Sayram Lake: Where Wild Swans Dance on the “Last Tear of the Atlantic”

Goose, goose, goose—living in the last tear of the Atlantic, where wild swans roam freely in the clear waters of a 5A-rated National Scenic Area. These swans coexist with over ¥200 high-grade white salmon, and even in winter, the waters remain unfrozen.

Swan Watching Guide: Sayram Lake has several entrances: the East Gate, South Gate, and North Gate. Whether it’s the off-season or peak season, entering through the East Gate is always a reliable choice, as other gates may not be open during the off-season or in extreme weather conditions. In the off-season, self-driving is the only option, while in the peak season, you can take a sightseeing bus. Entering through the East Gate, visitors will pass by various scenic spots such as Moon Bay, Waterside Bay, Film City, Point Commander’s Terrace, Swan Paradise, West Sea Grasslands, Kele Yongzhu, and Pine Tree Peak. Kele Yongzhu is the area where swans are most concentrated, with snow-capped mountains and tower pines in the backdrop. In the summer, the scenery resembles that of the Swiss Alps, with vast meadows and wildflowers—perfect for photography.

Photographing Swans: Here are some tips for capturing the perfect shot. Swans are herbivores, so bringing some aquatic plant roots or, more simply, feeding them breadcrumbs can attract them. However, it’s important to feed them in moderation—these swans are quite overweight, and their plumb bodies are easily tempted by human offerings. When taking photos, it’s best to use a medium or long focal length, such as a 50mm or 85mm lens. For smartphone users, this corresponds to portrait mode or the telephoto lens. Choose a less crowded area and avoid using a wide-angle lens. Photographers should try to shoot from a lower angle, which will allow the frame to capture the lake, the snow-capped mountains in the background, and your subject. During special times, such as the blue ice season, if you’re fortunate enough to find swans nearby, you can safely step onto the ice and take close-up shots of the swans.