[2025 Ulan Attraction] Travel Guide for Chaka Salt Lake Viewing Point (Updated Jul)

Chaka Salt Lake is located in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is famous for its beautiful reflection of the "Sky Mirror" and is a must-visit place on the Northwest Loop. The following is a practical guide: Best time June to September is the peak season. After the rainy season, the lake is full and the reflection is clearest. It is recommended to go there in the early morning or evening to avoid the strong light at noon. At this time, the light is soft, there are few people and it is easy to take a mirror effect. Transportation Guide 1. Departure from Xining: Xining Passenger Station has a direct bus to Chaka Town (about 4 hours), or charter/carpool (more flexible). 2. Self-driving: Xining-Chaka Salt Lake is about 300 kilometers, and the Beijing-Tibet Expressway goes directly. It is necessary to slow down on the plateau section and prepare anti-skid chains (in winter). 3. Scenic area transportation: Both the old scenic area (Chaka Salt Lake) and the small scenic area (Sky No. 1) require a shuttle bus, and a small train can be taken inside. Tour route 1. Route of the old scenic area: take a small train to the lake center pier → walk along the wooden plank road to the salt sculpture group → walk and take photos when returning (about 2-3 hours). 2. Sky No. 1 route: take a sightseeing bus to the Love Platform → Starry Sky Square → Salt Beach Experience Area (suitable for aerial photography). Photo tips: wear a red/white long skirt, shoot at a low angle, and use salt crystals and wooden plank roads as the foreground. Notes 1. Plateau sun protection: Ultraviolet rays are extremely strong, you need to wear sunglasses, hats, and apply high-power sunscreen. 2. Warm clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is large, and thin down is required even in summer. 3. Environmental protection requirements: It is forbidden to step on salt caves, do not discard garbage, and drones are prohibited in some areas. 4. Physical preparation: Take rhodiola rosea one week in advance and prepare oxygen cylinders to prevent altitude sickness. Tips • There are many accommodation options in Chaka Town, and it is recommended to stay in a hotel with oxygen supply equipment. • There is no restaurant in the salt lake, so bring your own dry food and water. • Bring rain gear during the rainy season, as the weather is changeable and you need to adjust your itinerary flexibly. #Sign up for tripbest July Hotel Tester

#Mainland Travel Chaka Salt Lake is known as the "Mirror of the Sky" and is one of the most beautiful salt lakes in China. It is famous for its pure white salt layers and the dreamy scenery of the reflection of the sky. The following is the essence of the strategy: Transportation Location: Chaka Town, Ulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Self-driving: From Xining, take the Beijing-Tibet Expressway and then the Gongcha Expressway, the journey takes about 4 hours. Public transportation: There are daily shuttle buses from Xining Bus Station to Chaka Town, and then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus. Must-do Experiences Sky Mirror Photography: When the light is soft in the early morning or evening, the lake reflects the sky and clouds. It is recommended to wear bright clothes (such as a red dress) to enhance the photo effect. Salt Lake Train: Take the retro sightseeing train deep into the center of the lake and enjoy the stunning views of salt crystals and distant mountains along the way. Salt Sculpture Art Group: There are giant salt sculptures in the lake area, such as "Salt Emperor Making Salt", which show the creativity of combining salt culture with art. Best time Season: June to September is the best tourist season, with a comfortable climate and abundant lake water, which easily forms a mirror effect. Time period: Avoid the strong sunlight at midday and choose to shoot after sunrise (6:00-8:00) or before sunset (17:00-19:00). Precautions Clothing: The salt layer is rough and can easily scratch the skin, so it is recommended to wear waterproof shoe covers or thick-soled sandals; the ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so you need to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Environmental protection: Do not step on the salt layer or discard garbage at will to protect the fragile ecology. Altitude sickness: The altitude is about 3,100 meters, so avoid strenuous exercise and take Rhodiola rosea in advance for prevention. Tickets and Services Tickets: 60 yuan in peak season (May-October), 30 yuan in off-season; one-way train ticket is 50 yuan, and electric car ticket is 10 yuan. Nearby combined tours: You can combine it with a trip to Qinghai Lake or Qilian Mountains to arrange a 2-3 day in-depth tour. A day trip to Chaka Salt Lake allows you to experience the natural wonders and capture beautiful images. It is recommended to reserve half a day to savor the poetic beauty of the changing light and shadow. #China Mainland Attractions #Qinghai

