Lake Baisa is so beautiful

Above the Pamir Plateau, there lies a blue jewel, pure as if it were heaven. The white sands are boundless, and the lake water is crystal clear; this is Baisa Lake in Xinjiang. Baisa Lake is located in Kashgar, Xinjiang, and is a national 5A tourist attraction, once nominated for the 'Magical Northwest Top 100 Sceneries' list. It is about 200 kilometers from the city of Kashgar and sits at an altitude of about 3300 meters in the Karakoram Range. The white sand here is like pristine snowflakes, and it is said that the Flowing Sands River from the 'Journey to the West' is based on this place. The Baisa Mountains stretch for kilometers, consisting of more than ten hills of varying sizes, forming a stark contrast with the surrounding mountains. The white sand interwoven with the dark mountain rocks creates a magnificent black and white panorama. Starting from the city of Kashgar, along the Karakoram Highway, the altitude rises from over 1100 meters to over 4700 meters, and one can enjoy the different beauties of the plateau along the way. After about 3 hours, you enter the Gez Canyon. There is a border checkpoint at the entrance of the canyon, informing people that they have entered the border area. This is the necessary route to Baisa Lake and also the essential way to the Red Qilafu Port. The ancient Han government once set up a post station in Gez, and its ruins are still on the left side of the canyon, which gives a glimpse into the hardships of the Silk Road in those days. Address: Bulunkou Township, Akto County, Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture Navigation: Baisa Lake or Baisa Mountain Transportation: About 3 hours from Kashgar Old Town, about 2.5 hours from Taxkorgan, all along the national highway, with good road conditions! Ordinary cars and SUVs can pass, but there are no charging stations along the way. Opening hours: 09:30-19:30 Tickets: Currently free. There are two viewing platforms, and it is said that tickets will be required from June, with an entrance fee of 40 yuan per person for the viewing platform walkway. Travel Tips: • When you are close to Baisa Lake Scenic Area, take the fork road towards 'Mujie' on the right side of the car, and after passing the checkpoint for one kilometer, you will reach the free north shore of Baisa Lake, where there are fewer people and you can take photos freely. The scenery is very beautiful. • A border pass is required to pass the checkpoint, and only those from the Kashgar area cannot pass; one must have a pass from the Kizilsu Kirghiz Autonomous Prefecture. • It is inconvenient to park on the roadside; there are two lanes, and trucks pass by, so do not stop at the bends. You can also park on the small embankment by the lake, but it is recommended to drive a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle up, and two-wheel drives should park by the roadside. • Some slopes by the lake are quite steep, so be cautious. Drones can be flown, but be mindful of moving vehicles and safety. The wind at Baisa Lake is strong, and the ultraviolet rays are quite intense, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun. It is recommended to wear bright-colored clothes for better photo results.