Exploring Hoh Xil, Searching for Lost Civilizations: Unforgettable Memories of Mogao Caves, the Eye of the Demon, Water Yardang, and the Kunlun Mountains!

The oft-spoken cliché of poetry and distant places—I stumbled into it and couldn't pull myself out. Amid the countless beauties of this untamed world, my heart belongs to the Northwest! Especially when I encountered the journey through Qaidam, where the wild growth of civilization tightly merges the roguishness of ancient times with the bustle of the real world—let's call it a coincidence of intent.

Who would have thought that in the heart of the Qaidam Basin, amidst the desolate yardang landforms, there exists a Mars Base? It is said to be one of the places on Earth most resembling the surface of Mars. See the picture above.

However, such a place is not accessible to everyone. Without a good guide and a high-performance off-road vehicle, it's pure wishful thinking. Tired of the city's glitz and glamour? Give yourself a break once in a while. If you know how to live, don't miss the beauty in life!

Do you think enduring all the hardships is just to visit the Mars Camp? You'd be dead wrong. Here you'll find craziness you can't experience in the city. Speaking of which, have you seen Fast & Furious? As long as you have a valid driver's license and solid driving skills, you'll get the extreme experience you're looking for.

Yardang landforms are often called Devil City. The Mars Camp is set against the Elaibo Liang Yardang landforms. Come on, let's show you:

This is a starry sky photo created by photography enthusiasts—quite beautiful! The question is, where to stay? You can choose to set up camp under this desolate starry sky. Our lovely driver will prepare some outdoor gear. If you want to try it out, let the driver know in advance. You can also bring some snacks and drinks. Best to have a bonfire and a small speaker—give it a try, won't it be amazing?

This picture was downloaded. I forgot to bring my drone on my first trip. Next time I'll definitely remember to bring it—it's even more thrilling! If there are more cars traveling together, as long as the terrain allows, you can shoot any style you want. Drivers in the Northwest are easy to talk to and happy to cooperate.

One thing to note: the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. There are no real roads here—just tracks made by off-road vehicles. It's easy to get lost if you're unfamiliar. I personally enjoy this kind of off-road excitement, so I'll include a few more pictures.

We'll also take the G315 National Highway, which has the legendary must-visit spot—the so-called Route 66 of China. It's absolutely stunning. However, in peak season, there are many cars and people, and many don't follow traffic rules, standing in the middle of the road to take photos at all costs. In low season, there are few people, and the entire Northwest low season carries a mysterious desolation. Especially at tourist attractions, it's the opposite of the imagined sea of people—you basically have the place to yourself. The only downside is it's a bit colder. The best recommendation is to go after February:

Dongtai Jiner Lake boasts a Tiffany blue color unique in itself, lying quietly under the high-altitude blue sky, with the endless Kunlun Mountains in the distance, prompting you to ponder the three great philosophical questions: Why? Beauty exists, and existence needs to be discovered.

Dachaidan, sparsely populated, holds so many surprises. No wonder the Qaidam Basin is called a treasure trove. These natural wonders have always existed, but were only developed as tourist attractions after 2015, becoming known to the world. Because it's young, its beauty remains pristine. If you visit the Water Yardang, it's best to stay overnight there. There are hotels and RVs, making it convenient to photograph the starry sky, sunrise, or sunset. Especially in the off-season, after the scenic area closes, you can drive your beloved off-road vehicle alone inside the area to find a good spot for star photography—very pleasant. Of course, you might encounter like-minded people. But don't worry, there aren't many accommodation facilities inside the scenic area; those who get a reservation are lucky. If you can't book one, sorry, there is a Dongtai service area 40 km from the Water Yardang where you can stay. Don't expect high comfort; at least it has basic facilities and hot showers, though the price isn't low. There are also a few makeshift houses offering simple beds—don't have any expectations, or you'll be disappointed. If all are full, you'll have to travel 200 km to Dachaidan to stay.

This is the legendary Eye of the Demon. Actually, there's a stele next to it that reads: Eye of the Angel.

To reach the Eye of the Demon, there's no way other than off-roading—unless you're in a government vehicle and don't mind the wear and tear, haha!

There were so many beautiful sights that I had no time to photograph them—I was too busy admiring.

Our itinerary was designed by a driver recommended by a friend. After comparison, the price was indeed much lower than the market, and there were many unique features. They arranged plenty of activities for us to experience, essentially no different from a self-driving tour. We could stop as we pleased when safe and feasible, trying not to miss the beauty in our hearts. Here's a close-up of the young drivers:

Haha, you can't see their faces, but they're all excellent. The drivers had great personalities, were easy to talk to, and were dedicated. Next time I want to cooperate with them again—sincerity is comfortable.

D1: Gather in Dunhuang. Welcome ceremony (complimentary Gobi-style evening banquet).

D2: Dunhuang → Yangguan → Oil Town → Stay in Lenghu (266 km). (Fireworks, bonfire, warm beer, commemorating the oil workers of the past.)

D3: Lenghu → Mars Camp → Elaibo Liang → Stay in Mangya (340 km).

D4: Mangya Aiken Spring → Emerald Lake → Two-Color Lake → Stay in Water Yardang (344 km). (Starry sky photography.)

D5: Water Yardang → Dongtai Jiner Lake → Qarhan Salt Lake → Stay in Golmud (330 km). (Lamb ribs in a pan—happy gathering.)

D6: Golmud → Kunlun Mountain Pass → Hoh Xil Road Protection Station → Wuji Longfeng Palace → Golmud.

D7: Golmud → Caka Salt Lake → Qinghai Lake → Stay in Qinghai Lake (600 km).

D8: Qinghai Lake sunrise → East Ring Road → Stay in Xining (160 km). (Night view of Xining from the car, farewell KTV party.)

D9: Xining airport transfer.

Vehicle: Mitsubishi Pajero, 3 people per car for comfort XX/person | Mitsubishi Pajero, 4 people per car XX/person.

Cost includes: first admission ticket for scenic spots, accommodation, insurance, vehicle fee, driver-guide service fee, fuel, tolls. Meals not included.

Special offer: For those arriving in Dunhuang early and wishing to visit Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain, free pick-up and drop-off service is available.