It's time to embark on a "Little Mars" wilderness adventure in Qinghai!!
by Evelyn.Brooks^81
Jul 20, 2025
🏞️ Scenic Overview: The Devil City Floating on Water
Wusute Water Yadan is located at Xitai No. 2, Dachaidan Administrative Committee, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, right next to National Highway 315. Originally an ordinary Yadan landform, the rising water level of Jinyer Lake gradually submerged the northern edge of the Yadan group, creating a unique water Yadan landscape in the world!
Imagine this: thousands of earth-yellow Yadan hills neatly floating on the blue lake surface, like a fully armed "Western Sea Fleet." At sunset, the sunlight bathes the scene in golden hues, making it feel like an alien world from a sci-fi movie! It is also known as the "Hundred Birds and Thousand Islands Lake," where you can often see waterfowl and wild ducks leisurely swimming on the lake~
🗓️ Best Travel Time: Stunning in spring and autumn, breathtaking in winter too
- Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Cool weather, fewer tourists, the golden season to visit
- Summer (June-September): Pleasant climate, deep blue lake, perfect for photos, but relatively more tourists
- Winter (December-February): When frozen, you can see Yadan on ice, another spectacular sight
⚠️ Key point! The best light is early morning and evening, especially at sunset—don’t miss it!
🎫 Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: 60 RMB per adult (free for Zhejiang and Qinghai residents with ID)
- Sightseeing Bus: 60 RMB per person (no discounts for shuttle bus)
- Opening Hours:
✅ Peak Season (May-October): 08:30-19:00
✅ Off-Season (November-April): 09:00-17:30
✅ Last sightseeing bus departure: 20:00
- Parking Fee: 10 RMB per vehicle (under 7 seats), 20 RMB per vehicle (over 7 seats)
📸 Photo Tips: Every shot is a masterpiece
- Best Shooting Time: Sunrise and sunset (soft light, richest colors)
- Shooting Tips:
✅ Use a drone for panoramic shots to capture the spectacular "fleet setting sail" scene
✅ View the entire scenic area from high points like the Sea Viewing Platform
✅ Shoot with the light to avoid losing color in the lake and portraits
✅ Wear bright dresses or workwear styles to create a strong contrast with the earth-yellow Yadan
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Stay inside the scenic area to watch the stars
- Wusute Water Yadan RV Campground: The only hotel inside the scenic area, offering regular rooms and RV options
- Advantages: Stunning starry sky at night, some room types allow multiple entries to the scenic area with the room card
- Note: Prices are relatively high (about 800-1500 RMB/night), book in advance!
- Alternative: If on a budget, you can stay in Dachaidan Town, about a 2-hour drive away
⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance Guide: Must-know tips
1.
Bring enough snacks and water: The scenic area offers simple meals but with limited variety, so it’s recommended to bring bread, beef jerky, and other snacks
2.
Prepare for sun protection: Strong UV rays on the plateau mean sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential
3.
Wear comfortable shoes: The scenic area is large and requires a lot of walking; non-slip, comfortable sports shoes are recommended
4.
Mind the temperature difference: Large temperature differences between morning and evening, bring a jacket even in summer
5.
Check discount policies: Special groups such as Zhejiang residents, seniors, military personnel, and students can enjoy free or half-price tickets; remember to bring relevant documents
Post by Isabella Thompson~7 | Sep 15, 2025























