I spent 3 days at Sayram Lake, and my concept of spending was completely shattered!

My friends 😎, as a seasoned traveler, I have to tell you about my dreamy trip to Sayram Lake in March! Seriously, after that trip, I was completely captivated by the beauty of Sayram Lake. Without further ado, here's my guide👇 🌆What is Sayram Lake like? Sayram Lake is located in Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang. It is the highest and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang, and it has a super romantic nickname - the last teardrop of the Atlantic Ocean💧. Sayram Lake in March is like a winter wonderland hidden by nature❄️. Most of the lake is still frozen, with crisscrossing cracks in the ice that sparkle with blue light under the sun, resembling the surface of a dreamy blue planet. The surrounding mountains stretch into the distance, their snow-capped peaks reflected in the clear blue sky, making every photo wallpaper-worthy📸. Plus, there aren't many tourists at this time of year, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility and magnificence, as if the whole world is just you and the stunning scenery. 🚗How to get to Sayram Lake? ✈️Airplane: You can fly to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport and then transfer to Bole Alashankou Airport. There are shuttle buses from the airport to Sayram Lake, or you can take a taxi, which takes about 1.5 hours to reach the lake. 🚄High-speed Rail: Take the high-speed train to Bole Station. There are direct tourist buses to Sayram Lake Scenic Area inside the station, which is very convenient. You can also enjoy the Gobi Desert scenery along the way. 🚗Self-drive: If you have plenty of time, self-driving is definitely a great choice! Starting from Urumqi, drive west along the Lianhuo Expressway for about 550 kilometers. Although the journey is a bit long, the scenery along the way will make you feel it's worth it. Grasslands, snow-capped mountains, and the Gobi Desert switch along the way, offering breathtaking views. 🚌Bus: There are multiple buses from Urumqi Nianzigou Long-distance Bus Station to Bole City every day. After arriving in Bole, transfer to Sayram Lake. However, you need to check the bus schedule online in advance to avoid delays. 🗺Travel Route Arrangement: Day 1: Sayram Lake East Gate➡️Moon Bay➡️Santai Grassland Morning: Enter Sayram Lake Scenic Area from the East Gate. As soon as you enter, you'll see the breathtaking frozen lake. Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, breathe in the cold and fresh air, and feel the majestic power of nature. Noon: Have some packed lunch at the rest area near Moon Bay to replenish your energy and enjoy the unique bay scenery. The lake water here is exceptionally blue, like an overturned blue palette🎨. Afternoon: Head to Santai Grassland. Although the grassland hasn't fully greened up in March, the withered yellow grass, distant snow-capped mountains, and frozen lake create a unique landscape, offering a sense of wilderness beauty. Find a sheltered spot, sit down and quietly enjoy the sunset, watching the afterglow dye the snow-capped mountains orange-red, a scene beyond words. Day 2: Dianjiangtai➡️West Sea Grassland➡️Swan Habitat Morning: Get up early and go to Dianjiangtai, which offers excellent views. Legend has it that Genghis Khan reviewed his troops here during his western expedition. Standing on the platform, overlooking the entire Sayram Lake, the ice on the lake surface shimmers in the morning light, as if you can see the majestic momentum of thousands of troops. Noon: Have a hand-pulled lamb pilaf in a yurt near the West Sea Grassland. The steaming pilaf, with distinct grains of rice and tender and juicy lamb, mixed with the sweetness of carrots and onions, brings a mouthful of happiness, instantly dispelling the chill🥘. Afternoon: Go to the swan habitat. If you're lucky, you can see flocks of swans swimming gracefully on the lake. They sometimes sing with their necks outstretched and sometimes lower their heads to forage, adding much life to the quiet Sayram Lake. You can bring some breadcrumbs and gently feed them, but be careful not to disturb them🦢. Day 3: Guozigou Bridge➡️Return Trip Morning: Leave Sayram Lake and head to the Guozigou Bridge. Admire the spectacular panoramic view of the bridge along the way. It spans the valley like a giant dragon, blending perfectly with the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests. Taking photos on the viewing platform is truly amazing🤩. Noon: Try Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken) at a restaurant near Guozigou. The chicken is tender, the potatoes are soft and glutinous, and the belt noodles are soaked in rich, spicy, and fragrant sauce. It's so satisfying to eat until you sweat, adding a fiery end to this journey🌶. 📸Must-visit spots: 1. Sayram Lake Ice Bubbles: In certain areas of the lake, a large number of bubbles are trapped under the ice. When sunlight penetrates the ice, the bubbles take on a dreamy blue hue, like a scene from a fairy tale, creating a super atmospheric photo opportunity. 2. Songshutou Viewing Platform: You can see the magnificent scenery of both Sayram Lake and Guozigou Valley. With the azure lake water on one side and the deep valley on the other, standing on the platform with the breeze blowing, all your worries can be cast away. 3. Kereyunggu: Clear spring water constantly gushes out here. Even in the cold March, the spring water doesn't freeze. The surrounding ice forms various peculiar shapes, contrasting with the spring water, creating a fairyland-like scene. 💖My travel experience: My friends, this March trip to Sayram Lake was truly unforgettable! After staying in the city for a long time, I felt my soul purified upon arriving here. The vastness, the tranquility, and the magnificence are beyond words. Watching Sayram Lake at different times of the day is like opening a blind box, with new surprises at every glance. Moreover, the local herdsmen are very simple and hospitable, making me feel a strong sense of human warmth. When I left, I felt so reluctant, wishing time could just stop at every moment at Sayram Lake😢. I'm already planning to come back in a different season to see its different beauty. 🍱Local food recommendations: 1. Grilled Lamb Skewers: A signature Xinjiang dish, the grilled lamb skewers around Sayram Lake are even more exceptional! Large chunks of lamb, with a good balance of fat and lean meat, are grilled until sizzling, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder. Take a bite, and the crispy outside and tender inside, along with the aroma of lamb fat, burst in your mouth, incredibly delicious😍. 2. Stewed Lamb: Made with local alpine lamb, simmered in clear water with only a little salt and ginger, it maximally preserves the tenderness and original flavor of the lamb. The soup is delicious, and the meat is tender. A bowl of this will warm you up, especially suitable for eating by the cold lake🥣. 3. Nang: This is the staple food of Xinjiang people. Freshly baked nang has a crispy crust and a soft inside, with the aroma of wheat. It can be paired with various dishes or eaten directly. It's convenient, filling, and great to take with you on the road. 4. Milk Tea: Not the sweet milk tea we usually drink. Xinjiang milk tea is salty, made with milk and brick tea. It has a rich milky aroma and a mellow tea flavor. A sip can warm you up and relieve greasiness. It's a perfect match with nang or other staple foods👍. 5. Kumis: If you can handle alcohol, you must try kumis. It has a sweet and sour taste with a hint of wine aroma. The alcohol content is not high, but it has a strong aftertaste, so drink it slowly. However, in cold weather, a small sip brings a pleasant slightly tipsy feeling🍷. My friends, Sayram Lake in March truly has its unique charm. Promise me, you must find a chance to experience it. Trust me, after one visit, you'll be like me, constantly thinking about it and wanting to recommend it to the whole world💖!