Introduction

Xinjiang's lakes are truly picture-perfect. The high-mountain lakes are so clear you can see the bottom, surrounded by either snow peaks or forests-each with its own unique natural beauty. Whether you're traveling to Xinjiang for sightseeing, taking photos, taking your parents or children out for a relaxing trip, or simply looking for a quiet place to unwind, these lakes are well worth a visit. The five lakes introduced below are places that both locals and visitors from other regions frequently go to-they represent the most iconic scenery.

Xinjiang's Five Famous Lakes

Sayram Lake

Location: Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture. A high-mountain lake with brilliantly clear blue water that can show seven shades. Snow peaks surround the lake, with grasslands and wildflowers along the shore. The water is very pure, with little sediment, but stays cold year-round. In spring, wildflowers bloom by the lake; in summer, the water is clearest; in autumn, the yellowed grass reflects beautifully in the water; in winter, the entire lake freezes over like a piece of jade, with natural ice sculptures and ice shoves forming.

Suggested visit: 1 days.

Suitable for:

Photography enthusiasts

People who like forests and hiking

Families with older children

Travelers who prefer a slower 2-day trip

Kanas Lake

Location: Burqin County, Altay Prefecture. The lake water is jade green, surrounded by mountains and forests. The most famous spots are the three bays-Immortal Bay, Moon Bay, and Wolong Bay-each with a different shape. Mist often rises over the lake in the morning, creating a fairyland scene. In autumn, the red leaves contrast beautifully with the green water. You can also see snow-capped mountains in the distance. 

Suggested visit: Half a day or one day.

Suitable for:

Travelers short on time who want to see classic sights

Middle-aged and senior visitors

Those interested in the legend of the Queen Mother

Tourists who come to Xinjiang for winter snow

Heavenly Lake

Location: Fukang City, Changji Hui Autonomous Prefecture. A high-mountain lake with crystal-clear water and snow peaks behind it. The Queen Mother Temple on the shore adds cultural interest. From a higher vantage point, you can see the entire lake. Open year-round; in winter you can see ice waterfalls. 

Suggested visit: Half a day is enough.

Suitable for:

Travelers short on time who want to see classic sights

Middle-aged and senior visitors

Those interested in the legend of the Queen Mother

Tourists who come to Xinjiang for winter snow

Baisha Lake

Location: Akto County, Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture, on the Pamir Plateau, right next to G314 National Highway. The lake is not large, with clear blue-green water. Along the shore are white sand mountains. In the distance, you can see Kongur Peak and Kongur Jiubie Peak. The snow mountains, white sand, and lake water reflect together, offering wide open views and a unique landscape. 

Suggested visit: 1-2 hours.

Suitable for:

Travelers on the Pamir Plateau or Karakoram Highway

Those who like high-altitude scenery and the pure blue-and-white landscape

Photography enthusiasts

Travelers short on time who still want to experience a Pamir Plateau lake

Karakul Lake

Location: Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, Kashgar Prefecture. A high-altitude lake whose water color changes with the light. Beside it are Muztagh Ata and Kongur Peak, with their snow reflections in the lake, offering wide, open views. If you're touring the Pamir Plateau, this is a convenient stop. 

Suggested visit:1-2 hours is enough.

Suitable for:

Travelers on a Pamir Plateau itinerary

Those who like snow mountains and high-altitude scenery

People who can handle high altitude

Travelers short on time who still want to see a high-altitude lake

Practical Information for Visiting

Best times to visit

Sayram Lake: April to October and December to February, each season offers a different beauty;

Kanas Lake: June to September and December to February;

Heavenly Lake: all year round;

Baisha Lake: June to September. It is also accessible in May and October.

Karakul Lake: May to September best.

Transportation

Organized tours: Our travel agency offers shared rides, small group tours, or private cars that go directly to the scenic area gates. Contact us if interested.

Self-drive: There are signs everywhere, navigation works, but be careful on some mountain roads.

Inside scenic areas: Most have shuttle buses; private cars are generally not allowed in.

Ticket information

Sayram Lake: 135 yuan/person for entry, 75 yuan/person for shuttle bus

Kanas Lake: 160 yuan/person for entry, 70 yuan/person for shuttle bus (one entry)

Heavenly Lake: 95 yuan/person for entry, 60 yuan/person for shuttle bus

Baisha Lake: South bank viewing platform approx. 40 yuan/person; north bank free; parking fee 10–20 yuan/person

Karakul Lake: 50 yuan/person for entry.

Accommodation recommendations

Sayram Lake: stay in yurts at the entrance or in Bole city

Kanas Lake: stay in Jiadengyu or Hemu Village

Heavenly Lake of Tianshan: stay in Fukang city or guesthouses near the scenic area

Baisha Lake: stay in Akto County or Tashkurgan County-comfortable conditions

Karakul Lake: stay in Tashkurgan County

Our agency can help book rooms, both economy and comfort levels.

Travel Tips

• UV rays are strong in Xinjiang. On sunny days, apply sunscreen and wear a hat.

• Large temperature difference between day and night, especially by lakes. Bring a jacket even in summer.

• Karakul Lake is at high altitude. Walk slowly, don't run or jump. Prepare altitude medication if you are prone to it.

• Take your trash with you. Do not throw anything into the lakes.

Recommended Itineraries from Our Agency

12 Days North Xinjiang Tour Urumqi-Heavenly Lake-Fuyun-Burqin-Kanas-Hemu-Kuitun-Sayram Lake-Naraty 12 Days (over 1800+ Booked)

13 Days Xinjiang Tour to Ili Pastureland Urumqi-Sayram Lake-Zhaosu-Shate Valley-Kalajun Prairie-Tangbula Prairie-Narat Prairi-Bayinbuluk 13 Days (over 1600+ Booked)

7 Days Kanas and Hemu Adventure Urumqi - Fuyun - Keketuohai - Burqin - Jiadengyu - Kanas - Jiadengyu - Hemu- Burqin 7 Days (over 1500+ Booked)

Custom itineraries：

If you have specific places you want to go, or prefer to upgrade from yurts to hotels, we can adjust accordingly. Just tell us your requirements, and we will create a plan for you.

Welcome

Every lake in Xinjiang has its own character. If you're thinking of visiting Xinjiang this year to see these beautiful lakes, feel free to contact our travel agency. We can take care of the route, the car, accommodation, and tickets-all you have to do is enjoy your trip.