"A Must-See for Xinjiang Road Trips! Sayram Lake, Here I Come"

I. Location: Within Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in the middle of the northern Tianshan Mountains, adjacent to Huocheng County, Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture. Transportation: Self-driving: Drive west along the Lianhuo Expressway (G30), passing through Kuitun and Jinghe. The total distance is about 550 km, and it takes about 6 hours from Urumqi. Public transportation: Take a bus from Urumqi/Yining to Bole City, and then transfer to the scenic spot shuttle bus. II. Recommended Reasons 1. Natural Wonders: - Beautiful in all seasons: Wild tulips and globeflowers bloom from late May to mid-June, azure lake water in summer, snow mountain reflections in autumn, and blue ice and ice bubbles in winter. - Unique ecology: Habitat for rare birds such as swans and silver gulls, with surrounding snow mountains, grasslands, and forests intertwined into an integrated ecosystem of "mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts." 2. Cultural Heritage: - Known as "Jinghai" in ancient times, it was an important town on the northern route of the Silk Road. Legend has it that it was a bathing place for fairies and a place where Genghis Khan reviewed his troops. Scattered cultural relics such as ancient steles and post stations can be found. 3. Photography Paradise: - Ice and snow wonders such as "blue ice," "ice bubbles," and "ice mushrooms" in winter, and "Sayram Lake blue" and flower seas in summer, have been called "a real-life Ice Age" and "China's purest lake" by netizens. III. Recommended Attractions 1. Around-the-Lake Scenic Belt: - Moon Bay: Ice push landscape in winter, with transparent ice reflecting sunlight like diamonds. - Ice Bubble Lake Area (South Gate to East Gate): "Ice bubbles" formed by the freezing of marsh gas at the bottom of the lake, resembling underwater stars. - Kereyongzhu: The spring eye never freezes all year round, and in winter, the mist lingers like a fairyland. 2. Ecological Reserve: - Swan Habitat: In autumn and winter, flocks of swans swim on the lake surface, dancing with the reflections of the snow mountains. - Xihai Grassland: In summer, wildflowers cover the meadows, and the scene of herders moving their livestock is full of vitality. 3. Cultural Attractions: - Dianjiangtai: Legend has it that Genghis Khan reviewed his troops here. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the lake. - Guozigou Bridge: Adjacent to the scenic area, it is the highest bridge in Xinjiang and can be visited by car. IV. Ticket Information - Regular ticket price: - Peak season (April-October): 70 yuan/person, shuttle bus 75 yuan/person. - Off-season (November-March of the following year): 35 yuan/person (half price), self-driving service fee 75 yuan/person, valid for 48 hours. - Preferential policies: - Winter (October 16, 2024 - March 15, 2025) half-price tickets, reservations must be made in advance through the "Sayram Lake Tourism" official WeChat account. - Other fees: V. Practical Suggestions 1. Season Selection: - Winter (December-March): The best time to view blue ice and ice bubbles. Be prepared for cold weather (-10°C to -20°C). Windproof down jackets and non-slip boots are recommended. - Summer (June-August): A summer resort with daytime temperatures around 20°C. Pay attention to sun protection and UV protection. 2. Accommodation Recommendations: - Inside the scenic area: Sayram Lake RV Camp, Central Asia All-Inclusive Hotel, with lake views from the windows. - Surrounding areas: Hotels in Bole City or Yining City offer better value for money, about 1.5 hours' drive away. 3. Dining Tips: - Must-try: High whitefish (pan-fried, sashimi), Kazakh milk tea, and baked buns. Food prices in the scenic area are slightly higher, so you can bring your own snacks. 4. Precautions: - Pay attention to icy roads when driving. The speed limit in the scenic area is 40 km/h, and some sections are closed in winter. - Prioritize environmental protection, do not litter, and protect wild animals such as swans.