Yadan on the water, like a dream
by Alexis Beatty
Apr 10, 2025
đ The place on Earth that looks most like an alien worldâtake your kids on a geological wonder tour
Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park, hailed by China National Geography as "the place on Earth that looks least like Earth," is stunning the world with its unique water Yadan landforms! When the wind-eroded Yadan formations, shaped over thousands of years, stand tall in the emerald salt lake, and golden reeds intertwine with the blue lake water like a painting, this is not only a paradise for photography lovers but also an excellent classroom for families to explore the mysteries of nature.
đ Family Travel Guide: Easy access to a magical world
⢠Self-driving route: Drive about 200 kilometers from Dachaidan Town along National Highway G315. Along the way, you can check in at spots featured on Chinaâs Route 66, with the magnificent desert and Gobi scenery thrilling the kids. Itâs recommended to download offline maps in advance as some sections have weak signals.
⢠Car rental recommendation: Renting a car in Dachaidan Town costs about 600-800 RMB/day, offering flexibility and freedom. Carpooling to share costs is suitable for families traveling with children.
⢠Ticket information: Peak season (May to October) 60 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 60 RMB/person (the park is vast, taking the bus saves energy), Zhejiang residents free admission, students half price.
đ Must-try family activities: Unlock magical experiences
1. Space-Time Folding Laboratory
⢠Light Wave Hunter Project: Under Uncle Zhaxiâs guidance, use a prism to refract Yadan salt crystals, letting kids âassembleâ Tibetan script by hand and explore the magic of light and salt.
⢠Salt Fortress Night Talk: Stay in a spherical tent made of salt bricks (380 RMB/night). At night, moonlight penetrates the salt crystal walls, and the ground reflects a flowing star map, making kids feel like theyâre sleeping on a âgalaxy router.â
2. Geological Science Class
⢠Yadan Eye Exploration: Ride a desert off-road vehicle (150 RMB/person) deep into the no-manâs land to find the âEmerald Tearâ in the blue salt lakeâthe Yadan Eye. Professional guides provide fun explanations to help kids understand the geological codes of wind and water erosion.
⢠Duck Lake Ecological Observation: Walk along the 4-kilometer salt crystal boardwalk, use binoculars to observe wild water birds, and occasionally encounter the breathtaking âHundred Birds Thousand Islands Lakeâ scene (best in spring and autumn).
3. Desert Carnival Party
⢠Camel Riding: Ride gentle camels through the Yadan formations, experience desert charm, and take family photos with a Western region style (30 minutes/session, 20 RMB/person for photos).
⢠Salt Lake Wild Coffee Experience: Taste barley coffee and yogurt in salt crystal cups, with a triple flavor of sour, sweet, and salty stimulating the taste buds. Kids will exclaim, âThis is the alien version of âMidnight Dinerâ!â
đ¨ Family Accommodation Recommendations: Magical castles under the starry sky
⢠RV Campground: The parkâs RV campground is equipped with a childrenâs playground, restaurant, and cafĂŠ. Over a hundred RVs can accommodate the whole family. Lie on the roof at night to watch the Milky Way and wake up to birdsong in the morning.
⢠Luxury Tent Hotel: The tents have air conditioning and private bathrooms, with direct car access to the door to avoid queues. Open the curtains to a magnificent view of the Yadan formations and salt lake.
⢠Yadan Grand Hotel: The most well-equipped hotel in the park, featuring smart toilets and separate wet and dry bathrooms. Itâs a 5-minute walk to the core attractions, perfect for families seeking comfort.
đ Family Travel Tips: Worry-free guide
1. Mosquito protection is a must: Mosquitoes are dense by the lake, so bring mosquito repellent and floral water. Itâs better to visit on windy days.
2. Triple sun protection: The plateau UV rays are very strong. Use SPF50+ sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. For children, physical sun protection is recommended.
3. Altitude sickness prevention: The parkâs elevation is about 2690-2800 meters. Most people have no obvious symptoms. Carry oxygen bottles when hiking (available for purchase in the park).
4. Dining suggestions: Try local specialties like roasted lamb and firecracker noodles, but prices are high. Itâs recommended to bring bread, fruit, and snacks.
đ¸ Photo Tips: High likes on social media
⢠Golden hours: Sunrise (7:00-10:00) and sunset (18:00-20:00) offer soft light, with the Yadan formations creating stunning reflections in the lake.
⢠Shooting techniques: Use a wide-angle lens to showcase the grandeur of the âWestern Sea Fleet,â shoot from a low angle with the water surface as the foreground to add depth, and drone shots capture the full view of the âwater castle.â
⢠Family outfits: Recommend denim or wasteland-style clothing to perfectly blend with the Yadan landscape. Kids can wear astronaut suits for a âMars explorationâ themed photo shoot.
đ˘ Upcoming event: August marks the end of summer vacation. The park launches the âPre-School Geological Challenge.â Kids who complete the check-in tasks receive a âJunior Geologistâ certificate and can participate in making salt crystal USB drives (68 RMB each), bringing home the âLoulan Ancient Kingdom WiFi passwordâ!
Wusute Water Yadan, a secret realm combining geological wonders, ecological exploration, and family interaction, is waiting for you and your children to write your own magical story together. Seize the end of summer vacation, bring this guide, and start a family adventure across time and space! đâ¨
Post by Lucas456 Bell | Aug 17, 2025























