Yuncheng salt lake in north China's Shanxi Province is an ancient inland salt lake. Formed about 500 million years ago, it is the world's third largest sodium sulphate inland lake. The water in the lake turns to orange and red due to the high salinity. 

The vivid color is produced by a micro-algae called Dunaliella salina, which can produce elements such as carotene, which is what looks red. This algae usually grows in salt lakes because it is a halophile, a "salt-loving" organism.

The Colors of Nature

Nature has a lot of colors. Which is your favorite color? This series offers a sensory experience by combining music, color and natural scenery together. Join to explore the beauty of colors in nature. 

For more:

Snowy Kanas in NW China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

The beauty of yellow sand

The beauty of the color black

The beauty of the color brown

Do you like the color green?

The beauty of yellow leaves

The Colors of Nature: Pink peach flowers in Tibet

The Colors of Nature: The yellow waterfall

(Cover images via CFP)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)