[2024 Golmud Attraction] Travel Guide for Chaerhan Salt Lake (Updated Nov)
No.2 of Best Things to Do in Golmud
Hiking
Lakes
Address:
Chaerhan Town, Golmud City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Opening times:
Open today at 08:30-19:00(Tickets available until 18:00; admission ends at 18:30)Opening Soon
Recommended sightseeing time:
2-3 hours
Phone:
18309798669
Chaerhan Salt Lake
✨📸Chaerhan Salt Lake, an emerald wonderland, is waiting for you to take stunning photos!✨
Hey guys, today I'm going to take you to a breathtakingly beautiful photo spot - Chaerhan Salt Lake! 👇Get your camera ready, put on your most fairy-like dress, and let's go! 🚀
🌈 **First sight of the salt lake, stunningly beautiful**
As soon as you step into this magical land, you will be deeply attracted by the apple green gradient lake, which is like the most proud palette of nature! 🎨The lake water gradually changes from white to green, which is so beautiful that it makes people's hearts beat. Remember, don't rush to take photos at the entrance, the most beautiful secret garden is inside! 🌸
🚌 **Traffic tips**
Self-driving or chartered car is the best choice. It only takes 1 hour to drive from Golmud City, which is easy and convenient! 🚗Of course, if you are short of time, it is also a good choice to fly directly to Golmud! The plane lands and the beautiful scenery is right there! ✈️
🎟️ **Tickets & Admission**
The ticket plus the round-trip bus in the scenic area is a total of 0 yuan, which is super cost-effective! 🎫The opening hours are from 8 am to 6:30 pm, remember to arrange your time reasonably! As soon as you enter the door, take the bus, and you will reach the core scenic spot in half an hour, which is time-saving and labor-saving! 🚌
📸 **Photo spots**
1. **Jade Terrace**: The green lotus under the drone's perspective is breathtakingly beautiful! 🌸This is a must-visit internet celebrity spot, remember to bring your drone and take photos from a different perspective!
2. **Lake Island**: The endless salt lake and the blue sky and white clouds complement each other. Reed mushroom umbrellas, swings, piano shapes... all kinds of photo props are available, and you can take beautiful photos no matter how you shoot! 🎹
3. **Roadside**: You must take photos of the road when you are shooting, one side is yellow and the other side is green, the color contrast is super strong, your photos will definitely stand out in the circle of friends! 🛣️
👗 **Dress suggestions**
Put on a fairy-like dress, white or bright colors are the best choice, forming a sharp contrast with the salt lake background, you are the most beautiful scenery! 👗
🌞 **Sun protection tips**
The ultraviolet rays of the salt lake are very strong, remember to bring a straw hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, protect your skin, and then you can take beautiful photos! 🕶️
JetsetterAdventures222
Live from Chaerhan Salt Lake, a place so beautiful it doesn't seem real.
🎀《Chaerhan Salt Lake, breathtakingly beautiful!》🎀
Folks😜, who knows! Chaerhan Salt Lake is really amazing👏👏👏! Under the sunlight, the lake water is particularly clear, like God spilled apple juice🍏, it's simply too pleasing to the eye! The photos are amazing🤩
💁♀️Let's talk about transportation🚗. Take the Northwest Ring Road, stay in Golmud, 1 hour from Chaerhan Salt Lake. It is recommended to drive by yourself, of course, there are also car rentals and buses🚌.
Let's talk about the scenic area😃, after entering the gate, you need to take a bus🚌, about half an hour. After getting off the bus, there is a sightseeing car in the direction of the left hand, take it to the last stop and get off, and then play from the inside out!
About taking pictures📷, there are swings, white pianos, starry sky houses inside, wow😍! But the glass boat is charged...
Here comes the dressing advice👗, a more fairy skirt will look better in the photo!
Note⚠️items👇🏻
1. Chaerhan Salt Lake is all green apple green, no red, yellow.
2. No need to wear shoe covers, you can go in with your own shoes.
3. Be sure to go on a sunny day, the color of the water is beautiful when the sun shines. Dizzy😵, pay attention to sun protection, strong ultraviolet rays, prepare straw hats and sunglasses.
Cook-~Aria
Never want to come again
Breaking into Wonderland, the dreamy salt lake like angel tears, once you come, you don't want to leave
🚩Location of the salt lake: 60 kilometers north of Golmud City, Qinghai Province
🚗You can take the G109 National Highway from Xining to Golmud and then locate the Chaerhan Salt Lake (you can only search for the entrance of the scenic spot, the routes inside may not be searchable)
📍No tickets are required for the scenic spot, but you need to take a bus 🚌 at the entrance, which costs 100 yuan per person and takes about half an hour
📍After arriving, you need to take a sightseeing car 🚂 to reach the core scenic area, which costs 20 yuan per person (you can also walk about 2KM, but the road is not easy to walk)
📍There are swings, pianos, and glass boats available for shooting inside the scenic area (glass boats and pianos are charged 💰)
📍The starry sky tents on the salt bridge are also very photogenic 🖼
📸Photo tips:
🌈If you can fly, it is recommended to bring your own drone 🛩 The scenic area provides drone shooting for 300 yuan per person
🌈Currently, you can still (under the premise of ensuring safety) sit on the salt lake to take pictures, 📷 but it is a bit painful
🌈It is recommended to arrive for shooting at dawn or sunset 🌥, the light is too strong at noon 🌟 and the reflection on the lake surface is too serious!
⚠️Precautions:
1. It is not recommended ❗️ to let salt water contact your skin
2. Do good sun protection, ☀️ direct sunlight
3. Bring sunglasses 🕶, the reflection of salt water is dazzling
DelhiDynasty222
Northwest Trip
D1: Xining - Laji Mountain - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Delingha (Stay)
D2: Delingha - Chaka Salt Lake - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (Stay)
D3: Dachaidan - 315U-shaped Highway - Heidu Mountain - Dunhuang Night Market - Dunhuang (Stay)
D4: Dunhuang Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang (Stay)
D5: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (optional) - Zhangye Danxia Landform - Zhangye (Stay)
D6: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Xining (Return)
GRANT HODGES
Green Treasure: The vitality and energy of Chaerhan Salt Lake
Green|Chaerhan Salt Lake
Green, as a color, is located in the middle of the spectrum, with a wavelength range of 517-570 nanometers. In nature, green is widely present, such as in leaves, grasslands, oases, etc. In human culture, green is usually associated with concepts like life, health, vitality, nature, peace, etc.
Chaerhan Salt Lake is located in Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. It is the largest salt lake in China and the second largest in the world. The area of Chaerhan Salt Lake is about 5856 square kilometers, and its altitude is about 2670 meters. Chaerhan Salt Lake is an inland lake, with its water mainly coming from the melting snow of the surrounding mountains and groundwater. The salt content of the lake water is extremely high, reaching 32%, making Chaerhan Salt Lake one of the most important salt chemical bases in China.
The green of Chaerhan Salt Lake may be related to the microorganisms, minerals, and light in the lake water. Under sunlight, the microorganisms and minerals in the lake water may appear green. In addition, the green of Chaerhan Salt Lake may also be affected by the surrounding ecological environment, such as grasslands, oases, etc.
drystan_3851
[Qalhan Salt Lake in Qinghai]
Zarhan Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in China and one of the most famous salt lakes in the world. The picture taken in my picture is the Wanzhang Salt Bridge, which is a road made of salt and extends into the lake. Its hardness is comparable to that of the asphalt road.
We can see from the sky that there are white crystals on both sides of the salt bridge. The lake is transparent and green. The scenery here is picturesque. The sunny Chaerhan Salt Lake has also become a good place for photography.
Note: Sun protection measures should be prepared. It is recommended to bring a hat and sunglasses. You can drive in by yourself. In principle, only visiting documents are allowed to enter. You need to communicate in advance.
Travel Boy.
Zhangye-Jiuquan-Haixi Travel Guide (Autumn Edition): Read it and you'll want to go!
Hi, travel lovers! This 8-day tour of Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Haixi is full of beautiful scenery. Check out this guide for some useful tips!
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🚗 Itinerary:
Day 1: Depart from Zhengzhou -> Arrive in Lanzhou
Fly from Zhengzhou to Lanzhou and get ready to start your exciting trip to Northwest China!
Day 2: Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
Spend the whole day exploring the colorful Danxia landform and marvel at the wonders of nature.
Day 3: Earth Son -> Jiuquan Mirage
Visit the mysterious Earth Son sculpture and experience the fusion of art and nature. In the afternoon, head to Jiuquan to see the beautiful mirage.
Day 4: Mogao Caves -> Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring
Visit the Mogao Caves in the morning to see the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures. In the afternoon, head to Mingsha Mountain to ride camels, slide down sand dunes, and enjoy the tranquility of Crescent Moon Spring.
Day 5: South Eight Immortals Ghost City -> East Taijiner Lake
Travel through the South Eight Immortals Ghost City and experience the desolation and mystery of the Gobi Desert. Arrive at East Taijiner Lake in the evening to enjoy the sunset.
Day 6: Qarhan Salt Lake -> Chaka Salt Lake
Visit Qarhan Salt Lake in the morning to see the magnificent and pure salt lake. In the afternoon, head to Chaka Salt Lake to walk on the mirror-like surface and enjoy the dreamy scenery.
Day 7: Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake
Spend the whole day exploring the beautiful scenery of Qinghai Lake. Erlangjian Scenic Area is a great place to enjoy the lake and mountains.
Day 8: Lanzhou -> Return to Zhengzhou
End your wonderful trip to Northwest China and fly back home from Lanzhou.
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**Notes**:
🚗 Airport transportation: Take a private car or a regular passenger car to ensure safe travel.
🎁 Specialty prices: Jiuquan has a wide variety of specialties at affordable prices. Remember to shop around!
🎉 Local customs: Respect the local multi-ethnic culture and avoid wearing revealing clothing in religious places.
🌦️ Climate change: The temperature difference in Zhangye, Jiuquan, and Haixi is large, so bring a thick coat.
💧 Skin care: The climate is dry, so drink plenty of water and bring moisturizer.
📸 Photo opportunities: The Danxia landform and Mogao Caves are must-see attractions. Wear bright clothes for better photos!
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The Danxia landform in Zhangye, the ancient sites in Jiuquan, and the secret places in Haixi offer three different experiences in one trip! Don't hesitate, check out this guide and start your trip to Northwest China!
ambrosial_brianna
8-Day Deep Tour of Eboliang and Aiken Spring: A Guide to Exploring the Secret Land.
8-Day Tour of Eboliang and Aiken Spring: Explore the magical land of the northwest! This super detailed guide will take you to every scenic spot. Don't miss it!
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🚗Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at the hotel in Xining, rest, and enjoy free time to recharge for the upcoming journey!
Day 2: Tour Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the lake and mountains -> Visit Chaka Salt Lake and experience the magical mirror of the sky.
Day 3: Admire the magnificent scenery of Qarhan Salt Lake -> Immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery of Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area.
Day 4: Explore the unique landforms of Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park -> Admire the two-color lake wonder of Xitaijinaier Lake.
Day 5: Visit the mysterious Aiken Spring -> Feel the tranquility of nature by the Gaskule Lake -> Stroll along Mangya Emerald Lake and enjoy the emerald-like lake light.
Day 6: Trace the history of Lenghu Oil Base Site -> Drive along Mars Highway 1 and start a Mars adventure -> Experience the sci-fi charm of Mars Camp -> Explore the sulfur lake and the strange scenery of Eboliang.
Day 7: Conquer Kunlun Pass and feel the vastness of the plateau -> Look up at the majestic Yuzhu Peak -> Enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature in Xidatan Scenic Area.
Day 8: Return to Xining from Golmud and end this unforgettable journey. 🎉
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Some tips:
- Photo spots: The Yadan landform of Eboliang is super cool, and the Devil's Eye of Aiken Spring is not to be missed. The photo rate is super high 📸✨
- November climate: The Qaidam Basin is cold in November, so remember to wear more clothes to keep warm 🧣🧤
- Specialty prices: Local specialties are affordable, but it's more cost-effective to shop around when buying 🛍️💰
- Safety reminder: The terrain of Eboliang is complex, so don't explore alone. It's safer to follow a professional team 🚫🧗♀️
- Eco-friendly travel: When visiting Aiken Spring, please protect the environment and do not litter 🌍🚮
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For those who love adventure, Eboliang and Aiken Spring are waiting for you to challenge! Don't forget to like and bookmark, and follow me so you won't get lost~✨
LOUISA CARLSON
4-Day Autumn Trip to Haixi-Xining: The Best Time to Visit.
Hey friends! A 4-day trip to Haixi-Xining, explore the Northwest! Here's a super detailed guide, save it and start your journey now!
