Northwest Grand Loop Tour: The Chaka Salt Lake Chapter

【Chaka Salt Lake - Mirror of the Sky】: Located about 5 kilometers south of Chaka Town in Ulan County, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, the scenic area is just a 10-minute drive away. Chaka Salt Lake is one of Qinghai's famous salt lakes, renowned as the "Mirror of the Sky." Nestled amidst snow-capped mountains and grasslands, the lake features shimmering waves, patches of white salt, reflections of snowy peaks, and lush greenery. Its unique natural scenery and diverse salt formations make it a must-visit destination along the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop. 🕘【Opening Hours】: Peak season (November 1 - April 30): 07:10-21:30 (last entry at 19:30); Off-season (May 1 - October 30): 07:30-19:00. Recommended visiting time is 2-4 hours, preferably in the morning or after 4 PM when the lighting is ideal for photography. Good weather is also essential for capturing stunning shots. 💴【Ticket Prices】: Admission: Adults ¥60, Half-price ¥30. Free entry for seniors over 60, children under 6 years old (or under 1.2 meters in height), and visitors from Zhejiang Province. Scenic area train: ¥50 for one-way, ¥100 for round-trip. ⛺【Travel Tips】: 1. Suggested itinerary: Ticket check ▶ Walk straight to the Salt Worker Hall ▶ Sky Mirror Train Station (board the scenic train to enter the lake) ▶ Chaka Salt Station (view the impressive outdoor salt sculptures) ▶ Chaka Sunset Station (enjoy sunrise and sunset views) ▶ Chaka Wind Station (experience the freedom of the wind at the Crystal Love Viewing Platform) ▶ Chaka Snow Station (360° panoramic view of the salt lake from the Snowflake Platform and close-up experiences at multiple photo spots) ▶ Exit the lake (via scenic train) ▶ Chaka Heart Station (visit the Salt Culture Museum to learn about the history of Qinghai salt) ▶ Take the scenic area electric shuttle to the exit (featuring cultural creations, food, and local specialties). 2. Activities: The scenic area offers various activities, including the scenic train (¥50 one-way/¥100 round-trip) and boat rides (¥90 per person). 👉【Clothing Suggestions】: Equipment: Camera/phone; if possible, bring a drone. Clothing: Bright colors like red, yellow, or white work well. Shoes: Sneakers are recommended; other types are not advised. 🧡【Friendly Reminders】: The scenic area requires visitors to rent shoe covers (¥10 rental fee, ¥100 deposit) or go barefoot for water photography; wearing shoes directly into the water is prohibited. For women who love taking photos, colorful long dresses are recommended. The water temperature in Chaka Salt Lake is relatively low, and there are various-sized salt holes in the lake, so please be cautious while playing. Don't forget sunscreen!