Please, do your homework before heading to Sayram Lake!

Check the weather before visiting Sayram Lake! Otherwise, strong winds and overcast skies will totally ruin your trip! Sayram Lake Tips 🌅 A full loop around Sayram Lake takes about 2 hours, covering approximately 92 km, with stunning views all the way. A thorough visit usually takes a full day. Staying overnight to catch the sunrise and sunset is highly recommended. 🌅 There are 3 entrances to Sayram Lake. The tourist center is at the East Gate (entry and exit), while the South Gate is exit-only. 🌅 Counterclockwise route: East Gate → Moon Bay → Santai Grassland → Borhan Mountain → Qinshui Beach → North Gate → Film City → Khan Bay → Dianjiangtai → Swan Paradise → West Sea Grassland → Kule Yongzhu → Golden Flower & Purple Herb → Pine Tree Head. 🌅 If going clockwise, use the restroom at the East Gate first—the next one isn’t until Pine Tree Head. The restrooms at Guozigou are dirty, with limited stalls and long queues. 🌅 There are about a dozen swans in Sayram Lake, mostly gathered at Kule Yongzhu. Spend more time at Pine Tree Head—climb the slope for a panoramic view of the lake and the distant Guozigou Bridge. 🌅 Ticket: ¥70/person + shuttle bus ¥75/person. The ticket is valid for 48 hours, allowing unlimited entries. Even if purchased online, you must exchange it for a paper ticket at the tourist center. 🌅 It’s very windy at Sayram Lake—bring a windproof jacket. 🌅 The weather here changes quickly. If it rains, it won’t last long like in southern regions. Wait it out, and the post-rain scenery is even more beautiful. ✅ 8-Day Northern Xinjiang Itinerary Reference D1: Ürümqi D2: Ürümqi → S21 Desert Highway → Sea Devil City → Altay D3: Altay → Ahe Highway → Hemu Village D4: Hemu Village → Kanas Scenic Area D5: Altay flight to Bole → Sayram Lake loop → Yining D6: Yining → Lavender Farm → Nalati Grassland D7: Tangbula → Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery → Dushanzi-Kuqa Highway (North Section) → Ürümqi D8: Return trip