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🏞️Itinerary:
DAY 1: Chaka Salt Lake
Stroll along the Mirror of the Sky and feel the tranquility and magnificence of the salt lake.
DAY 2: Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area - Qarhan Salt Lake
Explore the emerald-like lakes and then head to Qarhan to experience the unique charm of the salt lake.
DAY 3: Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park - Dongtai Jinel Lake
Travel through the unique landforms of the Water Yadan and encounter the dreamy blue of Dongtai Jinel Lake.
DAY 4: Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake - Qinghai Daotang River Scenic Area - Riyue Mountain
Admire the scenery of Erlangjian in Qinghai Lake, explore the mystery of Daotang River, and climb Riyue Mountain to overlook the plateau scenery.
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**Notes**:
- Specialty Prices🏷️: Be sure to shop around when buying specialties to avoid being ripped off by overpriced and low-quality products.
- Airport Transportation🛫: Xining Airport is convenient after expansion, but please check flight and airport information before traveling to ensure a smooth trip.
- Customs🎉: Experience the unique wedding culture of Qinghai and the traditional custom of getting married at midnight, and don't forget to respect local customs!
- Dressing Guide👗: The temperature difference between day and night in Xining in October is large, so remember to bring a windbreaker and brightly colored clothes for better photos!
- Health Preparation💪: Altitude sickness is common, so you can prepare some glucose oral solution and try not to inhale oxygen to let your body adapt naturally.
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Come to Haixi-Xining to experience the unique Northwest style and make your trip full of surprises and good memories, don't miss it! 🎉
MichaelMoore
Emeralds scattered across the Gobi Desert.
There are many different colored "gems" embedded in the Northwest, blue, green, yellow, red...
When you are there, your pursuit of scenery will be elevated to a new height. May your vision not only be the deep blue of the sea, but also the different colors of the western world, waiting for you and me to continue to unlock.
⭕Route Guide
🔹The most convenient transportation in the Northwest: self-driving
You can follow the navigation to get there.
🔹Public transportation—independent travel
Take the train to Golmud, and choose a one-day tour of Chaka Salt Lake online. Tour fee 💰: 188
⭕Ticket 🎫: 100💰
(Including: ticket 40, round-trip shuttle bus 60)
The gate of the scenic area is far away, and it takes about half an hour to take a car. The car leaves when it is full. When you arrive at the salt lake, you can take photos freely.
⭕Wanzhang Salt Bridge
On the way back, there will be a stop at the "Wanzhang Salt Bridge" scenic spot, and there will be time to get off the bus to take photos. Generally, many people will not get off the bus, and the scenery is average.
⭕Suggestions
🔹Prepare water in advance. There is water for sale in the Gobi Desert scenic area, but it is also relatively expensive. Prepare more in advance.
🔹Pay attention to sun protection. The ultraviolet rays in the northwest are relatively strong. Physical sun protection is the most reliable. Whether you are male or female, cover yourself tightly.
🔹Sunglasses are a must. The salt in the salt lake reflects light very strongly. It is a reflector and is relatively dazzling. You must wear sunglasses.
🔹Be mentally prepared for dry toilets. If you can't stand dry toilets, try to drink less water. After all, most people can't accept dry toilets.
Unlimited scenery is waiting for us to unlock one by one. Let's continue to set off together and explore the unknown that belongs to us.
Thank you for meeting me. This is the Miscellaneous Shop...
Henry57 Brooks - Hank
Qinghai Tour: Classic Attraction - Chaka Salt Lake
The beauty of the northwest is a masterpiece of nature. Here, you will find majestic plateaus, rippling lakes, dancing birds, and melodious pastoral songs. Stepping into the northwest is like entering a natural ink painting, feeling the tranquility and serenity.
Chaka Salt Lake is located in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, at the lowest and most central part of the Qaidam Basin. It is the largest salt lake in China and the second largest in the world. The lake is rich in minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, lithium, boron, and iodine, with reserves exceeding 50 billion tons. There is a salt bridge over the lake, and if you drive from Golmud to Dunhuang, you will pass through this salt-built road. The color of the lake water ranges from light green to dark green, blue, dark blue, dark gray, and black, influenced by the elements in the water, the depth of the lake, the intensity of sunlight, the angle of light, and the thickness of the sedimentary rocks at the bottom.
The ripples on the water shimmer under the sunlight, mesmerizing those who gaze at it for too long. Many photography drones have also been lost here, crashing and becoming unusable. In the Qaidam Basin at an altitude of 2,700 meters, the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert is barren, yet here you can enjoy the colorful and clear water scenery on such a large scale, which is truly amazing. However, the intense sunlight and the reflective radiation from the water surface can easily burn the skin and eyes. The bright green hue is unforgettable.
Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Water Yadan + Emerald Lake + Qaidam Basin + Mogao Caves + Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring + Jiayuguan + Zhangye Danxia + Qilian Seven-Day Free Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Xining · Qinghai Lake · Chaka Salt Lake. Stay in Chaka Town
Day 2: Chaka · Cross Qaidam · Dachaidan Emerald Lake. Stay in Dachaidan
Day 3: Dachaidan · Chaka Salt Lake · Water Yadan · Dongtai Jinel Lake · U-shaped Road, Dachaidan
Day 4: Dachaidan · Heidushan · Ancient City of Dunhuang · Dunhuang
Day 5: Morning visit to Mogao Caves · Afternoon visit to Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring · Dunhuang
Day 6: Dunhuang · Guazhou Son of the Earth · Zhangye Danxia · Zhangye
Day 7: Zhangye · Biandukou · Qilian Grassland · Menyuan · Distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak · Xining
青海旅游当地向导祁军
Chaka Salt Lake - God's spilled apple juice.
Finally here‼️
The No.1 salt lake in Asia that I've been longing for,
The fluorescent green lake water is like God spilled green apple juice,
Every corner is extremely dreamy and beautiful.
⛱️Must-visit attractions: There are pianos, swings, heart-shaped rings... and many other photo spots by the salt lake, so you don't have to worry about not getting good photos~ If you have a drone, it would be even better.
Travel tips: Admission: CNY 100 (including shuttle bus fare), sightseeing bus in the scenic area: CNY 10/person (round trip).
🏨Accommodation tips: The accommodation is booked in a residential area in Golmud, which is quite distinctive, with three large kang beds. The only downside is that the bathroom is too small, I don't understand why it is designed like this.
