Haixi｜There is always an article in life that must be left for the Northwest

? Restlessness in the sleepy city

Is there anything on your life list that must be done?
Take a look at the sunrise on the top of the snow-capped mountains,
Waiting for a romantic sunset by the sea,
Or, enjoy running on the prairie.
One thing on my list that I'm going to do right now is, start a road trip around the Great Northwest!

I always set some plans for myself. The best thing in life is to accomplish something that I will definitely do. The wish of the Northwest has not been crossed from the wish list for a long time, and now it is getting more and more popular here. The most primitive The touch is also slowly disappearing, until I resolutely placed an order for a plane ticket in the afternoon of a certain day, and started the Haixi travel plan...

Haixi, a hot land that gave birth to great mountains and rivers. A cloud, a horse, a brick, a river, the beauty here gathers in these bits and pieces, and merges into a rough and unrestrained warmth. With majestic heat and strong emotions, it shows the past of this land for thousands of years. It is silent, but it is better than a thousand words, it just stands there silently, understatement but rich in color.

Qinghai is "far away". This distant horizon is outlined by snow-capped mountains, grasslands, rivers, lakes and deserts. It is the Kunlun fairyland in Chinese mythology and the source of rivers in the geographical sense. Between the snow-capped mountains and the desert, we can still see how human beings have worked hard to broaden the boundaries of existence. The story of civilization written by great rivers and rivers is written here.

Alien Valley

Qinghai Lake

Dachaidan Emerald Lake

earth blood

Yadan on the water

Mangya Emerald Lake

Devil's Eye Aiken Springs

Eye of the Cliff Aiken Spring

Russian beams on the surface of Mars

Russian beam

Lunar Surface Black Dushan

Black Dushan

U-shaped road

National Highway 315

crescent spring

Mingsha Mountain

Guazhou borderless

Sculpture without boundaries

son of the earth

Sculpture Son of the Earth

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake?????? Day? 1??

Xining --- Chaka Town (about 300 kilometers) (it is recommended to take National Highway 109 along the lake)

Main attractions: Kumbum Monastery (recommended index??????), Qinghai Lake and surrounding areas, cliffs (recommended index??????????)

? Kumbum Monastery, the belief of caressing the prayer wheel

When you land in Xining, do everything you need to do first (rent a car, buy supplies...water and snacks are essential. In most cases, you may not be able to find a restaurant for lunch. It is recommended to buy some self-healing pots to deal with it) Taking a rest is the official start of Qinggan's journey.

I have been to a lot of temples, and it is my little principle to worship the Buddha when I see the Buddha. Anyway, it is right to worship the Buddha when I see the Buddha. . Ha ha.

Kumbum Monastery is not far from Xining. If you arrive in Xining at the right time, or if you have plans, you can choose to stay for 2-3 hours to see it.

I originally planned to come in the afternoon of the day I landed in Xining, but it started to rain as soon as I arrived at the door, and it was getting bigger and bigger, which was really a bad start. . . After struggling for a few minutes, I decided to give up here. It is impossible to play well under heavy rain. I felt a little uncomfortable when I returned to the hotel, so I thought about taking a look the next morning. If it wasn't raining, I still wanted to go in and take a look. Fortunately, God did not embarrass us again the next day. Although it is not in a state of clear skies, at least in the gloomy weather, it can be regarded as adding a thick atmosphere to the place.

Knowledge tips: Kumbum Monastery has a tower first, and then a temple, so it is named Kumbum Monastery. It is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism in China, and it is also the leading scenic spot in Qinghai Province and a national key point cultural relics protection unit. Butter flowers, murals and duixiu are known as the "three wonders of Kumbum art", so you should pay attention when you are shopping. Due to the accumulation of history, the temple is extremely rich in cultural relics, architecture, ritual instruments, Buddha statues and literature collections, making the temple a treasure house of art.

There are many wild tour guides at the gate of the temple. If necessary, you can pay them to help explain. After all, what you see is only the architecture and feelings. If you want to understand the history here, you still need an understanding person.

Kumbum Monastery

"The merit of turning the prayer wheel is that if you turn it once, it is equivalent to reciting the Tripitaka once. If you turn it twice, it is equivalent to reciting all the Buddhist scriptures. If you turn it three times, you can eliminate the body, speech, mind, and sins. If you turn ten times, you can eliminate the evil obstacles like the king of Sumeru; All sentient beings are liberated; those who turn one hundred thousand times can go as far as the sea of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva; those who turn a million times can make all living beings in the round sea of the six realms feel happy; All living beings will get rid of the sea of suffering; those who turn for hundreds of millions of cycles will have the same merit as Guanshiyin Bodhisattva."

Faith also passed by the prayer wheel that was stroked. . .

Kumbum Monastery

The oil sculptures, murals and pile embroidery of Kumbum Monastery are known as the three art masterpieces of Kumbum Monastery in Qinghai
Murals are paintings on the walls of various temples. Most of them are painted on curtains, and some are painted directly on walls and beams. The mural paints are made of stone minerals, and the colors are bright and durable. The painting style of the murals belongs to the religious painting department of Lamaism, which is somewhat different from Han paintings, and has a strong Indian-Tibetan flavor. The content of the murals is mostly based on the Buddhist scriptures of the Yellow Sect and the Tantra classics.

Kumbum Monastery

The architectural styles of temples in Qinghai and Tibet are basically similar. Looking at the familiar red brick and white walls, the thoughts are also sad and nostalgic in the two places. .

Kumbum Monastery

I'm tired of looking at the tall buildings in the city, so let's take a look at the red bricks and white tiles here, at least for the time being, the depression of the city is gone.

Kumbum Monastery

Inside the temple, when there are activities, the lamas of the temple will chant scriptures inside. The grandeur is spectacular. .
Some ritual instruments, Buddha statues and literature collections are also hidden here for people to worship.

Kumbum Monastery

Look carefully at the architecture of the temple here, as if every corner has its unique style and charm.
The architecture of the temple covers the styles of Han palaces and Tibetan flat roofs. It ingeniously combines the Han style with three eaves and Xieshan style with the Tibetan eaves to build flax hemp walls, inlaid Kalachakra Sanskrit mantras and bronze mirrors in the middle, and inlaid bricks on the bottom. Integrate into one, harmoniously and perfectly form a building complex combining Chinese and Tibetan artistic styles.

Kumbum Monastery

The mottled old temples are also covered with dust for many years. It is also the hall of belief of countless people. .

Kumbum Monastery

The four-pillar pagoda surrounding the main entrance is also a symbol of Buddhism.

Kumbum Monastery

"Everyone seems very lonely. They try their best to relieve their loneliness in their own way, but in fact they continue their own loneliness. Loneliness is the curse of nature on people who live in groups. Loneliness is the only way out of loneliness."
Looking at these crowds who bowed their bodies and bowed their heads, reminded me of this classic sentence of Marks. For these people with strong beliefs, at least they are full of heart. And how can people who have no faith understand it? .

Kumbum Monastery

The walls are decorated with exquisite magic wands and pestles.

Kumbum Monastery

Walking in the temple, listening to stories, looking at the buildings, the heart also calms down. .

Kumbum Monastery

I especially like the eaves of the temple, which feels particularly geometric and artistic.

right

Kumbum Monastery

A check-in point that is about to become an Internet celebrity, a natural door frame (photo frame), many people (especially girls) will check in here.

Kumbum Monastery

All kinds of beasts and golden wheels on the top of the temple. The mortise and mortise structure also creates the ultimate craftsmanship of the building.

Kumbum Monastery

Kumbum Monastery has a rather special temple, not big, but the linden trees inside are luxuriant, which seems a bit out of place with others.
Xiaohua Temple, also known as the Longevity Buddha Hall, was built for the seventh Dasu Lama to recite the Longevity Sutra, so it is named the Longevity Buddha Hall. It has formed a small courtyard. On the front is a small door protruding from the sulfur-glass brick wall, which is exquisite and unique. There is a bodhi tree planted in the courtyard, with lush leaves, thick shade to block out the sun, clean and elegant.

Kumbum Monastery

There are more than 30 Buddha statues such as Sakyamuni in the hall. Woodcut relief, overlapping layers, background of Buddhist niches, carved wood and painted gold. The exquisite and meticulous hand-carving is the crystallization of the woodcut art of Kumbum Monastery. Its shape is a two-story eaves corridor with double eaves on the top of the mountain, the four corners of the roof are raised, and the brackets are exquisite and bright, just like a beautiful woodcarving painting.

