Sailimu Lake is located in the southwest of Bole City, Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, within the North Tianshan Mountains, and adjacent to Yili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture to the south. The total area of the scenic area reaches 1,314 square kilometers. The lake is 29.6 kilometers long at its longest point from east to west and 25.7 kilometers wide at its widest point from north to south, with a water area of approximately 458 square kilometers.
Sailimu Lake is not only a national-level scenic area, a national wetland park, and a national 5A-level tourist scenic area, but also a national-level civilized tourism demonstration unit and a national key natural heritage site. This scenic area is a multi-functional comprehensive region integrating original ecological landscapes such as mountains, lakes, forests, grasslands, wetlands, and glaciers. It combines elements such as high mountains, glaciers, forests, grasslands, clear blue lakes, and rare birds, and possesses many aesthetic feelings such as grandeur, wonder, seclusion, elegance, and vastness. It enjoys the reputation of "A Strange Land from the West, A Spiritual Land Beyond the World."
History and Culture
The name of Sailimu Lake has a long historical origin. As early as the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Turks named it "Sitiku'er," which means "Milk Lake." In the Qing Dynasty, because the Elzheyitu Bomu Military Station (i.e., the Third Station) was set up on the east bank of the lake, it was also called "Santai Haizi." In Mongolian, it is called "Sailimu Nao'er," which means "The Lake on the Ridge of the Mountain."
The shore of Sailimu Lake has been a summer pasture for nomadic peoples since ancient times. Many nomadic peoples in ancient times, such as the Sai people, the Yuezhi people, the Rouran people, the Wusun people, the Yüebain people, and the Turks, once herded, hunted, and multiplied here. From the 2nd century BC to the 5th century AD, Bortala was one of the main activity areas of the Wusun people. The Wusun people left many ancient tomb groups commonly known as "Tumuli Tombs" by the locals on the grassland of Sailimu Lake. In the second year of Chang'an during the Wu Zhou period of the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian established the Beiting Grand Protectorate and stationed the Jinya Army in the mountainous areas around Sailimu Lake. Since then, Sailimu Lake has become a necessary passage for caravans to enter and exit the Yili River Valley from the northern route of the Tianshan Mountains, going east to Chang'an and Luoyang, and west to Persia and Rome. In the 11th year of Jiading in the Song Dynasty, Genghis Khan went on a western expedition. Passing through the Alashankou, he came to Sailimu Lake and ordered Chagatai to open the land route from Songshutou to Guozigou, leaving historical relics such as the General Pointing Platform by the shore of Sailimu Lake. In the Qing Dynasty, Sailimu Lake was listed as a famous mountain and great river to be sacrificed to every year, and buildings such as the Elzheyitu Bomu Military Station, Jinghai Temple, and Dragon King Temple were also built.
In the development history of the scenic area, in December 1989, Sailimu Lake was identified as a provincial-level scenic area by the People's Government of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In January 2004, it was examined and approved by the State Council and announced as a national-level scenic area. In January 2005, the Management Committee of Sailimu Lake Scenic Area in Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture was established. On December 31, 2014, it was named the first national wetland park in Xinjiang. In May 2021, Sailimu Lake Scenic Area was successfully rated as a national 5A-level tourist scenic area in China.
Main Attractions
The Colorful Pure Sea
The water of Sailimu Lake is clear and blue. Under different seasons and weather conditions, the lake surface will present different shades of blue, such as deep blue and light blue, and sometimes it will also show colors like green. The surrounding mountains, dense forests, and vast grasslands surround the lake, jointly forming a picturesque and fascinating scenery that makes people linger.
The Twin Islands in the Lake Center
The twin islands in the lake center are located in the center of Sailimu Lake, and there is a Poetry Pavilion on the island. Throughout history, many literati and scholars who passed by here would climb onto the islands in the lake center. While admiring the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains, they composed poems and left many popular masterpieces.
