Dachaidan Emerald Lake | Encounter the Most Stunning Salt Lake Wonderland on the Qinghai-Gansu Loop!

✨ Highlights 1. A Color Palette Spilled by the Gods 🎨 Dachaidan Emerald Lake is a magnesium sulfate subtype salt lake, rich in potassium, magnesium, lithium, and other mineral elements. The lake water displays a blend of pale blue, emerald green, and deep blue colors under light refraction. From the air, dozens of salt ponds in various colors are embedded like emeralds on the Gobi Desert, earning it the title of "Natural Palette." 2. The Sky Mirror on the Plateau 💎 Unlike the crowded Chaka Salt Lake, this lake’s surface is purer. When the wind is calm, the water is as clear as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and the snow-capped Qaidam Mountains, creating a fairyland atmosphere—an ideal spot for capturing stunning reflection photos. 3. A Visual Feast That Never Repeats 🌅 The colors of the salt lake change continuously with the angle of sunlight and water depth. At noon, the lake shines with a translucent emerald green; at sunset, the salt ponds are tinted with light blue, amber yellow, or even pale pink hues. The same lake offers completely different views at different times. 4. Filming Location of "A Little Red Flower" 🎬 Salt Lake No. 5 in the scenic area was the filming location for the movie "A Little Red Flower" starring Jackson Yee. The "Piano on the Sea" scene in the lake has become a pilgrimage site for countless fans. 🗺️ Detailed Introduction to Six Viewing Points Viewing Point | Features | Recommended Experience ---|---|--- No. 1 Viewing Point | Vegetation experiment area, with reed flowers fluttering in autumn | Five viewing platforms to capture blooming reeds No. 2 Viewing Point | Mainly pale yellow salt lake, with a distant view of Red Flag Peak | A treasure trove for photography enthusiasts; alkali road leads to No. 3 point No. 3 Viewing Point | Composed of five lakes in yellow-green, emerald green, light green, and violet | Color changes at different times; peaceful scenery at dusk No. 4 Viewing Point | Two lakes, one green and one blue, reflecting each other | Best spot for shooting water reflections No. 5 Viewing Point | Largest lake group | Best location for aerial panoramic shots; scattered like an oil painting No. 6 Viewing Point | Popular "Heart-shaped Lake," deep blue and light green mother-child lakes | Perfect spot for crystal boat photography; the starting point of Emerald Lake’s fame 💰 Tickets and Opening Hours · Ticket Prices 🎫: Peak Season (May–October): 50 RMB/person Off-Season (January–April, November–December): 25 RMB/person Small Train Ticket: 60 RMB/person (round trip) · Opening Hours ⏰: Peak Season: 07:30–19:30 Off-Season: 08:00–19:00 · Free Admission: Seniors over 60, children under 6 🚂 Recommended Tour Routes Small Train Loop Tour (Recommended for first-time visitors) Scenic Area Entrance → Take the small train directly to the terminal station → Reverse tour of No. 6 "Heart-shaped Lake" → No. 5 panoramic aerial lake → No. 4 reflection shooting point → No. 3 colorful lake group → Return to entrance Hiking Deep Tour (Suitable for those with good stamina) Walk 1 km from the entrance to No. 5 and No. 6 points → Visit No. 3 and No. 4 lakes in order → Finally visit No. 1 and No. 2 points. The hiking route is a straight line, more direct than the train route. Time-saving Tip: Many people gather at the terminal station for photos; walk deeper to the left for fewer crowds and better scenery. The Heart-shaped Lake and Blue Cave are over there. 📸 Complete Photography Guide · Best Times: Sunrise/Sunset – When sunlight slants, the lake surface shows a gradient of Tiffany blue and amber hues 8:30–10:00 AM – Fewer people and soft light · Outfit Suggestions: Wear solid color long dresses (white or red are best), paired with a straw bag or wide-brimmed hat to enhance the atmosphere · Must-shoot Spots: · "Heart of Emerald" Viewing Platform – Stunning salt crystal formations, perfect for aerial shots · Mirror Boardwalk – Softest light at 4 PM, ideal for full reflections · White Salt Pavilion – Experience "floating in the Dead Sea" · Equipment Preparation: Use a drone for low-altitude views of salt ponds like scattered diamonds on the earth; wide-angle lens for large scenes; telephoto lens to compress layers of salt flats and snowy mountains 🚗 Transportation Guide · Self-drive/Charter: From Dachaidan Town, drive about 12 km along National Highway 315 (20 minutes), navigate to "Dachaidan Emerald Lake" · Group Tours: Most Qinghai-Gansu Loop tours include this attraction, suitable for first-time visitors · Public Transport: Arrive at Xining by plane/train → Transfer to Delingha → Self-drive or take a bus to Dachaidan Town → Arrive at the scenic area 💡 Practical Tips 1. Altitude Sickness: The scenic area is about 3,148 meters above sea level; avoid strenuous exercise and consider carrying an oxygen bottle 2. Sun Protection and Warmth: Strong UV rays on the plateau require sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun hats; large temperature differences between day and night mean even in summer, bring a thick jacket 3. Salt Lake Protection: The salt lake is highly corrosive; avoid prolonged contact of metal items with salt flats; waterproof shoe covers are recommended (available for rent at the scenic area) 4. Safety Notice: Strictly prohibited to enter undeveloped areas; some dark-colored lakes are brine pools with safety hazards; watch your step to avoid sinking into soft salt flats 5. Supplies: No dining facilities inside the scenic area; bring your own snacks and drinking water 🏡 Accommodation and Food · Recommended Accommodation: Stay in Dachaidan Town hotels for easy early access to the scenic area; or experience bubble houses at N37° Starry Sky Camp for stargazing at night · Food Recommendations: 【Yibula Specialty Kang Pot】Fragrant lamb kang pot! Address: No. 23 Renmin Road, Dachaidan Town 【Ma Zhong Restaurant】Yogurt paired with highland barley cakes is a must-try ✨ When the emerald green lake meets the snow-capped mountains, and the sky mirror reflects your silhouette—every frame of Dachaidan Emerald Lake is a treasured natural masterpiece! 📸