Kumbum Monastery

When I was about to leave, it started to rain again. Believe me, compared with the sun exposure under the clear sky, this kind of continuous rain is more comfortable.

Kumbum Monastery? Qinghai Lake, more than a touch of blue loneliness

It can be said that most of the time today is driving beside Qinghai Lake. Although the 109 National Highway is slower than the high speed, the scenery along the way is completely different.

On the way to Qinghai Lake, I will definitely turn over Riyue Mountain, but Riyue Mountain is not very interesting to me, and it is just a scenery on the side of the road. The weather is still gloomy. Although it is not the best viewing picture, the temperature is comfortable.

It is also my first time to drive such a long distance by myself. It should be regarded as a challenge. Although I can drive silently, I still have some worries about her driving skills, so I am not very tired. Generally, she will not be replaced.

Coming out of Kumbum Monastery, it is basically a completely different driving environment. There are no buildings around, and it can be regarded as a sea of people fleeing. Some of them have a free attitude and a relaxed mood.

Qinghai Lake

When you are tired, release the drone to see if there are any good-looking pictures. Flying the drone on the land of Qinghai, it can be said that 90% of the photos you see have very good photos. The colors in the picture are always so lovely.

Qinghai Lake

I can’t remember much, but I should have been able to see Qinghai Lake after driving for a long time. If you just look at it from the road, the picture is not as shocking as the eyes. After all, it is on the same plane, but it is in the sky. It looks completely different, so the existence of a drone is very necessary on the Qinggan Great Ring Road.

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake and rapeseed flowers do not seem to exist independently in people's minds, especially in this place, just like the relationship between Yoshinoya and DQ, Qinghai Lake and rapeseed flowers are like partners, making this scenery unique.

Qinghai Lake

Walking along the south line of Qinghai Lake, there are many small intersections on the roadside, as long as you give the local herdsmen 10 yuan, you can come in and out at will.
The wind by the lake at the end of June was still very strong, coupled with the cloudy and light rain, I immediately felt a little regret for not wearing thick clothes.

Qinghai Lake

Most places in Qinghai Lake are not developed, so you can also think that such a scene is worth 10 yuan, but for me, this relatively primitive beauty may be more real.

Qinghai Lake

Most tourists who come to Qinghai Lake will go to Erlangjian Scenic Area, which is also one of the relatively well-developed scenic spots in Qinghai Lake. However, I also read some travel notes and strategies before coming here. For me, it is not very recommended, I prefer In order to find some niche attractions that have not been visited by many people.

Qinghai Lake

In half a month, here will gradually become the peak season for tourism. Taking advantage of the lack of cars and people, we still have to take a closer look. This is the purest blue, the most gorgeous yellow, and there is more than a touch of blue. Lonely.

Qinghai Lake

Early summer is also the most fertile season for water and grass here, and herdsmen from various families on the vast grasslands are using this best time to graze.
I like this picture so much, the most primitive natural environment is always the most beautiful.

Qinghai Lake

The blue of the lake and the green of the mountains are integrated into one, not blue, not green, just like blue, just like green, a tributary that leads to nowhere may be the water of Qinghai Lake to irrigate the surrounding land far away, and then Perhaps the snow-capped mountains in the original place flowed the melted snow accumulated over the winter into the lake. I prefer to call him the vein of the earth.

Qinghai Lake

I am very curious, the herdsmen here are all "big families", but can they really remember their sheep clearly?

Who said that the local people are poor, any herdsman is a millionaire worth millions.

Qinghai Lake

In the past few years, Qinghai Lake has added a niche undeveloped check-in spot -- Qinghai Lake Cliff

If you are taking National Highway 109, that is, the Qinghai Hunan Line, you may need to talk a little longer, because this place is in the north west of Qinghai Lake (near Quanji Township in Gangcha County), so if you are in Chaka Town that day If you want to stay, you need to go back (it is estimated that it will take at least 2-3 hours to play), but fortunately, this place is worth going back.

If you want to go, navigate to search ????????

There is a small road leading to the lake next to the navigation destination. Drive along the road for about 15 minutes and you will arrive. When I went, there were already local villagers blocking the road and charging 10 yuan per person to let them in. When I got to the bottom of the cliff, a villager popped up again and had to pay 10 yuan to let me go up to the top of the cliff. To be honest, this behavior was a bit disgusting to me, but it’s not surprising to come out to play this kind of scene. No mutual embarrassment.

Qinghai Lake

Maybe God is as upset as I am. It started to rain within a short while, and it was getting bigger and bigger. Fortunately, there was no one in front of us. We hurriedly took pictures and went back to the car to avoid the rain. I wanted to wait for a while , When the rain stopped, I went to have a look. Who knew that there were more and more cars coming. When I thought about it, even if the rain stopped for a while, I still had to compete with such a bunch of people for a seat. Forget it.

Anyway, we got what we wanted.

Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake?????? Day? 2??

Chaka Town --- Chaidan Town (about 400 kilometers)

Main attractions: Scenery along the way, Dachaidan Emerald Lake (recommended index: ??????????)

? Dachaidan Emerald Lake, colorful and romantic

Every morning when I open the curtains, there is some hope. I hope it is a weather that satisfies me. However, in this rainy season, it is not like the high-altitude climate in Tibet, where the wind and rain come and go quickly. Quick, so look at the local weather forecast and what kind of day you see in the morning, there is a high probability that this day will be like this.

Most people who take the Qingan-Gansu Great Ring Road usually choose 8 days. If there are 8 days, there will be a few days that will be very rushed. If you don’t want to spend 80% of the day on the road, try to do as much as possible. Arrange a few days, so that the daily driving time is controlled within 5 hours, plus time for rest and playing in scenic spots, so that you will not appear very nervous.

It’s cloudy but not raining. In fact, I’m in the best state of physical comfort. It’s neither hot nor cold. I watched this scene all the way. Although it’s not a good-looking picture, it also increased my interest in self-driving a lot. .

There is only one destination I want to go to today, so I don’t need to worry too much about time, and pay more attention to the scenery outside the car along the way. In addition to safety, self-driving should also pay attention to violations. On this kind of road with few cars and few people, it is easy to speed if you don’t pay attention. Every illegal camera here is not a decoration, so for your own wallet, you still have to pay special attention??

There are many charms of the journey, and luck must be one of them. I drove all the way, and it rained all the way. When I was not far from Emerald Lake, I was basically in a state of giving up. At that time, I was already considering The time of Emerald Lake was included in tomorrow's itinerary, but when we arrived, luck favored me, and a very beautiful picture of rain and sunshine appeared in front of me.

It was originally a mining area of a chemical plant salt lake mining team. After years of mining, it formed a pit and became the beautiful Emerald Lake today.
Gradually developed into a scenic spot, although tickets are not required to enter the scenic spot, but to take the small train in the scenic spot, you need to pay 40 yuan for the ticket.

When I arrived, because it had just rained, the small trains in the scenic area were temporarily out of service due to safety concerns (the scenic area has its own planned route, and in several famous scenic spots, the small trains will stop along the way ) Fortunately, we had plenty of time to arrive, and the entire Emerald Lake was not very big. The rain just arrived and indirectly "dissuaded" some tourists. It's a big gift, so it must be cherished.

Knowledge Tips: Dachaidan Emerald Lake is a magnesium sulfate subtype salt lake. It is the third largest artificial lake in Haixi Prefecture, covering an area of more than 26 square kilometers. It produces high-quality potassium, magnesium, lithium and other elements. Due to the salt The bed is alternately reflected by light green, emerald green and dark blue lake water, which is crystal clear, and the locals call it "Emerald Lake".

The scenic spot is about 10 kilometers away from Dachaidan Town, about half an hour's drive. The roads at the entrance of the scenic spot are not perfect, they are all washboard roads, and because it has just rained abnormally muddy, fortunately, the distance is not far.

Dachaidan is called Ikechaidamu in Mongolian language.
means Great Salt Lake,
It is the "Northern Gate" of the Qaidam Basin

Standing by the lake, the mirror-like lake reflects the blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped peaks, just like a fairyland.

Affected by rainfall and evaporation, every time you go to Emerald Lake, the scenery you see may be different.
In this cloudy and highly saturated weather, the colors here are more intense and rich.

If there is no drone, it is difficult to fully see the beauty here, so there is a small additional condition for coming here.

Many people have seen the photos here before coming here, and some people think that the colors here are a bit too much, but after they really come here, they can understand that it is easy to take a photo from the perspective of a drone. It is a blockbuster that hardly needs post-production.

Fly the drone a little higher to see the colorful scene at a glance. It is not an exaggeration to describe it as unique.

