Nestled in the vast northwest of the Qaidam Basin lies one of Earth’s rarest natural wonders—the Wusuite Water-Eroded Yadan Landforms.
This unique landscape, China’s only and one of the world’s few water-eroded yadan formations, features towering earthen pillars of diverse shapes rising from azure lakes. Resembling an ancient fleet sailing across the wilderness, it has earned acclaim from visitors as “Thousand Island Lake in the Gobi” and the alien landscape of the Great Northwest.”
Unlike the arid desolation of terrestrial Yadan formations, these hills are embraced by lake waters, reflecting the azure sky and white clouds. As light and shadow dance across the surface, the scene unfolds like a surrealist painting, making it one of the most visually striking attractions along the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop.
1: Basic situation and geographical location
- Chinese name: Wusute Shui Shang Ya Dan Geopark (Wusute Shui Shang Ya Dan)
- Altitude: about 2700 meters
- Reason for its formation:
Millions of years ago, it was a huge lake, and the sediments were eroded by wind to form the Yadan landform. In recent years, the supply of ice and snow meltwater from Mount Kunlun has increased, the water table has risen, and some low-lying areas have been submerged by water, forming the wonder of “water walking in the rocks, boats walking in the mountains”. - Geographic coordinates: In Manya City, Haixi Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, next to National Highway G315
- The best season:June to September(the richest water volume, the broadest lake surface, and the most beautiful colors); spring and autumn are also available, and some areas are frozen in winter.
Two: How to get there? Traffic guide
Self-driving (the most recommended way)
- From Dachaidan Town: about 350 kilometers, 5 hours by car, westbound along G315 National Highway
- From Manya City (Huatugou): about 200 kilometers, 2.5 hours by car
- Navigation and positioning: Search for “Wusute Shuishang Yadan” or “Water Yadan Geological Park”
- Road conditions description: The whole journey is on the G315 National Highway, with good asphalt roads and ordinary cars can pass, but there are few people along the way. It is recommended that four-wheel drive is more safe.
Charter/carpool
- Participate in small groups or customized tours of the Ganqing Ring Road, most of the itinerary includes this attraction；
- You can book a day trip or carpool service in Dachaidan or Manya, which costs about 150-250 yuan/person (round trip).
Public transportation
- There is no direct shuttle bus, and it is not recommended for car-free tourists to go.
Three: Tickets and opening hours
- Ticket price：
- Adult ticket:60 yuan/person(peak season)
- Student/elderly ticket:30 yuan/person(with valid ID)
- Scenic sightseeing car:60 yuan/person(must sit, the depth of the scenic area is about 7 kilometers, and private cars are not allowed to enter)
- Ticket purchase method: Tickets can be purchased online through the official WeChat official account of the scenic spot “Wusute Water Yadan Geopark” (real name is required, and ID card is used to enter the park), or at the ticket window of the tourist center of the scenic spot (cash and code scanning are supported). In peak seasons (July August, National Day), it is recommended to purchase tickets online one day in advance to avoid queuing at the scene.
- Cruise item(optional): About 80 yuan/person, you can travel through the Yadan Group up close and experience ‘water sailing”
- Opening hours：
- Peak season (May-October): 08:00–19:00
- Off-season (November-April): 09:00–18:00
💡 Tip: It is recommendedto enter after 15:00 in the afternoon toavoid the peak of the tour group. In the evening, the light is soft and the reflection on the lake is beautiful.
Five: Features of attractions and highlights of play
1.The world’s only floating Yadan landform
Most of the world’s Yadan landform exists in dry deserts, and Usut is the only Yadan group that is infiltrated by lake water. It covers an area of 2.6 square kilometers and has forms such as whales, castles, and pyramids. It is very visually stunning.
2. Take a boat through the ‘Water maze”
Taking a scenic cruise, you can go deep into the hinterland of Yadan and observe the strange rock masses formed by wind erosion up close, as if sailing between ancient fleets, and the experience is unique.
3. Ultimate light, shadow and aerial photography destination
- On a sunny day, the lake is blue, Yadan is golden, and the reflection is like a mirror.；
- At sunrise and sunset, light and shadow are intertwined, which is the golden moment for photography and DRONE aerial photography.；
- Drones are allowed to fly legally in the scenic area (it is recommended to bring them).
4. G315 net red road linkage
Just an hour’s drive from the U-shaped highway and Dongtai Jianer Lake, these destinations can be linked together to create a classic “Northwest China Instagram-worthy route.”
Six: Precautions and Travel Tips
- Plateau protection:
2700 meters above sea level, although not high, but the climate is dry, pay attention to hydration, sun protection, and wind and sand protection. - Sun protection and cold protection:
During the day, ultraviolet rays are extremely strong, so be sure to wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen; there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening, so you need to prepare a windproof and warm jacket. - Environmental requirements：
- It is strictly forbidden to throw garbage into the lake or destroy the Yadan rock mass；
- Do not step on the salt shell or take away any natural objects.
- Safety tips：
- Some areas of the lake are slippery, do not climb high-risk rock masses；
- The speed of the G315 national highway is fast, please go to the designated observation deck for parking and taking pictures.
- Wearing recommendations:
Wear colorful clothes (red, yellow, and white) to take pictures and make movies; wear non-slip shoes to avoid slipping by the lake. - Replenishment preparation:
There are no food and beverage inside and outside the scenic area. It is recommended to bring your own water, dry food, and energy food; please take away all garbage by yourself.
Seven: Recommendations for surrounding linkage attractions
- U-shaped highway: about 80 kilometers from Shuishang Yadan, the most popular section of G315, suitable for shooting ‘Mirror of the Sky”
- Lake Kinel in Dongtai: Once famous for “Tiffany Blue”, but the water area has shrunk in recent years. It is recommended to consult the water situation in advance.
- Mang Cliff Mars Camp: Located in the core area of Oboliang Yadan, it has a sense of science fiction and is suitable for in-depth exploration.
- Ruins of Cold Lake Oil Town: The remains of industrial civilization, feel the historical vicissitudes of western development
Eight: Summary: Is it worth a visit?
The answer is: it’s well worth it!
