Salt flowers blossom in China's 'Dead Sea'
Updated 14:54, 21-Jan-2019
CGTN
["china"]
00:49
The Yuncheng Salt Lake, also known as China's "Dead Sea", in north China's Shanxi Province has recently presented visitors and photographers with a rare view of salt crystals on the lake surface like blossoming flowers.
As the temperature continues to drop in northern China, the mirabilite, a hydrous sodium sulfate mineral, crystallized on the lake surface, forming crystals of various shapes. 
Visitors take pictures at the Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province. /VCG Photo

Visitors take pictures at the Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province. /VCG Photo

As the world's third-largest sodium sulfate inland lake, the Yuncheng Salt Lake spans 132 square kilometers. Its high concentration of salt is comparable to that of the Dead Sea in the Middle East, which is known for its water which allows people to float on. 
Chinese salt culture is believed to originate from here 4,000 years ago. When the weather gets warmer, it attracts tourists by embracing a colorful attire.
An aerial view of Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province /VCG Photo

An aerial view of Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province /VCG Photo

An aerial view of Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province /VCG Photo

An aerial view of Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province /VCG Photo

An aerial view of Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province /VCG Photo

An aerial view of Yuncheng Salt Lake, north China's Shanxi Province /VCG Photo

(With inputs from Xinhua)