Devil’s Eye Lake: The Mystic of Aiken Lake

Devil’s Eye Lake, also known as Aiken Lake or Aiken Spring, is located in northwest China’s Qinghai Province, specifically in Mangya City of Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. 

This lake is situated in the Gobi Desert and is known for its high sulfur content, which dyes the surrounding land with dark red and yellow hues. 

The lake’s name aptly describes its appearance, as it resembles a giant, emerald-green eye with a dark, swirling center. 

The lake’s unique appearance is attributed to its high concentration of sulfur, which gives the water its vibrant green color. The sulfur-rich water makes the land around it barren. 

The sulfurous water also seeps into the surrounding soil, creating a stark contrast between the lush green of the lake and the barren red of the surrounding area. 

This contrast is particularly striking when viewed from above, making Devil’s Eye Lake a popular destination for photographers and drone enthusiasts.

Formation of Devil’s Eye Lake/Aiken Lake

Devil’s Eye Lake is a relatively young geological feature, estimated to be around 2,000 years old. 

The lake was formed by a karst collapse, which is a type of sinkhole that occurs when underground water dissolves limestone or other carbonate rock. This process creates a void in the ground, which eventually collapses, forming a depression. 

In the case of Devil’s Eye Lake, the collapse occurred along a fault line, allowing water to seep up from the underground aquifer and fill the depression.

Ecological Significance of Devil’s Eye Lake

Despite its harsh surroundings, Devil’s Eye Lake supports a unique ecosystem. The sulfurous water is home to a variety of extremophile organisms, which are organisms that thrive in extreme environments. These organisms include bacteria, algae, and even some small invertebrates. 

The lake’s ecosystem is a testament to the resilience of life and its ability to adapt to even the most challenging conditions.

Tourism and Conservation Efforts

Devil’s Eye Lake has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. Its otherworldly appearance and unique ecosystem have attracted visitors from all over the world. 

When viewed from above, the lake and its surroundings appear to resemble an eye, hence the name “Devil’s Eye”. Aiken Spring is also noted for being the deepest hot spring in Qinghai, with a depth of 647 meters.

However, increased tourism has also raised concerns about the lake’s delicate ecosystem. The local government has taken steps to protect the lake by limiting visitor access and enforcing strict regulations on activities such as swimming and fishing.

Devil’s Eye Lake is a truly remarkable place, a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of life. Its unique appearance, intriguing geological history, and delicate ecosystem make it a place worth protecting and preserving for generations to come.

What is the significance of Aiken Lake in Chinese culture?

There is no significant cultural or historical information available about Aiken Lake, also known as Devil’s Eye Lake, in Chinese culture. The lake is located in northwest China’s Qinghai Province and is known for its high sulfur content, which dyes the surrounding land with dark red and yellow hues. 

Other Devil’s Eye Lakes in other locations

Dragon’s Eye Lake, Rogoznica

Devil’s Eye (Mati tou Diavolou), Koufonisi Island

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