Aerial view of the Turpan Depression, China

Aerial view of the Turpan Depression, China

Located at the foot of the Bogda Mountains in Western China, the Turpan Depression is one of the lowest exposed points on Earth’s surface—and one of the hottest. Here you’ll find salty Lake Ayding, now dry, located more than 500 feet below sea level. On the aptly named Flaming Mountains, summer temperatures frequently climb to over 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and the red sandstone can appear as if it’s on fire at certain times of day. We’ll just admire it from this cool vantage point high above the surface, in space.