| Xiechi Lake | |
|---|---|
| 解池 (Chinese) | |
  Xiechi Lake | |
| Location | Yanhu District, Yuncheng, Shanxi |
| Coordinates | 34°58′38″N 110°59′14″E / 34.977222°N 110.987222°E |
| Type | saline lake |
| Basin countries | China |
Xiechi Lake (Chinese: 解池), also called Yuncheng yanchi (Yuncheng Salt Lake) is the largest natural lake in Shanxi in Northern China. It is a saline lake[1] used for production of salt.
In the summertime intense light and heat cause the algae Dunaliella salina to produce carotenoids as a protection against free radicals, due in turn to high metabolism. This turns the salt pans brilliant shades of violet, scarlet, magenta, and emerald (see photo in reference).[2]
- ^ Yoshida, Tora (1993), Salt production techniques in ancient China: the Aobo tu, BRILL, p. 13, ISBN 978-90-04-09657-8
- ^ Ye, Yvaine (Sep 1, 2018). "Rainbow lake". New Scientist. 239 (3193): 26–27. doi:10.1016/S0262-4079(18)31572-0. S2CID 240283893.