The travel guide for the Sayram Lake Circuit in Xinjiang mainly includes modes of transportation, travel routes, recommended attractions, and practical tips.?
Modes of Transportation:?
Self-Driving: Self-driving around the lake is recommended if conditions permit, with a fee of 145 yuan/person. You can stop wherever you want to take photos and enjoy the scenery along the way.?
When self-driving, please note that the highway around the lake is 92 kilometers long. It is recommended to enter the highway early in the morning to ensure completing the circuit within a day.?
Scenic Area Bus: The fee is 145 yuan/person/day or 190 yuan/person/2 days. You can get off at the designated stops to visit attractions and then continue your journey around the lake on the same bus.?
Shuttle Bus: Ticket price is 70 yuan/person, and the shuttle bus fee is 75 yuan/person. Buses run on a loop schedule during peak seasons with designated stops.?
Travel Route:?
It is recommended to circle the lake clockwise because this direction offers a closer view of the lake and better lighting. In the morning, enjoy the beautiful scenery at Pine Tree Head with front lighting, and in the afternoon, enjoy the front lighting scenery between the North Gate and the East Gate.?
Another option is to enter from the East Gate, circle the lake counterclockwise, and exit from the South Gate, enjoying different attractions along the way.?
Recommended Attractions:?
Moon Bay: With snow-capped mountains at the top and a wide view, the reflection of the snow-capped mountains is clearly visible, making it suitable for taking highway photos.?
Waterfront Beach: You can get close to swans, making it a great place for swan photography.?
S-shaped Bend Highway: The best location for taking breathtaking highway photos.?
Lighthouse: A great place for photos, where you can capture beautiful moments.?
Commanding Heights: Climb up to overlook the panoramic view of Sayram Lake. It gives a historical sense of Genghis Khan reviewing his troops, and it’s an excellent spot for drone photography.?
Practical Tips:?
Plan your itinerary in advance and reasonably arrange your time around the lake. The entire trip around the lake may take most of the day or even a whole day.?
Choose a sunny day to go around the lake. The scenery under the sun is completely different from that on a cloudy day.?
Due to limited food and beverage options on the road around the lake, it is recommended to bring your own snacks, dry food, and water.?
Pay attention to sunscreen. Wear sunscreen clothes and masks when taking photos. The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so bring a thin down jacket just in case.?
Through the above guide, you can better plan your trip around Sayram Lake and enjoy this beautiful lake known as the ‘Last Tear of the Atlantic’.?