Sayram Lake

Yining Attractions

	Introduction to Sayram Lake (赛里木湖) Sayram Lake is a fairyland with wonderful natural scenery. The lake is like a brilliant emerald inlaid in the basin which is surrounded by Mount Tianshan. In Mongolian, the name of the lake means "a lake on the ridge". In Kazak, sayram means "blessing". The lake is one of the most popular attractions of Xinjiang. The lake is 90 kilometers southwest of the Bole City, on the north side of the Urumchi-Yining Road, and is connected to the Fruit Valley of Yili at Songshutou in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It encompasses an area of 457 square kilometers. The fault basin is at an elevation of 2,073 meters. The lake, about 90 meters deep at the greatest depth, holds 21 billion cubic meters of water. The lake is a wonderful natural water resource and is surrounded by lush grasslands. Tucked away in the mountains, it's secluded and, on occasions, misty. The surrounding snow-capped peaks and the dragon spruce plants (Picea saperate) on the mountains give a picture postcard feel to the area. The scenery varies with the change in four seasons. In the winter, the cold wind stirs a boundless wave which splashes the bank, and the mist can even hide the snow-capped mountains. In spring, the mountain slope is covered with a green blanket dotted with colored blooming flowers. Summer and autumn are the best seasons to travel to Sayram Lake. The water and the lake surface is as smooth as a mirror.

	Location Sayram Lake, Within Bole, Bole 833400, China (West of Tianshan Mountain)

	Main Sights Sayram Lake

	Travel Information Admission: CNY70 Opening Hours: Whole day

	Transportation 1. Buses: the cheapest option, departing from Urumqi daily. 2. Taxi: may cost several hundred yuan per day.

	Travel Tips 1. Best time to go: June and July when the alpine flowers are in full bloom. 2. Coming from Yīníng, the last section of road is a spectacular series of mountain bridges and tunnels.

	Tour including Visiting Sayram Lake (Xinjiang) 7-Day Incrediblely Natural Photography Tour in Northern Xinjiang