Yadan Spectacle

'Yadan', which means 'steep mound' in Uygur, is now widely used by geologists and archeologists to refer to certain geomorphic features in arid regions. Because wind in this area is strong and frequent, landforms of wind-erosion are easily formed. These landforms present all kinds of shapes under a dusky sky. Sometimes they are an enormous army with invincible and mighty vigor. Sometimes they become many whales playing in the desert sea. Sometimes they are pavilions while at other times they are mysterious castles. This is what scientists call a Yadan landscape.

Yadan Spectacle is situated in the north of Ruoqiang County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in the Lop Nur Area. Lop Nur Area is the second largest Yadan area after the Qaidam Basin. The cluster of eroded mounds are scattered mainly in the north, west and east sides of the Lop Nur Area.

The east side of the Lop Nur Area has typical Yadan features; usually a mound is about 10-20 meters (around 33-66 feet) high with an average length of over 200 meters (over 656 feet). Most mounds are covered with a thick crust of salt and in the sunshine these mounds shine like silver. Looking from afar, they appear to be just like white dragons lying in the desert. Local people call this area 'White Dragon Mounds'. 'White Dragon Mounds' provided a natural defense for the Ancient City of Loulan, and is an area one must pass through en-route to Loulan.

There is an ancient city called Loulan in Xinjiang is in the west of Lop Nur. The Ancient City of Loulan played a very important role on the Silk Road. Chinese silks, tea, and jewelries were firstly exported to other regions and countries through the Ancient City of Loulan. Every time trade caravans passed through this kingdom they would stop to rest. Loulan Kingdom was established before 176 BC. It was a relatively prosperous kingdom at that time. What puzzled many historians, was that this kingdom suddenly disappeared after hundreds of years of being prosperous and flourishing. The reason for its disappearance is still a mystery. 

The remains of the Ancient City of Loulan cover an area of 12,000 square kilometers (about 4,633 square miles). An old waterway runs through the city dividing the city into two parts, the northeast part and the southwest part. The most notable remaining construction of this ancient city is three houses. The walls of these three houses are the only structures built with earth brick. They directly face the south city gate. 

Yadan Spectacle is situated in the desert area, so the climate is not so pleasant. Before visiting it, one must make necessary preparations, for example, one must take enough food, water, clothes, an umbrella to protect against either the dazing sunshine or a rain, and if possible a pair of sunglasses.

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