Taitema Lake
台特玛湖
A terminal lake where the Tarim and Cherchen rivers end. It has returned after ecological water releases, and poplars, reeds and desert views surround its shores.
Taitema Lake is the terminal lake of the lower Tarim River and the Cherchen River. It dried up around 1972, but began to recover in 2000 after ecological water releases from the Tarim River started. Its water level changes with the seasonal inflow, and reeds, poplars and waterbirds have returned to its shores. The G218 national highway, between Ruoqiang and Yuli, passes by the lake about 50 km from the county town. It makes a roadside stop on the southern Xinjiang loop, where you can see a 'lake in the desert'. There is no entry fee or supporting facilities. Take care when parking by the road, and do not drive into the marshy lakeshore, where the ground is soft.
Opening hours
Open all day
Nearby sights
- Loulan Museum
- Ruoqiang Jujube Orchards
- Miran Ruins
- Altun Mountains
- Washixia Ancient City Ruins
- Loulan Ancient City Ruins
- Lop Nur