Photo by Sarimon Lake National Scenic Area - Taking a group photo with the lake at the iron chain spot.

Sarimon Lake National Scenic Area - Taking a group photo with the lake at the iron chain spot.

Photo by Sayram Lake - Take a photo with the lake water, distant mountains, and blue sky.

Sayram Lake - Take a photo with the lake water, distant mountains, and blue sky.

Photo by Sailing Boat Aerial Photography at Dianjiangtai, Sayram Lake

Sailing Boat Aerial Photography at Dianjiangtai, Sayram Lake

Photo by Selim Lake - Grasslands

Selim Lake - Grasslands

Take advantage of the morning when the sun is not too high to frame the lake, distant mountains, and sky. This composition allows for clear visibility of the lake’s water, along with the misty mountains in the distance. The lake and sky should occupy about half of the frame each, with the mountains spanning the middle, ensuring that the clouds and mountain reflections are clear and symmetrical. Include the clear lake surface, the misty mountains in the distance, and the patches of sunlight in the sky to enhance the surreal atmosphere. A slight adjustment of the sunlight and light spots can help capture a pristine, otherworldly feel.

Travel Tip: It's best to shoot when the sunlight is good for the best results.

Sayram Lake - Lakeside

Photo by Sayram Lake - East Gate Lakeside

Sayram Lake - East Gate Lakeside

Use the rule of thirds, with the sky occupying the upper two-thirds of the frame and the ground the lower one-third, balancing the composition. Include the foreground grass and a measurement stake at the lower right, a group of horses in the midground on the left, and distant mountains and blue sky in the background. The composition should have clear layers, emphasizing the depth and space of the natural landscape.

Sayram Lake - Grasslands, Distant Mountains, and Yellow Poles

The photographer uses a level angle to ensure the clarity of the main subject, employing the rule of thirds to position the yurt at the lower one-third of the frame, with distant mountains occupying the upper two-thirds. This highlights the texture and layers of the mountains while preserving the serene atmosphere of the vast grassland.

1. Travel Tips: You can now drive into Lake Sayram, with a per-person fee of 145 RMB per day or 190 RMB for a two-day ticket.
2. Other Tips: Entry is only through the East Gate and exit is through the South Gate. If you exit through the South Gate, you will need to drive several kilometers back to the East Gate to re-enter.

Selim Lake - Grassland yurts and mountain forests in the same frame.

The shooting angle is at eye level, presenting a natural panoramic view. The composition follows the rule of thirds, dividing the frame horizontally into three sections: the sky, the lake surface, and the shoreline. The sky features richly layered clouds, while the lake’s surface glimmers in sync with the lines of the shore, enhanced by light penetrating the clouds and illuminating the lake, creating a sense of depth and a vast, harmonious blend of water and sky. This setup conveys a tranquil and expansive natural atmosphere.

Additional tips: The temperature in the Sayram Lake Scenic Area varies significantly between day and night, even during summer. It’s advisable to bring warm clothing.

Selim Lake - Lakeside

The photographer uses the car window frame for composition, with the model naturally leaning out and placing her hand on the edge of the window to add interaction to the scene. A straight-on shooting angle is used to ensure that the background, including the lake, grass, and distant mountains, is clearly visible and layered. It's recommended to use a standard focal length or the 2x zoom on a smartphone to highlight the integration of the subject and the landscape.

Sailing at Sayram Lake - Taking a group photo with the lake and meadows by the car frame.