Viewing the Pine Trees on Keshang Mountain
There are large patches of lush pine forests growing on the mountains around Sailimu Lake. These pine trees are tall and straight, setting off against the blue lake water, forming a unique and magnificent scenery. Tourists can enjoy the perfect integration of the lake and mountain scenery and the beauty of the pine forests here, and feel the tranquility and grandeur of nature.
The Mist Waterfall at Songshutou
Near Songshutou, there are often wonderful scenes of clouds and mist curling around. The clouds and mist pervade from the mountains, pouring down like a waterfall, integrating with the scenery of the lake and mountains of Sailimu Lake, creating a dreamlike atmosphere, just like a fairyland.
The Golden Flowers and Purple Plants
From May to July every year, the grassland around Sailimu Lake becomes a sea of flowers. Various flowers such as globe flowers and alfalfa bloom in competition. The golden and purple flowers are dotted on the green grassland, colorful and extremely beautiful, attracting many tourists to come and take photos.
Kele Yongzhu (The Gushing Springs like Pearls)
There are many spring eyes distributed along the lake shore. The clear spring water keeps gushing out, forming small springing scenes. The spring water is as crystal clear as pearls, gurgling into the lake, adding a lively beauty to Sailimu Lake and also becoming a major characteristic landscape of the scenic area.
The Swans Enjoying in the Water
Sailimu Lake is an important habitat for many birds such as swans. Every year, a large number of swans migrate here. They leisurely swim and play on the lake surface, sometimes spreading their wings and flying high, sometimes lowering their heads to forage. Tourists can closely observe the elegant postures of the swans and feel the beautiful picture of harmonious coexistence between human and nature.
The Poetry Forest on the Grassland
There are many stone carvings and stele forests on the grassland around Sailimu Lake, on which are engraved the poems and odes praising Sailimu Lake by literati and scholars of past dynasties. Tourists walking among them can seemingly feel the admiration of the ancients for this beautiful land and also appreciate the profound cultural heritage of Sailimu Lake.
Remembering the Past at the General Pointing Platform
The site of the General Pointing Platform is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of County Road 210 and the Sailimu Lake Overpass. On the platform at the highest point of the General Pointing Platform Site Park, there stands an Aobao with a diameter of 13 meters. Colorful Hadas are hung around the Aobao. There are 4 tall flagpoles on each side of the Aobao, symbolizing the Eight Banners of the Mongolian people, and the diameter of the flagpole base is 5 meters. Standing here, it seems that one can recall the valiant and battle-ready scenes of the past and feel the vicissitudes of history.
The Ancient Tombs of the Wusun People
The ancient tomb groups of Sailimu Lake are distributed in the piedmont alluvial fan area around Sailimu Lake, with a total area of 843 square kilometers. Currently, 32 tomb groups have been discovered, with a total of more than 1,200 tombs. These tombs have diverse types, including earth mound tombs, stone mound tombs, stone figure and stone mound tombs, and other surface forms. They have witnessed the life and history of the ancient Wusun people and have important archaeological and cultural values.
Delicacies
Xinjiang Roast Lamb Kebabs
Select fresh and tender local lamb, cut it into evenly sized small pieces, and skewer them with iron skewers. Roast them carefully over charcoal fire, and evenly sprinkle seasonings such as cumin and chili powder during the roasting process. As the roasting progresses, the lamb gradually becomes golden and crispy, tender inside and crispy outside, exuding an attractive aroma, and it is one of the must-try delicacies around Sailimu Lake.
Hand-Pulled Rice
Hand-pulled rice takes rice, tender lamb, carrots, and onions as the main ingredients. First, cut the lamb into small pieces and stir-fry until it changes color, add onions and stir-fry until fragrant, then put in the cut carrots and stir-fry evenly. Finally, add an appropriate amount of rice and water, and after stewing, the rice absorbs the aroma of the lamb and vegetables, becoming grainy, the lamb is tender and juicy, the carrots are sweet and delicious, and it is a very characteristic staple food locally.
