. March–April: The lake begins to thaw, and you can admire the melting ice and ice push from the shore. Tips: Travel Suggestions 1. The temperature at Sayram Lake is low in winter, and the roads may be icy. If you're driving, be careful. I joined a local tour group for this trip, which was cost-effective and safe. Keep warm, as it's very cold! 2. You can drive around the lake in the off-season. Xinjiang has strict speed limits, so be careful not to speed. 3. The snow-capped mountains on the west side of Sayram Lake are covered in snow all year round. The east side of the lake is a great place to take photos. 4. The S-shaped road is a popular photo spot. Drive from the east gate to the south gate, and you'll see it in about 40 minutes. The snow-capped mountains in the background make for great photos. 5. Enter through the east gate visitor center. After driving for about 5 minutes, you'll see a parking area. This is the first photo spot. Walk along the boardwalk to the lake, where you can see snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and windmills, and enjoy the latest sunset in China. 6. The temperature difference between day and night in Kanas is large, and it may snow. Bring a down jacket, thermal underwear, and a windbreaker.