Sayram Lake Scenic Area, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

I. Introduction

Sayram Lake, located in Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, was historically known as the "Pure Sea." The scenic area is divided into six functional zones: the lakeside landscape touring area, the grassland nomadic culture area, the ecological landscape conservation area, the swan and other rare bird habitat protection area, the comprehensive tourist service area, and the pristine ecological environment preservation area. Three special protection zones have been designated: the central core water body of Sayram Lake, the West Lake Swan Wetland Meadow Water Habitat, and the Chagan Guole Ice and Snow Ecological Adventure Scenic Area.

II. Orientation and Layout

Geographical Environment

Sayram Lake is situated in the western section of the Tianshan Mountains, at the southwestern edge of the Junggar Basin. The lake area lies between 80°59′35″E to 81°22′17.5″E and 44°29′37.4″N to 44°32′19″N. National Highway 312 runs alongside the lake. It is 100 kilometers east of Bole City, Xinjiang; 150 kilometers from Alashankou; 330 kilometers from Kuytun City; and 520 kilometers from Urumqi. To the south, it is 160 kilometers from Yining City, the capital of Ili Prefecture, and 86 kilometers from the Khorgos Port.

Natural Resources

Zooplankton

According to a 2008 report in a Chinese geography magazine, Sayram Lake hosts a total of 19 species of plankton, including 6 species of protozoa (36.1%), 8 genera of rotifers (41.2%), 3 genera of cladocerans (15.8%), and 2 genera of copepods (10.5%). The protozoa mainly include Strombidium, Vorticella, and Holophrya. Common rotifer genera include Brachionus and Keratella. A common cladoceran species is Daphnia tibetana. A common copepod species is Cyclops. The presence of zooplankton in the lake water provides essential conditions for fish farming.

Fish

Sayram Lake originally had no fish. In 1998, Xinjiang introduced cold-water fish such as Coregonus peled and Coregonus autumnalis from Russia for aquaculture. The first harvest of mature fish occurred in 2000, ending the lake's history of being fishless. After a decade of development, Sayram Lake has become an important cold-water fish production base in Xinjiang.

Hydrological Characteristics

The surface elevation of Sayram Lake is 2,073 meters, with a lake area of 458 square kilometers. The lake's recharge coefficient is approximately 3.1, making it the watershed with the smallest recharge coefficient among inland lakes in northwestern China. The maximum water depth is 92 meters, with an average depth of 46.4 meters, and a water storage capacity of about 2.1×10¹⁰ cubic meters. The lake is surrounded by mountains and contains glaciers, forming a closed alpine basin water system. The average annual precipitation around the lake is about 450 mm, mostly concentrated from April to August.

Climatic Features

Bole City, where the Sayram Lake scenic area is located, has a temperate continental climate. The moisture source for Sayram Lake primarily originates from the Atlantic Ocean. The westerlies from the Atlantic carry moisture over a long distance to the Tianshan Mountains in China, by which time the air contains very little moisture. Due to orographic uplift by the Tianshan Mountains, the moist air rises, cools, condenses, and forms orographic rain, which eventually falls around Sayram Lake and flows into it. After the prevailing westerlies from the Atlantic form precipitation here, it becomes difficult for significant precipitation to form further east.

Seasonal Characteristics

Late Spring to Early Summer

Late spring to early summer is the best season to visit Sayram Lake. During this time, the subalpine meadows across the mountains are in full bloom. Wild poppies, globeflowers, and cinquefoils, among other golden-yellow flowers, are particularly eye-catching. Among the golden fields, wildflowers of purple, red, blue, white, and other colors are dotted throughout, turning Sayram Lake into a sea of flowers.

July and August

July and August are ideal for escaping the summer heat at Sayram Lake. The lakeside is lush with forests, clear streams, deep grasses, and abundant flowers. It is one of Xinjiang's largest summer pastures. On the vast grasslands, countless sheep run freely like white clouds in the blue sky. Horses gallop, cattle and camels amble, and the lake water remains tranquil, composing a picturesque pastoral scene.

December to February

December to February is the time to witness another wonder of Sayram Lake: ice bubbles and blue ice. In winter, countless ice bubbles are frozen beneath the lake's azure ice surface, resembling jellyfish in the sea or countless globeflowers embedded in sapphire. The 458 square kilometers of blue ice are serene and profound. Standing on the ice, gazing at the vast expanse of the lake, one's heart feels expansive.

Like ice eyes, ice bubbles are actually a special natural phenomenon. Their formation results from microbial degradation, air pressure, and especially the consequences of rapidly dropping temperatures and strong winds. As bubbles rise, they cannot reach the surface to escape and become suspended in the water. As the water temperature continues to drop and the lake water freezes, the air bubbles become trapped within the ice. Combined with the deep blue and serene surface of Sayram Lake, the ice bubbles appear particularly novel and beautiful.

