Water Yardang: How to Play (Wusute)

Water Yardang: How to Play (Wusute)

Water Yardang (Wusute) is one of the world's rare "yardang on water" landscapes — rows of yardang standing in emerald water, water and soil mounds reflecting each other, strange and stunning. It's one of the most photogenic spots on the Qinghai-Gansu loop.

This guide covers how to play.

🏞️ About Water Yardang

• Location: Dachaidan/Dongtai direction, Haixi; Qaidam Basin
• Features: yardang standing in water, rare "water yardang"
• Sights: water yardang groups, lake reflections, sunrise/sunset
• Ticket: ~60–120 CNY (subject to year)

🗺️ What to Do

1. Water yardang views: rows of mounds in emerald water, strange
2. Boardwalk/viewpoint: overlook the water yardang group
3. Lake reflections: clear when the water is calm
4. Sunrise/sunset: water yardang at its most beautiful in the light

📷 Best Spots & Timing

• High viewpoint: overlook the whole water yardang
• Lakeshore: low angle, mounds and reflections
• Time: sunrise/sunset best light; clear days best color
• Shooting: wide-angle for the whole, telephoto for details

🚗 How to Get There

• Transport: Qaidam Basin, on the Qinghai-Gansu loop; Dachaidan/Mangya direction
• Roads: generally good; some remote sections
• Few supplies: stock fuel, water, food

📌 Practical Tips

1. Alkaline ground; non-slip shoes, watch your step
2. Sun and wind protection; Gobi climate
3. Protect the yardang and lake; don't climb or destroy
4. Combine with Emerald Lake, Chaerhan, Eboleng
5. Fewer people at sunset; great light

Water Yardang is a "wonder of water and desert." Yardang standing in emerald water is strange and grand. Crossing the Qaidam, don't miss this "watery devil city."

Craving a worry-free yet free-spirited journey?

Don't want to plan it yourself? Contact our senior trip designer now for a route and quote tailored to you.

Get a free itinerary & quote

Updated: August 2026 Author: RoamFun Senior Travel Consultant Questions? Contact us: vip@roamfun.net