Sayram Lake: A shining sapphire on the Silk Road
Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /CGTN

Bole City, Bortala Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. /CGTN

The Sayram Lake, like a large sapphire, is enchased in the hinterland of Tianshan Mountains. /CGTN

The Sayram Lake, like a large sapphire, is enchased in the hinterland of Tianshan Mountains. /CGTN

In Mongolian language, sayram means "a lake on the ridge." In Kazak, sayram means "blessing." /CGTN

In Mongolian language, sayram means "a lake on the ridge." In Kazak, sayram means "blessing." /CGTN

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. /CGTN

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. /CGTN

The Sayram Lake is a wonderful natural water resource and is surrounded by lush grasslands. /CGTN

The Sayram Lake is a wonderful natural water resource and is surrounded by lush grasslands. /CGTN

The grassland, stretching to the horizon, is dotted with the tents of the cattle. /CGTN

The grassland, stretching to the horizon, is dotted with the tents of the cattle. /CGTN

There used to be no fish in the lake. Cold-water fish like the Arctic cisco were introduced from Russia in 1998. /CGTN

There used to be no fish in the lake. Cold-water fish like the Arctic cisco were introduced from Russia in 1998. /CGTN

Now, Sayram Lake has become an important cold-water fish production base, and a nature reserve providing shelter for wild birds like swan. /CGTN

Now, Sayram Lake has become an important cold-water fish production base, and a nature reserve providing shelter for wild birds like swan. /CGTN