Sayram Lake: A shining sapphire on the Silk Road
Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
The Sayram Lake, like a large sapphire, is enchased in the hinterland of Tianshan Mountains. In Mongolian language, sayram means "a lake on the ridge." In Kazak, sayram means "blessing."
It is the largest alpine lake in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and lies at the highest altitude, with a height of 2,073 meters above sea level.
The Sayram Lake is a wonderful natural water resource and is surrounded by lush grasslands. The grassland, stretching to the horizon, is dotted with the tents of the cattle.
There used to be no fish in the lake. Cold-water fish like the Arctic cisco were introduced from Russia in 1998. Now, Sayram Lake has become an important cold-water fish production base, and a nature reserve providing shelter for wild birds like swan.
Realy amazinnng