Things to do in Mangya

I stumbled upon these pictures online and immediately added Mangya to my itinerary before embarking on the Qinghai-Gansu loop. We entered the scenic area in the evening. The weather was so-so that day; thankfully, the sun came out later, but there was no sunset. The visual impact inside was still breathtaking, though the photos seem to show it even more beautifully than it appears in person. Bringing a drone would have been even better for aerial photography. We didn't visit Rouge Mountain separately; the red color wasn't as pronounced there, and the online pictures seem to have been edited.

Aiken Spring, known as the "Eye of the Devil," was discovered during the early days of the People's Republic of China when crossing Lop Nur, but it was also recorded in Qing Dynasty documents as early as the early 19th century! The wetlands along the way from Mangya to Aiken Spring are also very beautiful.

Food and accommodation are relatively expensive, but the scenery of Heidushan Scenic Area and Eboling Uninhabited Area is absolutely stunning! I highly recommend everyone to visit if you have the chance. Note that a rugged 4WD off-road vehicle is best for Eboling; you can also rent a car locally in Lenghu for a drive.

Mangya Emerald Lake is truly stunning, a hidden gem of a natural palette in the Gobi Desert. The lake displays rich layers of emerald green, surrounded by pristine white salt flats. On clear days, the blue sky, white clouds, and distant snow-capped mountains are reflected in its waters, creating a mirror-like effect. It's relatively uncrowded and untouched by over-commercialization, making every snapshot a masterpiece. A road trip is well worth it; only by experiencing it firsthand can you truly appreciate the unique vastness and purity of Northwest China. Highly recommended!

冷湖镇破败的石油小镇与不远处的黑独山遥相呼应，那静静的石油小镇，像是被时光遗忘的角落。曾经新中国石油工业的重要基地，如今只剩残垣断壁。成片砖房屋顶坍塌、墙壁残破，被沙丘掩埋着，让人很难想象这里曾热火朝天的景象，石油小镇是石油工业发展过程的缩影，让人感慨万千。

The Qaidam Basin, known as the "Treasure Basin," is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the northwestern part of Qinghai Province, with most of its area within the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Covering an area of ​​257,768 square kilometers, it is the highest of China's four major basins. Rich in mineral resources such as non-ferrous metals, oil, and natural gas, and particularly boasting the largest reserves of crude salt, potassium, magnesium, lithium, strontium, asbestos, and mirabilite in the country, it is affectionately known as the "Treasure Basin." It is home to 96 species of wild animals, including over 30 species under first- or second-class national protection. The Qaidam Basin is also a major route for self-driving tours along the popular "Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop," with attractions such as Chaka Salt Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, National Highway 315, Heidushan Mountain, and the Kunlun Mountain National Geopark all located within its boundaries.

Mentioning the three words "Eboliang", many friends may ask where this is? Is it a Chinese scenic spot? In fact, it is a mysterious place located in Haixi, my country. Many people will check it out together with the Mars Camp. To enter the evil place, you must look at the weather. If the weather is bad, you cannot enter. Even if you enter in good weather, you will be given a positioning system to prevent you from getting lost inside. Some friends may ask if it is okay to use mobile phone navigation? Then you really don't know the northwest of the motherland. In this place of Eboliang, it is common for mobile phones to have no signal. However, no matter how difficult the conditions are, when you really walk into here, you will feel the magic of nature. One after another, ordinary soil has become various shapes under the blowing of the strong wind. Now I can still recall the scene and the beautiful scenery at that time when I close my eyes. So I really want to go out and play, but wait slowly, I believe everything will be better, and then we will go to the travel destination we want most.

The Crystal Mirror Micro-Lake Scenic Area centers around a salt lake, combining natural wonders with a relaxing experience. The lake's surface is crystal clear, reflecting the sky and clouds on sunny days, creating a stunning "Sky Mirror" effect for photography. White salt crystals, like snowflakes, crystallize in the shallows, contrasting sharply with the lake surface for a strong visual impact. The scenic area features viewing walkways and photo opportunities, allowing visitors to experience the charm of the salt lake up close. However, some areas have fragile ecosystems; it is recommended to follow the visitor guidelines and protect the salt crystal formations. Overall, it is a unique scenic area that combines natural beauty with relaxing photo opportunities.

In fact, this trip on the Northwest Grand Loop went to Mars Highway 1. Fortunately, the driver was local and the highway was not a strict highway. It was bumpy all the way and my bones were sore.