Exploring Hoh Xil, Pursuing Lost Civilizations, Mogao Caves, Eye of the Demon, Water Yadan, Unforgettable Memories of Kunlun Mountains!

The clichéd poetry and distant places—I stumbled into them and couldn't extricate myself. With so many beautiful sights in this wild world, I have a special love for the Northwest! Especially the journey through Qaidam, where the wildly growing civilization tightly combines the rogue spirit of ancient times with the prosperity of the real world—let's call it a coincidence for now.

Who would have thought that in the heart of Qaidam, amidst the desolate Yardang landforms, there actually exists a Mars base—said to be one of the places on Earth most similar to the surface of Mars. Picture above.

However, not just anyone can come to such a place. Without a good guide and a high-performance off-road vehicle, it's simply wishful thinking. If you're tired of the city's bright lights and bustling nightlife, give yourself a break once in a while. You who understand life, don't miss out on the beauty of life!

You think enduring all this hardship is just to visit the Mars Camp? That's very wrong. There's a craziness here you can't experience in the city. Oh, have you seen Fast & Furious? As long as you have a valid driver's license and good driving skills, you'll get the extreme experience you desire.

Yardang landforms are often called Devil City. The Mars Camp is located next to the Eboliang Yardang landforms. Come on, show it:

This is a starry sky work created by a photography enthusiast—quite beautiful! The question is, where to stay? You can choose to camp under this desolate starry sky. The lovely driver will prepare some outdoor supplies. If you want to experience it, tell the driver in advance, and you can also prepare some snacks and drinks. It's best to have a bonfire and a small speaker. Try it—could it be any more enjoyable!

This picture is downloaded. The first time I went, I forgot to bring a drone. Next time I must remember to bring it—it's even more thrilling! If there are more vehicles together, as long as the terrain permits, you can create any formation you want. Drivers in the Northwest are easygoing and happy to cooperate.

One thing to note: the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. There are no original roads inside—only tracks made by off-road vehicles. If you're unfamiliar, it's easy to get lost. I quite enjoy this off-road thrill, so I've included a few more pictures.

You'll also travel along National Highway G315, which has the famous internet-famous spot—known as China's Route 66. It's incredibly beautiful. However, during peak season, there are many cars and people, and many don't obey traffic rules, standing in the middle of the road to get great photos. In the off-season, there are not many people, and the entire Northwest has a mysterious desolation during the off-season. Especially tourist attractions are the opposite of the imagined crowds—it basically feels like you have the place to yourself. The only downside is it's a bit colder. Best advice: after February:

Dongtai Jiner Lake—Tiffany Blue color is also a first. It lies quietly under the plateau blue sky, looking at the endless Kunlun Mountains in the distance. Contemplate the three great philosophical 'whys'? Beauty exists, and existence needs to be discovered.

The sparsely populated Dachaidan has too many surprises. No wonder the Qaidam Basin is called a veritable treasure basin. These natural wonders of nature have always existed, but were only developed as tourist attractions after 2015, and then became known to the world. Because it's young, its beauty is still pure. To visit Water Yadan, it's best to stay at Water Yadan—there are hotels and RVs. It's convenient for shooting starry skies or sunrises and sunsets, 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 suitable place for star photography. It's pleasant. Of course, you might meet like-minded people, but don't worry. Accommodation facilities in the scenic area are not many; those who can book are lucky. If you can't book, sorry, there is a Dongtai service area 40 kilometers from Water Yadan where you can stay. Don't expect much in terms of conditions—at least it has facilities and you can shower, but it's not cheap. There are also a few color steel house guesthouses—having a bed is good enough. Don't have any expectations, or you'll be disappointed. If they are all full, you'll have to go to Dachaidan, 200 kilometers away.

This is the legendary Eye of the Demon. In fact, there is a stele next to it that says: Eye of the Angel.

To get to the Eye of the Demon, there's no other way than off-roading, unless it's a company car that you don't mind too much, haha!

There are so many beautiful scenes that I had no time to photograph—I was just too busy appreciating them.

The route we took was designed by a driver recommended by a friend. After comparison, the price was indeed much lower than the market, and there were many special features. There were many activities for us to experience, basically no different from self-driving. We stopped whenever we wanted as long as it was safe and feasible, trying not to miss any beauty in our hearts. Here's a close-up of the young drivers at that time:

Haha, the ones whose faces can't be seen are the best. The drivers had great personalities, were easy to talk to, and were very responsible. If I go next time, I would also recommend working with them. Their sincerity is comforting.

D1: Assemble in Dunhuang, welcome ceremony (complimentary desert-style evening banquet)

D2: Dunhuang ~ Yangguan ~ Oil Town ~ Stay in Lenghu (266 km) (Set off fireworks, dance around bonfire, drink warm beer, remember the oil workers of the past)

D3: Lenghu ~ Mars Camp ~ Eboliang ~ Stay in Mangya (340 km)

D4: Mangya Aiken Spring ~ Jade Lake ~ Bicolor Lake ~ Stay in Water Yadan (344 km) (Shoot starry sky)

D5: Water Yadan ~ Dongtai Jiner Lake ~ Qarhan Salt Lake ~ Stay in Golmud (330 km) (Lamb ribs in a pot, gathering together)

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

D7: Golmud ~ Chaka Salt Lake ~ Qinghai Lake ~ Stay in Qinghai Lake (600 km)

D8: Qinghai Lake sunrise ~ East Lake Ring Road ~ Stay in Xining (160 km) (Night view of Xining by car, KTV farewell party)

D9: Transfer to airport in Xining

Vehicle: Mitsubishi Pajero, three people per car ensuring comfort XX/person, Mitsubishi Pajero, four people per car XX/person

Included: First entrance tickets to scenic spots, accommodation fees, insurance, vehicle fees, driver/guide service fees, fuel fees, toll fees. Meals not included.

Special bonus: If any friends arrive in Dunhuang early and want to visit Mogao Caves and Mingsha Mountain, free pick-up and drop-off available.