Aydingkol Lake in Turpan

Ayding Lake is located in Qiatekal Township, Gaochang District, Turpan. Its Uyghur name means “Moonlight Lake.” It is a National 3A Tourist Attraction and is famous as the lowest point on land in China, with the lakebed reaching an elevation of 154.31 meters below sea level. It is also recognized as the world's second-lowest land depression.

Ayding Lake is an inland salt lake formed through the geological processes associated with the Himalayan orogeny. Millions of years ago, the area was part of a vast inland lake. Due to the extremely arid climate of the Turpan Basin, the lake has gradually shrunk to its present state. Today, much of the former lakebed is covered by extensive white, cracked salt crust, while shallow water remains only in limited areas.

Vast salt flats, saline-alkali wilderness, scattered Tamarisk trees (red willow), and reed wetlands create a stark yet magnificent landscape. Its unusual depression landform gives Ayding Lake both considerable geological research value and a distinctive sense of wilderness, making it one of Turpan's most geographically remarkable landmarks.

Main Highlights

China's Lowest Point on Land

The stone monument marking China's lowest point on land is the main landmark for visitors. Many travelers stop here to take photographs and commemorate reaching the lowest point in the country. The location also carries a popular symbolic meaning: “Once you reach the lowest point, every road ahead is uphill.”

White Salt Flats and Salt-Crust Landscapes

Wooden boardwalks allow visitors to enter the salt-crust area without disturbing the fragile landscape. Vast stretches of silvery-white salt crust spread across the ground, forming irregular cracks and geometric patterns. Under strong sunlight, the salt crystals sparkle, creating a surreal landscape unlike the surrounding desert terrain.

After rainfall, shallow water can sometimes collect across parts of the lakebed, temporarily creating a simple “mirror of the sky.” Blue skies and clouds may be reflected in the water, producing particularly striking photographs.

Wetlands and Desert Vegetation

Reed wetlands are distributed mainly along the northern side of the lake. These areas provide an important stopover habitat for migratory birds, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in an otherwise extremely dry environment.

Visitors can also spot drought-resistant desert plants such as tamarisk and camel thorn, which have adapted to the harsh saline and arid conditions of the Turpan Basin.

Mirages, Sunsets and Stargazing

Under suitable weather conditions, mirages may appear across the vast Gobi wilderness, adding to the otherworldly atmosphere of the landscape.

Late afternoon and sunset are among the best times to visit. As the sun drops toward the horizon, warm light spreads across the white salt flats, creating dramatic layers of color and shadow. Far from urban light pollution, Ayding Lake can also offer excellent night-sky views on clear nights, when the broad wilderness provides a beautiful setting for stargazing.

Tickets and Opening Information

Adult admission is CNY 30. Full-time primary, secondary, and university students, as well as visitors aged 60–64, can receive half-price admission with valid identification. Visitors aged 65 and above, active-duty military personnel, and other eligible groups can enter free of charge with valid identification.

Visitors can purchase an additional scenic-area shuttle bus ticket to travel deeper into the lake area.

During the peak season from May to October, the scenic area is open from 09:30 to 19:30. During the low season from November to April, opening hours are 10:00 to 19:00, with the last admission at 19:00.

Allow approximately 2 hours for a standard visit.

Transportation Guide

Ayding Lake is approximately 50 kilometers from central Turpan, about a 50-minute drive under normal road conditions. A free open-air parking area is available at the scenic area.

There is no convenient direct public transportation service to the attraction, so self-driving or hiring a private car from Turpan is recommended. A private charter is particularly convenient for travelers visiting several attractions in one day.

A practical southern Turpan itinerary is Ayding Lake → Flaming Mountains → Karez Wells, allowing visitors to combine extreme lowland geography, dramatic red-rock scenery, and Turpan's ancient irrigation heritage.

Travel Tips

Summer conditions around Ayding Lake can be extremely hot, with very high ground temperatures. Avoid visiting around midday whenever possible, and prioritize a late-afternoon visit when temperatures begin to fall.

Ultraviolet radiation is very strong, so bring high-SPF sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. The salt crust can be hard and sharp, and salt crystals may damage ordinary footwear. Wear durable, high-top shoes with good grip to protect your feet and reduce the risk of slipping or damaging your shoes.

There are very limited supplies inside the scenic area, so bring plenty of drinking water before setting out. Mobile-phone reception can also be unstable across the remote wilderness, so downloading an offline map in advance is strongly recommended.

Do not leave the designated wooden boardwalks. Walking independently across the salt flats can be dangerous, as apparently solid ground may conceal soft saline-alkali marshes where visitors can become stuck.

Temperatures can drop significantly after sunset. If you plan to stay for sunset and evening photography, bring a light jacket.

Finally, help protect this fragile desert environment. Do not collect or take away salt crystals, and avoid stepping on undisturbed natural salt-crust formations. The seemingly barren landscape is a delicate geological and ecological environment that should be preserved for future visitors.