AydingkolAydingkol at a Glance
About Aydingkol
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -12° - -3° | -10° | 1 mm | partly cloudy | 50% | 1.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| February | Good | -7° - 5° | -4° | 0 mm | some cloud | 39% | 2.1 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.4h |
| March | Very Good | 3° - 15° | 7° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 25% | 3.0 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Ideal | 12° - 27° | 19° | 0 mm | some cloud | 21% | 3.5 m/s | 1.3 high | 13.2h |
| May | Ideal | 19° - 35° | 27° | 1 mm | some cloud | 19% | 3.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 14.4h |
| June | Excellent | 24° - 40° | 32° | 3 mm | some cloud | 21% | 3.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 15.1h |
| July | Excellent | 26° - 42° | 34° | 3 mm | some cloud | 21% | 3.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 14.8h |
| August | Excellent | 25° - 40° | 32° | 1 mm | some cloud | 20% | 3.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.7h |
| September | Ideal | 18° - 34° | 26° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 21% | 2.6 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.3h |
| October | Excellent | 8° - 24° | 16° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 26% | 2.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Very Good | -1° - 11° | 3° | 1 mm | mostly sunny | 36% | 1.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.6h |
| December | Good | -9° - 0° | -7° | 1 mm | some cloud | 46% | 1.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.0h |
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