When traveling around Sayram Lake in Xinjiang, you can choose to self-drive or take the scenic area bus. It is recommended to circle the lake in a counterclockwise direction and plan your itinerary and photo opportunities in advance.?
The circumferential highway around Sayram Lake is 92 kilometers long, and it takes approximately 2 to 4 hours to circle the lake once, depending on the time spent playing and taking photos. Here are some detailed travel suggestions around the lake:?
Ways to Circle the Lake:?
Self-Driving: If conditions permit, self-driving around the lake is the most flexible way, allowing you to freely park and take photos and enjoy the scenery along the way. The cost for self-driving is 145 yuan/person, but you need to plan your itinerary in advance and adjust your speed according to the actual situation to ensure you complete the lake circuit within a day.?
Scenic Area Bus: The cost is 75 yuan/person (one-way). The entire lake circuit is approximately 70km and takes about 4 hours. The bus stops at each attraction for approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to get off and take photos.?
Recommended Route:?
Circling the lake in a counterclockwise direction is highly recommended, as it avoids peak crowds, makes it more convenient to park and take photos, and also allows for smooth travel to attractions such as Guozigou.?
The specific route can start from the East Gate, passing Moon Bay, Santaiyuan Grassland, Qinshuitan, Film and Television City, Dianjiangtai, Swan Enjoying Water, Xihai Grassland, Kele Yongzhu, Jinhua Zihui, Pine Tree Head, and finally exiting from the South Gate or East Gate.?
Precautions:?
Plan your itinerary in advance and arrange your time reasonably to ensure you complete the lake circuit within a day.?
Choose a sunny day to go around the lake, as the scenery under the sunshine is completely different from that on a cloudy day.?
There are boardwalks and parking spots along the way where you can stop and take photos, but please note not to feed wild animals, such as swans and little foxes.?
Although there are rest areas and restaurants along the lake circuit road, the selection of food and drinks is limited. It is recommended to bring your own snacks, dry food, and water.?
Photo Opportunities Recommended:?
Pine Tree Head is an excellent spot to overlook the panoramic view of Sayram Lake and is also the best place to watch sunrises, with the Guozigou Bridge also visible in the distance.?
The S-bend is one of the most representative views of Sayram Lake, providing a very layered look when taking photos.?
Moon Bay is an excellent spot for watching sunsets, but it is recommended to arrange sunset watching at the end of your lake circuit, as the scenery of the setting sun is the most enchanting.?
With the above suggestions, you can better plan your trip around Sayram Lake and enjoy this beautiful lake known as ‘the last tear of the Atlantic’.?