今天，我们将在中国最美的315国道上，一路向西，体验大西北的荒凉和孤独。沿途，还将在号称青海版马尔代夫的东台吉乃尔湖徒步，感受乌素特水上雅丹，穿过一边蓝一边绿的西台吉乃尔湖。

除了靠近景区和加油站的地方，一路基本是没信号的，所以记得提前告知家人和朋友。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，只是不太方便停车，而且两个山坡间距离有些远。

东台吉乃尔湖是个原生态的盐湖，走进去白茫茫一片盐碱，远远就望见蒂芙尼蓝色泽如同天际之巅，那白色的盐碱如同沙滩一般平坦，而幽蓝色的湖水则仿佛海洋，在湖中间还有条隆起的小岛，这需要从左手侧浅滩淌水过去才能抵达。

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 湖岸拍照，但岸边早已挤满了人群。不妨沿着 湖岸往右走十分钟，即可越过那些收费拍照的人们后面几乎就是无人的纯净秘境。但只有你愿意多走几步，就能超过90%以上的人。而我整整走了半个多小时才发现这份付出的劳动值得每一步脚印所铭记。

Lake's color changes with the light and distance, near shore is crystal clear water, gradually turning into green, blue and deep blue from far to near. The shoreside salt deposits form a natural yet romantic "beautiful beach", though seemingly soft and delicate underfoot, actually hard as rock. Remember to wear outdoor shoes when trekking.

After walking along the lake for half an hour or so, I reached a spot where three sides are surrounded by water. Stopped for a moment in contemplation before deciding to head back towards the starting point. Today's itinerary was quite packed; we still had to visit Ussut Waterfront Yadan and Xitai Lake before reaching our accommodation at Mangya in the evening.

Sometimes you feel annoyed by crowds and noise but sometimes you find that landscapes aren't beautiful enough - it's just that not many people have walked as far as you have. Those who truly enjoy walking under scorching suns should appreciate their own footsteps echoing through time alone - I found myself experiencing something more authentic about East Taijinyu Lake this way.