Dianjiangtai (Genghis Khan's Platform)
成吉思汗点将台
A lakeside rise where, legend says, Genghis Khan mustered his troops on the western campaign. It is one of the best viewpoints over the whole of Sayram Lake.
Dianjiangtai sits on a lakeside rise on the western part of Sayram Lake's north shore. Legend holds that Genghis Khan reviewed his army here during his western campaign, hence the name “Genghis Khan's Platform.” It is the most important viewpoint on the northern section of the lake road. From the terrace you look down on a curved bay and a pebble beach. The water shifts from emerald at the shore to deep blue in the middle, and the snowy Tian Shan peaks rise across the lake. The view is broader and less obstructed than around the visitor centre on the south shore, making it a classic spot for panoramic shots and sunsets. From June to July, the surrounding grassland blooms with yellow golden lotus (Trollius), purple irises and white wildflowers, while cattle and horses graze among the flowers. The platform has a stone tablet marking Dianjiangtai and a group of sculptures in Mongolian style. The nearby viewpoint has a car park and walking paths, and you can follow a boardwalk down to the lake. The loop sightseeing bus stops here (“Dianjiangtai North”), and self-drivers can stay for 30–60 minutes. Notes: winds on the platform are very strong, so keep an eye on your hat and drone. The stone beach is slippery. Stick to the boardwalk and do not trample the grassland or wildflowers. In peak season many people gather to photograph the sunset, so arrive early to claim a spot. The coordinates given are estimates for the Dianjiangtai area on the north shore of the lake road.
Opening hours
Follows scenic area hours