OMG! This pink desert in Aksu looks exactly like spilled strawberry milkshake!

Southern Xinjiang's Hidden Gem: The Breathtaking "Strawberry Milkshake Desert" Guide🍓 Can you believe it, folks? While road tripping through Southern Xinjiang, I stumbled upon this red desert and was literally speechless—this isn't just sand, it's like the heavens spilled strawberry milkshake all over the Gobi! 😭 🌄 Love at first sight with pink romance 📍Location: Hongshamo (Red Desert) in Kalpin County, Aksu Driving from Kuqa toward Kashgar, you'll suddenly spot red waves by the roadside! From afar, it looks like giant strawberry milkshake poured into the Gobi. Up close, the sand grains shimmer with rose gold, feeling fluffy underfoot, and even the wind carries a sweet, edgy vibe💨 The most magical part? The real-time light play: at noon, the desert burns fiery red; by sunset, it softens into peach pink, as if the air itself is filtered🍑 📸 Photo tips (with best times) - Before 10 AM: Soft light makes rose gold sand sparkle. Wear a white dress on the dunes for instant "desert fairy" vibes✨ - After 5 PM: Golden hour before sunset! The sky shifts from blue-purple to pink-orange. Lie in wind-carved grooves for flawless side profiles—the sand's glow makes skin look amazing~ - Must-try drone shots: From above, dunes resemble crumpled pink silk, with people looking like tiny ants on the ridges. Wear bright colors (yellow/green) for striking contrast📸 🍢 Nearby eats: Gobi flavors - Kalpin Old Teahouse: 20 mins from desert. 5 yuan for brick tea with fresh tandoori lamb skewers (10 yuan each)—crispy outside, tender inside, seasoned with cumin. The Uyghur owner will say in broken Mandarin: "Eat slowly, more if you want"😋 - Kuqa Naan City: If staying in Kuqa, try sesame naan bigger than your face! Crispy outside, soft inside, delicious even with desert-carried water🍘 🛏️ Stay options: - Kuqa downtown: 1.5-hour drive. Recommend "Kuqa Hotel"—spacious rooms, must-try baked buns and yogurt zongzi for breakfast (~150 yuan/person) - Desert homestays: For star photography, try "Red Desert Homestay" in Kalpin. Adobe rooms offer galaxy views over pink dunes, though showers have weak pressure🌌 💡 Pro tips: - 28 yuan ticket is a steal! But bring hats and high-SPF sunscreen—no shade available - Wear sand gaiters! Fine grains get everywhere, and barefoot = burnt toes (trust me) - Pack snacks/water—no shops in the desert Standing on pink dunes, the wind tastes sweet and wild—Southern Xinjiang's romance blends Gobi rawness with desert cuteness. This contrast is utterly mesmerizing! You'll understand when you see it—this "strawberry milkshake desert" steals hearts💖