5-Day In-Depth Travel Guide to Chaka Salt Lake: Encounter the Dreamy Journey of the Mirror of the Sky
Chaka Salt Lake, located in Wulan County, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, is known as the "Mirror of the Sky" in China. The summer months from June to August are the golden season to admire the salt lake crystals. This 5-day, 4-night in-depth travel guide will take you through the core area of the salt lake, explore surrounding hidden spots, experience Tibetan culture, and capture the dazzling starry sky, unlocking the full charm of Chaka.
Day 1: First Encounter in Xining, Warm-up at Qinghai Lake
Highlights: Cycling at Qinghai Lake, smoothly adapting to the plateau
• Morning: Arrive at Xining Caojiapu Airport and take a short rest.
• Afternoon: Charter a car to Qinghai Lake (2.5-hour drive), cycle at Erlangjian Scenic Area, where rapeseed flower fields and the deep blue lake complement each other, every shot looks like a masterpiece;
• Evening: Head to Heima River to watch the sunset (altitude 3200m, experience the grandeur of the plateau sunset);
• Overnight: Qinghai Lake International Hotel (oxygen rooms available, thoughtfully addressing altitude sickness);
• Plateau Tips: Avoid showering on the first day to reduce physical burden; prepare Rhodiola oral liquid in advance to relieve discomfort.
Day 2: First Sight of the Mirror of the Sky, Capture the Reflection
Highlights: Salt lake photography, small train tour
• 06:00: Depart for Chaka Salt Lake (1.5-hour drive, early arrival means fewer people and better light);
• Morning: Take the salt lake small train (50 RMB one way) directly to the core area. On windless and clear days, shoot the stunning reflection of the "Mirror of the Sky," where water and sky merge like a fairyland;
• Afternoon: Visit the salt sculptures (don’t miss the magnificent Genghis Khan salt sculpture), experience floating on the salt lake (remember to rent special shoe covers to protect your feet);
• Evening: Watch the sunset at the salt factory outside the scenic area, where the setting sun casts a unique charm on the salt flats;
• Overnight: Chaka Town, recommended to try the starry sky bubble house, where you can gaze at the stars lying in bed.
Day 3: Secret Spot Exploration, Emerald Lake and Forest
Highlights: Aerial photography at Emerald Lake, hiking in Harihatu
• Full-day charter (about 500 RMB/day) to start secret spot exploration:
◦ Dacaidan Emerald Lake (2-hour drive): The Tiffany blue salt pool is very photogenic and perfect for aerial photography; you can also try the crystal boat shoot (80 RMB per time), feeling like being in a fairy tale;
◦ Harihatu Forest Park: Hike in the primitive cypress forest, and if lucky, you might encounter wild ibex;
• Special Tips: Some areas of Emerald Lake allow drone flying (except no-fly zones, bring your own drone recommended); few dining options along the way, remember to bring enough snacks.
Day 4: Immerse in Tibetan Culture, Feel the Warmth of Humanity
Highlights: Traditional salt harvesting, participate in blessing ceremonies
• Morning: Visit Mohe Salt Field (still producing salt), personally experience traditional salt harvesting techniques, and learn tips to identify salt crystals;
• Afternoon: Visit Chaka Monastery (Gelugpa sect), feel Tibetan Buddhist culture; participate in the Waisang blessing ceremony and make a wish;
• Dinner: Taste Tibetan-style earthen hot pot, with tender yak meat paired with fragrant yellow mushrooms, experience authentic Tibetan flavors.
Day 5: Return to Xining, Take Home Plateau Memories
Highlights: Explore museums, buy local specialties
• Morning: Return from Chaka to Xining (4-hour drive);
• Afternoon: Visit the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Natural Museum to deeply understand the "past and present" of the salt lake in the salt lake formation principle and mineral crystal specimen areas; then browse specialty shops to bring home some Chaka Salt Lake’s large green salt and Qaidam Basin’s black goji berries, taking the taste of the plateau with you;
• Evening: Return from Xining Airport, end of the trip.
Practical Information Pack for a Smoother Journey
1. Photography Tips
◦ Best shooting times: before 10:00 or after 16:00, avoid harsh midday light, softer light produces better photos;
◦ Must-have props: red long dress (rentable in the scenic area, 30 RMB/time, matches perfectly with the salt lake reflection), polarizing filter (eliminates water surface glare, making reflections clearer);
◦ Note: Drones are prohibited in the core area of the scenic spot; choose the right area for aerial photography.
2. Transportation Guide
◦ Flights: Direct flights to Xining or Golmud available;
◦ Charter: One-way from Xining to Chaka about 600 RMB;
◦ Train: Tourist trains run from Xining to Chaka, 4-hour journey, cost-effective.
3. Plateau Essentials
◦ Medicine: Ibuprofen (relieves headache), glucose (energy supplement);
◦ Gear: Sunglasses (protect eyes from salt crystal glare), high-top shoe covers (rent for 10 RMB/pair in the scenic area to avoid saltwater damage to shoes).
4. Pitfall Avoidance
◦ Be cautious buying "wild black goji berries," many are dyed; buy from reputable stores;
◦ Avoid "free photo shoots," as subsequent printing fees are very high to prevent being scammed;
◦ Barefoot walking in the salt lake is prohibited; saltwater is corrosive, protect your skin.
5. Special Experiences
◦ Salt crystal DIY: Make salt crystal souvenirs by hand in the scenic area workshop;
◦ Starry sky photography: Night entry requires advance application; the naked eye can see the Milky Way in Chaka’s starry sky, absolutely stunning;
◦ Camel caravan riding: Experience on the outskirts of the scenic area, feel the unique charm of desert and salt lake interlacing.
6. Weather Tips
◦ July-August is the rainy season; bring a transparent umbrella that can shield rain and serve as a photography prop;
◦ Day-night temperature difference can reach 15°C; remember to bring a windbreaker;
◦ To capture reflections, three conditions must be met: no wind, sunny, shallow water area. It is recommended to check wind speed in advance on Windy (reflection is difficult if wind speed > level 3) and enter the park early in the morning (opens at 8:30).
This itinerary keeps daily driving within 2 hours, balancing natural scenery and cultural experiences, making it easy and stress-free. If you have more time, add 1 day to visit the Water Yadan (5-hour drive) to unlock even more stunning landforms. Late July to mid-August is the peak crystallization period of the salt lake, when the "mirror" effect is purest—don’t miss it!