Aydingkol
Lake Dry salt lake in Turpan Basin, low elevation
In Xinjiang’s Turpan Basin, Aydingkol is a seasonal saline lake on arid plains; photographers and day-trippers visit for stark desert landscapes, salt flats and wide horizons near ancient caravan routes.
Aydingkol is a seasonal salt lake and lake basin in the Turpan Depression of Xinjiang, China, located in a low-lying desert region. The Turpan Depression contains some of the lowest ground in China, and Aydingkol sits significantly below sea level.
The waterbody is shallow and saline; its extent varies with seasonal inflow and evaporation and it has been reduced or dried in many years. Surrounding the basin are arid plains, salt flats, and dunes typical of the Turpan area.
The site is primarily of geographical and ecological interest rather than a developed recreational destination, and access is typically from the nearest urban centres in the Turpan area.
- Low elevation: Lies within the Turpan Depression, one of the lowest continental depressions in the world, and the lake surface sits well below sea level.
How to Get to Aydingkol #
Aydingkol is accessed from the city of Turpan (Tulufan). From Turpan center the lake area is a drive of approximately 40-60 minutes via local roads; private car or hired driver is the most practical way to visit. There is no public transport directly to the lakebed.
Tips for Visiting Aydingkol #
- If visiting the Turpan Basin, schedule Aydingkol as part of a larger day that includes the Flaming Mountains and Jiaohe-distances are long and services thin
- Avoid the hottest hours in summer-the basin floor can reach extreme temperatures and glare is intense
- Travel with a local guide who knows which lake basins have water; Aydingkol's extent varies dramatically with the season and decade
Best Time to Visit Aydingkol #
Best visited in spring or autumn to avoid extreme summer heat and winter cold; the lake's extent is seasonal.
Weather & Climate near Aydingkol #
Aydingkol's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 42°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -3°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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March
March is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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May
May is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain.
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June
June is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. Almost no rain.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 42°C and lows of 26°C. Almost no rain.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. Almost no rain.
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September
September is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of -1°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
