Stop Hustling, Come to Sayram Lake and Be a Salted Fish, Lie Flat in "The Last Tear of the Atlantic"

Sayram Lake Travel Guide: The Ultimate Way to Play at "The Last Tear of the Atlantic" Coordinates: Sayram Lake Scenic Area, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Tickets: 1-day pass 145 yuan/person, 2-day pass 190 yuan/person (OK for self-driving or taking the shuttle bus) Best Season: May-August for wildflowers, October for autumn colors The first time you see Sayram Lake, you'll understand why Sa Beining said life is incomplete without coming here. The impossibly blue lake water, paired with snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and leisurely swans, is so beautiful it makes you want to cry. But don't actually cry, it's windy here, and your tears will be blown away. Self-driving is the most enjoyable, ticket 143 yuan/person, stop and take photos whenever you want. There are no hotels in the scenic area, it's recommended to stay near the entrance for convenience to continue exploring the next day. Must-visit photo spots: 1. Dianjiangtai (General's Platform) for sunrise (remember to bring a down jacket, it's as cold as a refrigerator in the morning) 2. Poppy field near Borhan Mountain (next to the public toilet, don't get lost) 3. Swan Lake at Kè Lēi Yǒng Zhū (pretend you're a swan princess) 4. Internet-famous lighthouse (the queue for photos might be taller than the lighthouse) 5. Small yellow flower hillside near the South Gate (best spot for lying flat photos) 6. Internet-famous S-bend (remember to check your photos after taking them, don't just get a big face) 7. Songshutou (Pine Tree Head) for panoramic view (climbing up is exhausting, but worth it) 8. Guozigou Bridge (at the exit, don't miss it) Why you must come: 1. See blue ice and bubble lake in winter (Dec-Feb limited, cold enough to question life but breathtakingly beautiful) 2. See flower sea and snow mountains in summer (May-Aug, every shot is a postcard) 3. Swan Lake encounter (Apr-Jun, swans pose better than you) 4. Lake loop self-drive (70km, your eyes won't be able to take it all in) Photo Holy Land: Songshutou Trail: Climb up to see both the lake and Guozigou Bridge, tiring but worth it S-bend road: Pretend you're on a coastal highway, but the background is snow mountains Kè Lēi Yǒng Zhū: Take photos with swans, be careful not to get pecked Qinshuitan (Water-friendly Beach): The lake water is so clear it can be used as a mirror Dianjiangtai (General's Platform): Suitable for "I am the King of the World" style photos Outfit suggestions: Wear bright colors, white dresses are best for photos, but it's windy so remember to wear safety shorts What to eat: There's Xinjiang food in the scenic area, but it's painfully expensive. It's recommended to bring your own dry food, or go to the city for a big meal after taking photos. Transportation: From Urumqi by car takes 6 hours, suggest staying in Bole City From Yining takes 2 hours, you can see lavender along the way Suggested route: Enter from the East Gate, exit from the South Gate, loop counter-clockwise around the lake Where to stay: If you have money, stay at the scenic area RV camp, stargazing is romantically tear-inducing If you're on a budget, stay in Bole City or Wenquan County, conditions are better Pitfall avoidance guide: Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Sunscreen! Say important things three times It's so windy your mom won't recognize you, bring a jacket Food is scarce and expensive, bring snacks to survive Flying a drone requires reporting, don't do something risky Other tips: UV rays are strong enough to bake you, protect yourself The weather changes in an instant, a light down jacket is a lifesaver Tickets are valid for 24 hours, you can watch the sunset one day and continue playing the next Bring some instant noodles and biscuits, you'll thank me when you're hungry Remember, it's beautiful here, but don't just focus on taking photos and forget to see with your eyes. After all, your phone can't capture the feeling of standing there. Finally, a reminder, don't get too excited when you see the beautiful scenery, the altitude is high here, running too fast can leave you gasping for air. Have fun and get tons of likes on your social media!