The Tengger Desert, the fourth largest desert in China, is located in Alashan Left Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It is dotted with numerous mysterious lakes, among which the Five Lakes Crossing route is a popular choice for explorers and nature enthusiasts. These five lakes include Swan Lake, Wulan Lake, Suhait Lake, Sun Lake, and Moon Lake, each with its unique natural scenery and characteristics.
1. **Swan Lake**: Located about 6 kilometers into the desert from the Tonggu Zhuoer Reception Station, it is named after the many swans that inhabit the area from March to April and September to October each year. The lake is slender, with lush vegetation on one side and white saline-alkali on the other.
2. **Wulan Lake**: 12 kilometers away from Swan Lake, it means "red" in Mongolian and is named for the wine-red spots that appear in the lake water. The color of the lake changes with the seasons, with the best viewing effect in summer when evaporation is high.
3. **Suhait Lake**: Located 16 kilometers away from Wulan Lake, due to the high evaporation, the lake is nearly dried up, leaving only white saline-alkali, green plants, and yellow sand.
4. **Sun Lake**: It is the largest lake on the crossing route, with white saline-alkali and yellow lake water forming a unique abstract pattern by the lake. There is a pungent smell by the lake, originating from a substance in the lake known as "insect eggs."
5. **Moon Lake**: Located in the heart of the desert, the lake resembles a crescent moon, with lush greenery around it, adding vitality to the uninhabited area.
The crossing route usually starts from Yinchuan, crosses the Helan Mountains, and enters the heart of the desert, covering a distance of about 60 kilometers. Travelers can choose from one-day, two-day, or three-day itineraries to experience desert hiking, camping, stargazing, and other activities. A one-day tour may include combinations such as Tengger Desert-Shabi Tower or Shabi Tower-Route 66-Ancient Village. A two-day tour may include camping in the Tengger Desert to experience the sunrise and starry sky in the desert. A three-day tour allows for a deeper exploration of the desert's lakes and oases, experiencing a richer desert scenery.
When preparing to cross the Tengger Desert, it is recommended to bring equipment suitable for desert walking, such as high-top waterproof shoes, quick-drying clothes, sunscreen, sand-proof glasses, and hats. Also, due to the possible unstable signals in the desert, it is recommended to follow a professional travel agency team to ensure safety and professional service.
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