If you don't mention it, can you imagine that this kind of scene is in the land of the Great Northwest? Isn't it more like being in the sky above an island. .

Compared to the tourist-filled Chaka Salt Lake
It's quiet here
like a late night alley
Only the sound of the wind passing over the hills

Taking pictures here, there is no need to change the angle to avoid the crowd, each one is so ethereal and beautiful.

Although the natural salt crystals produced here are beautiful, they must not be eaten. Momo accidentally touched it with his injured hand, but the wound was painful for several days.

Flying in the sky with a drone is also the best time for you, a creator, to use your imagination. You can use your own feelings and perspectives to take pictures that you think are the most beautiful.

Drones can also help you find some weird and interesting lake surfaces.

Find a beautiful heart-shaped salt lake
Isn't the charm of nature reflected in this? Although I know it will be a matter of time, I still hope that it can stay in this world for a little longer, and I hope that no one will destroy it, and it will not dry up.

Special reminder: When taking pictures by the lake, you still have to pay attention, don't step on the air, even if it is on the edge, the bottom is actually empty, only the top may be a thin layer, be careful not to sink.

Lying down and taking pictures in the salt lake where it has rained, silently this trick is called hard work. .

The result is that the pants and the back of the clothes are all wet.

Resembling a butterfly?

Grimace-like?

Take a picture with a giant green...

At the end of the shopping, there are more and more tourists, and the small train has started to operate, so we are considered to be on the wrong peak.

One of the most popular scenic spots in Emerald Lake is the same style as Yi Yang Qianxi's "Send You A Little Red Flower". Believe me, anyone who is captured by the "Auntie Legion" at any time here will have a silk scarf in his hand. I really can't beat them. But it's so beautiful.

The criss-crossing mountain peaks,
dreamy colorful lake,
In one of these emerald sky mirrors,
For a while, I didn't know how to express my joy.

?????? Day? 3??

Dachaidan Town --- Water Yardang RV Camp (about 214 kilometers)

Main attractions: Blood of the Earth (recommended index: ???????), U-shaped highway (recommended index: ??????), Dongtai Jinel Lake, Water Yardang (recommended index: ??? ???????),

It is recommended to take National Highway 315. If you don’t want to see the blood of the earth and the U-shaped highway, you can take National Highway 215. There is a Nanbaxian scenic spot, but even if you take 315 roadside, the scenery is similar

? The blood of the earth, the life vein of the earth

When I knew that there was such a shocking scene on the land of Haixi, I was really shocked and wanted to witness it with my own eyes. Although it was just a few simple pictures, it had a great impact on me.

In the early morning, it was still accompanied by the pattering light rain, starting from Dachaidan along the 315 National Highway to the 757 milestone. It may take about an hour or so. Sitting in the car, you can see the riverbed on both sides through the body. Red is not hard to find. There were almost no people when we went, and it must be a place where you see a bunch of cars during peak season or holidays.

Drone aerial photography has provided a new perspective for many photography and travel enthusiasts, and some scenic spots that were not valued or ignored before suddenly became popular overnight.

Knowledge Tips: We all know that the blood of the earth is not real blood, but the mountain spring water contains a lot of sulfur elements. After long-term volatilization and mineral deposition, it erodes the surrounding plant communities and soil layers , leading to the rupture of the geological structure, which in turn produced red hills, which looked like capillaries.

I can be regarded as a lucky person. I was already prepared to wait for the rain to stop, but I didn't expect the rain to stop when it was about to arrive.

To capture such a scene, a necessary condition is to fly the drone to an altitude of more than 400 meters.

A red vein runs through the earth like this. . . Human beings seem so small in such a picture. .

The picture of the river valley crossing the road is like a "fixed photo" for this place

That is to say, just after shooting this, the rain started to fall again. Fortunately, our schedule today is not in a hurry, so we are not in a hurry to drive away. We sit in the car and listen to the sound of the rain quietly. By the way, we can reflect on this magnificent scene. How could it not be a kind of enjoyment during the journey!

Because of the cloudy sky, there is no direct sunlight, the saturation is relatively higher than on sunny days, and it will look redder.

In fact, for photography itself, it is more or less a personal artistic result. I saw a bunch of people on the Internet saying that this place is fake, and it is all about p. , or because it gives people a space for phenomena.

? U-shaped highway, an unusual road

The U-shaped road, because the road surface fluctuates with the undulating terrain, seems to point directly to the sky, and is called the "Chinese version of Route 66".

The only way to take the 315 National Highway, after watching the blood of the earth, go to the direction of Shuishang Yadan. In fact, there is a long section along the way that is almost like this road, but there is a relatively steep slope in one place, so check in here There are also many people. Just see where people gather.

There are too many comments here, deserts, highways, and U-shaped roads are like roller coasters, and we have to admire our infrastructure in China.

pay attention:

As this road became popular on the Internet, many tourists came to check in, but when taking pictures to commemorate, dangerous scenes happened repeatedly

This road section is a long downhill road section, and there are many heavy vehicles for long-distance transportation, and the speed is relatively fast (large vehicles basically do not step on the brakes when passing). Random parking and taking pictures will cause serious safety hazards. At present, the local traffic control department has made regulations and persuaded people to leave here, and also put up a reminder board, hoping that tourists who come here must travel in a civilized manner and pay attention to safety.

National Highway 315

If you want to take pictures, you must also pay attention to the cars coming before and after. It is best not to occupy the road for a long time, especially when taking pictures of people, it is really very dangerous.

National Highway 315

There are some raised hills on both sides of the road. Standing on them is safe and looks good, so why not do it.

National Highway 315

The car should also find a suitable parking space, do not occupy the lane, and leave the space that belongs to them for normal vehicles.

National Highway 315? Dongtai Jinel Lake, we will come to Japan for a long time

Dongtai Jinel Lake is really a little regret in my heart. Before I came, there was news that it was going to be temporarily closed, but I was not sure, until I found out that it was true, I was still a little bit disappointed.

It is said that Dongtai Jinel Lake was very beautiful in its "heyday", and it is said to be comparable to the Maldives beach, but as time goes by, the seasons change, and human factors make it devastated. The prosperity of the past is no longer there.

Although it has been closed, there are still many people walking on the side of the road. Maybe they want to see if there is any possibility of entering. Knowing that this hope is very slim, I just sent a drone to explore. Now there is only a narrow river ditch left in Dongtai Lake Jinel

Dongtai Jinel Lake

Dongtai Jinel Lake? Yadan on the water, where the land ends and the sea begins

Keep going, the scenery along the way is getting better and better, and it is getting more and more "northwest".

"Yadan" is a Uighur language, meaning "a small hill with steep walls", also known as "wind-eroded forest". This scene is gradually unfolding on both sides of the road.

Yadan landform now generally refers to a wind-eroded landform in dry areas. The ground formed by the soil-like sediments of rivers and lakes, after weathering, intermittent water erosion and wind erosion, forms wind-eroded mounds and mounds arranged alternately with the prevailing wind direction. Wind-eroded depression (trough) landform combination.

National Highway 315

This land has experienced hundreds of millions of years of tempering. Compared with the prosperity of modern cities, it is always shrouded in loneliness and desolation, which has witnessed the vicissitudes of this land. . . !

National Highway 315

Water Yardang RV camp is located in the scenic area. You can experience the RV. There are also normal room types to choose from. If you choose to stay here, you can swim in the scenic area at any time, and you can take the sightseeing car repeatedly with the room card. If this is the last stop of the day, it is good to watch a sunset here.

One of the reasons for choosing to stay here is that the itinerary before and after is not very easy to arrange. If you choose to skip here, you can only go to Mangya on your way. If you want to have plenty of time to play, it seems that there are not many places to stay nearby.

Yadan on the water

The Yardang landforms in Northwest China are generally in the desert, formed by floods and wind erosion. However, there is a place in the "inaccessible" Northwest that seems "out of place" but is a place that thousands of tourists flock to. This is the last paradise in the western world - Water Yardang. I don't think it's an exaggeration to describe it as Lu stops here and Hai begins here.

Most of the Yadan landforms in the world are located in dry areas, but this Yadan landform located on the water is absolutely unique.

Yadan on the water

Knowledge Tips:

Wusute Yadan Geopark, also known as Water Yadan, is located in the hinterland of Qaidam, 650 kilometers away from Qinghai Lake in the east, 550 kilometers away from Chaka Salt Lake, 350 kilometers away from Delingha, 200 kilometers away from Dachaidan, and 300 kilometers away from Golmud City in the south. It is 350 kilometers away from Mangya Town in the west, 500 kilometers away from Dunhuang in the north, close to the 315 National Highway, and is located in Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake-Shuishang Yadan-Dunhuang-Jiayuguan-Zhangye Ring Tour and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, The node position of the Ganxinqing Tourism Ring Road.

