Geological Oddities in China

Discover 16 geological oddities in China.

Yuncheng, China

Yuncheng Salt Lake

Rainbow-hued in the summer and crystalline in the winter, this salty lake has inspired battles, temples, and plenty of awe.

Zhangye Shi, China

Zhangye National Geopark

These layered sandstone mountains in China look like they are made of pressed crayons.

Shipton's Arch (阿图什天门)

The world's largest natural arch was forgotten for over 50 years after its discovery.

Baigong Pipes

Are these prehistoric metal pipes evidence of alien plumbers? Nope, but they are amazing nonetheless.

Booming Dunes of Badain Jaran Desert

The tallest stationary dunes on Earth also happen to sing.

Luoxiagou

A canvas of crops grow from vibrant red soil in this terraced farmland.

Shaoguan, China

Mount Danxia

Unique geological formations in China, featuring some suggestive shapes.

Chongqing, China

Three Natural Bridges

Not one, not two, but three natural bridges remain in this captivating spot post-sinkhole.

Crescent Lake

A lush desert oasis in the shape of a narrow crescent.

Zhangjiajie, China

Tianmen Shan

999 stairs lead visitors through a massive hole in a mountain known as the Gateway to Heaven.

Huanglong Travertine Pools

Intensely colorful calcite pools in Southern China.

Yangshuo and Moon Hill

Natural arch gives panoramic views of Yangshuo's karst hills.

Huashan Mountain

A harrowing trail up a mile-high mountain.

Shilin Stone Forest

270 million year-old forest of stone.

Chair of Bod

Large rock high in the mountains of Yunnan that is naturally shaped like a chair, complete with arms.

Bayingol, China

Alluvial Fan of the Taklimakan Desert

Made by river sediment, it is the largest alluvial fan in the world.