There are multiple options for travel routes to Sayram Lake in Xinjiang. Here are a few recommended routes:
I. Short-Term Travel Route
This route is suitable for tourists with limited time, taking approximately 3 hours to deeply experience the beauty of Sayram Lake.
Enter from the North Gate and visit the Fanxi scenic spot first.
Next, head to Bairui Muyun Golden Tent Campsite and Sayram Lake Muyun Campsite to feel the unique camping atmosphere.
Arrive at Xinmin West Sea Starry Sky Campsite to enjoy the perfect combination of starry sky and lake view.
It is recommended to travel counterclockwise to deeply experience Sayram Lake. If time is limited, you can also choose to travel clockwise for half the route and exit from the South Gate.
II. Six-Day Travel Route
This route covers multiple attractions around Sayram Lake and is suitable for tourists who want a comprehensive experience of Xinjiang’s scenery.
Day 1: Urumqi – Sayram Lake – Guozigou Bridge – Qingshuihe.
Day 2: Qingshuihe – Huanghuang Village Lavender Fields – Kazak Ethnic Street – Liuxing Street – Yining.
Day 3: Yining – Tuohulasu Grassland – Gongliu.
Day 4: Gongliu – Qiaxi Forest Park – Nalati Town.
Day 5: Nalati Town – Tangbula Fairy Lake -百里画廊 (Hundred-Mile Gallery) – Tangbula.
Day 6: Tangbula – Duku Highway – Urumqi
III. Other Travel Suggestions
Explore the frozen Sayram Lake to feel the unique beauty of the winter ice lake and observe the traditional lifestyle of local herdsmen cutting ice on the ice.
Head to the West Sea Grassland to admire the lush green grass and colorful flowers, interact with Kazakh herdsmen, and experience the joy of horse riding and herding.
Reach the top of Songshutou Mountain to overlook the panoramic view of Sayram Lake and gaze at the magnificent scene of Guozigou Bridge in the distance.
When planning your itinerary, it is recommended to check the local sunrise and sunset times in advance to arrange your schedule reasonably. Meanwhile, be aware of altitude sickness, carry necessary medications for altitude sickness, and rest and stay warm to cope with the diurnal temperature variation and ultraviolet rays.