Winter Wonderland: Hohhot Qiandao Lake

Qiandao Lake in winter is a miracle—the lake doesn't freeze! 🌊 This is due to the progress of emission control, technological upgrades, and urban ecological water system management, creating a unique landscape in the cold northern winter. 🚗🚗 Hohhot Qiandao Lake is about a 30-min drive from the city center. We recommend arriving about 30 mins before sunrise to get a good spot to watch the sunrise 🌅 and rime, then watch the ruddy shelducks playing on the water. If you stay all day, you can also watch the sunset. 🕖 7–8 am: Take photos of the sunrise 🕘 8–10 am: Take photos of the rime and ruddy shelducks 🕟 4–6 pm: Take photos of the sunset Flocks of ruddy shelducks spend the winter on the lake, and there are large areas of rime on the shore, capturing the magic of winter. In front of you is a natural ecological landscape with a sunrise and flying birds, and behind you are modern industrial chimneys, creating a lively scene. As the sun rises, golden light spreads across the water, and the clouds in the distance turn pink. Compared to the sunrise on the mountain top, the sunrise here has a different flavor. 🔊🔊 Tips Rime requires the right temperature, humidity, and sunrise conditions, with enough moisture and temperature difference. Rime is a rare sight, so it is uncertain. We recommend checking the weather in advance to reduce the risk of a wasted trip. Similarly, the ruddy shelducks flying in flocks is also uncertain, so don't expect too much. 😃 We recommend wearing black clothes for photos at Hohhot Qiandao Lake, as the black and white contrast is striking and looks good in photos. But remember to keep warm, as it is very cold.