Wusute Water Yardang Geopark is composed of Yardang landform and Duck Lake. The lake originates from the Nalingele River Valley in the western section of Kunlun Mountains. For thousands of years, due to environmental changes, water erosion and wind erosion, the Qaidam North Hills Natural Area And the Yardang Group at the junction of the West Hills Natural Area, forming the unique and spectacular Wusute (water) Yardang Landform Group. There are a small amount of aquatic plants such as reeds distributed around the lake, and there are wild and unique Yadan fish and plateau crabs in the water. In summer and autumn, thousands of wild ducks gather here, forming a spectacular scene in this area. Self-guided travel enthusiasts vividly call it "Hundred Birds and Thousand Islands Lake".

Yadan on the water

The sightseeing car in the scenic spot will first pull the tourists to the end point, and then go back according to the scenic spots planned by the scenic spot.

Of course, if you have plenty of time and physical strength, it is also good to go for a walk by yourself.

Here, no matter whether you use the head-up view of the camera or the God's perspective of the drone, it seems to be a 360-degree beautiful world with no dead ends.

Yadan on the water

If you think that the end of the sightseeing bus is over, you are very wrong. If you want to explore different scenery, you need to go deeper.

So you may need to take some other means of transportation for more in-depth exploration. Sand motorcycles are undoubtedly the best choice, and you can also experience the fun of driving yourself.

Coupled with the guidance of the guide, this mysterious water "duck egg" appeared, and a small green emerald lake was inlaid here, which is more like everything on this land that the Eye of Yadan is spying on. (If you are rushing here, it seems that you can only take a motorcycle, because camels and off-road vehicles are different routes)

In fact, it is not too far from the end of the sightseeing bus. If you have a drone, you can fly up to find it first, and then walk there. After all, it's not cheap to do a sand bike.

Yadan on the water

If you are worried about not being able to take pictures like this without using a drone, you don’t need to duck. There is a small hill just behind the “duck egg”. Climb up and use a mobile phone. The camera can also easily imitate the effect of a drone. .

It has been raining here recently, chatting with the guide brother, he told me that there is almost no rain here

After walking a few steps, my shoes were already full of mud, and it was extremely difficult to climb up a small hill. I also fell a little because it was too slippery

Yadan on the water

Standing on the edge of the shooting effect is also very good

Yadan on the water

Today is the most abundant time in the whole itinerary, because I live in the scenic spot, so there is no reason to take it into consideration, just enjoy and feel slowly.

Yadan on the water

No amount of description is as good as one-tenth of what you see in front of you.

Yadan on the water

The weather is gradually turning fine, which is a good sign, maybe we can wait for a sunset.

Yadan on the water

I have gradually gotten used to cloudy days, and suddenly it was sunny, and my body felt bad in an instant.

Yadan on the water

Fortunately, we waited for a decent sunset.

Yadan on the water

Water Yadan?????? Day? 4??

Water Yardang RV Camp --- Mangya City (about 340 kilometers)

Main attractions: Xitaijinel Lake (recommended index: ?????), Mangya Emerald Lake (recommended index: ?????????), Aiken Spring (recommended index: ???? ??????),

? Shuangse Lake, also known as Xitaijinel Lake

Yesterday's water Yadan was very good and transparent. Although the room card in my hand can take the sightseeing bus in the scenic spot repeatedly, I still want to save more time for later.

Finally, I waited for a morning without rain. Every day when I drove off was the most exciting time, and I was full of expectations for the unknown behind.

It didn’t take long to drive from Shuishang Yadan to see Xitai Jiner Lake, also known as Shuangse Lake. The lake to the south of National Highway 315 is a blue lake, and the lake to the north of National Highway 315 is a green lake.

West Taijinel Lake

In fact, in the early tourism, the two-color lake did not attract much attention from tourists. It was able to enter people's sight, and it was more because of the aerial photography. A road runs through lakes of two different colors. The beauty is fully displayed. From March to April every year, the lakes on both sides of the road and the sky are full of gulls and birds. I believe it is another scene.

West Taijinel Lake

Xitaijinel Lake? Mangya Emerald Lake, the emeralds scattered on the earth

Mangya Emerald Lake is not far from Mangya City, with Kunlun Mountain in the south and Altun Mountain in the north. It is a rich and beautiful artificial salt lake. Basically, people who come to Mangya on the big ring road are here.

Compared with Dachaidan Emerald Lake, it is much larger here. The total area of the salt lake is about 26 square kilometers. It is a magnesium sulfate subtype salt lake. There is a rock salt layer at the bottom, generally 5 meters thick, and the thickest part is 9.68 meters. The lake is rich in lithium, Potassium fertilizer, Glauber's salt and other salts.

The high-concentration brine in this "salt pool" of different sizes, shapes, and depths is called "brine" locally. It is a mining pit formed after years of salt lake mining. (Brine is poisonous, try not to touch it or eat it)

Due to the different concentrations of the minerals contained in it, a colorful scene is formed. When the weather is calm, it is scattered around like a mirror. Become the new "mirror of the sky".

Such a piece of icy and pure jade adds a touch of tenderness to Mangya, the Silk Road post station that Han envoy Zhang Qian passed by, and the real version of the Mars post station.

Mangya Emerald Lake

The off-road vehicle gallops along the lake embankment all the way to the center of the lake. The morning glow outside the window is chasing the flying clouds.

Mangya Emerald Lake

The water of the lake is green and clear, like a piece of jade inlaid in the depths of the Gobi Gobi, or like a fairyland in Tiangong that has fallen into the vast sea.

Mangya Emerald Lake

The milky white coral salt flowers are in full bloom among the green waves. The crystal salt flowers are icy and clean. Waves, water and milk blend together, making each other radiant.

Mangya Emerald Lake

All salt lakes can only "see" its beauty from the perspective of aerial photography
I also took aerial photography to the point where I didn’t want to pull out my camera.

Mangya Emerald Lake

Mangya Emerald Lake is a large square shape. Although the color is relatively simple and not as colorful as Dachaidan Emerald Lake, its momentum is not lost at all.
According to the signs, you can go around the whole big circle in the designated tourist area.

Mangya Emerald Lake

Observing from the perspective of God in the salt lake, the most fun thing is that you can discover and use your own imagination
Its charm lies in the fact that it can gather many interesting patterns. Or graceful lines.

Mangya Emerald Lake

Do you want the uncle reflected in the water?

Mangya Emerald Lake

Like a four-color eyeshadow.

Mangya Emerald Lake

Under the sky and cloud shadow, thousands of hectares of emerald green waves are shining with "sacred light of separation and reunion", and a stream of emerald green is lightly rippling, reflecting the clouds and red clouds in the lake

This is really much stronger than the mirror of the sky in Qinghai Lake.

Cliff Emerald Lake? Aiken Spring, Devil's Eye

The road from Mangya City to Aiken Spring is really difficult. It is full of bumpy washboard roads. The road is less than 30 kilometers, and it takes 3-4 hours to get in and out. The experience is extremely poor.

Aiken Spring has a diameter of more than 10 meters. The spring is like boiling water, constantly tumbling upwards. The sulfur minerals around the spring have been precipitated for a long time and are colorful.

The equipment that must be brought to Aiken Spring is the drone. It feels very ordinary without a drone. There is no reference around it, just a small bubbling lake. Looking down from the sky, the spring and the gushing water The spring water and the dark red ring-shaped sediment on the surrounding land form a peculiar pupil shape, like an eye embedded in the earth. People call it the eye of the earth, or the eye of the devil?

Since there is no comprehensive, detailed and reliable survey of Aiken Spring, this geological wonder has been covered with a veil of mystery.

Eye of the Cliff Aiken Spring

For thousands of years, the local people have said that "Aiken Spring" is very scary, and even birds and animals dare not approach it. In the past, everyone had no way to explain the "violence" of this fountain, but today we have the answer. Although this spring water does not look much different from ordinary spring water, its sulfur content is very high. Although we humans, including other organisms, contain a certain amount of sulfur, it is very small. If it exceeds a certain level, poisoning symptoms and even death will occur. Spring water with such a high sulfur content is also rare in nature. This is undoubtedly a very toxic "water of life" --- whether it is thirsty birds and animals that want to replenish water, or weeds with strong vitality , are doomed to escape bad luck.

