[2025 Haixi Prefecture Hotels] Travel Guide for Usu Teyadan Hotel (Water Yadan Geopark) (Updated Jul)

🌟 Must-visit attractions 1. Core Area of Water Yardang ⏰️ Best photography time: 9-11 AM and 4-6 PM Special landscape: Yardang landforms reflecting in lake water Hidden tip: Drone photography requires advance registration 2. West Taiji Nair Lake Dual-colored lake with a road passing through Tip: Bring a polarizing filter for better viewing 🌸 Best season: June-September when colors are most distinct 3. Eye of Yardang Heart-shaped salt lake hideaway ⏰️ Approximately 30-minute walk to reach Most beautiful at sunset 4. Stargazing Campsite One of the best stargazing spots in Northwest China Best time for Milky Way photography: beginning and end of lunar month Prepare warm clothing for cold night temperatures 🍽️ Food recommendations nearby 1. Scenic Area Restaurants Offers simple meals and local specialties Recommended: Highland yak noodles Average cost: about 💰40 yuan per person 2. Dachaidan Town Food 🍝 Recommended restaurant: Yibula Special Kang Pot Must-try: Lamb Kang Pot with naan bread About 2 hours' drive from the scenic area 3. Bring your own food Pack high-calorie snacks Bring plenty of drinking water 🥤 Self-heating meals recommended 🏨 Accommodation Guide 1. RV Campsite in Scenic Area Special feature: Direct view of Yardang landscape Facilities: Public bathrooms and showers 💰 Price: 800-1200 yuan per night 2. Hotels at Scenic Area Entrance 🏠 Recommended: Water Yardang Grand Hotel Relatively complete facilities 💰 Price: 600-900 yuan per night 3. Dachaidan Town Accommodation More affordable options Recommended: Pai Hotel Far from scenic area, plan ahead 🌸 🚗 Transportation Tips 1. Self-driving Routes From Xining via Delingha: about 8 hours ⏰️ From Golmud: about 3 hours Few gas stations along the way, fill up in advance 2. Car Charter Services 🚗 Recommended departure from Xining or Golmud Price: about 1000-1500 yuan per day Includes driver and guide for convenience 3. 🚗 Public Transportation Buses from Xining to Dachaidan Then charter a car from Dachaidan Time-consuming, not recommended ⚠️ Important Notes ✅️1. Climate Reminder Large temperature difference between day and night, bring layers Strong UV radiation, use sun protection Windy and sandy, face masks recommended ✅️2. Safety Information Don't venture alone into undeveloped areas Follow designated routes in the scenic area Watch out for wildlife ✅️3. Environmental Requirements Take all trash with you Don't damage Yardang landforms Protect the fragile ecosystem

Who says the Northwest is just barren land? The Wusute (Watery) Danxia Scenic Area is the ultimate summer escape + photo paradise combo! 25°C desert breezes meet surreal danxia formations, staying at the dreamy Starlight Wilderness Luxury Resort under a galaxy canopy, watching romantic sunsets at Golden Beach—this is the summer hideaway every office warrior deserves! 🗓️ Immersive 2D1N Itinerary (With Pro Tips) **D1**: Hotel check-in → Sightseeing shuttle to Wanghai Platform ▫️ Settle in at **Wusute Danxia Grand Hotel** to prep for adventure ▫️ Ride the shuttle straight to **[Wanghai Platform]** for a quick "panoramic danxia" snap (Insta-ready!). Combo ticket holders can dive into activities immediately. ▫️ Chase the sunset at Golden Beach: go-kart over gravel sands as dust swirls like liquid gold in twilight **D2**: Eye of Danxia · Geological Reverie ▫️ Sunrise at Golden Beach: glinting sands like crushed diamonds, elongated danxia shadows—caption: "Earlier than overtime but worth it" ☀️ ▫️ Post-breakfast, return to Wanghai Platform to max out your combo perks—nonstop thrills guaranteed! ▫️ Feast at **Danxia Night Restaurant**: roasted lamb shank and beef knuckle, where rugged meets refined 🌍 **All-Inclusive Combo Alert**: Glamping tent stay + Double breakfast + Meals + Speedboat rides + Off-roading + Go-kart drifting + Aerial photography! *No piecemeal bookings—just 24/7 packaged awesomeness.* Watery Danxia’s beauty? A millennia-old duel between wind and water, an epic carved into Earth’s skin. If crowded resorts bore you, let the Gobi winds shred your stress while these stone sentinels teach "planetary-scale romance." Worth taking those PTO days—some vistas haunt you forever if missed. Wusute Watery Danxia Geological Park

