7-Day Travel Guide to Sayram Lake

7-Day In-Depth Tour Guide to Sayram Lake (Summer Vacation Edition) **Highlights:** Lakeside cycling + grassland galloping + canyon wonders + stargazing camping, a panoramic experience of North Xinjiang's summer essence. **Trip Features:** * **In-Depth Lakeside Exploration:** Ample time for cycling, strolling, and stargazing to fully immerse in Sayram Lake's charm. * **Off-Peak Travel:** Counter-clockwise route design to avoid tourist crowds. * **Diverse Experiences:** Lakes, grasslands, ancient trails, canyons, and starry skies all in one trip. **⏰ Daily Itinerary:** **Day 1: Arrive in Ürümqi - Jinghe County (Comfortable Transition)** * Arrive at Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport and rent a car (book in advance). * Drive along the Lianhuo Expressway to Jinghe County (~5 hours), enjoying the Gobi Desert scenery along the way. * **Accommodation:** Jinghe County hotel (recommended: Jinghe Wenzhou International Hotel for good value). * **Tips:** Stock up on snacks, bottled water, and sun protection; adjust to Xinjiang time (2 hours behind Beijing time). **Day 2: Jinghe - Sayram Lake (First Lakeside Experience)** * Morning: Drive 1.5 hours to the East Gate of Sayram Lake, purchase tickets (entrance + vehicle pass ~¥145). * Afternoon: **Counter-clockwise lakeside tour (key stops):** * **Moon Bay:** Expansive lake views, perfect for capturing mountain reflections. * **Qinshui Beach:** Get close to the crystal-clear water; spot swans if lucky. * **Dianjiang Platform:** Climb for a panoramic view of the lake and sense its historical grandeur. * **West Sea Grassland:** Summer wildflowers everywhere; horseback riding (~¥100/hour). * **Accommodation:** RV camp/yurt inside the scenic area (book 1-2 months in advance; recommended: Dianjiang Platform Stargazing RV Camp). * **Must-Try:** Cold-water fish (highly recommended: Sayram Lake whitefish) at the scenic area restaurant. **Day 3: Full-Day Immersion at Sayram Lake (Cycling/Hiking/Stargazing)** * Dawn: Watch the sunrise by the lake, enjoying the morning tranquility. * Morning: **Hike to Pine Tree Head (~2 hours)** for a bird's-eye view of the lake and Guozigou Bridge. * Afternoon: **Rent bikes for a lakeside ride (e.g., South Gate to Kele Yongzhu)**, feeling the breeze. * Evening: Wait for sunset by the lake, admiring the golden reflections. * **Night:** If clear, **stargaze under the Milky Way** outside the camp. * **Accommodation:** Inside the scenic area (same as above). **Day 4: Sayram Lake - Guozigou - Yining - Nalati Town** * Morning: Cross the spectacular **Guozigou Bridge**, stopping at viewpoints for photos. * Noon: Arrive in "Flower City" **Yining**, explore Kazanqi Folk Village (blue houses, free), try handmade ice cream and baked buns. * Afternoon: Drive to Nalati Town (~4 hours), enjoying the Gongnaisi River Valley scenery. * **Accommodation:** Nalati Town (recommended: Nalati Tourist Hotel for convenience). **Day 5: Full Day at Nalati Grassland (Sky Grassland + River Valley Grassland)** * All day: Explore **Nalati Grassland (¥95 entrance, optional shuttle):** * **Sky Grassland:** Take the shuttle to Nomadic Homes, experience vast alpine meadows, hike to the "Instagrammable Bridge." * **River Valley Grassland:** Ride the shuttle along the winding Gongnaisi River, try the grassland train (extra fee). * **Optional:** Horseback riding or rent ethnic costumes for photos. * **Accommodation:** Nalati Town (same as above). **Day 6: Nalati - Middle Section of Duku Highway - Bayinbuluke** * Morning: Drive the **middle section of Duku Highway**, experiencing "four seasons in one day," stop at Qiaoerma Martyrs' Cemetery. * Afternoon: Arrive at **Bayinbuluke Grassland**, purchase tickets (¥65 entrance + ¥75 shuttle). * **Highlight:** Nine Bends Eighteen Turns viewpoint for the "nine suns" sunset spectacle (summer sunset ~after 22:00). * **Accommodation:** Bayinbuluke Town (limited options, book early; recommended: Yindeng Hotel). **Day 7: Bayinbuluke - Northern Section of Duku Highway - Anjihai Grand Canyon - Ürümqi** * All day: Traverse the **northern section of Duku Highway**, passing Hashilegen Daban (possible snow), marveling at the rugged beauty. * Afternoon: Detour to **Anjihai Grand Canyon (free, undeveloped)**, stand at the cliff edge overlooking the earth's fissures (safety first!). * Evening: Return to Ürümqi, concluding the journey. * **Optional:** Shop for dried fruits and crafts at the Grand Bazaar. **📌 Key Tips:** 1. **Transport:** **Self-drive/private car** highly recommended (Xinjiang is vast; public transport is limited). SUVs preferred. Ensure drivers are well-rested. 2. **Accommodation:** **Sayram Lake and Bayinbuluke peak-season lodging is scarce and expensive!** Book 1-2 months ahead. 3. **Tickets:** Entrance and shuttle fees for Sayram Lake, Nalati, and Bayinbuluke are steep (~¥500/person); budget accordingly. 4. **Clothing:** Even in July, **mornings/evenings/rain at Sayram Lake and Bayinbuluke can be near 0℃!** Pack **windbreakers/light down jackets**. Daytime UV is intense—use physical + chemical sunscreen (hat, sunglasses, SPF50+). 5. **Food:** Limited and pricey options in scenic areas; bring snacks. Respect local customs—no pork/alcohol talk in halal restaurants. 6. **Altitude:** Sayram Lake ~2000m, Bayinbuluke ~2500m; mild reactions possible—avoid strenuous activity, carry meds. 7. **Cash:** Weak signals in some areas (especially China Unicom); keep cash for tolls/vendors. 8. **Eco-Friendly:** Pack out trash to protect the fragile plateau environment. 9. **Reservations:** Duku Highway may have traffic controls; check updates before departure (e.g., via "Ping'an Dushanzi" WeChat). **🍽️ Must-Try Foods:** * Sayram Lake: **Whitefish** (steamed, sashimi, fried) * Yining: Handmade ice cream, baked buns, "Yibazhua" (similar to baked buns) * Nalati/Bayinbuluke: Hand-pulled lamb, kebabs, milk tea, "Baoersake" (fried dough) * Ürümqi: Big plate chicken, kvass, yogurt This guide balances in-depth experiences with classic sights, maximizing 7 days to savor North Xinjiang's summer landscapes and culture. Wishing you an unforgettable summer adventure at Sayram Lake and the Tianshan heartland!