Gongtai Ji Nai'er

The Taijinaier lakes lie in the arid interior of the Qaidam Basin, enclosed by the Kunlun and Qilian mountain systems. Rivers descending from the Kunlun carry water and dissolved minerals into this inland basin, where evaporation leaves extensive salt deposits. East and West Taijinaier form part of this group of saline lakes and flats. Their waters and shores contrast with the bare desert and mountain country surrounding them.