Eye of the Cliff Aiken Spring

A few years ago, it was still a wild place, but now it is gradually being developed, and a lifting platform has been erected beside the lake eye for tourists to climb up and watch. However, at his altitude, he can’t fully appreciate the shock here. Friends who don’t have drones don’t recommend coming. After all, it’s not easy to drive for several hours (there are also drone rentals, but the price is a bit expensive)

Eye of the Cliff Aiken Spring

Eye of the Cliff Aiken Spring????? Day? 5??

Mangya City --- Lenghu Town (about 290 kilometers)

Main attractions: Russian Boliang (recommendation index: ?????????), Mars camp (recommendation index: ??????),

? Erboliang, the place most like Mars

Let’s update an important piece of information first. To go to Erboliang now, whether you are going from the direction of Lenghu (National Highway 316) or the direction of Shuishang Yadan (National Highway 315), you can only take Highway No. 1 Mars????? ? (Navigating the Mars Camp??) Many previous travel notes and strategies in Xiaohongshu are outdated. Now a deep ditch has been dug around Erbo Liang in the local area. Except for Mars No. 1 Highway, vehicles on other roads cannot drive through.

Erboliang used to be a wild road, but it has become commercialized with the increasing popularity. I don’t think it’s a bad thing. If the local area can play a protective role, I believe most people can accept the reasonable fees. . Now to enter Erboliang, you need to buy tickets at the Mars camp. The ticket for the scenic spot is 60 yuan per person, and you need to pay a deposit of 500 yuan (the staff will give you an ipad, and you need to follow the route specified above to enter. Do not deviate from the route. If you deviate from the route, there will be an alarm. If you are not on the specified route for a long time, then the scenic spot will probably send someone to "catch you") and you will be refunded when you come out.

Today's journey can be regarded as thrilling and tossing. I read a lot of guides before I came here. According to what I said on the Internet at the time, I took National Highway 316. There was a small parking lot at the No. 54 boundary marker. You can get there along the dirt road behind the sign (the navigation also shows that you can get there by taking a small road). Because of this, we drove for 2 hours. It was obvious that the Mars camp was in front of us, but we were forced to turn back to 316 because of the ditch in front of us. The main road, when we went, we were driving alone on the Gobi without a signal. There were no clear signs to identify the direction. We could only follow the feeling when we came and drive along the shallow ruts. The sandy road was soft. If the car gets stuck, it's really ineffective every day

Go back to the National Highway and re-enter after walking the Martian No. 1 kilometer from Lenghu. This time I went back and forth, and went around again, at least 4-5 hours were delayed. Fortunately, today's time is relatively abundant, so there is no delay. I really want to say that it is not easy to meet you?????

ps: If you go in the direction of Mangya, it feels faster to walk back (National Highway 315) than to go to Lenghu Town (National Highway 316).

Russian beam

For the warehousing of Mars No. 1 Highway, if you take National Highway 315, the entrance should be a "big square". In short, there are obvious signs at the entrances at both ends.

It takes about an hour or so to drive from the warehouse to the Mars camp, and the whole journey is this kind of gravel road, but the bumps are not bad, anyway, it is much better than going to Aiken Springs.

The scenery along the way is not bad, it is different from the Gobi scene before, and students who are free can stop to take pictures or something.

Russian beam

Arrive at the Mars camp, buy tickets in this room, and the staff will install a GPS on your car to guide you with the ipad.

Mars Camp

All vehicles here? Waiting in line. . .

Russian beam

The staff will affix the logo of Mars Exploration to each car (B is full)

Russian beam

Officially entering the Russian Boliang Scenic Area, first send a drone to the sky to see that the Russian Boliang stands majestic and majestic from the perspective of God. Like an ancient castle fortress, it forms a unique landscape with mountains on top of mountains and ridges within ridges.

It is said that it has the largest Yadan landform in China. The "wind ax" in the Qaidam Basin has been carved for tens of millions of years to create this magnificent and diverse spectacle.

Russian beam

Known as the least earth-like place, it is also jokingly called "the world fabricated by madmen". Over 10 square kilometers, there are densely packed Yadan groups, which are in the shape of turtle backs, grooves, beacons, columns... It really looks like the surface of Mars~

Russian beam

If you experience Erbo Liang Yadan up close, you will find that the scenery here will not overlap, one step at a time, the scenery corresponds, just like the wall of an ancient castle, the barrel vault, her primitive mystery, her various poses and with different expressions, rough and barbaric let People came to a fairyland isolated from the world in a trance, and seemed to be facing an ancient dream.

Russian beam

The wind in Erboliang is really strong, my little mimi hovered in the air with difficulty, I was really afraid of flying high and far away and never returning. . .

Russian beam

It used to be a wild road here, and it was slowly managed when more people came. We drove according to the navigation instructions, and we could still see some other places being rutted. It’s easy to have a drone to help you explore. If there is no navigation There is also a good chance that the guide will get lost in it.

Russian beam

If we don’t take the wrong way, we can arrive almost at noon, and the sun will still be shining brightly, but when we arrive here, it will become gloomy again. In addition, there are no people and cars in the whole scenic spot, and the atmosphere will become a little scary?

Russian beam

The salt lake in Erboliang has to rely on artificial water injection because of the weather and seasons. . It was a little embarrassing to see this scene. . ?

Russian beam

So far, the scene here is the best and most shocking to me, and the weather at this moment is so suitable. . . A broken, dilapidated, lifeless symbol is displayed before the eyes.

Russian beam

What does "Russian Boliang" mean?

"Russian Bo" is strictly called "Aobao". "Aobao" is Mongolian, which means "heap", which is a pile of stones, soil or wood piled up artificially. It was originally a sign of roads and land boundaries that people piled up with stones on the vast grassland. It has gradually evolved into a symbol of worshiping mountain gods, road gods, praying for a good harvest, and family happiness and safety. In terms of shape and symbolic meaning, it is a bit like the Tibetan mani pile.

Russian beam

It is said that it seems that it does not rain for many years. If it is true, I don’t know if I am lucky or unlucky. When I was about to leave, it rained. Seeing this kind of weather is also well prepared. Fortunately, it's time to leave. .

It is said that it seems that it does not rain for many years. If it is true, I don’t know if I am lucky or unlucky.

Russian beam

Erbo Liang? Camp Mars

As for the Mars camp next to the Erboliang, how can I say it is a very iconic building, you can stay there, but the price is a little high, and the environment inside is quite special. Tourists who don’t plan to stay here can also enter it. Take photos and rest in the public area. The service staff inside are quite enthusiastic. Even if you are not a resident, they will explain the history here for free. . It's still not bad. . .

In short, since we have arrived in Erboliang, we must come to the Mars camp to check in. . . If you have a younger sister, you can rent a space suit here, and the concave shape is also very good for taking pictures. .

Mars Camp

Camp Mars?????? Day? 6??

Lenghu Town --- Dunhuang City (about 267 kilometers)

Main attractions: oil town (recommended index: ??????), Black Dushan (recommended index: ??????????),

? Petroleum town, feel the deserted youth

Lenghu Town was originally an uninhabited land. In 1955, after the discovery of oil resources here, it became the fourth largest oil field in our country. Because thousands of workers came here, Lenghu Town suddenly became a bustling city. However, with the depletion of oil resources, there was no industry to support the development of the city, so this oil town with a population of 10,000 people gradually changed back to its original appearance, which is what we see now.

The oil town is not far from Lenghu Town, you can see it on the way to Mars Highway No. 1, and there is also one opposite Heidu Mountain. (Many people know that the oil town is the filming location of the Nine-story Demon Tower, but it has now completely become a man-made Internet celebrity check-in place, so it is not recommended)

Overlooked from the air, the roads are straight and the houses are neat and grand. One can vaguely imagine its prosperity at the beginning, but now it is empty and turned into ruins, submerged in history as if forgotten, which makes people sigh.

Driving along the main road, there are neat dilapidated houses on both sides, and occasionally you can see specific slogans of that era. When you walk into the house, there is nothing but bricks, and a gust of wind blows, raising a gust of wind and sand. This sense of desolation immediately brought me into it.

It is said that with the discovery of oil, more and more oil people brought their families to Cold Lake, forming a super town with a population of 40,000 to 50,000 people, with schools, hospitals, dance halls, cinemas, hotels, inns, etc. Waiting, the vehicles are constantly coming and going, the lights are brilliant, and it is bustling and bustling. It is called "Little Hong Kong in the Northwest".

