Ushute Water Yadan - Like a Fleet Setting Sail, Yet Like Beasts Lying Still

Who would understand! This is not Chaka, not Jade Lake, but the "Water Yadan" hidden beside National Highway 315. A group of earth mounds sculpted by wind and water over millions of years, soaking in the emerald green lake water. The moment you stand here, you really start to wonder if you've stumbled into an alien base! 🌍 📸 Must-shoot spots (100% photo success rate) ▪️ Yadan cluster in the lake center: Launch a drone and you’ll be instantly legendary! The golden earth mounds look like a fleet lined up, reflected on the blue-green lake surface, every shot is a sci-fi blockbuster. ▪️ End of the boardwalk: Walk along the wooden boardwalk to the lake edge, shoot the connection between Yadan and the sky from a low angle, with a person standing on the boardwalk as the foreground, instantly creating a “landing on an alien planet” story vibe. ▪️ Sunset viewing platform: Rush here after 6 PM! The sunset dyes the earth mounds orange-red, the lake shimmers with golden light, warm tones collide with cool tones, your social feed will explode with likes. 💡 Photo tips ▫️ Outfit: Wear a solid color long dress (white / red / Klein blue) to create a strong contrast with the golden Yadan and emerald lake water; a flowing skirt adds to the photo effect. ▫️ Timing: Avoid harsh midday light! Shoot 1-2 hours after sunrise or 1 hour before sunset for soft, non-reflective light and more dreamy lake colors. ▫️ Props: Bring a straw hat or scarf; when the wind blows, they flutter naturally, easing stiff poses and boosting the atmosphere. 🚗 Travel guide 📍 Address: Ushute Water Yadan Geological Park, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province 🚙 Transportation: Self-driving or carpool recommended! About 2.5 hours from Dachaidan, National Highway 315 is scenic all along the way. 🎫 Tickets: 60 RMB per person, shuttle bus 60 RMB (must buy! The park is large, walking will be exhausting) ⏰ Best time to visit: May to October (in winter some lake surfaces freeze, which is unique but very windy) ⚠️ Notes: The wind here is extremely strong! Be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, and scarf for wind and sun protection. UV rays are very strong; sunscreen SPF 50+, sunscreen lotion, and physical sun protection are all essential. No convenience stores nearby, bring enough drinking water and snacks. Wear comfortable sports shoes! Some parts of the boardwalk are uneven, no problem for walking and shooting. If Qinghai is China’s secret realm, then Water Yadan is the surprise within that secret realm. There are far fewer people than at Chaka, no crowding, so you can fully enjoy this lonely yet magnificent scenery. Promise me, when you go to Qinghai, be sure to include this place in your itinerary! You will definitely not regret it! ❤️​