💗Other tips: The northwest 🌞UV rays are very strong, so you need to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing, and you must do a good job in sun protection. It is recommended to prepare light-colored clothes or skirts, which are very photogenic. There is a small loudspeaker in the scenic area that will prompt: The salt water here is poisonous, so be sure to pay attention not to drink it, and try to avoid contact!!
Penelope.Rivera.67
Apple juice spilled by God - Chaka Salt Lake
✅Attraction Introduction:
Chaka Salt Lake, with its green lake water, is like China's own "Maldives". It is even more magnificent when the wind is strong. The sunlight reflected on the lake surface and the white salt lake complement each other, making it a beautiful sight to behold.
🚉Transportation Strategy:
You can drive to Chaka Salt Lake; after taking the train to Golmud Railway Station, you can share a ride to the lake, which takes about 2 hours.
📝Tips:
1. You can walk or take a battery car in the scenic area, but it is recommended to walk and take photos along the way.
2. Prepare sunglasses to protect your eyes from the dazzling sunlight.
3. Aerial photography is more suitable for taking photos. If you bring a drone, please use it.
4. Sun protection is important as the ultraviolet rays in the northwest region are strong.
🚏Recommended Tour Route:
Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Overnight in Chaka Town
Day 2: Chaka Town → Xiaochaidan Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Dachaidan
AmeliaLewis
The Sky Mirror, a dreamy apple green in the northwest.
Chaka Salt Lake, located in Golmud, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, covers an area of 5,856 square kilometers. It is the largest salt lake in China and the second largest in the world. It is an upgraded version of the Sky Mirror, which is so beautiful that it is breathtaking!
Standing on the boundless salt crystals, surrounded by the reflection of the sky, it is not clear where the sky is and where the ground is. 📸 Pick up your phone, take a casual shot, and it's a popular beauty shot in your circle of friends!
SportsAddiction
Salt Lake.
There are many famous salt lakes in China. Here are some popular salt lake tourist attractions and travel guides:
Chaka Salt Lake, located at No. 9 Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province:
- Day 1: Arrive at Chaka Salt Lake. You can choose to take a train to Wulan County and then transfer to a bus to Chaka Salt Lake. After arriving, check in to a nearby hotel and rest.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant near the scenic area.
- Afternoon: Enter the Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the beauty of the Sky Mirror. You can wear brightly colored clothes for photos.
- Evening: Experience the starry sky of the salt lake.
Qarhan Salt Lake, located at No. 9 Chaerhan Road, Golmud City, Qinghai Province:
- Day 1: Arrive in Golmud. You can rent a car and drive to Qarhan Salt Lake. You can stop by Golmud City on the way.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant near the salt lake.
- Afternoon: Visit Qarhan Salt Lake and learn about the formation and development of the salt lake. You can also visit the unique Wanchang Salt Bridge.
- Evening: Taste local delicacies.
Dachaidan Emerald Lake, located about 10 kilometers northwest of Dachaidan Town, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province:
- Day 1: Travel from Dachaidan City to Emerald Lake. You can drive yourself or hire a car.
- Lunch: Have lunch in Dachaidan City.
- Afternoon: Visit Emerald Lake. The scenery of Emerald Lake varies depending on the season and weather.
- Evening: Return to Dachaidan City and rest.
Please note that the salt lake area has a dry climate and strong ultraviolet rays. Please take sun protection and moisturizing measures. At the same time, pay attention to environmental protection during the tour and do not damage the salt lake ecosystem. The specific cost depends on your itinerary and consumption level.
KolkataKathakDancer
We took some amazing drone photos in Qinghai!
8 days and 7 nights in the Northwest Qinghai-Gansu Loop 🗺️
No camera or tripod needed
We took these amazing drone photos
Highly recommend everyone to go on a self-driving tour at least once
And be sure to bring a drone ✈️
The boundless land is full of vitality and brilliant colors
It's breathtaking every time you see it
The aftertaste is really too strong
📷📷📷 Photo spots
P1: Dongtaijinaer Lake
P2: Salt Bridge next to Jade Lake Station 4
P3: Chaka Salt Lake IP Doll
P4: Next to the clear water of Chaka Salt Lake
P5: Water Yadan, Yadan's Eye
P6: Ebo Liang Mars Lake
P7: Jade Lake Beeswax Lake
P8: Jade Lake Beeswax Lake
P9: Ebo Liang (left), Heidu Mountain (right)
MathiasHaugland
Silk Road Dream Enjoyment Train Dachaidan Emerald Lake & Chaerhan Salt Lake
🔸After breakfast on the train, disembark and transfer to a special car to Emerald Lake.
Each group of guests will be arranged a luxury car 🚗 (one person will travel alone in one car). As soon as you get off the station, you will see the drivers in uniform, standing in rows, with the cars parked neatly, creating a very spectacular scene.
🚗Once you get in the car, the driver will introduce the facilities in the car, providing water, slippers, charging cables, snack packs, oxygen bottles, shoe covers...
🔸The special car will take you to Emerald Lake through the VIP channel. The playtime is about 2 hours. Once you enter the scenic area, you will directly take a small train 🚂, which will take you directly to point 2 📍. After getting off the train, the vacation ambassador will tell everyone where the photographers will be waiting. If you want to take pictures 📷, you can go directly. You can also play by yourself, then queue up to take the small train back, passing through points 3/4/5/6 📍. On the day we returned, there were fewer people at points 3/4.
🔸At 10:30, arrive at the Silk Road Dream Enjoyment Train camp on the grassland, enjoy barbecue, fruits, drinks, and desserts. You can experience horseback riding 🐎 and archery for free at the camp.
🔸At 12:00, the special car will take you back to the train for lunch.
🔸At 16:00, the train arrives at Golmud Station, and transfer to a special car to Chaerhan Salt Lake. Enter the scenic area and change to the scenic area bus. The vacation ambassador will explain the history of the salt lake in Golmud on the bus. After getting off the bus, it is free time. The photographer will also wait at several points. If there are not many people taking pictures, you can ask the photographer to follow you to the places you want to take pictures 📷.
🔸At 20:30 pm, return to the train for dinner.
🌟Today's itinerary is all by special car from start to finish, one family per car. The driver will pick you up and drop you off at the scenic spots, and the service is very good. The vacation ambassador will always follow you in the scenic area. If you have any questions, you can contact them directly. It is the best experience day in the ground itinerary in the past few days❗️
Kianna Miller
Chaka Salt Lake
Chaka Salt Lake, located in the western part of Qinghai Province in China, is the largest salt lake in the country. It is as famous as the Chaka Salt Lake and is situated in the southern part of the Qaidam Basin, spanning across the Golmud City and Dulan County.
