Live Your Best Lives
Located in the heart of the Tengger Desert in Alxa Left Banner, Inner Mongolia, at an altitude of 1,320 meters, Sun Lake, along with Moon Lake and Star Lake, forms a "three-pearl chain" of the desert, encompassing 3.2 square kilometers. White crystals precipitate from the lakebed, creating a vibrant blue like a gem inlaid with golden sand in summer. In winter, the cracked ice creates a texture resembling glass. Aerial photography creates a striking contrast of red and blue with the neighboring Wulan Lake ("Heart of the Earth"). Reeds thicken the lakeshore, attracting hundreds of migratory birds, including swans and ruddy pochards, from March to April and September to October. The sand dunes and oasis create an "oasis of life in a sea of death."
Suitable season for visiting:
1. Summer and Autumn: June to August,
the Milky Way falls on the lake and migratory birds dance over the sand dunes.
2. Late Autumn: Late September to mid-October
, the clear sky rate is over 90%, and the lake is like a mirror reflecting the sand dunes.
3. Winter: December to February,
blue ice cracks and rime surround the lake.
Recommended places to visit:
1. West Coast Observatory
In a light-pollution-free environment, I set up a tripod to shoot the "star trails in the lake" and used my phone to fill in the light to shoot portrait silhouettes while wearing a red long skirt.
2. Sunset Point, Sand Ridge
Climbing to the top of the sand dunes on the south side of the lake, the sand ridges are like molten gold blades at sunset. The wide-angle lens captures the three-dimensional image of "sand dune curves + blue mirror of the lake + snow-capped peaks of Helan Mountain".
3. Explore the Reed Maze
Take a herdsman's raft through the reed marshes and observe migratory birds nesting up close.
Sun Lake is a natural lake in Inner Mongolia known for its tranquil waters and ecological importance. It serves as a habitat for diverse bird species and represents the unique combination of desert and wetland landscapes in the region.
Located in Alxa League, Inner Mongolia. The nearest town is accessible by car or taxi. Visitors typically explore the lake area on foot.
The lake is open year-round. The best time to visit is from May to October when weather is mild, and migratory birds are present.
Entrance is usually free. Any guided tours or boat rentals may charge small fees, payable onsite.
Booking is generally not required for casual visits. If you plan to join guided tours or rent boats, a day or two in advance is recommended.
2–4 hours to walk around the lake and enjoy the surroundings; longer if including birdwatching or hiking nearby trails.
Guided tours may be available locally in Mandarin. Audio guides are typically not offered.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the lakeshore, visit birdwatching points, explore nearby dunes, and finish at the sunset viewpoint.
Night visits are generally not organized. Special tours may occur for birdwatching during migration seasons.
The site is usually quiet. Weekdays and non-holiday periods are least crowded.
Basic facilities include restrooms, a few small cafes or snack stalls, water points, and rest areas.
Accessible for children and elderly visitors; some areas may be uneven and challenging for disabled visitors.
Cash is recommended, though mobile payments may be accepted at larger cafes or shops.
Small local cafes and restaurants offer simple meals and refreshments near the lake area.
Vegetarian options are limited; halal-friendly options may be available at nearby restaurants.
Guesthouses, small hotels, and inns are available in nearby towns or villages.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, Mongolian wool products, and small cultural keepsakes.
Private car or taxi is recommended to reach other scenic spots or towns; public transport options are limited.
