Water Yardang - Xitai Jinaier Lake (Two-colored Lake) - Mangya (Emerald Lake) - Aiken Spring Devil's Eye - Stay in Mangya
In the morning, set off to visit the unforgettable [Wusute Water Yardang]. The richly varied yardang landforms are scattered in different shapes across the lake. Viewed from above, the yardangs in the water all facing the same direction look like warships ready to depart, spectacularly floating in deep blue or emerald-green lake water. This is also a paradise for water birds and wild ducks. They gather here in flocks, playing in the water, chasing, soaring, running, and resting, so this place is also called the "Lake of a Hundred Birds and a Thousand Islands."
Next, visit the two-colored lake [West Taijinar Lake], which is split into azure and emerald-green parts by National Highway G315 running through the middle of the lake.
The next attraction is the purest sky mirror deep in Qaidam, [Mangya Emerald Lake]. The emerald-green lake water contains not a trace of impurity, with white salt flowers woven through it—isn't this an emerald rough stone with natural cracks? As a lesser-known attraction, Mangya Emerald Lake has not yet been visited by large numbers of tourists and retains its isolated, otherworldly beauty.
Afterward, we will go to the hot spring that has been gushing for thousands of years in the hinterland of Aral Grassland, ["Devil's Eye" Aiken Spring] (visit time 1h). On the uninhabited Gobi desert, a spring gushes out, and around the hot spring are black, brown-red, and yellow sulfur water crystals. Viewed from above, it looks very much like an eerie blood-colored eye, so Aiken Spring is also called the "Devil's Eye." In Mongolian, Aiken means terrible. It is said that if you shout here, the louder the sound, the more the spring gushes.
Warm Tips
1. Today's scenic area requires drone photography to better capture its mysterious and stunning effect.
2. On sunny days here, the light is very strong, and there is also reflection from the lake surface, so sun protection preparations are needed, and it is best to prepare a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes.
3. The scenic areas are far apart, so it is recommended to bring food and drinking water.
🍽️ Breakfast, lunch and dinner (at own expense)
🏨 Mangya Xigang Aviation Grand Hotel / Mangya Yudu Grand Hotel