1 / 4   The surface area of China’s largest inland saltwater lake, Qinghai Lake has reached 4,497 square kilometers, a record since 2001, according to data from the Qinghai Institute of Meteorological Sciences. /Xinhua Photo 

2 / 4   Located in northwest China’s Qinghai Province, Qinghai Lake plays an important role in the ecological security of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and helps prevent desertification. /Xinhua Photo

3 / 4   The lake’s surface area has been expanding since 2005 thanks to abundant precipitation in the surrounding areas and increased snowmelt. An aerial photo has captured the view of the lake’s sandbank getting covered by the expanding water. /Xinhua Photo

4 / 4   The lake also boasts its turquoise water and mesmerizing scenery, named as "China’s most beautiful lake." /Xinhua Photo