Xinjiang - Loulan Ancient City, Mangya Emerald Lake

Escape the city! I found the most stunning northwest self-driving route 🚗✨ The wilderness wonderland from Qinghai to Xinjiang is absolutely amazing! Key point 👉🏻 The most breathtaking part this time is the magical combination of stepping into the ancient Silk Road city and encountering Emerald Lake! The wind and sand of Loulan Ancient City hide the prosperity of a thousand years ago, while Mangya Emerald Lake looks like a green gem dropped from the Kunlun Mountains. The collision of these two completely different beauties is simply incredible～ 🌵【Loulan Ancient City Check-in Guide】 📍 Located in Ruoqiang County (permit required in advance) 🎫 Ticket: 300 RMB/person ⏰ Recommended visit time: 2-3 hours ▪️ Be sure to stick close to the guide! You can easily get lost in the vast Gobi Desert ▪️ The best light is from 3-5 PM, perfect for shooting ruins with great atmosphere ▪️ Remember to bring a windproof face mask; the sandstorm is intense enough to make you question life 💎【Mangya Emerald Lake Activities】 📍 Next to National Highway G315, Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture 🎫 Free! Free! (Parking fee 20 RMB) ⏰ Open all day, recommended to visit at sunset ▪️ Drone aerial views are amazing! You can see different layers of green ▪️ You can walk to the center of the salt bridge, but be careful not to slip ▪️ It’s recommended to wear bright-colored clothes for a great contrast with the emerald lake in photos 🚗 Self-driving Tips: 1. About 5 hours drive from Ruoqiang to Mangya, remember to fill up the gas tank 2. You will encounter wild camel herds on the road, do not honk 3. Bring enough snacks; there are very few supply points along the way 4. It’s recommended to stay in Mangya city; the conditions are much better than in the towns ⚠️ Important Reminders: ▪️ Strong sunlight in the northwest, sunscreen + sunglasses + hat are a must ▪️ Mobile signal is often unavailable along the route, download offline maps in advance ▪️ The temperature difference between morning and night is extreme, a light down jacket is essential