Chaka Salt Lake is formed by the convergence of Dabusun Lake and other salt pools such as South Hobson, North Hobson, and Senie, covering a total area of 5,856 square kilometers. Several endorheic rivers, including the Golmud River and the Qaidam River, flow into the lake. Due to continuous evaporation, a hard salt crust has formed on the lake, on which the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Qinghai-Tibet Highway are directly built. Chaka Salt Lake contains abundant reserves of inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride, with total reserves exceeding 50 billion tons, making it one of China's mining bases. It features the famous 'Salt Bridge' that spans thousands of meters.
BenjaminMacIntyre84
Less known than the Chaka Salt Lake, it is the largest 'Mirror of the Sky' in China
Speaking of 'Sky Realm', the nearby place
might be the Chaka Salt Lake, the distant place
might be the Uyuni Salt Flat
But in fact, in Qinghai
there is a salt lake that is second only to the Uyuni Salt Flat and is 56 times larger than the Chaka Salt Lake. It is the largest salt lake in China
and also the second largest salt lake in the world with an area of 5865 square kilometers
which is equivalent to the area of 3 Shenzhen cities
The Qarhan Salt Lake has a huge reserve of salt, it is said that it could build a salt bridge between the Earth and the Moon
with a width of 6 meters and a thickness of 3 meters. It is also known as the most valuable lake in the world
The colors and layers of the Qarhan Salt Lake are extremely rich as if it has been coated with thick paint. In different seasons and times
green, yellow, blue, white colors alternate, giving the Qarhan Salt Lake layer upon layer of enchanting veils
Qarhan Salt Lake is located in the Qaidam Basin, an almost undeveloped fairyland... Coexisting with the majestic Kunlun Snow Mountains and the vast Gobi Desert, it is both magnificent and elegant
$Ticket: 80 (ticket + round-trip bus) divided into off-season and peak season
Driving: Currently, private cars are not allowed to drive to the salt lake, you need to stop at the distribution center, buy a ticket, and take the bus to get there, which takes about 20 minutes.
HikingAdventures*
Qinghai Qarhan Salt Lake.
Qarhan Salt Lake
Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge: In fact, it is a wide avenue paved with salt built on the salt lake. It has neither piers nor railings, and the entire road surface is flat and smooth, as level as a grindstone. It looks almost the same as the asphalt roads in the city.
The terrain around the salt lake is flat and the desert is boundless, but the scenery is unique. When the weather is fine, the vast lake surface is like a huge treasure mirror, emitting a silver glow, steaming with heat, and sparkling with waves, truly resembling an ocean of blue waves. The lake also produces pearl salt, known as the "largest salt lake," with each grain as pure white as snow and as clean as jade. Glass salt, also known as crystal salt, mostly appears in block form, transparent like glass. Freshly unearthed glass salt comes in colors such as yellow, orange, blue, pink, and milky white.
青海旅游当地向导祁军
China is very beautiful, with seventy percent of its beauty in the northwest.
The widely circulated saying "China is very beautiful, with seventy percent of its beauty in the northwest" raises the question: where does the renowned beauty of Qinghai lie?
Its beauty lies in the grandeur of its mountains and rivers, the elegance of its landscapes, the harmony of its culture,
the purity of its blue skies and white clouds, the vastness of its snow-capped mountains and grasslands, the pristine lakes and rivers,
the desolation of its Gobi deserts, the magnificence of its Danxia landforms, the uniqueness of its glaciers and permafrost.
Its beauty lies in its long-standing historical, ethnic, red, and ecological cultures,
its beauty lies in the Sanjiangyuan National Park, Qilian Mountain National Park, and the Great Wall Long March National Cultural Park, where new chapters are written and brilliance is displayed.
From mountains and rivers to lakes, from the Gobi to deserts, from plateaus to grasslands, it is both lonely and prosperous, desolate yet full of vitality. This is the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop.
🛬【Itinerary】:
Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Seven-Day Tour (Chaka Salt Lake + Water Yadan)
Day 1: Depart from Xining → Sun and Moon Mountain → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake (overnight)
Day 2: Chaka Town → Keluke Lake → Cross the Qaidam Basin → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan (overnight)
Day 3: Dachaidan → Chaka Salt Lake → 315 U-shaped Road → Water Yadan → Nanhaixian Ghost City → Dachaidan (overnight)
Day 4: Dachaidan → Oil Town → Yangguan → Dunhuang (overnight/camping in the desert optional)
Day 5: Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Shazhou Night Market → Dunhuang (overnight)
Day 6: Dunhuang → Guazhou → Jiayuguan Fortress → Zhangye Danxia Landform → Qicai Town (overnight)
Day 7: Zhangye → Biandukou → Qilian Mountain Grassland → Gangshika Snow Peak → Menyuan Rapeseed Flower → Xining (overnight)
⛺【Must-Visit Attractions】:
"Chaka Salt Lake" Chaka Salt Lake is similar to Chaka Salt Lake, but Chaka Salt Lake is particularly dependent on the weather. When the weather is bad, it doesn't look very good, just a vast expanse of white. When the weather is good, there are blue skies and white clouds above, and windmills and snow-capped mountains in the background, which is one of the reasons it became famous. However, compared to Chaka Salt Lake, the weather has less impact on Chaka Salt Lake. Chaka Salt Lake is a salt lake nurtured by nature for billions of years. Walking by the lake, you can feel the crystal-clear, ever-changing magical salt flowers. There is a 32-kilometer-long salt bridge on the salt lake. Although it is just an ordinary road, it is made entirely of salt, so it is also known as the "Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge".
🍩【Must-Try Foods】:
Hand-Grasped Lamb; Hand-Grasped Lamb is a traditional food loved by the Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, and Uighur ethnic groups in Northwest China. It is said to have a history of nearly a thousand years and got its name because it was originally eaten by hand. As the name suggests, it needs to be eaten by hand, tearing, or cutting with a Tibetan knife. Although this unique way of eating lamb is no longer necessary with the development of the times, the name has been passed down to this day. The meat is red and white, fatty but not greasy, oily and tender, and very delicious. The meat is so tasty that even those who don't usually like lamb can give it a try, as it doesn't have a strong lamb smell.
