Sailimu Lake | Meeting the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean
| Meet the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean.
Sailimu Lake, the "blue gem" of Xinjiang, is known as the "last tear of the Atlantic Ocean". The lake surface is 2,071 meters above sea level, 30 kilometers long from east to west, 25 kilometers wide from north to south, covering an area of 453 square kilometers. Its transparency is as high as 12 meters, making it the lake with the highest transparency in my country. The lake was formed by crustal movement and glacial action. The surrounding scenery is magnificent, with vast grasslands, dense forests and continuous snow-capped mountains surrounding it, and the landscape varies in each season. This is a dreamland carved out by nature with its magic. Whether you are a photography enthusiast, a nature explorer, or just want to find a place to relax your mind, Sailimu Lake can meet your expectations. Now, follow this guide and start your trip to Lake Sai!
1. Preparation before the trip
1. Documents: ID card is required. Students, seniors, etc. can bring relevant documents to enjoy ticket discounts.
2. Clothing: The temperature in Sailimu Lake changes frequently, so even in summer you should bring warm clothing such as jackets and fleece jackets, as well as sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
3. Medicines: common medicines such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc. to prevent physical discomfort.
4. Others: power banks, cameras, mobile phones, selfie sticks, etc. In winter, you also need to prepare heat packs for your devices. If you plan to camp, you need to bring your own tent, sleeping bag and other equipment.
2. Transportation Guide
1. External transportation:
◦ Plane: You can first arrive at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, and then transfer to Bole Airport. It takes about 1.5 hours from Bole Airport to Sailimu Lake. There are direct buses or carpooling. You can also fly directly to Yining Airport. It takes about 2 hours from Yining to Sailimu Lake. You can also see the Guozigou Bridge in the middle.
◦ Train: From Urumqi, you can take a train or high-speed rail directly to Bole Station. The high-speed rail takes about 4 hours, and the train takes about 8 hours. It takes about 1.5 hours from Bole to Sailimu Lake after getting off the train. There are direct trains or shared rides.
◦ Self-driving: It takes about 6 hours to drive from Urumqi to Sayram Lake. The scenery along the way is beautiful and self-driving is relatively convenient.
2. Internal transportation:
◦ Self-driving: You can enter and exit from the East Gate, you can exit from the North Gate and enter the next day if you have a ticket, and you can only exit from the South Gate but not enter. Self-driving can stop freely and enjoy the beautiful scenery, recommended!
◦ Scenic area shuttle bus: the first bus is at 10:00 in the off-season and the last bus is at 18:00, with one bus every hour; in the peak season, there is one bus 15 minutes before 12:00 and one bus 10 minutes after 12:00. Although it is convenient, you cannot stay here at any time.
3. Check in at scenic spots
1. Moon Bay: The scenery varies in each season. The sunset on the ice is dreamy in winter, and you can experience sailing in summer. It is a good place for family outings. You can also see the gradual change of the lake surface from light green to dark green, then to blue and finally to dark blue. [Insert Moon Bay scenery picture 1]
2. The internet-famous S Bay: With a wide view and azure blue water, it contrasts with the snow-capped mountains. It is an ideal place to shoot highway blockbusters. In the early morning or at sunset, you can capture the beautiful "mirror of the sky" effect. [Insert the internet celebrity S Bay scenery picture 2]
3. Dianjiangtai: You can trace the historical footprints of Genghis Khan. In the evening, you can take beautiful photos of people, Aobao and Jinguang Lake. It is also one of the best places to watch the sunrise.
4. Keleyongzhu: The only spring that does not freeze in winter. Groups of swans live here and you can also enjoy the "ice bubble" landscape. If you are lucky, you can see the swans up close. [Insert Keller's Pearl Scenery Picture 3]
5. Songshutou: You can overlook the whole view of the lake bay from the top. On the way down the mountain, you can check in at the popular camera position of Guozigou Bridge, which can capture the whole view of Saihu Lake and Guozigou Bridge together. It’s a great movie! [Insert pine tree top overlooking the scenery picture 4]
6. Xihai Grassland: The sunset here is very beautiful. Various flowers are in full bloom from June to July. It is the place with the most flowers in Sailimu Lake. In the evening, you can also take pictures of the "pink and purple sunset", which seems to have its own filter. [Insert Xihai Grassland Scenery Picture 5]
4. Food Recommendations
1. Lake seafood: White salmon is a specialty of Sailimu Lake. You can try various methods such as sashimi, pan-frying, stewing, etc. The meat is delicious and has a delicate taste.
2. Xinjiang-style food: grilled lamb skewers, pilaf, big plate chicken, etc. You can enjoy a satisfying meal in the small town outside the scenic area for only 30-50 yuan per person. The fresh lamb is grilled on charcoal fire and paired with fragrant rice, which is very satisfying.
3. Special snacks: The baked buns have a crispy outer skin and delicious fillings; Kumaiqi dipped in wild leek sauce has a unique flavor; paired with handmade ice cream, the lavender flavor is a must-try to give your taste buds an ultimate enjoyment.
5. Accommodation options
1. At the entrance of the scenic area: There are many hotels and homestays such as Sailimu Lake Ruhai Homestay to choose from, which makes travel convenient and the surrounding supporting facilities are relatively complete.
2. RV campsites: Such as Muyun Campsite, which has a 270° glass house with snow-capped mountains and lake views as soon as you open the door. It provides a unique accommodation experience, but the price is relatively high and reservations must be made in advance. [Insert RV campsite scenery picture 6]
3. Surrounding towns: If your next stop is Yining, you can stay in Qingshuihe Town at the foot of Guozigou Mountain; if you are heading to Urumqi, you can choose Bole City or Jinghe County, where there are many accommodation options and high cost-effectiveness.
6. Tour route planning
1. One-day tour version (highlights): East Gate → Moon Bay (photograph the reflection of snow-capped mountains) → Waterfront Beach (see swans) → S Bay Highway (popular camera position) → Songshutou (climbing up to overlook the panoramic view + Guozigou Bridge) → Keleyongzhu (spring water + swans) → South Gate. Arrive at S Bay before 8am and take photos of the "Golden Mountain in the Sunlight".
2. Two-day tour with a deep sense of relaxation (starry sky + sunrise + picnic):
◦ Day 1: East Gate → Moon Bay → Santai Grassland (picnic and photo taking) → Xihai Grassland (stay in the motorhome camping site to enjoy the starry sky).
◦ Day 2: Watch the sunrise at Xihai Grassland → Keleyongzhu → Songshutou → Lake Island (drone aerial photography) → Exit from South Gate.
VII. Precautions
1. Climate: Xinjiang has a changeable climate, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. You should bring warm clothes even in summer. The ultraviolet rays in the Altay region are strong, so you should take sun protection measures.
2. National culture: Respect local religious beliefs and customs, and be mindful of your words and actions in areas where ethnic minorities live.
3. Environmental protection: When visiting the scenic area, you should protect the environment and do not discard garbage at will.
4. Other aspects: The local drinking water is highly alkaline, and foreign tourists are prone to constipation. It is recommended to bring mineral water; remember to bargain when buying souvenirs.
The beauty of Sailimu Lake is the kind that can shock your heart directly. It is difficult to fully express its charm through words and photos. Only when you actually stand by the lake, feel the lake breeze, and look at the beautiful scenery in front of you, can you appreciate its uniqueness. Don’t hesitate any longer, pack your bags and come to Sailimu Lake for a date with nature!