◎Sayram Lake: A Healing Journey to the Last Tear of the Atlantic Ocean!

Location and Transportation ◎Sayram Lake is located within Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, adjacent to the G30 Lianhuo Expressway. • Recommended way: Charter car/self-driving (most flexible!). About 5-6 hours drive from Urumqi. • Public transportation: ◦ High-speed train from Urumqi to Bole Station or Yining Station, then charter or carpool to the lake (about 1.5-2 hours). ◦ During peak season, some cities have direct shuttle buses to the scenic area (check latest info). Tickets and Opening Hours • Ticket + shuttle bus: About 145 RMB/person (price may vary slightly, official price prevails). • Self-driving ticket: A separate vehicle entry ticket is required (recommended for more freedom). • Opening hours: Tickets available all day, shuttle bus usually operates from 9:00 to 21:00 (may extend in peak season), self-driving allowed all day. ● Must-visit Attractions (Lake Highlights) 1. ◎Dianjiangtai Ruins: ◎An excellent spot to climb and overlook the entire Sayram Lake, with an extremely magnificent view! 2. ◎Moon Bay: ◎A classic check-in spot, the boardwalk extends into the lake, showcasing a stunning gradient from shallow to deep water. 3. ◎Waterside Beach/Swan Fun Water: ●Get up close to the clear lake water and swans! Feeding and interaction are very fun. 4. ◎Kele Yongzhu: ◎Where spring water gushes out on the lakeshore, with unique blue water color and visual appeal. 5. ◎West Sea Grassland (seasonal): ●In summer, the lakeside grassland blooms like a sea of flowers (best from mid-June to July), with herds of cattle and sheep, fresh and healing. 6. ◎Pine Tree Head: ◎Hike up to a high spot to overlook the lake view and Guozigou Bridge, with rich scenic layers. The popular S-bend road is also nearby. ◎Food Highlights (Lakeside Flavors) • ●High White Salmon Cold Water Fish Food Truck: ◎A must-try! The high white salmon farmed in the lake has extremely tender meat, recommended steamed, in clay pot, or sashimi. • ●Lakeside Rest Stops Simple Meals: Offering grilled sausages, corn, pilaf, naan, milk tea, and other supplies. • ●Bring Your Own Snacks: Limited choices inside the scenic area, it is recommended to bring dry food, fruits, and water. ★ Accommodation Suggestions • Inside the scenic area (immersive experience): ◎Sayram Impression Apartment Hotel, RV camp, starry sky camp. Convenient for watching sunrise, sunset, and stars, but prices are high and booking early is necessary in peak season. • Outside the scenic area (cost-effective): ●Choose accommodation in Bole City or Qingshuihe Town, with better facilities and relatively affordable prices, about 1 hour drive. ● Itinerary Planning (Core: Around the Lake & Time) • One-day Highlights Tour: Enter from East or South Gate (pay attention to navigation), travel counterclockwise around the lake. Key stops: Moon Bay → Waterside Beach/Swan Fun Water → Dianjiangtai → Kele Yongzhu → Pine Tree Head (S-bend). Reserve 4-6 hours for the lake tour and sightseeing. • Two-day In-depth Tour: ◦ Day 1: Arrive at East or South Gate in the afternoon, travel counterclockwise to some attractions, stay on the south shore of Sayram Lake (watch sunset and starry sky). ◦ Day 2: Get up early to watch sunrise, continue visiting remaining attractions around the lake (Kele Yongzhu, Pine Tree Head, etc.), then return to East or South Gate to leave. You can also visit Guozigou Bridge viewing point on the way. • Continue to Yili: Sayram Lake is the starting point of the Yili loop, strongly recommend continuing to Guozigou, Huocheng Lavender (June-July), Yining, Shata, Qiongkushitai, and more. ● Practical Tips • Best season: ◎Mid-June to August (green grass and sea of flowers, bluest lake water but crowded); early September to October (autumn yellow grass, unique charm); winter for blue ice bubbles but cold and some areas closed. • Weather & Clothing: ◎Xinjiang weather is changeable! Even in summer, bring windproof and warm jackets (light down jacket or shell jacket), big temperature differences in mornings, evenings, lakeside, and mountains. Be sure to use sun protection (hat, sunglasses, SPF50+)! Wear comfortable shoes. • Ticket & Self-driving: ◎Shuttle bus ticket included in entrance ticket, vehicle ticket for driving around the lake must be purchased separately at ticket office. Few gas stations inside the scenic area, be sure to fill up in Bole or highway service areas! • Photography Preparation: Camera, power bank, wide-angle/telephoto lenses. Sunrise and sunset are golden hours for photos. • Environmental Protection: ◎Take care of the beautiful environment, please take your trash with you! ◎The beauty of Sayram Lake is the purest shade of blue between heaven and earth. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and clear lake water like an eye. Whether you are a photographer chasing light and shadow or a traveler seeking tranquility, here you will be breathlessly amazed. Its grandeur and serenity reach the deepest part of the soul. Set off now and let this "Tear of the Atlantic Ocean" heal your journey!