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Lying 155 meters below sea level it does not quite compare with the Dead Sea which, of course is the lowest expanse of water on earth at some 283 feet below sea level. Aydingkol Lake, together with the Flaming Mountains and Grape Valley are three outstanding natural features in Turpan.

What to see ?

Today, the lake is comprised of three parts: the outer circle is an alluvial plane. The inner part is salt marsh while at its center the lake is pure white and glittering salt rime. Neither birds nor fish inhabit its hostile environs, but one may come across gnats and hares from time to time. Occasionally, mirages are created by the refraction of the sun light.

The lake is highly mineralized and contains rock salt, Glauber's salt, glauberite, gypsum, etc. The reserves of salt and Glauber's salt exceed 300 million tons, an important source of raw materials to chemical industries. There is now a chemical plant on the lake front. In addition to the natural views, the surrounding karez, beacon tower and residential sites  are of great archaeological importance.

Attracted by this peculiar geographical characteristics and desert landscapes round, visitors from all over China and abroad come here to sight-see and explore.

Shaped like the moon, the lake was so named by the Uigur. Aydingkol, means 'Moonlight Lake'. It has a long history going back about 250 million years. Ten thousand years ago it was a freshwater lake and was 1,000 times larger than its current size. Natural forces affected its elevation and once it became land locked so mineral deposits began to accumulate.

Travel Tips
Add: Chatekale Township, Turpan City,Xinjiang
Opening Hours:09:00-18:00
Entrance Fee: CNY 50