Aksai Suosuo Lake: A Beautiful Scene of a "Jiangnan in the Northwest"
Driving dozens of kilometers from Mangya Lenghu Town along National Highway 215 towards Dunhuang, a vast lake stretching for dozens of kilometers unexpectedly appears on the right side of the road. An online search revealed it to be Suosuo Lake in Aksai County, Gansu.
June is the beginning of summer, and the plateau sunlight pours down, rendering the Suosuo Lake wetland a vibrant green paradise. Big Suosuo Lake and Small Suosuo Lake are like two pearls inlaid at the foot of the Altyn-Tagh Mountains, one fresh and one salty, each interpreting the poetry of nature in its own way.
The fresh water of Small Suosuo Lake is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the azure sky and the swimming migratory birds. Various unknown birds lightly touch the ripples with their wingtips, stirring up a string of crystal water droplets. Bar-headed geese and black-necked cranes hide in the reeds by the lake, occasionally chirping, injecting lively notes into the tranquil wetland.
Big Suosuo Lake, due to the nature of its saltwater, shimmers with silver light under the sun, like stars scattered across the earth. The salt crystals at the edge of the lake sparkle like crushed diamonds, contrasting with the distant hazy snow-capped mountains. Occasionally, a breeze blows across, creating ripples on the lake's surface, like the strings of a harp plucked by an invisible hand, playing a summer whisper.
This is what self-driving travel is all about; you never know what surprises await you around the corner.
Tips for Self-Driving Tours in the Northwest:
1. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so pack warm, thick coats.
2. The air in the northwest is dry and the UV rays are strong. Be sure to bring an insulated water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, scarf, face mask, and wet wipes. Drink plenty of water and take precautions against sun exposure and dryness.
3. The diet in the northwest consists mainly of meat (such as beef and mutton) and noodles. Eat more fruit to avoid getting angry. Also, bring medicine for heat relief, colds, inflammation, and stomach problems.
4. The northwest region is vast, and the distance between attractions is considerable. Pack dry food and snacks. Also, the communication signal is poor, so it is recommended to download offline maps in advance for self-driving.
Transportation:
The journey from Dunhuang to Suosuo Lake via National Highway 215 and the Liuge Expressway is 210 km and takes 2.5 hrs.
The journey from Aksai Kazakh Autonomous County to Suosuo Lake is about 114 km and takes about 2 hrs.
The road conditions on National Highway 215 are excellent. It's a newly built asphalt road, wide and flat, with sparse traffic, ideal for self-driving.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Aksai County Hotel: Located in the center of the county, it offers convenient transportation, clean and tidy rooms, complete facilities, and reasonable prices.
Kazakh Yurt: If you want to experience the traditional Kazakh lifestyle, you can choose to stay in a Kazakh yurt and experience the unique ethnic customs. However, the conditions in yurts are relatively basic and may not have private bathrooms or shower facilities.
Food Recommendations:
Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Boiled mutton eaten directly by hand. The meat is tender and flavorful, a traditional Kazakh delicacy.
Roasted Whole Lamb: Selected fat and strong sheep are specially treated, marinated with various seasonings, and then roasted in a special oven. The skin is crispy, the meat is tender, and the aroma is overflowing.
Milk Tea: Made from brick tea and milk, it is sweet and delicious and an essential drink in Kazakh daily life.
Naan: A round flatbread made from flour. It is crispy, easy to carry and store, and is one of the common staple foods in the area.