Must-Visit on Qinghai-Gansu Loop: The Interstellar Vibe of Watery Yardang

🌌 In early July, I embarked on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, marveling at the grandeur of our country's landscapes along the way. Nature's wonders never fail to move the soul. The watery Yardang landforms in Qinghai hide unique scenery—stepping into them feels like setting foot on the surface of a distant planet, with occasional traces of water creating a scene both magical and awe-inspiring. Wusute (Watery) Yardang Geological Park ✅ Itinerary: Enter the scenic area and walk about 15 minutes to the right to find great photo angles. Many say the "Eye of Yardang" is a 15-minute walk, but it took us much longer that day—perhaps taking the shuttle would be more convenient. ⌛ Suggested visit duration: 2-3 hours. 🚗 How to get there: Navigate directly by car. ‼ Travel Tips ✅ Watery Yardang ticket + shuttle: 60 + 60 = 120/person. The area is vast, so the shuttle saves round-trip time. ✅ Clear weather offers brighter views. We encountered a sandstorm—chilly and windy—missing the chance to see the lake's blue hues. ✅ The shuttle goes straight to the innermost stop upon entry, stopping at each station on the return. The first stop, Wanghai Terrace, is great for panoramic shots. Skip the second stop, Penglai Fairy Island. The third stop, West Sea Fleet, features ship props (can be skipped if short on time). The fourth stop, Golden Sand Beach, is worth a visit! ✅ The Eye of Yardang requires a separate off-road vehicle ride (500 for 4 people, 300 for 2 on a motorcycle). Without a drone, capturing its full beauty is hard. ✅ Avoid climbing Yardang rocks—staff will remind you. Protecting the landform is part of responsible travel. ‼ Outfit Guide ✅ Try post-apocalyptic, cowboy, or outdoor styles. ✅ Black, red, denim, or yellow outfits photograph well. ✅ I’d planned a short denim look but switched to outdoor wear due to sudden cold winds. Temperatures drop noticeably without sunlight in the northwest. ‼ Photo Spot Guide ✅ Wanghai Terrace for panoramas ✅ Snap a shot by the Watery Yardang landmark ✅ Frame shots near water-adjacent Yardang rocks ✅ The waterfront Yardang area opposite Wanghai Terrace ‼ Pose Guide ✅ Look left/right for candid shots ✅ Cross arms for a cool vibe ✅ Freeze mid-spin for dynamic energy ✅ Open arms at landmarks to match the scenery ✅ Use 3x zoom, smile at the camera, or lightly tousle hair Summary: Use 3x zoom for close-ups, capturing lively, natural expressions. If poses feel awkward, side profiles or genuine laughs always work. (Text/images sourced online; contact for removal if infringing.)