🎈The Wusute (Water) Yadan Scenic Area is perfect for summer cooling! Spend 2 days and 1 night capturing the romance of the Gobi Desert and clear waters—here’s an immersive guide for you to save👇 The Wusute (Water) Yadan Scenic Area, also known as the Water Yadan, is located in the Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, on the northwest edge of the Qaidam Basin. It is like a dazzling pearl embedded in the desert. This area was once inhabited by the ancient Qiang people. Over long geological changes, due to the rising lake surface, the Yadan formations on the northern edge were gradually submerged, creating the world’s unique water Yadan landform landscape. 🌟Day 1: Stay in a starry fairy tale in the Gobi🏨 First, check in at the scenic area! Head straight to the Wusute Yadan Grand Hotel, where opening your window reveals stunning views of the Yadan landforms (Tip: some rooms may not have the view, so be sure to ask customer service in advance). 🚗 After dropping off your luggage, take the sightseeing bus: first visit the "Wanghai Platform" for a panoramic view, then stroll through "Penglai Fairy Island" to see the Yadan reflections, next go to the "West Sea Fleet" viewing platform for dramatic silhouette photos, and finally stay at the "Golden Sand Beach" until sunset—the setting sun dyes the lake surface like flowing gold foil. Wear light-colored clothes for photos with a cinematic vibe! After a day of fun, return to the scenic area where the Yadan Night Buffet Restaurant awaits you with delicious food~ 🌟Day 2: Unlock the double thrill of the "West Sea Fleet"🌄 Set your alarm early! Watch the sunrise at "Golden Sand Beach," where the morning light gilds the Yadan edges and the lake sparkles beautifully—truly breathtaking. After sunrise, rest at the hotel to recharge, then unlock the "Eye of Yadan," where every photo looks like a masterpiece! Head to the dock for a yacht tour around the lake! See the Yadan from a new perspective—the water-eroded textures look like wrinkles carved by time, and when sand gulls skim past the boat, you truly understand the "romantic collision of the Gobi and water"~ 📌Useful Tips: ✅ Day and night temperature difference is over 15℃, bring a thick jacket (it can be a lifesaver for sunrise) ✅ Driving from Xining is tiring but worth it! Staying at hotels inside the scenic area lets you fully immerse in sunsets and stargazing. Choose from Wusute Yadan Grand Hotel, RV campgrounds, or the dreamy starry wild luxury hotel—close to attractions and worry-free~ ✅ Don’t forget the three sun protection essentials: sunscreen + sunglasses + sun hat. The high-altitude UV rays are no joke! When the city is scorched by heat, the Water Yadan offers cool 20℃ breezes, northwest cuisine, and the comfort of scenic area hotels, inviting you to escape the crowds~ This summer, bring friends to the northwest wilderness and let the Yadan landforms and Wusute Yadan Grand Hotel fill your romantic collection!

This summer, you must visit the Wusute (Water) Yadan at least once! The charm here lies in the breathtaking golden sunset and the serene starry night sky. The Wusute Yadan Scenic Area is perfect for embracing nature, spending two days immersed in the wondrous dance of the Gobi Desert and the lake, and the romance of a golden sunset. This is the ultimate travel formula for Watery Yadan! You can stay at the Wusute Yadan Grand Hotel, the RV Camp, or the Dreamy Starry Wild Luxury Resort Hotel, with double breakfasts and hearty meals included. Unlock activities like speedboats, off-roading, aerial photography, go-karting, camel rides, and ATV adventures—it’s like having a GPS for your journey, so just sit back and enjoy! Two-Day Itinerary ⬇️⬇️ **Day 1** 🚩 Head to Watery Yadan in the afternoon and check into the ultra-cool RV Camp right inside the scenic area! After a short rest, hop on the sightseeing bus and follow the route: - **Wanghai Terrace** for panoramic views, - **Penglai Fairy Island** to explore the hidden watery Yadan, - **West Sea Fleet** to capture the awe-inspiring "ship formation," - And finally, **Golden Beach**—where the sunset paints the clouds like orange soda, and the Watery Yadan is gently wrapped in twilight, leaving you breathless. As night falls, sit outside your RV and watch the Milky Way pour down, feeling like you could catch the starlight with your hands—even your dreams will be filled with romance. The best part? Share travel stories with fellow campers and soak in the magical atmosphere! **Day 2** 🚩 Start early from the RV Camp and head straight to **Golden Beach** for sunrise! Watch as sunlight pierces the horizon, gilding the Yadan formations. Get up close to touch the wind-carved ridges, like poems written by the earth. After breakfast at the Yadan Night Restaurant, take the sightseeing bus deeper into the scenic area. At the Wanghai Terrace Pier, board a yacht for a lake tour—watch the Yadan reflections ripple on the water, seagulls skimming past the boat, as if you’ve stumbled into a magical world. Watery Yadan is a treasure gifted to the world by the great northwest 🏜️, and the RV Camp is one of its hidden gems. It blends the grandeur of the Gobi with the liveliness of the lake into a masterpiece. Find the time to go—let the sunset, stars, and campfire fill your summer with romantic dreams.

**Water Yadan Travel Guide** **Water Yadan** (Wusute Yadan Geological Park) is located within Dachaidan, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is the only water Yadan landform in the world, known as the "Jade of the Devil City." The peculiar Yadan formations here contrast beautifully with the deep blue lake water, resembling an alien secret realm, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and adventurers. --- ### **1. Best Time to Visit** - **June to September**: Mild climate, full lake, most beautiful scenery (but more tourists). - **October to November**: Autumn colors deepen, fewer tourists, ideal for quiet photography. - **Winter**: The lake may freeze, Yadan covered in snow, uniquely charming (but cold and difficult transportation). **⚠️Note**: Avoid windy weather (common dust storms in spring) as it affects the viewing experience. --- ### **2. How to Get There** - **Self-drive/Charter (Recommended)**: - **From Xining**: Via National Highway G315, about 700 km, 8-9 hours drive (suggest stopping at Delingha or Dachaidan midway). - **From Dachaidan Town**: About 220 km, 2.5 hours drive (can visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake en route). - **Public Transport**: - Take a bus from Xining or Golmud to Dachaidan Town, then charter a car to the park (no direct public bus to the scenic area). **📍Navigation Location**: Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park, Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province (Entrance fee 60 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 60 RMB/person). --- ### **3. Main Attractions and Activities** - **Yadan Viewing Platform**: Take the sightseeing bus to the terminal station, climb up for a panoramic view of the Water Yadan. - **West Sea Fleet**: The largest Yadan group, shaped like a fleet formation, perfect for aerial photography. - **Penglai Fairy Island**: Isolated Yadan in the lake, great for reflection shots. - **Golden Sand Beach**: Lakeside sandy area, close access to the water surface. - **Starry Sky Camping**: Camping available inside the park (advance booking required), stunning stargazing at night. **📸Photography Tips**: - Best lighting: 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset (Yadan turns golden). - Drones require prior approval (there are flight restriction zones in the park). --- ### **4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Inside the Park**: - Wusute Yadan Grand Hotel (the only official hotel, convenient for stargazing but relatively expensive). - RV campsite (suitable for families or groups). - **Dachaidan Town**: More cost-effective (e.g., Dachaidan Light and Shadow City luxury tent homestay), but requires a 2-hour round trip drive. --- ### **5. Important Notes** - **High-altitude Sun Protection**: Altitude about 2800 meters, strong UV rays, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. - **Wind and Sand Protection**: The park is windy, recommend windproof jackets and face scarves. - **Limited Supplies**: Few and expensive dining options inside the park, bring your own snacks and water. - **Environmental Protection**: The Yadan landform is fragile, do not climb or carve on it. --- ### **6. Classic Itinerary (Including Nearby Attractions)** **3 days 2 nights recommended route**: - **Day 1**: Xining/Golmud → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Overnight in Dachaidan Town. - **Day 2**: Dachaidan → U-shaped Highway (G315) → Water Yadan (sunset) → Camp or return to Dachaidan. - **Day 3**: Water Yadan sunrise → Dongtai Jinaier Lake (not yet open, can be viewed from afar) → Return trip. **🚗 Self-drive Tips**: - No gas stations along G315, fill up before departure. - Some sections have no signal, download maps in advance.

Qinghai Underground Yardang (also known as "Water Yardang" or "Ustyurt Yardang Geological Park") is located in Da Qaidam, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is the world's only water-based yardang landform and has become a popular destination for outdoor adventurers due to its unique natural scenery and mysterious allure. Below is a detailed guide for exploration: --- ### **1. Basic Information** - **Location**: Xitai No. 2, Da Qaidam Administrative Committee, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province (next to National Highway G315). - **Best Season**: May to October (mild summer, cold and windy winter). - **Ticket Fee**: 120 RMB (includes shuttle bus), additional fee for self-driving vehicles. - **Opening Hours**: 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM. --- ### **2. Transportation Options** 1. **Self-Driving** (Recommended): - From Xining: Head west along G315 Highway, about 700 km, 8-9 hours drive. - From Da Qaidam Town: About 220 km, 2.5 hours drive. - **Road Conditions**: G315 is in good condition, but some sections have no signal. Download offline maps in advance. 2. **Chartered Car/Shared Ride**: - Available from Xining, Dunhuang, or Golmud, costing approximately 800-1500 RMB/day (including driver). 3. **Public Transport**: - Buses from Xining to Da Qaidam, then transfer to local vehicles (less convenient, not recommended). --- ### **3. Recommended Exploration Routes** **1. Standard Tour Route (Suitable for Most Visitors)** - **Route**: Scenic area entrance → shuttle bus to core area → hiking to viewing platform → Yardang group photography → return. - **Duration**: 3-4 hours. - **Highlights**: Panoramic views of Water Yardang, sunset light, drone photography. **2. In-Depth Exploration Route (For Outdoor Enthusiasts)** - **Route**: Outer area of the scenic spot → hike or off-road vehicle into undeveloped zones → explore "Underground Yardang" (wind-eroded caves, canyons). - **Duration**: 6-8 hours (guide required). - **Tips**: - Notify the scenic area in advance; some areas are off-limits. - 4WD vehicles and GPS devices are essential. **3. Lakeside Adventure Route** - **Route**: Traverse along the edge of Dongtai Jinaier Lake (dried up), combining Yardang and salt lake landscapes. - **Risks**: Salt flats are prone to vehicle sinking; travel with companions. --- ### **4. Essential Gear** - **Clothing**: Windproof jacket, sun hat, sunglasses (extreme UV exposure). - **Footwear**: High-top sand-proof hiking shoes. - **Tools**: GPS, satellite phone (for no-signal zones), car air pump (for stuck vehicles). - **Supplies**: Ample water, high-energy snacks (no stores in the scenic area). - **Others**: Sunscreen, lip balm, camera (extra batteries). --- ### **5. Important Notes** 1. **Safety First**: - Yardang landforms are fragile; avoid climbing steep slopes. - Large temperature differences (25°C daytime, 0°C nighttime); bring warm clothing. 2. **Environmental Protection**: No littering; protect the fragile geology. 3. **Vehicle Preparation**: - Check fuel (nearest gas station is in Da Qaidam). - Spare tire, tow rope, first aid kit. 4. **Altitude Sickness**: Elevation is about 2800m; avoid strenuous activity. --- ### **6. Nearby Attractions** - **Dongtai Jinaier Lake** (dried up, but salt flats remain unique). - **Xitai Jinaier Lake** (two-color lake, along G315). - **Mangya Emerald Lake** (about 300 km from Water Yardang). --- ### **7. Accommodation Suggestions** - **Inside Scenic Area**: Ustyurt Yardang Hotel (expensive but convenient). - **Da Qaidam Town**: More budget-friendly options (e.g., Pai Hotel); book in advance. - **Camping**: Designated areas outside the scenic spot (prepare for cold and wind). --- ### **8. Photography Tips** - **Best Time**: 1 hour after sunrise, 1 hour before sunset (golden Yardang reflections). - **Locations**: Viewing platform at shuttle bus terminal, high mounds. - **Drones**: Requires prior registration.

- Ust Yadan Grand Hotel (Water Yadan Geological Park): - Address: Located at No. 2, Xitai, Dachaidan, Haixi. - Opening time: Opened on May 31, 2022. - Features: The hotel is in the scenic area, there are many parking spaces at the door, which is convenient for visiting the scenic area when there are few people in the evening and early morning. The hardware facilities are ordinary, but the service is good, and the breakfast is also good. - Ust Water Yadan Dream Starry Sky Wild Luxury Resort Hotel: - Address: Located at No. 2, Xitai, Dachaidan Administrative Committee, Haixi Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. - Per capita consumption: about 410 yuan. - Ust Water Yadan Iberos Hotel: - Address: Located at No. 2, Xitai, Dachaidan Administrative Committee, Haixi Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. - Lonely Interstellar (Gobi) Wild Luxury Hotel: - Location: Located between Water Yadan and Dongtai Jiner Lake, 5 kilometers away from Water Yadan Scenic Spot. - Features: This is the only five-star luxury hotel built on the Gobi Yadan landform in China. There are currently four types of rooms: Salt Lake Yadan Villa, Dome Starry Sky Room, Luxury RV, and Wild Luxury Tent. The room is equipped with an automatic viewing skylight, and you can see the stars lying on the bed at night. The hotel also has two restaurants and facilities such as a gym and a business center, and also provides amusement facilities such as Gobi crossing, Taijiner Lake boating, and AMV sand dunes. - Haixi Water Yadan RV Camp: - Address: No. 2, Xitai, Dachaidan Administrative Committee (900 kilometers on National Highway 315). - Opening time: Opened in 2018.

💎Explore the Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park💎 🌏The place on Earth that most resembles Mars! ✨Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park, located in the Qaidam Basin of Qinghai, is a magical water Yadan landform. 🚗Transportation: It is recommended to drive or hire a car to get there, the scenery along the way is absolutely stunning! 🏨Accommodation: Wusute Yadan Grand Hotel, RV Campsite, Dream Starry Sky Luxury Resort Hotel 🎫Tickets: Remember to buy tickets in advance. 🌅Recommended Attractions: - Water Yadan: Various Yadan landforms standing on the water, incredibly beautiful. - Sunrise and Sunset: Be sure to enjoy the sunrise and sunset here, it's simply breathtaking! - Starry Sky: The night sky is very clear, as if you could reach out and touch it. 🚣‍♂Activities: - Boat Tour: Get a close-up view of the beautiful water Yadan. - Desert Off-road: Experience the thrill of desert crossing. - Photography: Every shot here is a masterpiece! 🍜Food Recommendations: - Specialty Buffet: Grilled steak, lamb skewers, stir-fried dishes, and various desserts and fruits. 💕Notes: - Pay attention to sun protection and warmth, bring suitable clothing and equipment. - Respect local customs. - Protect the environment, do not litter. Come to Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park and feel the wonders of nature!💖

Driving for more than two hours along the G315 National Road from Dachaidan Town, passing through Dongtaijinaer Lake, you will arrive at the Water Yadan. There was no water here originally, but due to a flash flood, the floodwater stayed in this area, also known as Duck Lake, forming this unique water Yadan landscape in the world. The water of the Water Yadan comes from the Taijinaer River. The magical Yadan landscape and the deep blue lake water complement each other, and you can't help but feel the beauty of nature when you are in it. Travel tips ✅Ticket price: 120 yuan (60 yuan for the ticket + 60 yuan for the sightseeing electric car). 🚩Inside entertainment: The development inside the scenic area is also quite mature, with four stations: Sea View Platform, Penglai Fairy Island, West Sea Fleet, and Golden Beach. It takes about fifteen minutes to enter the Sea View Platform from the entrance of the scenic area, and the wind on the way is very strong. There are also many entertainment projects inside the scenic area, such as camel riding, beach off-road, speed boats, etc. 📍About the Eye of Yadan: The Eye of Yadan is still inside the scenic area. To get there, you need to take a beach off-road vehicle for about 150 yuan per person. Personally, I suggest that if the weather is not good, it is not worth going. It's not as good as it looks online. 🏠Accommodation: There is a good hotel inside the scenic area, which is the Urho Yadan Hotel. You can also stay in Dachaidan Town, but the room price is very high during the peak season, and rooms are hard to find, so you need to book early. ⌚️Play time: Half a day is enough, and 2 hours is also possible if you are fast.