Super detailed must-have guide to Chaka Salt Lake, don't miss it! 🔥🔥Pre-trip preparation Documents: Prepare your ID card and student ID (if applicable). Clothing: The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so bring a thick coat. Prepare a bright dress for beautiful photos. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the salt lake. Skin care and sun protection: The ultraviolet rays in the plateau are strong, so sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, and moisturizing skin care products are essential. Other items: Power bank, camera, and a small amount of cash. 🔥🔥🔥Travel guide Plane: First arrive at Xining Caojiabao International Airport, then transfer to a train or bus to Chaka Town. Train: There are direct trains from Xining Station to Chaka Salt Lake, and the scenery along the way is beautiful. Car: There are buses from Xining Long-distance Bus Station to Chaka Town, and there are many bus trips. 🔥🔥🔥Travel itinerary Morning: After entering the scenic area, take a small train directly to the depths of the salt lake and enjoy the pure lake surface and distant snow-capped mountains. Noon: Enjoy local specialties in the scenic area's restaurant, such as kang pot mutton and Qinghai sour milk. Afternoon: Stroll along the lake, take photos at the "Sky Mirror", and also experience salt sculpture viewing and salt lake cruise. Photography tips🔥🔥 Best time: Before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm, the light is soft, and the photos taken have more layers. Photo poses: Use the reflection of the lake to create a spiritual and dreamy feeling; stand on the salt lake railway to create a literary blockbuster. Photo props: Prepare transparent umbrellas, balloons, etc., to increase the fun of the photos.

【Introduction】: You may have heard of the "Mirror of the Sky" in Bolivia, but in China, there is also a stunning mirror hidden on the west side of the famous Qinghai Lake, which is Chaka Salt Lake. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the blue sky and white clouds are reflected on the lake, creating a beautiful picture. Chaka Salt Lake is a must-visit tourist destination in Qinghai, known as one of the most beautiful salt lakes in China, and is listed as one of the top 50 photography destinations in China. ⛺【Tips】: When visiting Chaka Salt Lake, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the ground in the lake area may be salty and alkaline, so be careful when walking. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential, as the sunlight reflected on the lake can be intense, so it is important to protect your skin and eyes. It would be even better if you could bring a camera, as it would be a pity to only use a phone to capture such beautiful scenery. 🛬【Itinerary】: When visiting Chaka Salt Lake, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the ground in the lake area may be salty and alkaline, so be careful when walking. Sunscreen and sunglasses are essential, as the sunlight reflected on the lake can be intense, so it is important to protect your skin and eyes. It would be even better if you could bring a camera, as it would be a pity to only use a phone to capture such beautiful scenery. 🧡【Tips】: Try to visit on a sunny day to see the most beautiful reflections. Also, check the weather forecast in advance to avoid sudden rain.

Chaka Salt Lake, it is a mirror that dresses up dreams🎆! 🏞️ Dreamlike Scenery: The scenery of the salt lake is like a dream, with white salt flats contrasting with the azure sky, as if it were a mirror of the sky🪞. Walking through it feels like being in a fairy tale world, making one intoxicated😍. 🚂 Special Little Train: Taking a small train through the salt lake is a unique experience🚂. Listening to the rumbling of the train, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the way, and feeling the breeze on your face, everything is so pleasant😌. 🌄 Stunning Sunrises and Sunsets: Here, the sunrises and sunsets are breathtakingly beautiful🌄. The sun rises or sets at the end of the salt lake, dyeing the sky with brilliant colors, making one marvel at the wonders of nature🤩. 👗 Dressing Tips: When taking photos at Chaka Salt Lake, be sure to wear bright clothes👗, so you can stand out against the white background. Also, remember to bring a flowing scarf that flutters in the wind, adding a touch of romance💃. 💁‍♂️ Quality Service: The staff at the scenic area are warm and friendly, providing thoughtful service💁. Whether it's buying tickets, taking the train, or asking for information, you can get timely help, making you feel very cared for👍. Chaka Salt Lake is a place where the soul can be purified🌈. Here, you can forget the troubles of the world and fully enjoy the beauty of nature🎊. If you have the chance to visit Qinghai, don't miss this beautiful place!