With the discovery of Dunhuang oil, the oil in Lenghu gradually dried up. The people who used to live here moved to Dunhuang one after another. Slowly, the town of Lenghu Oil was empty, and it was exposed to wind, sun and rain for a long time. , fell into disrepair for a long time, the house gradually collapsed, and the oil town of Cold Lake was gradually forgotten.

It has been in disrepair for a long time, and the houses here are not complete. They have collapsed and turned into ruins like the one in front of us. Standing on a high place and looking down, it is endless, and it looks extremely desolate! However, through these buildings, we can still see that this place was indeed very prosperous.

? Black Dushan, leaving the surface of the moon

Some people say that the Mars camp and Erboliang are the places on earth that most resemble the surface of Mars, and the Heidu Mountain at the junction of Gansu and Qinghai is obviously the place that most resembles the surface of the moon. (These two places are also the two places I am most looking forward to and most shocked during this trip)

how to get to? : Opposite the Lenghu Petroleum Base (there is a large area), start from Lenghu Town and drive along National Highway 215 for about 20 kilometers (there is a blue sign that says Lenghu Executive Committee National Key Public Welfare Linkuitun Nuoer Tube guard station, you can enter from next to this sign)

????But now the Black Dushan should be more and more popular, and more and more people are driving four-wheel drive SUVs across the road, and it has almost become devastated. Therefore, it is strongly urged not to drive in by yourself, and it is not far to park the car on the side of the road and walk in???? (also avoiding the danger of getting stuck in the car)

The wind in Hei Dushan is very strong all year round, so you must wear an extra layer of clothing when you go on foot. Black Dushan The mountain is very soft and does not support climbing. In addition, friends who fly drones should always pay attention not to blow up the plane.

Heidu Mountain is very big, and there is no mobile phone signal. If you don’t have a good sense of direction, it is recommended not to go too deep, otherwise you will be surrounded by similar scenes and you will easily get lost (we just had too much fun, and we almost couldn’t find the way out in the end. )

The scenery of Heidu Mountain is very suitable for taking black-and-white or low-saturation high-end photos. It is recommended to take the time period before and after sunrise. The sunlight at this time is not very strong. If it is cloudy like me, there will be extremely strong The sense of cloud and mist, the high-level sense of the photos taken is undoubtedly, and the finished film does not even need extra modification.

Black Dushan

black Dushan beautiful scene
It is desolate, lonely, and glamorous. When I saw it, it attracted me at first sight.
It's hard to tell if you're in a painting or a dream

Black Dushan

Large and small mountain bags are covered with black sandstone,
The ruts draw a different landscape in it,
It’s really a blockbuster in just one shot!

Black Dushan

Here, like Erboliang, there are no traces of human and animal life, and all you can experience is desolation.

Black Dushan

If you have to use words to describe it, it is glamorous and lonely, and the source of the Montenegro Gobi can no longer be verified. The first time it was presented to the public is already what it is today.
The hills of different sizes are covered with gray gravel and pebbles, the hills are covered with black sand and gravel, and even the light yellow dust is mostly submerged in the gray gravel.

Black Dushan

From a distance, the continuous mountains look like a splash-ink landscape painting, but when you walk up close, you can see the vivid Mars or the surface of the moon under your feet!

Black Dushan

This is a quiet world, and the original ecology of the earth made me understand the words "boundless earth".
This place may be more suitable for experiencing the vastness of the universe and the insignificance of life.

Black Dushan

Faced with such a unique beauty, I am very willing to use all three batteries of the drone here.

Black Dushan

If you can, try to leave as much time here as possible. It may not only be for taking pictures, but spending some time feeling may be the best memory.

Black Dushan

Black Dushan?????? Day? 7??

Dunhuang City --- Jiayuguan City (about 372 kilometers)

Main attractions: Mingsha Mountain (recommended index: ??????), Crescent Lake (recommended index: ??????), Guazhou (recommended index: ??????)

? Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, check in here for a visit

The original plan was to go to Crescent Moon Spring when I arrived in Dunhuang yesterday afternoon, but what happened. . . . It is raining again. . . . Yes, sometimes I feel that this is God's arrangement, helpless, I can only make plans.

I opened the curtains early the next morning. It is no exaggeration to say that today is the best morning in these days. In fact, I am not as interested in the scenic spots behind as I was before. In addition, yesterday’s rain caused the plan to be redesigned. After calculating the time, she had to choose between Crescent Moon Spring and Mogao Grottoes, and let Momo choose. She chose Crescent Moon Spring because it was included in the previous textbook. . . I thought about it for a long time. For me, a scumbag, I really can’t remember whether it is in the textbooks of elementary school, junior high school or high school? ? ??

Well, anyway, if I had to choose, I'd probably also want to see the desert, so here it goes. After the comfortable climate a while ago, the sudden high sun and high sun are really terribly drying. Really, a bad weather will affect the mood of playing to some extent. .

Crescent Lake, like its name, bends like a crescent moon. In this desert, it is independent from the world, but it is closely related to Mingsha Mountain, which constitutes the beautiful scene of "the spring reflects the moon without dust".

Knowledge Tips: (About Crescent Spring artificial water replenishment that I am interested in)
The formation of the Crescent Lake mainly depends on three factors: the geological structure of the Crescent Spring itself, the topographical conditions of the low-lying land, and the high-positioned regional groundwater level. In the late 1940s, the groundwater level in Dunhuang City and its southern area was about 10 meters higher than the water level. Under the condition of high water level, the groundwater in the northwest plain area entered the spring area through underground runoff and overflowed in the low-lying depression, forming a Crescent Spring, a relatively high regional groundwater level is an important condition for the formation of Crescent Spring, and it is also the basic guarantee for Crescent Spring to remain dry for thousands of years. In the mid-1970s, the local land reclamation and land reclamation pumping irrigation, the destruction of surrounding vegetation, and soil erosion caused the groundwater level in Dunhuang to drop sharply, and the water level of Crescent Moon Spring dropped sharply. The least water storage time in Crescent Spring was in 1985, when the average water depth of Crescent Spring was only 0.7-0.8 meters. Due to the lack of water, people could leave the spring when it dried up at the bottom, and Crescent Moon Spring also formed two small springs and no longer formed a crescent moon. This makes "whether Crescent Spring will disappear tomorrow" become the focus of many people's attention. Since then, Dunhuang City has adopted various methods to replenish water for Crescent Moon Spring.

Mingsha Mountain

How should I put it, since we have all arrived in Dunhuang, it feels unreasonable not to hit the card here, but even if it is not in peak season and non-weekends, there are still a lot of people (although it is much less than holidays)

Mingsha Mountain

National AAAAA-level scenic spot, not much else to say, there is no major problem with the management, but there is always something to do, and it costs money to do something, and it is not cheap, so this is also persuading some niche people Fans have reason. .

Mingsha Mountain

Growing up so big, I really haven’t ridden a camel, so I have to try it anyway. 100 people have to contribute a little bit to the GDP of Dunhuang.

Mingsha Mountain

Come, let Guo Momo take a photo with the tourist army first. . . .

Mingsha Mountain

My little camel, Dabai. He has a strong physique and a full hump, but he likes to shit while walking. . It takes about 30 minutes to go around. . . . Anyway, that's it. .

Mingsha Mountain

Regardless of the low height of Mingsha Mountain, it is not so easy to climb to the top. There are only 2 climbing ladders in total. It is okay when there are few people, but it is not enough to queue up when there are many people. . . What? Do you want to climb up the sand? It's okay, it's just a waste of effort. . . .

Mingsha Mountain

There are also a lot of amusement projects on the top of the mountain, such as sand motorcycles and off-road vehicles, just pay if you want to experience. .
If you are a rich man, there are also air projects here, such as helicopters and gliders, as long as you are willing to pay. It's all yours. .

Mingsha Mountain

In fact, what attracts me most here is the artistic sense of this desert line. It is also attributed to the uncanny craftsmanship of nature.

Mingsha Mountain

The sand here is very fine and soft. In fact, my suggestion is that there is no need to rent or buy shoe covers. It is inconvenient, and sand will still get in. You can simply wear shoes. Anyway, Momo still wears the shoes she bought at the beginning. I found out that it didn't work at all, so I threw it away. Anyway, after I went down the mountain, there was at least 2 catties of sand in my shoes, but it was nothing pretentious. I took it off and shook it, and it was all dry sand, which had no effect.

Mingsha Mountain

Mingsha Mountain? Guazhou, a literary style that falls on the northwest

The artworks scattered on the Gobi Desert, Guazhou, is a place that can be reached by the way, but even if it takes a lot of trouble, I may still stick to it.