Roasted Naan
Roasted naan takes high-quality flour as the main raw material, adds yeast, salt, water, etc., and kneads it into a dough. After fermentation, it is made into various shapes, commonly including round and oval shapes. Sprinkle seasonings such as sesame seeds on the surface of the dough, and then put it into a special naan pit for roasting. The roasted naan has a crispy taste and a rich aroma. It is not only a favorite staple food of the locals but also a must-try characteristic delicacy for tourists. Moreover, it is easy to store and carry.
Big Plate Chicken
Big Plate Chicken is a classic Xinjiang delicacy, made from tender chicken pieces, soft and glutinous potato pieces, and other ingredients. The chicken becomes tender and juicy after stewing, and the potatoes absorb the chicken soup, with a soft and smooth taste. Coupled with chewy belt noodles, put the noodles into the soup of the Big Plate Chicken and stir evenly. The noodles fully absorb the rich soup flavor and taste very enjoyable.
Yogurt Curd
Yogurt curd, also known as milk curd, is a dairy product made from milk or goat milk through a series of processes such as fermentation, filtration, and drying. It has a sweet and sour taste and is rich in various nutrients such as protein and calcium. Yogurt curd has a variety of flavors to choose from, such as the original flavor, strawberry flavor, etc. It is a local characteristic snack and also one of the favorite souvenirs for tourists.
Ticket Price
The current ticket price is 70 yuan, and the self-driving service fee is 75 yuan.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area, "赛里木湖旅游", in WeChat to obtain the latest news or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Sailimu Lake Scenic Area is open throughout the year, and the usual opening hours are from 09:00 to 21:00 every day. However, the opening hours of the scenic area may be appropriately adjusted according to seasonal changes and weather conditions.
You can obtain the latest news on the official WeChat public account of the scenic area.
Itinerary for Visiting
The following is a recommended classic itinerary for visiting Sailimu Lake Scenic Area: Enter from the east gate of the scenic area. First, you can visit the Saibeibao Film and Television City to experience the unique historical and cultural atmosphere of the grassland. Then go to the Santai Grassland Activity Scenic Area, where you can experience various grassland entertainment projects, such as horseback riding and archery. Subsequently, drive along the lakeside road and arrive at the Xihai Grassland Style Scenic Area to enjoy the vast grassland scenery and the beautiful lake view. Continue to move forward to the Songshutou Mountain Forest Scenic Area, where you can climb the mountain and look into the distance, overlooking the magnificent scenery of the entire Sailimu Lake and feeling the grandeur and magic of nature. Finally, leave from the south gate of the scenic area. If you have enough time, tourists can stay longer at each attraction, deeply experience and appreciate the beauty of Sailimu Lake, and also make appropriate adjustments and supplements to the itinerary according to their own interests and preferences.
Transportation
- By Plane: You can first take a flight to Bole Airport, and then take a special tourist shuttle bus to Sailimu Lake from the airport, or choose to take a chartered car to the scenic area, which is more convenient for travel.
- By Train: After taking a train to Bole City Railway Station, go out of the station and head to Bole City Bus Station, and transfer to a bus to Sailimu Lake. In addition, you can also choose to take a chartered car or share a car to the scenic area to save time and improve the flexibility of travel.
- By Bus: There are direct long-distance buses from cities such as Urumqi and Yining to Sailimu Lake. Tourists can choose the appropriate bus according to their departure place and itinerary. Taking a long-distance bus allows you to enjoy the scenery along the way and experience the local customs of different regions.
- By Self-driving: If you choose to drive by yourself, starting from Urumqi, you can go west along the Lianhuo Expressway and get off the expressway at the Sailimu Lake exit to reach the scenic area; starting from Yining, you can go east along the Lianhuo Expressway and get off the expressway at the Sailimu Lake exit to go to the scenic area. The advantage of self-driving is that you can arrange the itinerary freely, stop and take photos at the attractions along the way at any time, and have a deeper appreciation of the beauty around Sailimu Lake.
