Recently, the Hala Lake in Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, has entered its peak season for ice floe viewing. Known as the "last tear of the Earth," it is the second-largest saltwater lake in Qinghai, after Qinghai Lake. Nestled deep in the Qilian Mountains and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, wetlands and glaciers, the lake offers an incredibly rich and layered landscape. Its waters display ever-changing shades of blue under different lighting, resembling a vast emerald embedded in the plateau and creating a striking visual impact.

When the first rays of dawn break over the 5,808-meter-high Tuanjie Peak, golden light pierces the morning mist and spills onto the lake. The ice floes playfully contrast with the unfrozen water, instantly gilding the ice surface in warm gold, while cracks refract dazzling light. Amidst the rising mist, the snow-capped mountains, frozen lake and morning light together form a grand and majestic plateau scene.

According to local guides, the best time to see the ice floe sunrise at Hala Lake is from November to mid-December, when the weather is stable, the sky is clear and the deep blue lake water sharply contrasts with the pristine white ice floes, creating perfect conditions for photography. With transportation gradually improving in 2025, this once-remote and inaccessible secret realm, deep in the Qilian Mountains, is now attracting more visitors with its unique icy landscapes.