Traveling from Urumqi to Sayram Lake in Yili is a journey full of natural scenery and ethnic customs. Here is a detailed travel guide:?
Transportation mode?
Self-driving:?
Classic direct route: Starting from Urumqi, drive along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway, passing through Changji, Shihezi, and other places, and finally arrive at Sayram Lake. The total distance is about 470 kilometers, and the estimated driving time is around 6 hours. This route is relatively convenient and suitable for tourists with limited time or first-time visitors.?
Scenic Route: Starting from Urumqi, first drive along the G30 Lianhuo Expressway to Shihezi, then turn onto S201 Provincial Highway, passing through the 101 Danxia Highway to enjoy the magnificent scenery along the way. Then enter the Duku Highway, passing through Dushanzi Grand Canyon and Anjihai Grand Canyon before heading to Sayram Lake. This route is more suitable for tourists with enough time and energy, as the scenery along the way is diverse and rich.?
Public Transportation:?
Bullet Train + Bus: Take the bullet train from Urumqi to Bole, and then transfer to a bus to Sayram Lake. This method is more convenient, but attention should be paid to train and bus schedules.?
Lodging Recommendations?
Around Sayram Lake: There are good lodging options near the East Gate and South Gate. Lodging conditions at the East Gate are better but may require advance reservations; there are more lodging options at the South Gate, and it is closer to the lake, making it convenient for sightseeing.?
Huocheng Guesthouse: Located 30 kilometers from the South Gate, each room has an independent bathroom, dry and wet separation, and air conditioning. The rooms are fully equipped, and there are front and back gardens and a vegetable garden. The guesthouse also offers afternoon tea service, with vegetables grown on-site at affordable prices.?
Lodging within the Scenic Area: Options include wooden cabin multi-bed rooms, compact king rooms, and luxurious yurt family rooms. Heating and charging facilities are provided, but bathroom services are unavailable. You can enjoy a close-up view of the sunrise over the golden mountains and the magnificent scenery of nature.?
Food Recommendations?
Sayram Lake Specialty Foods: Not to be missed are the fresh and delicious lake fish, especially the Coregonus peled, which has tender meat and is rich in nutrition. You can taste dishes such as pan-fried fish, kebabs, poached fish, and fish dumplings.?
Xinjiang Specialty Foods: Hand-grabbed mutton, roasted whole sheep, naan, and other delicacies are also not to be missed.?
Attraction Check-ins?
Santai Grassland: One of the most eye-catching attractions of Sayram Lake. Every year at the end of spring and the beginning of summer, flowers bloom, and cows and sheep graze leisurely, creating a picturesque scene. You can ride horses, fly kites, picnic, and watch the sunset here.?
Moon Bay: The first attraction in the Sayram Lake scenic area when entering from the East Gate, named after its crescent shape. Here there are various entertainment projects such as sailing and go-karts, making it an excellent spot for photos.?
Bolehan Hill: A small hill near Sayram Lake, also known as Camouflage Hill. It is a paradise for photographers.?
Windsurfing Creek: A small stream within the Sayram Lake scenic area, named after its sailboat-like shape. Taking a walk along the creek, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of nature.?
Precautions?
Weather and Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and night in the Sayram Lake area is large. It is recommended to bring enough warm clothing.?
Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: The ultraviolet rays in Xinjiang are intense. It is recommended to bring sunscreen, sun hats, and other sun protection items. At the same time, be aware of insect bites.?
Safety Tips: During your visit, pay attention to personal and property safety, abide by the regulations of the scenic area, and avoid dangerous behaviors such as climbing and wading.?
In short, the journey from Urumqi to Sayram Lake in Yili will be an unforgettable experience of natural scenery and ethnic customs. Plan your itinerary in advance, prepare the necessary items, and enjoy this wonderful trip!?