Today's Trip - Mangya, Qinghai

Mangya City, Qinghai (under the administration of Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture) is located in the northwest of Qinghai Province, on the edge of the Qaidam Basin, at the junction of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the desert Gobi. Known for its magnificent uninhabited landscapes, fantastical Yadan landforms, and "Mars-like secrets," it has become a popular destination for self-driving adventurers and photography enthusiasts in recent years. I. Pre-trip Preparations 1. Altitude Acclimatization: Mangya has an average elevation of about 3,000 meters. Take Rhodiola rosea 1-2 days in advance and avoid strenuous exercise. 2. Vehicle Selection: SUVs or off-road vehicles are recommended (four-wheel drive is necessary for some gravel road sections). Prepare spare tires, tow ropes, and other tools. 3. Supplies: • Food and water (very few supply points along the way); • Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (extremely strong UV rays); • Windproof jacket and warm clothing (large temperature difference between day and night); • Drone (essential for capturing panoramic views of Aiken Spring and Emerald Lake). II. Must-See Attractions 1. Mangya Emerald Lake • Highlights: Emerald green salt lake, the lake surface reflects the snow-capped mountains like a mirror, less crowded and more beautiful than Dachaidan Emerald Lake. • Tips: Free entry, accessible by car around the lake; the best shooting time is on a sunny morning before 10:00 am or at sunset. 2. Aiken Spring (Eye of the Devil) • Highlights: Red-brown spring formed by geothermal geysers, resembling the "Eye of the Earth" from an aerial view. • Transportation: About a 1-hour drive from Mangya City, the last 10 km is a gravel road, drive slowly. • Note: Registration is required at the scenic area entrance for drone photography to capture the full view. 3. Oberliang Yadan Landforms • Highlights: The largest wind-eroded earth forest in China, known as the "Devil's City," with a Mars-like landscape. • Mars Camp: Experience accommodation in space capsules and take photos in spacesuits (reservations required). • Tickets: Environmental protection fee payable at the entrance (approx. CNY 80/vehicle). 4. Lenghu Oil Base Ruins • Highlights: Abandoned oil town, desolate ruins suitable for post-apocalyptic style photography. • Historical Background: One of China's four major oil fields in the 1950s, abandoned in the 1990s. 5. Xitaijinair Lake (Two-Colored Lake) • Highlights: G315 highway passes through the lake, one side deep blue and the other emerald green, stunning aerial photography effect. • Location: Situated between Mangya and Water Yadan, a convenient stop along the way. III. Recommended Route Planning Route 1: In-depth 3-day tour of Mangya • Day 1: Mangya City → Aiken Spring (2h) → Mangya Emerald Lake (sunset) → Overnight in Mangya. • Day 2: Mangya → Oberliang Yadan (3h drive, 4h visit) → Mars Camp → Overnight in Lenghu Town. • Day 3: Lenghu → Oil Ruins → Return or continue to Dunhuang/Golmud. Route 2: Qinghai-Gansu Grand Ring Road Extension (7-10 days) Add Mangya to the traditional Qinghai-Gansu loop: Dunhuang → Lenghu → Mangya → Water Yadan → Dachaidan → Chaka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake → Xining. IV. Transportation Guide How to get there: • Self-drive: 2 days from Xining (via Delingha); about 5 hours from Dunhuang (via G215 to G315). • Public Transportation: Buses from Xining/Dunhuang to Mangya City (infrequent, not recommended). Road Conditions: G315 is in good condition, but some sections of Oberliang and Aiken Spring are gravel roads, drive with caution. V. Accommodation Recommendations Mangya City: Hotels are in good condition, recommend Mangya Western Business Hotel, Petroleum Building. Lenghu Town: Fewer choices, Lenghu Yadan Star Hotel offers good value. Mars Camp: Unique space capsule accommodation experience (approx. CNY 1200/night), book in advance on the official website. VI. Food Recommendations Local Specialties: • Lamb Hot Pot, Qinghai Yogurt, Ga Noodles, Hand-Grabbed Mutton. • Recommended Restaurants: Mangya Qingzhen Yipinxuan Restaurant, Lenghu Tianfu Restaurant. Bring your own dry food: Restaurants are scarce along the way, it is recommended to bring self-heating food. VII. Precautions 1. Environmental Protection: Protect the fragile ecosystem, do not litter, and do not drive over the Yadan landforms. 2. Signal: No signal in areas such as Oberliang and Aiken Spring, download offline maps in advance. 3. Safety: Do not venture alone into uninhabited areas, stop and wait in case of sandstorms. 4. Documents: Bring your ID card, registration is required at some checkpoints. VIII. Nearby Connected Attractions Water Yadan: About 200 km from Mangya, the only Yadan landform in water. Dachaidan Emerald Lake: Richer lake colors, but more tourists. Hoh Xil (requires returning to Golmud): Visit the Tibetan antelope reserve. Mangya's desolation and magnificence are suitable for travelers seeking niche and extreme experiences. Be sure to allow plenty of time when planning your itinerary, stay flexible to cope with weather changes, and bring the courage to explore the unknown. This "Mars-like land" will surely give you unforgettable memories!