Winter Wonders in Shanxi: Yuncheng Salt Lake Mirabilite Flowers
山西运城盐湖，是一片古老而典型的内陆咸水湖，宛如一条玉带蜿蜒在中条山下。这里的湖水时而湛蓝、时而浑黄，某些地方的湖面甚至呈现出粉色、紫色。
Shanxi Yuncheng Salt Lake is an ancient and typical inland saltwater lake, resembling a jade belt winding beneath Zhongtiao Mountains. The lake's water alternates between deep blue and murky yellow, with some areas of the surface even displaying pink and purple hues.
到了冬日，盐湖便可以开出或白或粉的“盐花”，这些盐花其实是湖中矿物质含量过高，超过水溶解的饱和度而析出的晶体。运城盐湖的硫酸钠含量很高，这里结出的盐花主要是硫酸钠（俗称芒硝）的晶簇，所以这里的盐花也被称为“硝花。大面积的硝花，有的像松针、有的像珊瑚……形态各异，在阳光的映射下，晶莹剔透，非常壮观。随着温度越来越低，结晶也会越来越大，过不了多久，千姿百态的“硝花”会变得愈加好看。
In winter, the Salt Lake blooms with "salt flowers" in shades of white or pink. These "salt flowers" are actually crystals that form when the mineral content in the lake water exceeds the saturation point of dissolution. The Yuncheng Salt Lake has a high concentration of sodium sulfate, so the salt flowers here are primarily clusters of sodium sulfate crystals, commonly known as mirabilite. Therefore, these salt flowers are also referred to as "mirabilite flowers." The large-scale mirabilite flowers vary in shape——some resemble pine needles, others take on the form of coral... they appear in a variety of shapes, and under the reflection of sunlight, they are clear and transparent, creating a spectacular sight. As the temperature continues to drop, the crystals grow larger, and before long, the ever-changing mirabilite flowers become even more stunning.
运城盐湖的魅力远不止于此。尽管寒风凛冽，但这里依然藏着最鲜活的生命力。除了欣赏美丽的硝花，盐湖周围的湿地风光也同样引人入胜。湖区内纵横交错的水道与芦苇荡漾的景象交织在一起，形成了一片独特的湿地生态系统。冬季的湖面上，成群的候鸟飞翔、栖息，展现出一幅生动的自然画卷。这些候鸟飞过湖面，时而停驻在水中，时而翱翔于空中，给这片沉寂的冬季带来了一丝生气，仿佛让整个盐湖充满了仙气与神秘感。
The charm of Yuncheng Salt Lake goes far beyond this. Despite the biting cold wind, it still harbors vibrant life. In addition to admiring the beautiful mirabilite flowers, the wetland scenery around the lake is equally captivating. The intricate network of waterways and swaying reeds create a unique wetland ecosystem. In winter, flocks of migratory birds fly and rest on the lake’s surface, painting a vivid natural scene. These birds glide over the water, occasionally resting on its surface or soaring in the sky, bringing life to the quiet winter landscape. It’s as if the entire salt lake is infused with an ethereal beauty and mystery.
来吧！在运城盐湖，赏硝花、观候鸟、领略池盐文化！
Come to Yuncheng Salt Lake! Enjoy the mirabilite flowers, watch the migratory birds, and experience the culture of salt ponds!
图片来源：运城市文化和旅游局
Image Source: Yuncheng Culture and Tourism Bureau
来源：中华网综合整理
Source: Comprehensive collation by sx.china.com