CCTV Host Sa Beining once exclaimed in a show: “If you’ve never been to Sayram Lake, you’ve wasted your life!” With just that one remark, Xinjiang’s highest and largest alpine cold-water lake instantly went viral, becoming a must-visit destination for countless travelers.

The Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, where Sayram Lake is located, strictly protects the lake’s ecological environment. Guided by the principle of “keeping it natural and unadorned,” it has enforced the strictest protection measures, restored the most pristine ecosystems, and pursued science-driven development with the aim of building Sayram Lake into a world-class tourist attraction and international resort destination.

According to local media reports, Sayram Lake Scenic Area has once again set a new record for visitor numbers this year. As of September 1, it had received 5.36 million tourists.

    Hailed as “the last teardrop of the Atlantic,” Sayram Lake is not only a “fossil of water vapor” formed by the Tianshan Mountains blocking moisture from the Atlantic Ocean but also carries the romantic legend of a Kazakh maiden’s lovesick tears. Perched at an elevation of 2,071 meters, this color-shifting lake shines like sapphire on sunny days and glimmers like jade on cloudy days. It transforms into “tears of ice” in winter, and between June and August, when wildflowers surround it, it offers a breathtaking sight of the “Milky Way falling into the lake.” Photo courtesy of Sayram Lake Scenic Area