Listen up, I really don’t recommend visiting Sayram Lake during the off-season in July and August because…

because it’s just too beautiful!!! Some say that if you haven’t been to Sayram Lake, you haven’t truly experienced the grandeur of Xinjiang. As the last place blessed by the warm and moist Atlantic air currents, the lake’s water is purely and deeply blue, like a sapphire embedded at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Only by being there in person can you truly feel the soul-stirring shock. 1. Practical Entrance Guide - East Gate: The most popular choice, allowing both entry and exit. It’s very convenient to head towards Urumqi after leaving here, so most tourists start their Sayram Lake journey from the East Gate. - North Gate: Also supports entry and exit. If your next destination is Alashankou or Wenquan County, entering and exiting through the North Gate is more convenient. - South Gate: Exit only. When leaving from the South Gate, you can enjoy the spectacular Guozigou Bridge along the way. It’s suitable to plan a route entering from the East Gate and exiting from the South Gate. 2. Stunning Lake Circuit Route Start from the East Gate to begin this blue journey. After 2 kilometers, you’ll reach Moon Bay, where the lake surface is calm like a mirror, reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky, breathtakingly beautiful. Continue 4 kilometers to Santai Grassland, where the vast grassland meets the deep blue lake, with cattle and sheep grazing leisurely, creating a harmonious natural painting. Then go 6 kilometers further to Borhan Mountain, where the continuous mountain range guards this pure land. From a high vantage point, you can take in the full beauty of Sayram Lake. Drive 7 kilometers along the lakeside road to reach Qingshuitan, an excellent spot to get close to the lake water. You can take off your shoes and feel the coolness of the lake water on your feet. Next, arrive at the North Gate. Starting from the North Gate, after 2 kilometers, you’ll reach the Film City, where the unique architectural style complements the natural scenery of Sayram Lake, perfect for photos. Then drive 3 kilometers to Khan Bay, which legend says was once a training ground for ancient Khans. Now, only the tranquil lake water tells the stories of the past. Continue 4 kilometers to Dianjiangtai, where you can imagine soldiers preparing for battle in ancient times, feeling the weight of history. Drive 15 kilometers to Swan Happy Water, where if you’re lucky, you can see swans gracefully swimming on the lake. Then 4 kilometers to Xihai Grassland, rich in water and grass, a great place to experience grassland charm. Next, 4 kilometers to Kele Yongzhu, where clear spring water gushes from underground into Sayram Lake, creating a unique scene. Drive 7 kilometers to Jinhua Zihui, where wildflowers bloom in spring and summer, contrasting beautifully with the blue lake, like a fairyland. Finally, 5 kilometers to Songshutou, a lush wooded area and the last stop on the lake circuit. From here, drive 2 kilometers to exit through the South Gate. 3. Outfit Tips - Light-colored clothes: White, beige, light pink, and other light colors match the blue sky and water of Sayram Lake, making your photos fresh and natural, helping you blend effortlessly into the beautiful scenery. - Blue tones to echo: Choose blue clothes matching the lake water to highlight the purity of the lake, creating a visually striking effect and easily becoming the focus of the camera. - Essential sun protection gear: The UV rays in Xinjiang are strong, so be sure to bring sun-protective clothing that shields you from both sun and wind. Pair it with a sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen for full skin protection. 4. Classic Travel Routes Route One - DAY 1: Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy free activities, experience the charm of the city, visit the Grand Bazaar, taste local delicacies, and shop for ethnic handicrafts. - DAY 2: Depart from Urumqi, drive along the S21 Desert Expressway, passing Ulungur Lake to admire the unique blend of desert and lake scenery. Arrive at Five-Color Beach by evening to watch the magnificent sunset and experience the magical view of “one river separating two banks, each with its own sky.” Overnight in Burqin. - DAY 3: Depart Burqin for Kanas to explore the mysterious beauty of this “fairyland on earth” and enjoy the stunning scenery of Kanas Lake. - DAY 4: After a deep visit to Kanas, head to Hemu, a quiet village surrounded by mountains with scattered wooden houses, full of primitive rural charm. - DAY 5: Depart Hemu, pass through the World Devil City to marvel at nature’s craftsmanship, and arrive in Karamay by evening. - DAY 6: Depart Karamay to start the Sayram Lake circuit tour, enjoying the breathtaking scenery along the way, passing Guozigou Bridge to feel the grandeur of this magnificent bridge. Overnight in Qingshuihe Town. - DAY 7: Depart Qingshuihe Town for the lavender fields, immerse yourself in the purple sea of flowers and feel the romantic atmosphere. Then head to Qiongkushitai to admire the pristine grassland scenery, arriving in Tekes Bagua City by evening to appreciate the unique city layout. - DAY 8: Depart Tekes for Nalati Sky Grassland, ride horses across the vast grassland, and feel the vastness of nature. Overnight in Nalati Town. - DAY 9: Depart Nalati Town, drive along the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, enjoy the beautiful scenery, cross the Duku Highway, and experience the wonder of “four seasons in one day, different weather every ten miles,” returning to Urumqi. - DAY 10: End the trip in Urumqi and return home. Route Two - DAY 1: Arrive in Urumqi, enjoy free activities to recharge for the journey ahead. - DAY 2: Depart Urumqi to visit Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), admire the beauty of the alpine lake. Then drive along the S21 Desert Expressway, passing Ulungur Lake to experience the collision of desert and lake, overnight in Fuhai. - DAY 3: Depart Fuhai for Kanas to explore this mysterious pure land. - DAY 4: After visiting Kanas, head to Hemu to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the primitive village. - DAY 5: Depart Hemu, admire the sunset at Five-Color Beach, then visit the World Devil City to experience the unique Yadan landforms. Overnight in Karamay or Kuitun. - DAY 6: Depart Karamay or Kuitun for a self-driving tour of Sayram Lake, fully enjoying the lake and mountain scenery, passing Guozigou Bridge to feel its majestic grandeur. Overnight in Qingshuihe or Yining. - DAY 7: Depart Qingshuihe or Yining for the lavender fields, immerse yourself in the romantic purple ocean. Then head to Nalati Sky Grassland to enjoy the vastness and magnificence of the grassland. Overnight in Nalati Town. - DAY 8: Depart Nalati Town, drive along the Tangbula Hundred-Mile Gallery, enjoy the natural scenery, cross the Duku Highway, and return to Urumqi. - DAY 9: End the trip in Urumqi and return home with wonderful memories. The beauty of Sayram Lake is nature’s most generous gift. Keep this guide handy and come for a romantic date with the blue lake!