Aydingkol Lake
艾丁湖
China's lowest point on land, with the lake surface about 150 metres below sea level. Most of it has dried into salt marsh, where you can see the salt-crust landscape and the 'Lowest Point on Land in China' marker.
Aydingkol Lake lies in the southern Turpan Basin, about 40 km from downtown. Its surface sits at roughly −154 metres, making it the lowest point on land in China and one of the lowest inland lakes in the world. Long-term evaporation has left most of the lake dry. The lake bed is white salt crust and mud flats, and shallow water appears only occasionally in the rainy season. In Uyghur, the name means 'Moonlight Lake.' The scenic area is on the north shore, with a 'Lowest Point on Land in China' marker stone, wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms. Admission fees are confirmed on site. Summer here is among the hottest in Turpan, so avoid going around midday, and bring plenty of water and sun protection. The salt crust is hard and sharp, and the mud can trap you, so stay on the boardwalks and do not walk out onto the lake bed. The coordinates refer to the centre of the lake, while the entrance is on the north shore.
Opening hours
Open daytime (per scenic area announcements)
Nearby sights
- Emin Minaret
- Turpan Museum
- Gaochang Ruins
- Karez Wells (Karez Paradise)
- Astana Cemetery
- Flaming Mountains
- Jiaohe Ruins
- Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves