Obo Liang Devil City: A Mars Base Camp in the Great Northwest

Lenghu Mars Geopark is located in the vast Gobi Desert, surrounded by desolate deserts, bare rocks, or brown Yardang landforms. The camp's buildings are designed like space camps in science fiction, and the accommodations are rows of white space capsules, making you feel like you're on a real Mars expedition. The main part of the Mars Geopark is the Obo Liang Devil City. Because the Obo Liang Devil City is vast and has complex terrain, there are no paved roads. You can only travel between the Yardangs, and there is no cell phone service, making it easy to get lost. Therefore, to enter Obo Liang Devil City, you must rent a satellite navigation device at the base camp. If you deviate from the route, the navigation device will promptly remind you to return to the correct route. Moreover, due to wind and sand, the original dirt roads are often covered with sand and dust, making them slippery and prone to getting stuck. Only four-wheel drive SUVs can enter. Following the guidance of the satellite navigation, we drove into the heart of Obo Liang as explorers. Compared to the Nanbadu Devil City and other Yardang landforms we've seen along the way these past few days, Obo Liang Devil City is vaster and more desolate. The vehicle meandered up and down at the bottom of the Yardangs, and the roads were winding and narrow, as if we were shuttling through a maze. The Yardangs here are grotesque. Some resemble towering ancient castles; some are like pavilions and terraces; some are like an army of whales marching out; some are like roaring lions; and some are like all kinds of strange monsters. Standing on a high place and looking down, the surrounding Yardangs are layered one after another, stretching endlessly. Each one is a work of art carved by time and wind, silently telling the vicissitudes of this land for millions of years. The mournful cool wind swirled among the Yardangs, whistling through the holes and crevices eroded by time, making all kinds of strange sounds, just like what Zhuangzi described in "On Equality of Things": "Only when there is no action, there is action. When there is action, there are thousands of holes roaring. The sound is like rage, like screaming, like scolding, like breathing, like crying, like laughing, like wailing, echoing each other. A gentle breeze makes a gentle harmony, and a strong wind makes a loud harmony." A sense of loneliness, like "I think of the vastness of the universe and the endlessness of time, and I feel alone and weep," permeates the wilderness. Even more peculiar is that in this extremely dry and desolate land, there are sulfur springs and sulfur lakes known as the "yellow ocean." Small springs gurgled, and a few wisps of mist lingered, bringing a little warmth and pulse of life to this desolate Gobi. 1. Notes on Self-driving Tours in the Great Northwest: 1. The best time to travel to Haixi, Qinghai is from May to October each year. The temperature difference between day and night in the northwest is large, so you need to prepare thick, warm coats. 2. The air in the northwest is dry and the ultraviolet rays are strong, so you need to prepare thermos cups, sun hats, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, scarves, facial masks, wet wipes, and other items. Drink plenty of water and take good care of your skin by protecting it from the sun and keeping it moisturized. 3. The diet in the northwest is mainly meat, such as beef and mutton, and noodles. Eat more fruit to avoid getting angry. In addition, prepare medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying, colds, anti-inflammatory, and treating gastrointestinal problems. 4. The northwest region is vast, and the distance between scenic spots is long, so you need to prepare dry food and snacks. In addition, the communication signal is poor, so download offline maps in advance for self-driving. 2. Transportation: From Huatugou Town, Mangya City to Obo Liang Devil City (Lenghu Mars Base Camp), take the Huangmang Expressway, Provincial Road 316, and Mars Highway No. 1. The whole journey is about 280 km and takes about three and a half hours. Most of the roads here are wide and flat, mostly asphalt, with sparse traffic, suitable for self-driving. Mars Highway No. 1 is a gravel road with a hard roadbed and a wide surface. However, Obo Liang Devil City is mostly dirt roads or naturally formed rutted roads. The soft sand is very easy to get stuck in, and there are many forks in the road with no obvious signs. Only four-wheel drive off-road vehicles can enter, and you must rent a satellite navigation device at the base camp. 4. Accommodation: Lenghu Mars Base Camp: Space capsule rooms (1280/person). The conditions are simple, but you can experience an immersive interstellar travel experience and watch the beautiful starry sky at night. Lenghu Town, Mangya City: Close to the Oil Town ruins. The accommodation is basic, but the price is not high, around 100-400 yuan (reservations are required in peak season). Recommendations: Lenghu Yardang Star Hotel, Mangya Chuanjia Business Hotel, Hanlinyuan Starry Courtyard B&B. 5. Food: Mars Base Camp: Food options are limited. It is best to bring your own instant noodles, bread, and sausages. Lenghu Town: In addition to beef and mutton, most restaurants serve Sichuan cuisine. (For more travel tips, see the "Xiaojia Travels the World" public account)