For busy workers in Chengdu, Sayram Lake is definitely the perfect choice to temporarily escape the urban hustle and recharge your energy.

For busy workers in Chengdu, Sayram Lake is definitely the perfect choice to temporarily escape the urban hustle and recharge your energy. This alpine lake, known as "the last tear of the Atlantic," offers healing and awe beyond your expectations. Take a lake tour to enjoy the ever-changing lake and mountain scenery: The water of Sayram Lake changes shades of blue depending on the light and angle, and a tour around the lake lets you appreciate its colorful transformations. · Check in at the popular S curve to shoot stunning road photos: At the S curve road near Songshutou, you can capture magnificent views of snow-capped mountains, the lake, and the road. · Get close to the Swan Water and interact with adorable swans: In the Swan Water area, you can see wild swans. If the timing is right, you might also witness them being fed by caretakers. · Climb high for a panoramic view of Sayram Lake: Ascend to the top of Songshutou or Dianjiangtai to overlook the entire lake. 🛬 Day 1: Depart from Chengdu → Arrive at Sayram Lake → Initial exploration of the lake scenery · Morning: Depart from Chengdu, with the following options to get there: · By plane: Fly from Chengdu to Bole Airport, then take a car to Sayram Lake Scenic Area (about 2 hours from the airport to the scenic area). · By train: Take the high-speed train to Bortala Station, then transfer to a car to the scenic area. · Afternoon: Enter the scenic area from the East Gate and start the afternoon itinerary: · Moon Bay: The first stop on the counterclockwise lake tour, shaped like a crescent moon, with lake water showing a unique Tiffany blue. · Dianjiangtai: Climb 99 steps to overlook the entire lake and learn about its history as Genghis Khan’s western expedition troop assembly point. · Kele Yongzhu: Observe the geological wonder of the spring’s bubbling water. · Evening: Stay overnight in the scenic area or nearby accommodations (recommended lodging details below) to rest for the next day. 🏞️ Day 2: Songshutou → S curve road → West Sea Grassland → Swan Water → Waterside Beach sunset · Morning: · Songshutou: It’s recommended to start early and hike along the wooden boardwalk to the summit (about 40 minutes) for a panoramic view of Sayram Lake. · Popular S curve road: From Songshutou, head to the second curve to capture the spectacular scenery of snow mountains, lake, and road. · Noon: Have a simple meal inside the scenic area. There are few restaurants, so consider bringing some snacks or self-heating food. · Afternoon: · West Sea Grassland: In summer, this area transforms into a colorful flower carpet with dozens of wildflowers like golden lotus and iris blooming. · Swan Water: Watch wild swans, and if the timing is right, see them being fed by caretakers. · Evening: Head to Waterside Beach to enjoy the sunset. 🌉 Day 3: Guozigou Bridge → Horse riding or sailing experience → Return to Chengdu · Morning: Visit the Guozigou Bridge viewing platform to overlook the magnificent scenery of the canyon and Sayram Lake together. · Noon: Taste the local specialty, the high-white salmon feast. Steamed high-white salmon and pan-fried fish fillets are great choices. · Afternoon: Depending on time and interest, choose one of the following experiences: · Horse riding on West Sea Grassland (about 80 RMB/hour). · Sailing from Moon Bay (about 180 RMB/person). · Evening: Pack up and head to Bole Airport or Bortala Station to return to Chengdu. Special accommodations in the scenic area: Dianjiangtai Starry Sky Camp, Chaoke Starry Sky Camp: Lake views from the window, some with panoramic skylights for stargazing; prices are higher and require advance booking. For visitors seeking unique experiences with a sufficient budget. Comfortable resort hotels: Yilan Resort Hotel, Sayram Lake Blue Lotus Hotel: Opening in 2025, newer facilities with strong design sense, some rooms offer lake views. For visitors who prioritize comfort and service. Local cultural experience: Kazakh Yurt: Experience nomadic life up close, enjoy the brilliant starry sky at night; no private bathroom, electricity supplied by generator. For visitors wanting to experience local culture and adventure spirit. From Bole Airport/train station to Sayram Lake Scenic Area, you can purchase bus tickets on various passenger platforms or official accounts. · Transportation within the scenic area mainly uses shuttle buses, tickets are real-name and valid for 24 hours, allowing unlimited boarding and alighting. · During peak season, traffic near the East Gate entrance (1-2 km) can be slow; it’s recommended to arrive early or be prepared to queue. 2. Touring tips: · Early morning and evening tours: Summer mornings and evenings have soft light and fewer tourists, offering a better experience. · Touring method: Scenic area buses run clockwise in one direction; please plan your route accordingly. · Popular photo spots: The popular S curve is a one-way road with no parking allowed; please follow the rules. 3. Gear and protection: · Clothing: Sayram Lake has large temperature differences between day and night; even in summer, nights can be cold, so bring warm jackets. · Protection: The high-altitude area has strong UV rays; sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential. · Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes are recommended as some trails require walking. 4. Other notes: · Sayram Lake and its surroundings have fragile ecology; please do not litter. · If you plan to fly drones, you must report to the scenic area in advance and avoid no-fly zones. Sayram Lake peak season tickets cost about 100 RMB per person, and shuttle bus tickets about 75 RMB per person.