在大西北环线的第三天，我体验了中国最美的315国道，那里的荒凉和孤独让我深刻感受到了延伸到天际的U型网红公路。而我还将在号称青海版马尔代夫的东台吉乃尔湖徒步，穿过一边蓝一边绿的西台吉乃尔湖。

沿着这段路程，我发现除了靠近景区和加油站的地方，一路基本是没信号的，所以提前告知家人和朋友尤为重要。一路行驶在茫茫戈壁中，有自由飞驰的快乐，也有对严酷环境的敬畏。偶尔停车爬山某个山坡，四面八方满眼尽是戈壁滩。

网红U型公路就位于G315国道上，其实U型公路在青海新疆很多，只是在前往东台吉乃尔湖路上有两段特别明显。第一个在山坡上有空地，可以停好车爬到路边山坡上拍摄，如果想在路中间拍人像，一定要注意安全，每年都有被撞出事的情况。如果遇到抓住就罚款。第二个其实坡度更加陡峭，但是不太方便停车，而且两个山坡间距离有些远。

东台吉乃尔湖是个原生态盐湖，走进去白茫茫一片盐碱，远远就望见蒂芙尼蓝，白色盐碱如同沙滩，而幽蓝的湖水如海，在湖中间还有条隆起的地面，我们需要从左手侧浅滩淌水过去。

虽然风景很美，但是很难拍照。如果正对着湖水拍，就没有任何线条美感；想沿着湖岸拍，岸边早已挤满了人群。不过如果你愿意多走几步，你可以越过那些收费拍照的人，然后后面几乎就是无人的纯净秘境。但是几乎没有人愿意动动腿，这让我们百思不得其解。其实只要你愿意多走几步，你就能超过90%以上的人。我整整走了半个多小时才找到自己的位置。

lake water's color changes with the light and distance, near the shore it is clear and transparent, gradually turning into shades of green and blue as you move away. The beach along the lake is formed by salt deposits, appearing romantic yet delicate underfoot. However, these salt deposits are hard and rough.

I walked along the lake for half an hour before reaching a spot where three sides were surrounded by water. After taking in the view for a while, I decided to head back to continue my journey to Ussut Water Yardang and Xi Taijin Lake. Eventually, I made it to Zanjiang for overnight stay.

Sometimes you might feel that people are too many or noisy; sometimes you think that landscapes aren't beautiful enough. It's just because we haven't walked far enough yet. Those who truly enjoy walking under scorching sun often get lost in their own footsteps and shadows. I enjoyed this solitary walk immensely.