In everyone's impression, the desert is a deserted area, but in the desert, such a baby is found lying there alone, but why is there such a sculpture located here? When you take a closer look, you will understand the truth.

Son of the Earth --- This "baby" is lying on the desert, bringing vitality and hope to the desert, but also adding a touch of warmth. A more important meaning is that this sculpture also represents human beings sleeping soundly on the mother earth, which contains respect for nature and warns us to care for our living environment, and human beings should live in harmony with nature.

The person who made this sculpture is called Dong Shubing. When I knew the story behind this sculpture, I admired it.
This kind of large-scale outdoor sculpture invested by the sculptor himself may be unique in the history of modern Chinese sculpture. It does not seem to be land art or public art in the international sense. It is just an existence of its own. There is no opening ceremony, no curators, no critics, not even artists. It is a son of the earth, a dreamless child of heaven and earth.
Sculpture is monumental, but it is not a monument. There are no heroes, no achievements of heroes, and no entrustment and investment from the government or Party A. But it is still a commemoration, a commemoration of the beginning of life. The child sleeping on the earth is the child of all of us, the child of humanity, or humanity itself.

Sculpture Son of the Earth

The theme sculpture "Boundless" of "Mirage Project" is the second large-scale sculpture created by Professor Dong Shubing on the vast Gobi Desert in Guazhou County, Gansu Province.

The main body of "Boundless" is composed of a "main hall" and four "que towers". The overall shape is the pattern and structure of a temple in traditional Chinese architecture, which is centrally symmetrical. The work consumes about 6,300 steel pipe profiles with a standard length of 6m, cut into 17 different sizes, and about 30,000 connecting fasteners.

The creation of the work is inspired by the Tang Dynasty "Jingbianhua" in Mogao Grottoes and Yulin Grottoes. Architecture is one of the most common themes in mural paintings of the Tang Dynasty, and it is most often used as the background of disguised and various story paintings. In the most typical "Pure Land Change" after the mid-Tang Dynasty, the background is mostly composed of splendid pavilions and pavilions.

The shape of the buildings in these murals is mainly a combination of the main hall and the tower, and the front part of the murals is a scene of sayings and sacrificial music. How did the painters more than 1,400 years ago deal with the depiction of the "Western Paradise"? The so-called Western Paradise is the most beautiful place in people's ideals.

In the human world, the royal palace should be the most beautiful scene in their opinion. Therefore, the painters at that time naturally used the palace as a prototype to describe the Western Paradise.

Sculpture without boundaries

In modern Chinese, the symbolic meaning of mirage is castle in the air, illusory, nothingness, etc. Since ancient times, mirage has attracted the attention of the world. In ancient times, mirage was regarded as a fairyland. Qin Shihuang and Han Wudi once led people to Penglai to search for fairyland. He also sent people to Penglai many times to seek panacea. Modern science has correctly explained most mirages, and the so-called mirages are optical illusions. "Unbounded" combines with dynamics, attaches great importance to the use of light, effectively utilizes the desert's light and abundant wind characteristics, and builds the mirage, a castle in the air, on the desert with real materials and shapes, increasing the visual expression of the work. Richness, variety.

Sculpture without boundaries

This new head portrait of Qin Shihuang was also completed here later, the specific origin and story,,,, I forgot

Sculpture Son of the Earth????? Day? 8??

Jiayuguan City --- Zhangye City (about 228 kilometers)

Main attractions: Alien Valley (recommended index: ??????????),

? The Alien Valley is what the Northwest should look like

Most people who go to Zhangye basically choose to go to Zhangye Colorful Danxia, but they ignore another local minority, a mysterious and wonderful secret place, Alien Valley.

The current Alien Valley is considered a niche among the minority. This is composed of four major scenic spots: Mars Valley, Mercury Valley, Jupiter Valley and Dasteel Relics (currently only Jupiter Valley seems to be open). Precipitous, steep cliffs, jagged rock pillars, abrupt rocks, dreamy and magical landforms, and majestic atmosphere, it is definitely a compound tourist attraction that can bring you multiple enjoyments.

Knowledge Tips:
As an ancient geological relic, it originated in the horizontal or gently dipping red strata from the Jurassic to the Tertiary period. It is a red rock series developed during the Himalayan orogeny. With the uplift of the earth's crust, the hillside collapsed. Mainly and backward, the preserved red sandstone has been weathered and stripped for a long time and eroded by flowing water to form isolated strange rocks and canyon walls. It is a red color formed by horizontal or gentle layered iron-calcium mixed with uneven cementation. Clastic rocks (mainly conglomerate and sandstone) are cut by vertical or high-angle cleavage, and formed under the combined effects of differential weathering, gravity collapse, flowing water dissolution, and wind erosion.

The ticket service area of Alien Valley and the scenic spot are not in the same place. You need to navigate to the ticket service area of Alien Valley to buy tickets for the scenic spot. The staff will add you WeChat and send a location of the entrance of the scenic spot. Press the navigation to open after about 10 kilometers. Seeing a gravel road turning right, walk 9 kilometers along the road to the entrance of the scenic spot.

Alien Valley

Before entering the Alien Valley scenic spot, you can already feel the strong visual impact.
This trip to Qinggan was really a trip to Mars (Russian Boliang) and the moon (Hei Dushan), and now to Jupiter. . .

Jupiter Canyon -- The canyon is deep, steep, colorful and mysterious. It is a classic landscape of Jupiter Valley Scenic Area. The formation of the landscape is mainly composed of brick-red, brown-red sandy mudstone, fine sandstone and argillaceous siltstone about 30 million years ago. Due to long-term rain erosion, flowing water erosion and cutting, and later wind erosion transformation, it formed canyon wonders.

Alien Valley

Check the ticket at the gate of the scenic spot, and asked the ticket checker, there are only 2 cars in the entire scenic spot, including us who are about to enter. It's the feeling of booking out again.

Not long after entering, we arrived at the first scenic spot.

[Colorful Yingbin Mountain] is a muddy milky conglomerate body made of red, orange, yellow, purple, and white mixed colors. Because the surface of the rock mass presents a variety of colors, the rock mass looks like an oil painting. It is the first landform landscape displayed to tourists in the scenic spot, so it is called "Colorful Yingbin Mountain". The landscape is mainly composed of purple-red grain-bearing coarse sandstone, conglomerate, blue-gray sandy mudstone, and black-gray fine sandstone about 260 million years ago. The transformation has created a magnificent landform landscape with overlapping peaks and peaks. Its bright colors and unique shapes are amazing.

Alien Valley

The scenery in Alien Valley is almost indistinguishable from the perspective of the plane and the perspective of the camera. God's perspective looks a little more shocking.

Alien Valley

[Tianxia Granary] Rows of rows, as if the granaries were overflowing with grain, a scene of a bumper harvest, hence the name "Tianxia Granary".

The landscape is mainly composed of brick-red, brown-red sandy mudstone, fine sandstone and argillaceous siltstone about 30 million years ago. It was formed due to long-term rain erosion, flowing water erosion and later wind erosion transformation. Rock peaks, rock pillars, and rock mass landscapes.

Alien Valley

Bright color segmentation, strong visual impact.

Alien Valley

[Wanfo Mountain] is a huge mountain composed of muddy conglomerate, with a total length of about 2.5 kilometers. The color is dreamy and magical.

The landform landscape is mainly composed of purple-red grain-bearing coarse sandstone, conglomerate, blue-gray sandy mudstone, and black-gray fine sandstone about 260 million years ago. Fengcong landscape formed by wind erosion transformation.

Alien Valley

In the scenic area, there are artificially built plank roads, which allow you to observe closely

Alien Valley

[Prayer Wheels] The upright rock walls in Tianshu Gorge are connected by convex and concave. From a certain angle, it looks like a row of huge prayer wheels, which makes people want to turn. Under the blue sky, it gives people a mysterious feeling beyond nature. "Prayer wheel" got its name from this.

The landscape is mainly composed of brick-red, brown-red sandy mudstone, fine sandstone and argillaceous siltstone about 30 million years ago. It was formed due to long-term rain erosion, flowing water erosion and later wind erosion transformation. Strange landscape.

Alien Valley

To be honest, this is my favorite scene. Both sacred and shocking.

Alien Valley

Driving in the car, shuttling in the valley, we seem so small. . They are all impressed by the uncanny workmanship of nature.

Alien Valley

【One Pillar Supporting the Sky】Located on the top of the hill, it stands proudly and straight into the blue sky, forming a sharp contrast with the surrounding scenery, hence the name "One Pillar Supporting the Sky".

