博尔塔拉蒙古自治州

Why this place

Bortala is a Mongol autonomous prefecture in western Xinjiang, close to the Kazakhstan border, and its Sayram Lake is one of the most beautiful high lakes in China — deep blue, at 2,000 metres, surrounded by grassland and snow peaks.

What to see

• Sayram Lake — the high blue lake, with grassland and flower meadows in late spring
• The Alashankou pass, the rail and road gateway to Kazakhstan
• The Mongol and Kazakh herding culture of the western valleys

What to eat

• Mongol and Kazakh food: boiled mutton, milk tea, kumiss and naan
• Bortala is known for its 'bortala' lamb and its dairy

Best time

June–September; Sayram is best in May–June for flowers