Qingtu Lake
青土湖
A lake between the Badain Jaran and Tengger deserts in Minqin County, which dried up for half a century before being revived. Desert, water and reeds share one frame, making it a symbol of sand-control success.
Qingtu Lake lies about 80 km northwest of Minqin County seat, sandwiched between the Badain Jaran and Tengger deserts. Known in ancient times as Zhuye Marsh, it was once the great lake at the tail end of the Shiyang River. Around 1959 it dried up completely and became a source of sandstorms. Since 2010, comprehensive management of the Shiyang River basin and ecological water diversion have brought the lake back, with more than 20 square kilometers of open water and extensive reed wetlands. It has become “a lake reborn in the desert.” Around it you can see straw checkerboard sand-fixing structures and windbreak forests, all part of the sand control works. The scenic area has wooden boardwalks and viewing platforms. In summer the water plants are lush and migratory birds gather here. It takes about 3 hours one way from Wuwei city, so it is best to set off early for a same-day round trip or to stay overnight in Minqin. Supplies along the way are scarce, so bring plenty of drinking water and protect yourself from the sun.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Shenzhou Desert Wildlife Park
- Wuwei Desert Park
- Leitai Han Tomb
- Haizang Temple
- Dayun Temple & Bell Tower
- Kumarajiva Temple
- Wuwei Museum
- Wuwei Confucian Temple & Western Xia Museum