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As per local folklore, Sayram, the 'emerald gem,' is said to have originated from the tears of a Kazak couple who pledged to die to reunite.
The mountain lake intertwines with a tale of melancholic love in Tan Cương.
Located in the western Tian Shan range, Sayram is the largest and highest mountain lake in Tan Cương. In Kazak, its name translates to 'blessing.' Resting at an altitude of over 2,000 meters above sea level, Sayram Lake, surrounded by lush green meadows and snow-capped peaks, mirrors a canvas of flowers, grass, trees, and sky across its expansive 460 km² surface. Hence, the mountain is dubbed the 'emerald gem' of Tan Cương.
Sayram Lake formed around 70 million years ago due to the shifting of the Himalayas. However, locals believe its origin is intertwined with the sorrowful love story of a Kazak couple.
Legend has it that in ancient times, a young man and woman deeply in love faced adversity. The girl's beauty inadvertently attracted a malevolent demon who abducted her to be his wife. After attempting to escape, she was captured by the demon. Choosing not to become his wife, she leaped into a deep abyss to express loyalty to her beloved. On the young man's side, upon learning of his lover's demise, he cast himself into the abyss to reunite with her. Their poignant teardrops formed Sayram Lake.
Each season unveils a unique beauty at Sayram Lake, but the ideal time to visit is from June to November. During this period, the placid lake mirrors gatherings of white swans, while on the shores, herds of horses and sheep peacefully graze.
In July and August, Mongols and Kazaks converge on the fields to celebrate the Nadam Festival. This 6-day event includes competitions like horse racing, wrestling, and archery. Local livestock herders in the vicinity also partake in the festival, adorned in traditional ethnic costumes. The event features various cultural performances such as dance, singing, and the 'chase the girl' competition.
Besides immersing in local cultural festivals, visitors can horseback ride or row boats for sightseeing, with rental prices around 20 CNY (70,000 VND) per day. With its poetic landscape, Sayram Lake attracts many tourists for wedding photoshoots and honeymoon getaways.
Sayram Lake ranks among the top 4 beautiful lakes in Tan Cương, alongside Kanas Lake, Ulungur Lake, and Bostan Lake. The entrance fee to the lake is 10 CNY (35,000 VND).
To reach here, travelers can take domestic flights, lasting 4 hours from the capital, Beijing, to Urumqi city. There are approximately 14 daily flights connecting the two cities. Upon arriving in Urumqi, you can take a bus from Yining station, Jiefang Road, to Sayram Lake. The journey takes about 3 hours.
Hotels around the lake have an average price of 200 CNY (700,000 VND) per person per night. Alternatively, you can stay in homestays priced at 15-20 CNY (55,000 - 70,000 VND) per night.
Source: Lan Huong/ Vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 5, 2019
