This study investigated the residues of four sulfonamides, four quinolones, and four tetracyclines in surface water as well as surficial sediment samples, of Bosten Lake, in Xinjiang, China. The results showed the presence of 10 out of the 12 selected antibiotics in both water and sediment. Lomefloxacin was not detected in any of the samples. Among the 12 antibiotics considered, ciprofloxacin, with median concentrations of 39.22 ng L(-1) in surface water and 76.51 μg kg(-1) in surficial sediment, was the dominant antibiotic in all samples. The sorption coefficient values presented higher sorption capacities of tetracycline and chlortetracycline than the other antibiotics. The cluster analysis revealed elevated levels of pollution in sampling sites 1, 2, and 3, which were situated in a nearby urban area and in the estuary of Kaidu River. This study demonstrates the necessity of regulating the use of antibiotics and improving the management and treatment of their release.