Mangya Emerald Lake + Aiken Spring ('Devil's Eye') Guide
At Mangya, westernmost Qinghai, lie two secrets: the vivid green Mangya Emerald Lake, and Aiken Spring, shaped like a "devil's eye." Both are remote but drew countless self-drivers for their unique scenery.
This guide covers how to get there.
🏞️ Mangya Emerald Lake
- Location: Mangya city, western Qaidam Basin
- Features: vivid green salt lake, like an emerald; large, pure color
- Sights: green salt lake, white salt flowers, reflections
- Transport: near Mangya city; drive there
👁️ Aiken Spring (Devil's Eye)
- Location: Mangya city; a geothermal spring
- Features: the spring sprays, forming an "eye"-shaped colorful landscape, like a "devil's eye"
- Sights: from high/air, the shape is stunning
- Note: need a high vantage/air to see the "eye" shape
🗺️ How to Get There (Roads Key)
- Mangya is at Qinghai's westernmost, remote
- Self-drive: from Golmud/Dunhuang/Lenghu, long routes, remote sections
- Some roads are dirt/gravel; need SUV/off-road
- Few supplies; stock fuel, water, food
- Recommended: go with a convoy/experienced drivers, avoid getting lost
📷 Sights & Spots
- Emerald Lake: lakeside/high views of the green salt lake; brightest on sunny days
- Aiken Spring: high/air for the "devil's eye," or a high viewpoint
- Sunset: colors and light are better
📌 Practical Tips
- Remote and road-tough; know your limits, don't go alone
- Wind and sun protection; Gobi climate
- Aiken Spring viewing is height-limited; need air/high vantage
- Protect the salt lake and geology; don't destroy
- Combine with the western Qinghai-Gansu loop (Lenghu, Eboleng, etc.)
Mangya Emerald Lake and Aiken Spring are western Qinghai's most "sci-fi" secrets — one green, one "eye," both wondrous. But they're remote and road-tough; only prepared travelers reach this "edge of the earth."
RoamFun Senior Travel Consultant
Travel DesignerProfessional travel consultant, curating the most practical travel guides for you.
