Sailimu Lake · Known as—— "The Last Tear of the Atlantic"

# **Sailimu Lake Complete Travel Guide** ## **—— Explore Xinjiang's Blue Ice Wonderland, Encounter the Four Seasons' Splendor** **📍 Introduction** Sailimu Lake, known as "The Last Tear of the Atlantic," is Xinjiang's highest and largest alpine cold-water lake. The lake water is as clear as a sapphire, and the scenery varies throughout the four seasons—wildflowers blanket the fields in spring, the blue waves ripple in summer, the forests turn vibrant colors in autumn, and the blue ice is magical in winter. It's a perfect destination for photography, road trips, and hiking. --- ## **📅 Best Time to Travel** - **May-June**: Wildflowers bloom on the lakeside grasslands, swans frolic, and the temperature is pleasant. - **July-August**: A summer resort, the lake water is at its bluest, suitable for cycling and camping. - **September-October**: Colorful autumn scenery, snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake, fewer tourists. - **December-March**: The spectacle of blue ice, ice bubbles, and ice cracks, like an alien planet. --- ## **🚗 Transportation Guide** ### **How to Get There** - **Airplane**: Fly to Yining Airport, then take a chartered car/shared car (approx. 2.5 hrs). - **Train**: Urumqi → Bole City, then take a taxi or a special tourist line (approx. 1.5 hrs). - **Self-drive**: Depart from Urumqi (approx. 6 hrs), and visit Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Guozigou Bridge along the way. ### **Transportation within the Scenic Area** - **Loop Bus**: Sightseeing buses are available during peak season, stopping at major scenic spots (such as Dianjiangtai and Keleyongzhu). - **Self-drive/Chartered Car**: Most recommended! You can stop and take photos anytime (approx. 90 km loop around the lake). - **Cycling**: Bicycles can be rented by the lake, and some sections are suitable for cycling enthusiasts. --- ## **🏞️ Must-See Attractions** 1. **Songshutou (Pine Tree Head)** - Climb high for a panoramic view of Sailimu Lake, a carpet of wildflowers in summer, and a vast snowfield in winter. 2. **Dianjiangtai (General's Platform)** - The site where Genghis Khan reviewed his troops, with a wide view and stunning sunrise/sunset. 3. **Keleyongzhu (Fruit Ditch Spring)** - Spring water gushes on the lakeshore, which doesn't freeze in winter, forming dreamy ice flowers. 4. **S-shaped Highway** - A popular photo spot, where the lake and the highway frame each other, resembling a "Sky Mirror." 5. **Tian'e Leshui (Swan Lake)** - Swans gather in spring, suitable for close-up viewing and photography. 6. **Blue Ice Wonderland (Winter Only)** - After the lake freezes, it presents a dreamy blue ice and ice bubble spectacle, like a polar world. --- ## **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations** - **Inside the Scenic Area**: - **Sailimu Lake RV Camp**: Wake up to lake views and stargaze at night. - **Dianjiangtai Starry Sky Camp**: Transparent tents, perfect for capturing star trails. - **Surrounding Areas**: - **Wenquan County**: Cost-effective, with hot springs (1 hr drive from the lake). - **Bole City/Yining City**: More hotel choices, suitable for catching a ride the next day. --- ## **🍖 Food Guide** - **High White Salmon**: A Sailimu Lake specialty, tender meat, recommended steamed or grilled. - **Hand-Grabbed Rice/Baked Buns**: Classic Xinjiang cuisine, available at restaurants around the scenic area. - **Herdsmen's Yogurt**: Naturally fermented, rich and tangy. --- ## **📌 Travel Tips** 1. **Tickets**: CNY 70/person during peak season, CNY 35/person during off-season, separate charges for self-driving cars. 2. **Clothing**: Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a jacket in summer, down jacket + non-slip shoes in winter. 3. **Sun Protection**: Strong UV rays, sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential. 4. **Drones**: Need to register in advance, some areas are no-fly zones. 5. **Environmental Protection**: Do not litter, protect the fragile ecosystem. --- ## **📸 Photography Guide** - **Best Light**: Sunrise (6:00-7:30), Sunset (20:00-21:30). - **Must-Shoot Scenes**: - Summer: Flower fields + lake water + snow-capped mountains in the same frame. - Winter: Close-ups of blue ice cracks and ice bubbles. - Starry Sky: No light pollution at night, the Milky Way is clearly visible. --- **✨ Sailimu Lake, half wonderland, half freedom.** Whether chasing the golden sunrise or waiting for the blue ice night, here you can forget time. Save this guide and set off!