Exploring the "Thousand Island Lake" in the Gobi Desert - "Devil City"

A Guide to Visiting the Water Yadan Devil City: ❤️I. Scenic Spot Introduction The Water Yadan Devil City (Usute Yadan Geological Park) is located in the Xitai area of Da Qaidam Administrative Committee, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is the only water Yadan landform group in the world. Originally a dry Yadan group, flash floods caused the river to change course, and groundwater gushed out to form lakes, creating the spectacle of the "Thousand Island Lake in the Gobi." The azure lake water complements the diverse Yadan mounds, especially during sunrise and sunset, when the changing light and shadow resemble an alien world. ❤️II. Practical Information 🎫Tickets: 120 yuan/person (including sightseeing bus) 🕐Opening hours: 8:30-19:00 (peak season, May-October), 9:00-17:30 (off-season, November-April) 🛝Suggested visiting time: 4-6 hours (best lighting in the early morning and evening) 👍Best season: June-September (pleasant climate, azure lake water), the frozen lake in winter offers a unique charm 🛣️Transportation: 🚗Self-driving: About 2 hours' drive from Da Qaidam Town (along National Highway 315) 🚘Chartered car: Starting from Xining/Dunhuang, you can visit Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, and other attractions 🚌Public transportation: There are buses from Da Qaidam Bus Station to the scenic spot (limited frequency) ❤️III. Must-Try Experiences 1️⃣Core viewpoints -Wanghai Terrace: Overlooking the entire Water Yadan from the highest point (terminal station of the sightseeing bus) -West Sea Fleet: Rows of Yadan formations resemble a fleet of warships -Penglai Fairy Island: Excellent photo spot for reflections of Yadan formations in the lake 2️⃣Special activities -Camel riding: (about 100 yuan/person): Experience the Silk Road charm while traveling through the Yadan formations - Off-road motorcycle: (about 150 yuan/30 minutes): Exciting exploration of undeveloped areas - Stargazing camping: (requires registration): Capture the Milky Way and Yadan silhouettes together in summer ❤️Photography Tips - Golden hour: 1 hour after sunrise/1 hour before sunset (Yadan formations appear golden) - Drone perspective: Vertical shooting of the "Thousand Island Lake" effect (requires prior registration) - Creative composition: Use Yadan crevices as foreground frames ❤️IV. Itinerary Suggestions ☝️One-day tour route 08:00 Depart from Da Qaidam Town → 10:00 Arrive at the scenic spot → Take the sightseeing bus to Wanghai Terrace → Explore the geological wonders on foot → 12:30 Lunch in the scenic spot → 14:00 Experience off-road activities → 17:00 Photograph the sunset → Return 🕐In-depth two-day tour Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon to photograph the sunset → Stay overnight at the RV campsite for stargazing Day 2: Photograph the sunrise in the early morning → Hike deep into the Yadan hinterland → Head to East Taijinar Lake in the afternoon ❤️V. Essential Tips 😷High-altitude protection: Altitude is about 2,800 meters, pay attention to sun protection (sunglasses + SPF50+ sunscreen) Supplies preparation: Only simple meals are available in the scenic spot, it is recommended to bring your own dry food/drinking water 👔Clothing suggestions: Non-slip hiking shoes (climbing required in some areas), windproof jacket 🔔Special reminders: - Protect the fragile landforms, climbing in undeveloped areas is prohibited - Some roads may be closed during the rainy season (July-August), check in advance - Mobile/China Telecom signals are stable, China Unicom is weaker ❤️VI. Nearby Attractions 🍀East Taijinar Lake (30km): "Maldives of the Plateau," a Tiffany blue salt lake 🍀National Highway 315 U-shaped highway (80km): Popular wave-shaped highway 🍀Da Qaidam Emerald Lake (120km): Filming location of "A Little Red Flower" This place, known by tourists as "the most alien-like place in Qinghai," is writing the most contradictory romance on Earth with the gentleness of water and the ruggedness of Yadan. When the off-road vehicle kicks up dust and heads into the depths of Yadan, you will understand why explorer Sven Hedin once said: "The beauty here carries an awe-inspiring loneliness."