Sayram Lake, a dreamlike realm of unreal beauty

1. Preparation before the trip Documents and gear - ID card is a must; student ID grants a half-price discount (tickets cost CNY 190 per person in peak season, CNY 80 per person in off-season). - Sun and cold protection: The plateau has intense UV rays (SPF 50+ sunscreen is essential), with a 20℃ temperature difference between day and night. Windproof jackets are needed in summer, and down jackets plus warm hats in winter. - Altitude adaptation: At 2,073 meters above sea level, take Rhodiola a week in advance and prepare oral glucose solution; oxygen tanks are available for rent at the park entrance (CNY 50 per can). Transport cards and tools - “Xinjiang Tong” App: Scan to rent shared electric scooters (CNY 30 per day), making cycling around the lake more flexible. - Self-driving tips: Urumqi to Sayram Lake takes about 7 hrs (via G30 Lianhuo Expressway), Yining to Sayram Lake takes 3 hrs (via S220 provincial road). An SUV is recommended for mountain roads. --- 2. Transportation guide Main transport options - Direct flights: Many cities nationwide fly directly to Yining Airport; airport shuttle bus costs CNY 40 and takes 3 hrs to Sayram Lake Scenic Area. - High-speed rail connection: Urumqi to Yining by bullet train takes 5 hrs (ticket price CNY 220), then transfer to a shuttle bus at Yining bus station (CNY 60 per person, 3 hrs). Around the lake transport - Boat routes: - Panoramic long route: East Gate Pier → Moon Bay → Jinsi Gorge (one-way 4 hrs, CNY 140 per person), offering close-up views of the “blue ice” phenomenon formed by glacier meltwater. - Eco short route: Take a zero-emission sailboat from the South Gate to experience the stunning “water and sky as one” view (CNY 80 per person). - Cycling recommendation: East shore wooden boardwalk (Caicun → Songshutou), 15 km in total, passing wildflower meadows and wetland birdwatching areas. --- 3. Accommodation recommendations High-end options - Sayram Lake Cloud Hotel: Panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake, starry sky rooms equipped with telescopes, room rates start at CNY 1,200 including Tibetan-style afternoon tea. - Waterside RV Camp: Trailer-style RVs built by the lake, starry sky skylights for night galaxy viewing, summer bonfire parties available (CNY 500–1,000 per night). Cost-effective homestays - Blue Moon Valley Homestay: Kazakh-style wooden houses offering horseback riding and home visit activities, approx. CNY 200 per night per person. - Sayram Lake Impression Apartments: Family suites with kitchens, a 5-minute walk to the artificial lake music fountain, off-season rates as low as CNY 300 per night. --- 4. Must-visit attractions Natural wonders - Wild tulip sea (May only): Golden slopes on the east shore, ladybugs flitting among flowers, best photographed in early morning mist. - Moon Bay: Crescent-shaped lake bay, blue ice cracks like gems in winter, reflecting snow-capped mountains in summer (top choice for drone photography). - Jinsi Gorge glacier relics: Hike through the canyon to observe Quaternary glacial erosion landforms; wear anti-slip hiking shoes. Cultural experiences - Dianjiangtai Ruins: Genghis Khan’s troop assembly point during his western campaign; climb to the top for a panoramic lake view, with Mongolian horsehead fiddle performances at dusk. - Kazakh home visits: Taste horse milk wine, learn to milk yaks, and participate in handmade wool felt painting (CNY 50 per person). --- 5. Specialty cuisine Local flavors - Highland white salmon feast: The queen of cold-water fish, steamed fresh and tender (CNY 100 per jin), recommended at the “Lakeside Restaurant” inside the scenic area. - Hand-grabbed lamb rice: Lamb and carrots slow-cooked, rice soaked in broth, served with yogurt to balance the richness (CNY 30 per serving). - Dairy curds: Traditional nomadic snack, sweet and sour, great for hiking snacks (CNY 10 per bag). --- 6. Itinerary planning Three-day highlights tour - Day 1: Yining → East shore of Sayram Lake (wild tulip sea → Moon Bay) → stay at Cloud Hotel for stargazing - Day 2: Cycling around the lake (Songshutou → Kele Yongzhu) → sailboat tour → Kazakh bonfire party - Day 3: Sunrise at Dianjiangtai → Jinsi Gorge hike → buy lavender essential oil (a specialty of Huocheng) before returning Five-day in-depth tour - Days 4–5: Extend to Ili River Valley (Kalajun Grassland → Nalati Sky Garden), experience the “four seasons in one day” landscape zone. --- 7. Pitfall avoidance guide 1. Boat selection: Choose official piers at South Gate or East Gate; private black boats may charge extra midway. 2. Shopping traps: Most silver jewelry in the scenic area is not pure silver; recommend the “Zhaxidele” chain store; for lavender products, choose the direct sales store of Huocheng’s Princess Jieyou Farm. 3. Environmental rules: Feeding swans and trampling flower seas are prohibited; violators face fines starting at CNY 500.