Wu Lei Embarks on a Cycling Adventure Exploring the Breathing Northern Xinjiang in China

Chinese actor, Wu Lei is known for his adventurous nature and his love for the outdoor life. He regularly goes on nature adventure on his bike, exploring the natural scenery of the environment, and sharing what he got from his trips.

This year, he embarked on a cycling adventure in Northern Xinjiang, home to the Uyghur Ethnic Minority in China. This province is officially known as the Autonomous Region of Uyghur Xinjiang. 

Wu Lei explores Northern Xinjiang. Photo credit: Wu Lei weibo

The capital of Xinjiang province is Urumqi, home to Uyghur celebrities - Dilraba Dilmurat, Gulinazha, and Merxat Yalkun. 

Xinjiang is known for its breathtaking scenery of nature, jaw-dropping natural wonders such as lakes, rivers, grasslands, and imposing mountains.

One of its spectacular natural treasures is Sayram Lake, also known as Sailimu lake, located in the alpine basin of the western section of the Tianshan Mountains in Bole, Xinjiang. 

Wu Lei embarks on a cycling adventure to Xinjiang. Photo credit: Wu Lei weibo

It is called "Sailimuzhuoer" in Mongolian, which means "lake on the back of the mountain". As a provincial tourist scenic spot and the fifth batch of national scenic spots, it is the mountain lake with the highest elevation, the largest area, and beautiful scenery. 

Sayram Lake is the last place where the warm and humid air of the Atlantic Ocean favors, so there is a saying "the last tear of the Atlantic Ocean". If you like nature and photography, it is a good place to visit.

Photo credit: Wu Lei weibo

Popular activities around Sailimu Lake include sightseeing, photography, cycling, and speedboats. Wu Lei published the first episode of his Northern Xinjiang Cycling Trip on August 28, 2023. The view was simply amazing!

He toured around the Sailimu lake on his bike, and traversed the long road of Northern Xinjiang passing through the grasslands, mountains, and the captivating view of the lake.

Sailimu lake. Photo credit: Wu Lei weibo

Highlights of Sailimu lake 

Sailimu Lake showcases its breathtaking charm, the magnificent and charming topography. It is simply majestic! Visitors can fully appreciate the romantic feelings of returning to nature and the unique ethnic culture.  

Sayram Lake is one of the important wetlands in the arid region of northwest China. It measures 2,073 meters above sea level, about 30 kilometers long from east to west, and 25 kilometers wide from north to south. 

Wu Lei shows the grassland in Northern Xinjiang

In addition, Sayram Lake scenic spot is a provincial multi-functional comprehensive scenic spot, it has different beautiful view in winter and summer. Every winter, the snow and water of Sayram Lake congeal, and the slightly random-shaped lake surface is set in the iceberg and snowfield, like a piece of emerald green on the white and soft silk. 

In summer, the lakeside is full of forests and streams, the grass is lush and flowers are blooming; the vast grasslands, green smoke curls, and flocks of cattle and sheep form a moving pasture landscape. You can come here at different seasons to enjoy the lake's charming beauty and explore more about other beautiful attractions around the lake.

The breathtaking Sailimu Lake as seen on Wu Lei's vlog

How to Get to the Sayram Lake  

a. By train

Tourists can take a train from Urumqi to Yining, and then take a car or carpool from Yining to reach Sailimu Lake, the fare is about 100 yuan.

b. By bus

Tourists can take a passenger bus to Bole or Yining from Nianzigou Passenger Station in Urumqi, and get off at the east of Sailimu Lake on the way.

c. Charter a car

If you charter a car, you have free time and routes, and it is also convenient to go around Sayram Lake, but of course, the cost is slightly more expensive.

Wu Lei begins his Northern Xinjiang cycling trip

Travel Information

Opening Time: Year-round 10:00-22:00

Best Months to Visit: May to early October

Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 21:00

Tickets: CNY 70/person for admission, CNY 75 for round-trip park bus

Address: Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang