Hongya Mars Landform Area
红崖火星地貌景区
Red hills and gullies on the eastern edge of the Qaidam yardang cluster. The site was selected in 2017 for the Chinese Academy of Sciences' first Mars simulation base, and it has boardwalks and a Mars-themed camp.
Hongya lies about 40–60 km southwest of Chaidam Town, near the junction of G215 and G315. It is on the eastern edge of the Qaidam yardang landform cluster. Its reddish-brown hills, dry gullies and gravel Gobi resemble the surface of Mars. In 2017, it was chosen as the site of China's first Mars simulation base. Today, it has observation boardwalks and a Mars-themed camp, where visitors can take photos in spacesuits and try out a Mars rover. The north entrance is located between kilometers 802 and 803 on National Highway G215, and the south entrance between kilometers 977 and 978 on G315. The Gobi offers no shade, the wind is strong, and the sun is intense, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. Do not drive off the road into the uninhabited areas.
Opening hours
Daytime (camp programs per current announcements)
Nearby sights
- G315 U-shaped Road
- Xiao Qaidam Lake
- Da Qaidam Lake
- Emerald Lake, Da Qaidam
- Chaidan Town & Starry Sky Camp
- Da Qaidam Snow Mountain Hot Spring
- East Taijinar Lake
- Wusute Water Yardang