Sayram Lake

Sayram Lake (赛里木湖) gets its name from Kazakh, meaning “blessing.” In Mongolian, it's called Sayram Nuur, or “lake on the mountain ridge.” The lake was once an important stop along the northern route of the ancient Silk Road. Today, it’s home to diverse ethnic groups like the Mongols, Kazakhs, and Uyghurs. Historically, this was pastureland for nomadic tribes, and it remains one of the best-preserved areas for experiencing traditional nomadic culture in China. You’ll often spot herds of animals grazing nearby.

Located in the Tianshan Mountains at an elevation of 2,071 meters, Sayram Lake gets most of its water from melting glaciers. It’s the largest and highest alpine lake in Xinjiang and is often called “the last teardrop of the Atlantic” because of its remote beauty.

The water is incredibly clear—you can see stones and fish on the lakebed. From a distance, the lake appears deep blue, shifting in shade depending on the sunlight and season. From May to August, lush green grasslands surround the lake, dotted with wildflowers and grazing cattle, sheep, and horses. It’s stunning during this time of year.

At Sayram Lake, you can ride horses across the open grasslands with mountain views on the horizon. It's also a great spot for a lakeside picnic in the summer sun or even camping overnight to watch an orange sunset, a sky full of stars, and a beautiful sunrise. This is one of the must-visit places in Xinjiang. Plan to spend around one full day here.