🏨【Accommodation Tips】:
"Desert Camping" When you arrive in Dunhuang, you must experience desert camping. Activities include sand sliding, watching the sunset in the desert, desert motorcycling, singing and talent performances to set the mood, large bonfire parties, fireworks, iron flower performances, and unlimited hot pot, beer, and drinks. At night, you can also go to the heart of the desert to watch the starry sky and the Milky Way. Nowadays, everyone lives in cities and hasn't seen a sky full of stars for a long time, so experiencing desert camping will be an unforgettable night.
🚌【Transportation Tips】:
In the northwest, the distances between attractions are too far for city buses. There are route buses, but taking them is very troublesome and inconvenient as they don't go directly to the destinations. Therefore, the main ways to travel the northwest grand loop are self-driving, joining a tour group, or chartering a car. Personally, I recommend joining a tour group or chartering a car because, with self-driving, you are unfamiliar with the road conditions, and the long distances on the plateau can easily cause fatigue. Nowadays, there are many pure-play small groups, especially recommended for 1-2 people traveling. Since it is a pure-play small group, there are at most 8 people in a car, not too many, but the atmosphere will be very lively. Another option is to charter a car, which offers high flexibility, allowing you to plan your itinerary according to your preferences. You can play along the way, with professional drivers who are familiar with the routes, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip, avoiding many detours and pitfalls.
🧡【Tips】:
1. It is recommended to take Rhodiola, Highland Red, or other medications to prevent altitude sickness one or two weeks in advance.
2. Drink plenty of water when you first arrive at the plateau, avoid strenuous exercise and emotional excitement, do not overeat, and go to bed early to stay energetic for the trip.
3. Make sure you are in good health before traveling to the plateau. Although most areas are around 3,000 meters above sea level and most people have no reaction, it is still called a plateau, so respect it... hahaha (Safety is always the top priority when traveling).
4. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is an area with a high concentration of ethnic minorities, so please respect local customs.
5. When engaging in free activities in scenic areas, pay attention to safety, follow the rules of the scenic area, and travel civilly.
心动假期国旅❤
If you take the Z6811 to Tibet, you will see
21:50 Depart from Xining Station, arrive at Lhasa Station at 19:56 the next day
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21:50 Xining (altitude 2261 meters)
Nothing to see at night, just sleep 😴
Guanjiao Tunnel, 4000 meters in length
Qinghai Lake (altitude 3260 meters)
Chaerhan Salt Lake
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Next day:
5:00 1⃣️ Golmud (altitude 2829 meters) change locomotive
7:12 2⃣️ Kunlun Pass (altitude 4767 meters) left window
8:03 3⃣️ Hoh Xil (altitude 4500 meters) windows on both sides, Tibetan antelopes can be seen
9:38 4⃣️ Fenghuoshan (altitude 4905 meters) the train will broadcast an introduction
10:37 5⃣️ Tuotuo River (altitude 4300-4600 meters) Tuotuo River is one of the sources of the Yangtze River, after the melting of ice and snow on the mountains, it forms the Jinsha River
10:55 6⃣️ Tongtian River (altitude 4705 meters) right window
11:30 7⃣️ Source of the Three Rivers (altitude 4800 meters) left window
12:01 8⃣️ Tanggula Mountains (altitude 6621 meters) left window The train will slow down, and you can see the main peak of the Tanggula Mountains, Geladandong Peak, at an altitude of 6621 meters
13:50 9⃣️ Cuona Lake (altitude 4594 meters) right window The lakeside is bordered by a patchwork of green and yellow grasslands, and the grasslands are dotted with yaks
15:45 🔟 Qiangtang Grassland (altitude 4513 meters) left window Pure natural grassland! Gobi, grassland, lakes, mountains...
17:25 1⃣️0⃣️ Yangbajing (altitude 4300 meters) Although you can't feel the comfort of the geothermal hot springs up close while sitting on the train, you can still see the steam rising from the ground towards the sky from afar.
19:47 1⃣️1⃣️ Lhasa River (altitude 3580 meters) The last iconic sight before arriving at Lhasa Railway Station is the Lhasa River. After crossing the east-west flowing Lhasa River Bridge, it will come to a steady stop at Lhasa Railway Station on the south side of Lhasa.
19:56 1⃣️2⃣️ Lhasa (altitude 4300 meters)
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The whole journey is 1960 kilometers
OwenFletcher
The significance of the live map comes from the Chaka Salt Lake
Hi, buddies! Let me tell you a gorgeous little secret, that is the Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai! 🌄 No bragging, the scenery here is so breathtaking that it's like God accidentally spilled his apple juice, sprinkling it on this land. When the sunlight hits, the lake shimmers, and the green apple color of the water is simply eye-catching, perfect for photography! 📸
🚗 Travel Tips: To visit here, it's recommended to drive or rent a car. If you happen to be on the Northwest Grand Loop, it's even more convenient. Departing from Golmud, it takes only an hour to reach this earthly paradise. There are also buses within the scenic area, and after about half an hour's ride, you'll arrive at the photography holy land!
📷 Photography Tips: Want to take beautiful photos? Swings, white pianos, starry sky houses, and glass boats are all great props! But remember, some of them charge a fee. Also, wear a fairy-like dress, and you'll definitely become the focus of this beautiful scenery! 👗
💃 Outfit Suggestions: Since you're at the salt lake, of course, you should dress beautifully! But be careful, the area is full of green apple green, so try to avoid wearing red and yellow clothes, as they might stand out too much.
🌞 Weather Reminder: Be sure to come on a sunny day! The color of the lake water is most beautiful under the sun. Of course, don't forget about sun protection, prepare your straw hat and sunglasses, and enjoy this beautiful journey! 😎
Dragonfire^Enchantment!123
Qinghai Travel Route Recommendation
Whether you are heading to Xinjiang, Tibet, Dunhuang, or Lhasa, Qinghai is a must-pass place for people traveling to the west. Most of the land there is Gobi and snow-capped mountains, not suitable for human habitation. However, Qinghai's cultural and geographical resources are very rich, and it is still a paradise for climbers and the brave.
Qinghai is a fusion of Xinjiang and Tibet, known as the "Roof of the World." The eastern part of Qinghai is known as the "Key to the Heavenly River," "Throat of Haizang," "Barrier of the Golden City," "Rush of the Western Regions," and "Throat of the Jade Pass," highlighting its important geographical location.