The landscape is mainly composed of brick-red, brown-red sandy mudstone, fine sandstone and argillaceous siltstone about 30 million years ago. Due to long-term rain erosion, flowing water erosion cutting and later wind erosion transformation, it has formed Fantastic magical landscape.

Alien Valley

a sunny scene

Alien Valley

We, who haven't eaten much, are indeed more hungry after seeing this. . . .

Alien Valley

Because the whole scenic spot is not yet fully open, it takes about 2 hours to finish shopping by driving around.
I hope other places here that are not open will open as soon as possible. Also look forward to it.

Alien Valley?????? Day? 9??

Zhangye City --- Xining City (about 346 kilometers)

Main attractions: Menyuan rape blossoms (recommended index: ??????), scenery along the road (recommended index: ????),

The last day of the itinerary is really a bit sad to be over. The last day is also the day with the best weather in the whole process, with blue sky and white clouds all day long.

The itinerary on the last day was relatively long. There were no special sights to see. They were all the scenery along the way. I took a look at the rapeseed flowers in Menyuan along the way.

The large rapeseed flowers may not be in season yet, so I feel almost meaningless, and the overall scale is not large

It still feels a bit close to see it, but it is not good to fly the plane. This is a bit different from what I had imagined before. . .

Moreover, Menyuan feels like it is renovating the scenic spot, construction is going on everywhere, and it is a bit strange that there are few tourists here and there. At first I thought I was going wrong. . After some research, I found out it was correct. .

The Qilian Mountains grassland is the most beautiful grassland in China. The clear waters of Qilian Mountains are picturesque, the sky is high and the clouds are light and the summer is like spring. between hearts.

Having seen enough of the Gobi Loess Salt Lake, looking at this green flower, it seems that the color of the journey has also enriched a lot.

The beauty of Qilian lies in its beautiful mountains and clear waters, and even more beautiful in its strange peaks and clouds. In summer, there are many nights of rain in Qilian. In the early morning of the next day, the thick clouds and thick fog are like wisps of silver filaments winding around the mountainside, and suddenly turn into billowing green smoke, flowing among the mountains. Inadvertently, it will slide across your cheeks and fall into your heart, immersive, like a dream. The sky cleared up and the dense fog between the Oupu Mountains disappeared without a trace. There were white clouds in the dark blue sky, with different attitudes, which complemented the green grassland and the herds of cattle and sheep. It was a plateau unique Some grassland scenery.

The unique prayer flag tower on the plateau is usually seen at the pass of the mountain, which means auspiciousness and peace.

However, I didn't see much snow-capped mountains during the whole trip. I was looking forward to the last good weather, but I still left some regrets for the next time. . .

In a month, the scene here may become completely different.

?my itinerary

DAY - 1: Landing in Xining - just stroll around... Xining (accommodation)

DAY - 2: Xining - Kumbum Monastery - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town (Suite)

DAY - 3: Chaka Town - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dachaidan Town (Lodge)

DAY - 4: Dachaidan Town-Blood of the Earth-U-shaped Highway-Dongtai Jinel Lake-Shuishang Yadan (Suite)

DAY - 5: Yadan on the water - Xitai Jinel Lake - Mangya Emerald Lake - Aiken Spring - Mangya City (accommodation)

DAY - 6: Mangya City-Eboliang-Mars Camp-Lenghu (Lodge)

DAY - 7: Cold Lake - Abandoned Oil Town - Black Dushan - Dunhuang (Suite)

DAY - 8: Dunhuang - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Guazhou - Jiayuguan (Suite)

DAY - 9: Jiayuguan - Alien Valley - Zhangye (Suite)

DAY - 10: Zhangye - Scenery along the way - Xining (Suite)

DAY - 11: Xining - Beijing

?? Small suggestions, practical strategies (food, housing, travel)

?About self-driving:

Although 90% of the road sections are national highways, provincial highways and expressways, it is inevitable that some scenic spots with special landforms are gravel roads (Heidu Mountain, Erboliang, Aiken Spring), so it is recommended to rent a car with an SUV (four-wheel drive is best) ) to avoid the embarrassment of getting stuck in the car; car rental can be booked on Ctrip, Taobao, and Fliggy, but Ctrip feels more reliable and the price is much cheaper, and if the credit is good, it can also be exempted (vehicle deposit and illegal deposit), on the way There are quite a lot of gas stations, but it is recommended that as long as there are more than half of the mailboxes, it is best to find the nearest gas station to refuel. Except for high-speed tolls, there are basically no tolls on national and provincial roads. If you have time and want to save a little money, you can choose to take non-highway sections.

?About accommodation:

Xining - # Xining Kunlun Hampton by Hilton#
The various facilities and services must be the first in this trip, and the small yogurt was given at the front desk of the store. The breakfast is also very rich. Recommendation: ?????

Chaka Town- #茶卡星世界酒店#
The bed is a bit hard, and there are tour groups staying. The breakfast is gone long ago! recommend:??

Dachaidan - # Vienna Hotel (Qinghai Dachaidan)#
Vienna in other places may be mediocre, but here is very good, the bedding is comfortable and clean, and the breakfast is 10 points. Many people recommend Dachaidan Snow Mountain Hotel. I personally think that if you don’t plan to soak in hot springs, you will never be disappointed in Vienna! recommend:?????

Water Yadan-# Haixi Water Yadan RV Camp#
Do not book in advance, otherwise it will be difficult to book and go to small hotels far away from other places. The caravan camp is inside the scenic area, but the environment is so-so, it can only be said to be livable, and the electric? It is tasteless and extremely difficult to use! recommend:???

Mangya - # Mangya Western Petroleum Building#
360 yuan/night Mangya Most hotels do not include breakfast. Only for breakfast needs, I found this hotel inside the oil staff. The breakfast is in the form of a buffet, which is more hygienic! The accommodation conditions are very average. You can only guarantee cleanliness and clean sheets. In Mangya, you can find oil apartments in this place, which is enough! Here is a special explanation, Petroleum Apartment is not open on Ctrip and Dianping, you need to search for the name of the location and call directly to book! recommend:??

Lenghu Town - Mangya Yardang Star Hotel#
Yadan Star may be the most luxurious hotel in the area, the building is brightly lit, and those who have requirements for accommodation can only choose this hotel, there is no choice! recommend:????

Dunhuang Ancient City- # Dunhuang Sincere Heshun Hotel#
Hotels in Dunhuang are more economical and affordable, and there are more choices! Due to the large hotel expenses in the past few nights, I chose a cheap one in Dunhuang! This hotel has not been open for a long time. The disadvantage is that our windows face a residential area. It is very inconvenient not to open the windows. The room is large and has no sense of design. The buffet breakfast is okay. recommend:??

Jiayuguan- #jiayuguannanhu Building#
The location of the hotel is a bit remote, and the facilities are first-class! If it weren't for the fatal problem that the hotel didn't provide air conditioning that night, I would give this trip the highest score! There is no problem with air conditioning, but the front desk clerk said: The local temperature difference between morning and evening is large and there is no need for air conditioning. This answer is very speechless? Recommended index: ???

Zhangye - #千玫Si路国际酒店#
There are also a lot of hotel choices in Zhangye. This hotel has good service, good price, and good breakfast! If you pick the shortcoming, it’s this toilet? Facing the bed, it’s hard to understand the design? Recommended index: ????

? Regarding clothing, food and others:

Qinghai in June is still a bit cold, especially if it is raining and cloudy, the physical feeling is not very good. Although most of the time is in the car, there is still a little temperature difference between the inside and outside when you need to get out of the car, so it is recommended to bring a few thick clothes Clothes or coats, if girls need to take pictures, it is best to bring a thick coat with them, and it is easy to put on and take off before and after taking pictures.

If you arrive by car, it is best to choose a hotel with breakfast, mainly to save trouble and save time and energy going outside to find breakfast. Be sure to buy water and snacks before departure. In most cases, you may not be able to find a restaurant at noon, so you can basically get a bite of self-healing pot and snacks. The types of local restaurants are relatively simple, mostly kang pot, mutton skewers, yogurt, and stir-fried dishes, mostly Sichuan dishes. Get angry easily. .

Be sure to pay attention to sun protection. Although most of us have not seen the sun on cloudy days these days, we still get tanned. It is best to bring a portable humidifier if you can, as the place is very dry.

??Special attention is that if conditions permit, it is best to bring few people with you. Believe me, if there is no drone, many scenes cannot be seen??

Qinghai is considered a plateau, but it is still a little lower than Tibet, and most people will not have obvious high-reverse symptoms. If there is a high reaction, you can seek medical treatment in the nearest urban area or township, which is quite convenient.