Sayram Lake in Bortala

Sayram Lake (赛里木湖) is located in Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, and is a National 5A Tourist Attraction. Known as the “Last Tear of the Atlantic,” it is one of the most iconic landscapes in northern Xinjiang.

At an elevation of approximately 2,071 meters, Sayram Lake is the highest-altitude and largest alpine cold-water lake in Xinjiang. The road around the lake stretches for about 90 kilometers, offering a spectacular self-driving experience through mountains, grasslands, and lakeside scenery.

Warm, moisture-laden air currents from the Atlantic travel thousands of kilometers before reaching this region. Blocked by the Tianshan Mountains, they release precipitation that helps sustain the clear blue waters of Sayram Lake. Snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, wildflowers, and the vast lake combine to create one of northern Xinjiang’s most dramatic landscapes.

Sayram Lake is a major landmark on classic northern Xinjiang self-driving routes, and many travelers combine it with Guozigou Bridge (果子沟大桥) for a full-day excursion.

Main Attractions and Things to Do

Kele Yongzhu: Springs and Swans

Kele Yongzhu (克勒涌珠) is one of the most popular scenic spots around the lake. Several natural springs continuously feed fresh water into Sayram Lake, creating a particularly clear and transparent section of water.

Wild swans are often seen resting here, while a lakeside wooden boardwalk provides convenient access to the water and makes it possible to enjoy the lake scenery at close range without entering sensitive areas.

Pine Tree Head: Panoramic Lake Views

Pine Tree Head (松树头) is one of the highest viewpoints around Sayram Lake. A wooden boardwalk leads uphill toward the summit, where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of almost the entire lake.

From the viewpoint, you can also look toward Guozigou and Guozigou Bridge in the distance. The combination of the deep-blue lake, surrounding mountains, and distant bridge creates one of the most impressive panoramic views in the area.

The Popular S-Bend

The famous S-Bend (网红S湾) is one of the signature photography locations along the lakeside road. The winding road curves dramatically beside the lake, with deep-blue water on one side and snow-capped mountains in the distance.

It is an excellent location for classic northern Xinjiang road-trip photography, especially when the weather is clear and the mountains are sharply defined.

Dianjiangtai and the Alpine Grasslands

Dianjiangtai (点将台) is traditionally associated with the legend that Genghis Khan reviewed and organized his troops here during his western campaigns. From the elevated platform, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the expansive lake and surrounding grasslands.

It is also an excellent location for sunrise, sunset, and high-altitude night-sky photography.

The Santai Grassland (三台草原) lies close to the lakeshore. From June to July, the meadows are covered with colorful wildflowers, while cattle and sheep wander across the grasslands, creating a classic alpine pastoral landscape.

Waterfront Beach and the Lakeside Lighthouse

Qinshui Tan (亲水滩) allows visitors to get close to the lake and experience its clear, cool water. A distinctive red-and-white lighthouse stands beside the lake and has become another popular photography spot.

In winter, when the lake freezes, Sayram Lake transforms into a completely different world. Blue ice, ice bubbles, and ice-push formations create some of the most spectacular winter scenery in northern Xinjiang, attracting photographers and winter travelers.

Tickets and Opening Information

The scenic area charges an entrance fee. During the peak season, generally from late April to mid-October, admission is RMB 70 per person. During the off-season, from approximately mid-October to mid-April of the following year, admission is RMB 35 per person.

Students and visitors aged 60–64 are eligible for half-price admission. Seniors aged 65 and above and children under 1.3 meters tall can enter free of charge with valid identification.

Visitors can choose to use the scenic-area shuttle buses or pay an additional fee to drive their own vehicles onto the lakeside circular road. Hiking, boat rides, and other recreational activities are charged separately.

During the peak season, the scenic area generally operates from 07:00 to 22:00, with admission ending at 21:00. Winter operating hours are shorter, and sections of the road may be temporarily restricted during strong winds, rain, or snow.

Allow 6–8 hours for a complete circuit around Sayram Lake. If you only plan to visit several major viewpoints, approximately 4 hours is sufficient.

The lake is located at high altitude, so walk at a relaxed pace and avoid strenuous running or sudden exertion to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Temperature differences between day and night can be extreme, and even summer visitors should bring a warm, thick jacket.

Vehicles may only stop at designated viewing areas along the circular road. Help protect the lake ecosystem by not throwing rubbish into the water or disturbing swans and other wildlife. Swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited.

How to Get There

Self-driving and private chartered vehicles are the most convenient ways to visit Sayram Lake. From downtown Bole, the drive to the scenic area's east entrance takes approximately 1.5 hours. Large free parking areas are available.

Both the East Gate and North Gate can be used for entering and exiting the scenic area, while the South Gate is exit-only. For a complete lake circuit, entering through the East Gate and driving counterclockwise is recommended.

There is no direct long-distance public transportation to the scenic area. Travelers without private vehicles can first reach Bole or Yining and then arrange a shared or private vehicle to Sayram Lake.

A classic self-driving route is:

Bole → Sayram Lake → Guozigou Bridge

The entire lakeside road has speed restrictions and numerous curves, so drive carefully and allow plenty of time for scenic stops.

Best Time to Visit

From June to August, the alpine grasslands are covered with wildflowers and the lake displays its characteristic clear blue color. The cool mountain climate also makes this an excellent period for escaping the summer heat.

From September to October, the meadows gradually turn golden. Clearer air and warm evening light make this an especially attractive period for landscape photography and road trips.

From December to March of the following year, visitors can experience Sayram Lake’s famous winter landscapes, particularly its blue ice and frozen ice bubbles.

Early morning is an excellent time to visit Kele Yongzhu for a chance to observe swans in a quieter environment. The soft side light before sunset is particularly beautiful at Dianjiangtai and Pine Tree Head, where the combination of lake, mountains, and sunset creates dramatic landscape photographs.

Travel Tips

Accommodation and dining within the scenic area can be relatively expensive, so bringing drinking water and a simple meal is recommended.

Sayram Lake is particularly busy during the peak summer season. Entering early in the morning is recommended to enjoy clearer roads and viewpoints before the afternoon crowds arrive.

For photography-focused travelers, a good strategy is to visit Kele Yongzhu in the morning, explore the lakeside viewpoints and grasslands during the day, and finish at Pine Tree Head or Dianjiangtai around sunset. This allows you to experience the lake’s changing landscapes from morning light to golden hour without rushing around the entire circuit.