Latest Qinghai-Gansu Loop Seven-Day Tour: Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chaerhan Salt Lake—Water Yadan—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Dunhuang Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Zhangye Danxia
The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Xining·Qinghai Lake·Chaka Salt Lake
Day 2: Crossing Qaidam·Chaerhan Salt Lake·Golmud
Day 3: Golmud·G315 National Highway (U-shaped Road)·Water Yadan·Qinghai Yadan·Dachaidan
Day 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake·Petroleum Town·Dunhuang
Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves in the morning·Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring in the afternoon·Dunhuang
Day 6: Dunhuang·Guazhou taste Hami melon·Jiayuguan Pass·Colorful Danxia·Zhangye
Day 7: Zhangye·Biandukou Scenic Area·Qilian Grassland·Menyuan·Dabanshan distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak·Xining
Highlights of the itinerary:
① Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, Yadan landform, Chaerhan Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Zhangye Colorful... A panoramic tour of Gansu and Qinghai, leaving no regrets.
② The itinerary is known for its diversity of scenic and cultural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower seas, lakes, Gobi, Yadan landforms, Danxia colorful hills, herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, and other natural landscapes.
青海旅游当地向导祁军
Amazing! The dreamy journey and detailed guide to Chaka Salt Lake
🍏Chaka Salt Lake is simply stunning! It's like being dazzled by beauty. Under the sunlight, the lake water is exceptionally clear, resembling God's accidentally spilled apple juice🍏, a real feast for the eyes. Taking photos here is super photogenic🤩!
💃Here comes the travel guide👇🏻
1️⃣Transportation🚗: Highly recommend self-driving, but of course, there are also car rentals and buses🚌 available. We took the Northwest Grand Loop and stayed in Golmud, about an hour's drive from Chaka Salt Lake.
2️⃣Scenic spot info: After entering the gate, you need to take a bus🚌 for about half an hour. After getting off, walk towards the left where you'll find a sightseeing car. Take it to the last stop, and then it's best to explore from the inside out!
3️⃣Photo spots📷: Inside, there are swings, a white piano, a starry sky house (glass boats are chargeable), and more.
4️⃣Dressing tips: Wearing a fairy-like dress for photos will be even more stunning!
5️⃣Things to note👇🏻
1. Chaka Salt Lake is all about apple green, with no red or yellow.
2. No need for shoe covers, just wear your own shoes.
3. Be sure to pick a sunny day to go, as the water color is only super beautiful when illuminated by the sun, and be sure to do good sun protection, with a straw hat and sunglasses all prepared.
BlazeHunter89
Northwest China Travel | Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Big Loop 6 Days 5 Nights Tour Guide
When you think of the Northwest, what comes to mind❓ Gobi deserts or the Loess Plateau? Then you must come and see ✨ Here, there are high mountain lakes, desert sunsets, forests and flowers, snowy mountains and salt lakes, and in addition to the beautiful scenery, there is the millennium heritage of the Silk Road Dunhuang. This classic 6⃣️-day big loop will take you through clear mountains and wide waters, feeling the vastness and romance of the great Northwest~
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🚘Itinerary at a glance
D①Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake-Chaka Town
D②Chaka-Qaidam Basin-Emerald Lake-Dachaidan
D③Dachaidan-Qinghai Yadan-Gobi Highway-Petroleum Town-Dunhuang
D④Dunhuang-Mogao Caves-Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring-Dunhuang
D⑤Dunhuang Guazhou-Jiayuguan-Zhangye Danxia-Zhangye
D⑥Zhangye-Qilian Grassland-Menyuan-Daban Mountain Viewing Platform-Xining
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🌈Attraction Guide
⛳Qinghai Lake: A highland lake as clear as a sapphire
Tips: Walking along the lake, you can see the statue of the Western Queen Mother in the middle of the lake, and going forward to the heart of the lake, you can take a large cruise ship and enjoy some water activities🛳️
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⛳Chaka Salt Lake: A natural crystalline salt lake, a pure light-colored lake
Tips: The Mirror of the Sky is a natural landscape where you can check in at the salt lake and play in the water, while Sky No.1 is a man-made attraction where you can experience many amusement projects✔️ Both scenic areas require a ride from the visitor center to the entrance, then choose one to play
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⛳Chaerhan Salt Lake: A vast salt lake as green as jade
Tips: The straw umbrellas, swings, road signs, and shallow shores in the scenic area are all popular photo spots📷 Aerial photography on the white road can capture different colors of lake water on both sides
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⛳Dachaidan Emerald Lake: A salt lake scenic area composed of small lakes of different sizes and colors
Tips: Lake No.1 is crowded, with food carts nearby, Lake No.4 is heart-shaped and requires aerial photography to see the shape, Lake No.5 has salt paths in the water where you can walk and take photos
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⛳Mogao Caves: A palace of art with splendidly painted murals
Tips: Cave No.17 with the Sutra Preservation Tower is a signature check-in spot, Cave No.96 is the nine-story Buddha, and the emergency visit includes Caves No.96, 148, 130, 100🔅
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🍀Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: A crescent-shaped spring surrounded by desert
Tips: The desert is very hot during the day, usually entering the park after 17:00, you can climb the sand dunes from the artificial wooden walkway, and prepare shoe covers before going to the scenic area (or wear slippers)
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⛳Zhangye Danxia: A Danxia landform with interlacing colors and hilly appearance
Tips: The scenic tour goes from Viewing Platform No.1 to No.4, pay attention to the visiting order of each gate⭕
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🍀Considerate Tips
1⃣️Normal tickets for the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang need to be booked one month in advance, and it may not be possible to book during peak season, so you can choose an emergency visit ticket (4 caves + scenic shuttle)
2⃣️Desert camping is in ordinary small tents, and washing facilities are not very convenient, you can choose to stay in a hotel in Dunhuang
QUINCY KING
The Chaka Salt Lake is simply stunning, a trip to the secret realm of the sky
🌴Located in the northern part of Golmud city in Qinghai Province, about 60 kilometers away from the downtown area, Chaka Salt Lake is an important salt production base in Qinghai. Visitors mainly come to enjoy the scenery of the salt lake, take photos, and there are also facilities such as the Salt Lake Museum and the Wanzhang Eye Bridge in the factory area for tourists to visit and enjoy✨🎉.
🎉🎉Visiting Chaka Salt Lake is mostly done by chartering a car from Golmud or driving along the Qinghai-Tibet line and passing by here. The salt factory covers a large area, and it takes several kilometers to drive from the main gate to the lakeside, so you need to drive into the salt factory for sightseeing. In principle, the salt factory only allows vehicles with visitation credentials to register and enter, so when chartering a car in Golmud, try to confirm whether you can drive into the factory area, otherwise, you may be charged a so-called 'entrance ticket🎫' by the security at the gate.