Must-visit Attractions
-
The Lakeside Road of Sailimu Lake
The lakeside road of Sailimu Lake is about 92 kilometers long. By self-driving or taking an interval vehicle along the road, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Sailimu Lake in all directions. In different sections, the scenery of the lake and mountains has its own characteristics, and multiple viewing platforms are also set up. Tourists can stop at any time, take photos, and feel the charm of Sailimu Lake.
-
The General Pointing Platform
The General Pointing Platform is an important historical relic left by Genghis Khan during his western expedition. Standing on the General Pointing Platform, it seems that you can see the magnificent scene of valiant troops and fluttering banners in those days. Here, the view is wide, and it is an excellent place to overlook the magnificent scenery of Sailimu Lake. Tourists can feel the integration of the weight of history and the grandeur of nature here.
-
The Swan Habitat
The swan habitat of Sailimu Lake is an important place for swans to stop during their migration every year. Here, tourists can closely observe the elegant postures of the swans. They swim and fly on the lake surface, forming a harmonious and beautiful picture with the lake water, blue sky, and white clouds. This is a good place to feel the beauty of natural ecology and experience the harmonious coexistence between human and nature.
Suggestions for the Visit
- It is recommended to allocate 1 to 2 days for visiting Sailimu Lake Scenic Area. This way, you will have enough time to admire the scenery of the lake and mountains, experience various recreational activities, and fully appreciate the charm of the scenic area.
- If you want to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset views of Sailimu Lake, it is advisable to stay in a hotel or a homestay within the scenic area. This will make it more convenient for you to reach the best viewing spots and avoid missing the wonderful scenery. At the same time, book your accommodation in advance to ensure that you can get a suitable room.
- Summer (from May to August) is one of the most beautiful seasons at Sailimu Lake. During this time, the grassland is in full bloom with flowers, the lake water is clear and blue, and the temperature is relatively pleasant. However, it is also a peak tourist season, and the prices of accommodation and dining around the scenic area may increase. If you don't like crowded places, you can also choose to visit in spring or autumn, as these two seasons also have their unique sceneries. In winter (from November to February of the following year), Sailimu Lake is covered in snow, presenting a special charm, and you can also experience winter entertainment activities such as skiing. But do pay attention to keeping warm and ensuring road safety.
- Due to the relatively high altitude of Sailimu Lake Scenic Area, the ultraviolet rays are strong. No matter which season you visit, you should take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen, wearing sunglasses, and a sun hat, to protect your skin and eyes.
- Some tourists may experience altitude sickness due to the high altitude of the scenic area. If you are concerned about altitude sickness, you can prepare some medications to combat altitude sickness in advance, such as Rhodiola rosea. During the visit, make sure to get enough rest and avoid strenuous exercise.
Precautions
- Respect the local customs and religious beliefs, especially in areas where ethnic minorities live in compact communities. For example, when entering some religious places, you should abide by the relevant regulations and maintain silence and respect.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not spit anywhere or litter. Put the garbage into the designated trash bins. Protect the ecological environment of Sailimu Lake so that more people can appreciate its beauty.
- When playing by the lake, pay attention to safety. Do not approach the dangerous areas by the lake, especially in adverse weather conditions such as strong winds and heavy rains. The terrain by the lake may be complex, so avoid accidents such as accidental falling into the water.
- If you choose to take an interval vehicle or drive by yourself within the scenic area, you should strictly abide by the traffic rules, pay attention to driving safety, and do not speed. When passing through some curves and narrow sections, slow down and pay attention to giving way to pedestrians.
- If you plan to camp within the scenic area, you need to choose the designated camping area and comply with the relevant regulations of the scenic area. During the camping process, pay attention to fire safety and do not use open flames in the fire prohibited areas. At the same time, take good care of your personal belongings to avoid losing them.