III. Key Scenic Spots

Moon Bay

Moon Bay is the first scenic spot encountered upon entering the Sayram Lake scenic area from the east gate, named for its crescent moon shape. Here lies one of the "Ten Scenes of Sayram Lake," the "Fushi Dongzhi" (Eastern Peak Resembling Fuji). This refers to the Husumuqige Mountain on the eastern shore of the lake. The mountain is tall and symmetrical on both slopes, with a main peak of 3,596 meters perpetually covered in snow. Viewed from the Haixi Grassland across the lake, the peak rises straight into the blue sky with clouds swirling around its summit, closely resembling Japan's Mount Fuji, hence the name. It is an excellent location for photographing the lake and snow-capped mountains. Walking further along the boardwalk, visitors can explore other attractions like Tianhu Gukou, Qingyang Slope, and the Ten-Mile Embankment.

Waterside Beach

At Waterside Beach, the tallest giant rock in the scenic area stands by the lakeside, inscribed with eight gilded characters: "Western Regions Pure Sea, Sayram Lake." Due to its resemblance to a sail, some call it the "Sail Rock." A small stream flows into the lake here year-round, also known as "Sail Stream."

General's Platform

At the highest point of the General's Platform Heritage Park platform stands an ovoo (a Mongolian cairn) with a diameter of 13 meters, adorned with colorful khadags (ceremonial scarves). On either side of the ovoo are four tall flagpoles, symbolizing the Eight Banners of the Mongols, with base diameters of 5 meters each. At the General's Platform, one can sense the history from 800 years ago when Genghis Khan led his 200,000-strong army westward with great momentum, their armor and weapons gleaming, and war flags fluttering. One of the Ten Scenes of Sayram Lake, the Ancient Wusun Tombs, is located here. This is an ancient cemetery left by the Wusun people by the lake. Those interested in cultural history can come to experience it. Additionally, this is also a great place for flower viewing, where the Acacia Flower Sea and the West Lake Grassland merge into one. Imagine the blue Sayram Lake on the left and the boundless sea of flowers on the grassland to the right...

One can imagine in those distant years, Genghis Khan led his formidable Mongol cavalry on their westward expedition, reaching this place. The vast land of Sayram Lake became an important assembly and rest area for the great army. On the tall and majestic General's Platform, the awe-inspiring Genghis Khan looked down upon his thousands of soldiers, each valiant and spirited, well-equipped, and high in morale. Generals received military orders and deployed strategies here, planning battles that would shape the course of history.

Standing on the platform and gazing into the distance, the waters of Sayram Lake shimmer under the sunlight. It's as if one can see the endless tents of the army camp, hear the neighing of warhorses, and see the dust flying. The thunderous sound of war drums and the stirring call of bugles seem to echo across time. The soldiers trained and prepared here before charging like tigers into unknown battlefields. Their bravery and decisiveness forged legendary tales.

Having weathered the passage of time, the General's Platform no longer retains its former grandeur, but one can still feel the weight and vicissitudes of history from its remnants. Every stone seems to whisper stories of the past—the deeds of heroes and the grand scenes of war are deeply imprinted on this land. Today, visitors are invariably awed by this historical grandeur. In remembrance and reflection, they deeply appreciate the relentless flow of history's long river and the brilliant footprints left by humanity, forever worthy of remembrance and reverence. It is not merely a historical site but a bridge connecting the past and the present, allowing later generations to draw strength from remembrance and move forward better under the reflection of history.

Kele Yongzhu (Bubbling Springs)

"Kele" means "all springs." This scenic spot is located in the freshwater marsh area by the lakeshore and is the only spot in Sayram Lake that does not freeze in winter. Springs continuously bubble up here, making it the most concentrated area of spring outflow in Sayram Lake. The springs here are a miraculous gift from nature. The crystal-clear spring water, pure as crystal, gushes from underground without any impurities or turbidity. Approaching the spring, one can see the sand, stones, and tiny organisms at the bottom, gently swaying with the water flow as if whispering the secrets of the underground world. The spring water continuously bubbles upward, forming strings of晶莹 water bubbles, like pearls being lifted from the lakebed to the surface—hence the name "Kele Yongzhu" (Bubbling Pearls). Under the refraction of sunlight, these bubbles shimmer with五彩光芒, dreamlike and fantastical, as if nature has prepared a visual feast especially for visitors.The spring water flowing from the springhead converges into a babbling stream. The stream joyfully rushes through meadows and rocks, producing crisp and melodious sounds, like an endless natural symphony. It meanders toward Sayram Lake, forming a unique landscape where it merges with the lake water. The clear stream and the deep blue lake water intertwine, creating a faintly visible boundary at the junction due to differences in water quality and flow speed. On one side is the lively and agile stream, and on the other is the deep and vast lake—a harmonious blend of movement and stillness, offering a distinct charm.