CHEYENNE MCCORMICK
Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Tour Carpooling and Free Travel.
Qinghai-Dunhuang Grand Loop Seven Days and Six Nights Self-Drive Tour Route Recommendation
Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Chahann Salt Lake—Water Yadan—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Zhangye Danxia Seven Days and Six Nights
Travel with a Professional Guide
The itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Xining · Qinghai Lake · Chaka Salt Lake
Day 2: Crossing Qaidam · Chahann Salt Lake · Golmud
Day 3: Golmud · G315 National Highway (U-shaped Road) · Water Yadan · Qinghai Yadan · Dachaidan
Day 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake · Oil Town · Dunhuang
Day 5: Morning Visit to Mogao Grottoes · Afternoon Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring · Dunhuang
Day 6: Dunhuang · Guazhou Tasting Hami Melon · Jiayuguan Fortress · Colorful Danxia · Zhangye
Day 7: Zhangye · Biandukou Scenic Area · Qilian Grassland · Menyuan · Daban Mountain Distant View of Gangshika Snow Peak · Xining
---Highlights of the Trip---
① Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, Yadan Landform, Chahann Salt Lake, Water Yadan, Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Landform... A panoramic tour of Gansu and Qinghai, leaving no regrets.
② The itinerary is known for its diversity of scenic and cultural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower seas, lakes, deserts, gobi, Yadan landforms, Danxia colorful hills, herds of cattle, sheep, and horses, and other natural landscapes.
③ Along the way, you can walk, play, and photograph, with environmental protection and mutual assistance, deep pure play, no shopping throughout the trip, led by professional guides, combining leisure outdoor, photography, and in-depth travel methods, suitable for all ages.
④ The northwest region is home to a large number of ethnic minorities, with unique cultural characteristics that blend Han, Tibetan, and Islamic cultures, and various northwest delicacies, allowing you to enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
青海旅游当地向导祁军
Write down some words to record my dreamlike journey to the Northwest
5.17 is the last day of the Qinghai-Tibet loop. After saying goodbye to the driver, I knew that sometimes farewells in life can be very difficult.
In just seven days, I saw many landscapes I had never seen before. The mountains, rivers, and lakes in nature added a stroke of rich color to my memories.
The weather was good on the day of departure. Along the way, there were herds of yaks and sheep. Nearby were grasslands not yet fully green, and in the distance, there were rolling snow-capped mountains. I also encountered several devout pilgrims. The wind was strong at Qinghai Lake, but the water was very blue. Along the way, I also enjoyed delicious yak hotpot, small plate chicken, and some unnamed wild vegetables.
We crossed the Rubber Mountain at an altitude of 3817 meters, the first pass of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It rained on the way to Chaka. I had lost hope, but when the car stopped at the entrance of the scenic area, it suddenly cleared up. The salt lake was transparent. When the sky and the lake reflected each other, I understood what is meant by 'Mirror of the Sky'.
The next day, we passed through Delingha in the Haizi Poetry and arrived at the Chaka Salt Lake. When I saw it, I felt its beauty was almost unreal. The breeze stirred up layers of blue waves. It was like an emerald that had fallen to earth.
Driving on the 315 national road, I saw the Yardang landform that I learned about in high school geography. Different from the grasslands I had seen before, its beauty was a powerful presence in the desert.
We passed by Dongtaijiner Lake, which was not included in the itinerary, but the driver took us there anyway. When I approached it, I marveled at its beauty. The lake water was light blue and clear to the bottom. It truly deserves the title of China's 'Maldives'.
On the way back, the driver found a back road to take us through the no-man's land. It was both tense and exciting. When we stood on the earth mounds of the Yardang landform, the wind was strong, and the view was vast. It seemed as if the entire land of the Northwest was in my eyes.
Crossing the Dangjin Mountains at the junction of three provinces, we arrived in Dunhuang. In the evening, we went to the Shazhou Night Market, where I ate the anticipated beef pie with sand onions and drank delicious apricot peel tea. The next morning, we went to the Mogao Caves. Seeing is believing, and I was amazed at the craftsmanship of the ancient painters. As someone who studies art, it was a visual shock. The colors and lines were all exquisitely beautiful.
The weather at the Mingsha Mountain was not good in the evening. I climbed barefoot for a long time and was already out of breath before reaching the top. The sandstorm was too strong, and I had to stagger down. Fortunately, I saw the long-awaited Crescent Lake and took some sand back home in a fridge magnet.
During the days in Gansu, it was never sunny, but the colors of the Rainbow Danxia were still beautiful. It's just a pity that I didn't see it on a clear day.
Time quickly came to the last day. Finally, I arrived at the Qilian Mountain grassland. The sky was not kind, and it started to drizzle, but that day I hugged a lamb, tried archery, drank a cup of warm butter tea, enjoyed yak meat hotpot, and listened to the songs of the Tibetan people. Everything was beautiful. When we crossed the Daban Mountain Tunnel, the highest in Asia, it also signaled the end of this journey.
I have wanted to visit the Northwest for a long time, and this time I finally got my wish. On the way home, I cried. This was the first time I felt upset after a trip ended. The landscapes and people I encountered along the way were rich and wonderful. I think this is a journey I will never forget in my life. The Northwest is like a colorful dream, and I hope it will forever be in my heart.
Olivia Baker
You can find the Chaka Salt Lake travel guide without leaving the country
The significance of live photos! It seems you've visited Chaka Salt Lake, and were breathless from its beauty 🍏 The clarity under the sunlight is just like God spilled apple juice 🍏 So stunning, the photos must be breathtaking 🤩
💁♀️【Travel Tips】👇🏻
1️⃣ About transportation🚗: It is recommended to drive yourself, but there are also car rentals and buses🚌 available. It takes about an hour to reach Chaka Salt Lake from Golmud.
2️⃣ About the scenic area: After entering the gate, you need to take a sightseeing bus🚌, which takes about half an hour, and then get off at the last stop to explore from the inside out!
3️⃣ About photography📷: Swings, white pianos, starry sky houses, and more... everything you could want! (Glass boat may require an additional fee)
4️⃣ Dressing tips: Match with a fairy-like dress for even better photo effects!
5️⃣ Precautions⚠️👇🏻
1. Chaka Salt Lake is apple green in color, with no red or yellow.
2. There's no need for shoe covers, just wear your own shoes to enter the scenic area.
3. Be sure to visit on a sunny day, as the water's color is especially beautiful under the sunlight. Also, remember to protect yourself from the sun with a straw hat and sunglasses.