The most otherworldly secret realm I've ever visited

From deserts as scorching as Mars to salt flats as desolate as the Moon, some landscapes make you wonder: am I really still on Earth? These nine places, with their extreme colors, bizarre landforms, and extraordinary atmospheres, form the closest dreams of alien worlds on our planet. 🌍 Overview of 9 Major Alien Destinations 1. Zhangye Danxia Landform, Gansu: A palette spilled by the gods, with colorful hills rolling like waves. 2. Aiken Spring (Devil’s Eye), Mangya, Qinghai: The eye of the earth, sulfur springs flowing with eerie blood-red patterns. 3. Obolyang Yardang, Qinghai: The surface most resembling Mars, with off-road vehicles navigating a vast labyrinth of earth pillars. 4. Dahadao, Hami, Xinjiang: A no-man’s land on the Silk Road, dotted with Yardang formations resembling alien spacecraft. 5. Zhada Earth Forest, Tibet: Ruins of the ancient Zhangzhung Kingdom, earth forest castles sculpted by millions of years of wind and rain. 6. Volcanic Lava Fields, Iceland: Black desert covered with moss, geysers erupting with geothermal energy. 7. Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia: A mirror of the sky in the rainy season, a pure white planet with geometric patterns in the dry season. 8. Cappadocia, Turkey: Fairy chimneys and cave cities, like ancient settlements of extraterrestrials. 9. Waitomo Glowworm Caves, New Zealand: An underground galaxy where thousands of blue lights resemble cosmic stars. 📅 Sample 2-Day Itinerary: Mangya Aiken Spring + Obolyang Mars Camp, Qinghai Day 1: Explore the “Devil’s Eye” and Emerald Lake · Morning: Drive from Golmud City, cross the Qaidam Basin, and arrive at Mangya Aiken Spring. Launch a drone to capture the blood-red ring surrounding the spring. · Afternoon: Head to Mangya Emerald Lake, where the emerald salt fields are divided like a chessboard, contrasting vividly with distant snow-capped mountains. · Evening: Drive to Lenghu Town for overnight stay, preparing for the Mars journey the next day. Day 2: Land on “Mars” and Explore Oil Site Ruins · All day: Enter Obolyang Yardang Geological Park (registration and signal device rental required). Drive an off-road vehicle through the vast Yardang formations, wear a spacesuit at the “Mars Camp,” and take commemorative photos of your alien landing. · Afternoon: Visit the nearby oil base ruins in Lenghu Town, feeling the desolation as buildings are swallowed by wind and sand after human evacuation. · Night: If weather permits, photograph the magnificent Milky Way at the edge of the no-man’s land. ⭐ Must-Do Experiences 1. Mars Suit Photoshoot: Wear a professional spacesuit at Obolyang and shoot “Mars blockbusters” with Yardang as the backdrop. 2. Salt Lake Floating: Experience the magical buoyancy in Emerald Lake or Dongtai Jinaier Lake’s high-salinity waters. 3. Stargazing: In the light-pollution-free no-man’s land, see the most dazzling Milky Way and star trails with the naked eye. 4. Yardang Hiking: Venture deep into the Yardang landforms, touch wind-eroded textures millions of years old, and listen to the earth’s breath. 💡 Warm Tips 1. Safety First: Most locations are no-man’s lands; always travel in groups and rent satellite phones or carry professional GPS devices. Never venture alone, as it’s easy to get lost. 2. Vehicle Preparation: Must drive a high-clearance 4WD off-road vehicle, and carry enough fuel, spare tires, tow ropes, and repair tools. 3. Environmental Protection: These landforms are extremely fragile; tire tracks take decades to recover. Strictly follow existing tracks and take all trash with you. 4. Climate Adaptation: Large temperature differences between day and night, and strong UV rays. Prepare windproof and sun-protective clothing, warm clothes, high-energy food, and sufficient water. 5. Respect Nature: Aiken Spring and other geological wonders must not be disturbed; do not throw objects and follow local regulations.