The ecological environment around Kule Yongzhu is also exceptionally beautiful. Lush aquatic plants grow by the spring, swaying gently with the water flow as if dancing to accompany the spring. The emerald green of the aquatic plants contrasts with the clarity of the spring water, enhancing the vibrancy of the scene. Further away, grasslands spread out like a green carpet, dotted with wildflowers of various colors, creating a dazzling display. Occasionally, a few cattle and sheep can be seen strolling leisurely, grazing and drinking water, adding a touch of liveliness and tranquility to this serene picture.

At Kule Yongzhu, visitors can pause their hurried steps, sit quietly by the spring, feel the gentle caress of the breeze, and listen to the whispers of the spring and the cheerful songs of birds. Reaching out to touch the cool spring water allows both body and mind to relax and unwind completely in the embrace of nature. Whether admiring the brilliance of golden sunlight shining on the spring’s water droplets at sunrise or witnessing the gentle fusion of the stream and lake under the glow of sunset, Kule Yongzhu offers a beautiful experience of escaping the hustle and bustle of the world and returning to the essence of nature, becoming an unforgettable memory of the journey to Sayram Lake.

Pine Tree Head

Following the winding wooden boardwalk leads to the mountaintop, offering a panoramic view of Sayram Lake’s grandeur, uniqueness, beauty, serenity, and vastness.

Lake Center Island

On the island at the center of Sayram Lake stands a poetry pavilion.

Golden Flowers and Purple Blooms

The grasslands surrounding Sayram Lake are vast and boundless, and "Golden Flowers and Purple Blooms" resemble the most brilliant colorful tapestry on this grassland. Every year from June to July, the grassland welcomes its most splendid season.

Among the many flowers, the golden lotus is the most eye-catching, with its bright golden-yellow blossoms resembling finely crafted golden cups by sunlight. They stand gracefully atop the emerald green grass, swaying gently in the breeze as if dancing. The petals are delicate and soft, with clearly visible veins, as if outlined by nature’s most delicate brushstrokes. The golden lotus is not only beautiful in appearance but also holds certain medicinal value, giving it a unique status in traditional medicine and adding a touch of mystery.

The purple alfalfa is equally impressive, with clusters of deep purple flowers tightly packed together, forming small yet full spikes. Their rich and deep purple hue contrasts with the golden yellow of the golden lotus, creating a vivid yet harmonious color palette. Purple alfalfa is an excellent forage grass, providing abundant food for the livestock on this grassland, reflecting the integrity and prosperity of the ecosystem around Sayram Lake.

When you step into this sea of flowers, a rich floral fragrance envelops you instantly. Various unnamed small flowers also compete for attention, some elegant and others vibrant, collectively weaving this colorful floral world. Strolling through it feels like stepping into a fairy-tale wonderland, with new surprises at every step. Butterflies flit busily among the flowers, and bees buzz around, playing and gathering nectar, adding a lively atmosphere to this floral sea. "Golden Flowers and Purple Blooms" is not only a visual feast but also a wonderful journey of intimate contact with nature, experiencing the vitality and diversity of life. It leaves every visitor沉醉 in its boundless beauty and fragrance,久久难以忘怀.

IV. Cultural Resources

Legend

Long ago, Sayram Lake was a beautiful grassland blooming with flowers. On this grassland, a Mongolian couple fell in love. An evil demon in the mountains became obsessed with the girl’s beauty and sent his minions to capture her, intending to take her as his concubine. The strong-willed girl refused to submit and managed to escape from the demon’s palace. Pursued relentlessly by the demon’s minions, she was forced to jump into a deep pool on the grassland. The young man, upon learning of her capture, rushed to rescue her. After a fierce battle, he finally killed the demon, only to discover that his beloved had already perished. Overwhelmed with grief, the young man also jumped into the pool to join her in death. Instantly, surging blue waves emerged from the pool. The sincere love and sorrowful tears of the couple transformed into today’s Sayram Lake, while the grief-stricken lovers turned into two inseparable small islands amidst the turbulent waves, remaining together to this day on the vast expanse of the lake.

Honors Received

• In January 2004, Sayram Lake Scenic Area became a National-Level Scenic Area.
• In December 2009, Sayram Lake Scenic Area was established as a National 4A-Level Tourist Attraction.
• On December 31, 2014, Sayram Lake Scenic Area was officially designated as Xinjiang’s first National-Level Wetland Park.
• On May 11, 2021, Sayram Lake Scenic Area was confirmed as a National AAAAA-Level Tourist Attraction by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China.
• On May 8, 2023, Sayram Lake Scenic Area was included in the second batch of National-Level Civilized Tourism Demonstration Units.
• In December 2023, Sayram Lake Scenic Area was recognized as a National Sports Tourism Demonstration Base.