Located 44 km south of Turpan, in Xinjiang province, Aiding Lake is no longer a lake but a vast dried-up basin carpeted with salt and cracked mud. Its significance lies in a single figure: -154 m below sea level, making it China's lowest point and one of the lowest on Earth's dry land.

Why visit Aiding Lake

The site combines three rare features: an extreme negative elevation, an almost lunar mineral landscape, and geology readable to the naked eye. Where a freshwater lake once stretched—thousands of times larger than today—visitors now walk across a bed of white salt whose surface changes colour throughout the day. For travellers exploring the Turpan basin, this is a logical addition to the oasis routes and archaeological sites of the region.

• China's lowest point, comparable to the Sea of Galilee and Lake Assal in terms of negative altitude.
• Spectacular salt expanse with pronounced light contrasts depending on the sun's position.
• A relatively undiscovered site, away from major Chinese tourist circuits.

History and geography of the lake

The name Aiding derives from Uyghur Aidingkol, meaning "Moon Lake." The name refers to the layer of white salt that once formed on its shores, giving the appearance—from a distance—of a bright moon resting in the desert. The lake was once fed by springs from the Bogda Mountains to the west, and constituted a considerable freshwater expanse.

In 1978, a survey conducted by China's National Bureau of Surveying and Mapping established its precise altitude at -154.31 m below sea level. The lake has since been listed among the world's lowest terrestrial regions, alongside the Sea of Galilee and Lake Assal.

The hydrological decline stems from multiple causes: extreme evaporation linked to the arid climate of the Turpan basin, and—most significantly—increasing water extraction through drilled wells and traditional irrigation canals (karez) that divert upstream waters. The last significant measurement in 1986 showed only a residual water body of 5 km² with 50 cm depth, compared to a historical bed of 200 km² (40 km long, 8 km wide). Salt content exceeded 200 g/l, explaining the thick salt crust visible today.

What to see and do

The site presents itself as a desert depression whose white, cracked soil resembles South American salt flats, on a smaller scale. An official stele installed by the government marks the location and materialises the lowest point.

Photography and observation

Low-angle light at sunrise and sunset reveals subtle shades of grey, pink and blue across the salt crust. Contrasts are particularly striking after rare rainfall, when water creates an ephemeral mirror effect.

Motorised sports and exploration

The flat, hard expanse lends itself to off-road expeditions. Aiding Lake was notably incorporated into the Taklamakan Rally route during its 2008 edition. Today, 4x4 excursions from Turpan still explore its edges.

When to visit

The Turpan basin experiences extreme summers, among China's hottest, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40 °C in July-August. It's better to choose the shoulder seasons: April-May and September-October offer more bearable conditions, with hot days but cool mornings. Winter is dry and cold, passable but windy. Whatever the season, bring sun protection, plenty of water and a windbreaker.

How to get there

The lake is approximately 44 km south of Turpan, about an hour's drive away. Access is not served by public transport and the final kilometres are on rough track.

• All-terrain vehicle: the most reliable option, rental available in Turpan with driver.
• Organised excursion: several local agencies offer half-day tours combining the lake and other basin sites (grape valley, Jiaohe ruins).
• Private taxi: possible from Turpan, provided you negotiate waiting time on site.

Practical information

• Visit duration: allow 1 to 2 hours on site, excluding travel time.
• Fees and hours: subject to change; verify with your agency or Turpan's tourism office before departure.
• Equipment: closed-toe shoes (abrasive salt), water, hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen.
• Mobile network: coverage is intermittent; inform someone of your itinerary.
• Photography: a drone offers a useful perspective of the salt expanse (check local regulations, which are restrictive in Xinjiang).

Nearby attractions

The Turpan basin contains several sites complementary to Aiding Lake: Jiaohe and Gaochang ruins, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves, grape valley. To extend your journey westward along the Silk Road, the Mogao Caves near Dunhuang are a major stop, as is the Haizang Temple in Wuwei in the Hexi corridor.

Frequently asked questions

Plan your trip

Aiding Lake fits naturally into an itinerary along China's Silk Road and through Xinjiang. To build a coherent stay encompassing Turpan, Dunhuang and beyond, explore our tailored trips to Chine.