Things to do in Ulan
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Ulan
Chaka Salt Lake
Chaka Salt Lake is a 3,000-year-old salt field with highly saline water that naturally crystallizes into a white surface, beautifully reflecting the sky, clouds, and mountains on the opposite shore. Visitors can walk barefoot on the lake to observe and photograph their reflections, creating a mirror-like illusion of the sky. On sunny days, Chaka Salt Lake boasts highly crystallized waters where you can see a thin layer of brine covering the pristine white salt lake, creating clear and pure reflections. In the sculpture area of the attraction, you'll find the stone-carved Goddess of the Salt Lake, along with around a dozen other massive salt sculptures depicting figures like Maitreya Buddha and Genghis Khan. Walk along the path to the lakeshore, and you'll see the pristine white Chaka Salt Lake, perfect for exploration. A railway extends into the lake, with its starting point serving as the boarding area for the small train. Ride it to the deeper parts of the lake, where the scenery is even more breathtaking.Ulan · 57.8 km from downtown
Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Chaka Salt Lake, backed by the sacred Kunlun Mountains known as the ancestor of all mountains. Situated at the eastern gateway of the Qaidam Basin, it offers views of the Kunlun Mountains to the south and the Qilian Mountains to the north, with picturesque salt lake reflections. The attraction integrates salt lake views and salt culture with ancient Qiang-Jingpo culture and Dorbed Mongolian culture, creating a comprehensive tourist destination featuring salt lake sightseeing, unique salt culture experiences, and eco-friendly vacations. Lakeside loop train The lakeside train route spans 8.5 km with 5 stops, allowing you to comfortably explore the entire attraction. Beautiful No.1 Scenic Spot is a must-visit photo destination. The entrance to Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area, designed with the characters "Chaka" as its image, is an iconic landmark of Chaka. Upon entering the scenic area, you'll immediately spot the Salt Sculpture of Camels, which stands 8.2 meters tall. The majestic two-humped camels, carrying salt bags, walk atop the pristine white salt piles, with the salt sculpture appearing incredibly lifelike. Walk through the commercial street to reach the Munao Zongge Square, where you must follow the totems on the square's ceremonial pillars to explore the origins of Chaka salt culture. At the southern end of the square, an 800-meter-long boardwalk extends deep into the salt lake. Designed in the shape of Gesang flowers, its farthest extension resembles a phoenix ready to take flight, earning it the name "Danfeng Chaoyang" (Phoenix Greeting the Sun). Experience the sacred and magical Sky Mirror Salt Lake up close. The outer lake resembles a vast blue sea, while the mirror lake shines like emerald jade. Due to varying salt concentrations, this creates a unique "two-tone lake" view. The mirror lake features distinctive walkways with creative designs, including [Descending Koi], [Four-Leaf Clover], [Eternal Diamond], and [Salt Heart Path]. The train on the lake perfectly recreates the iconic water railway scene from classic anime, harmonizing with the salt lake and sky to evoke a fairytale romance. Chaka Salt Lake at night is a favored observation spot for international stargazers and ranks among the top ten photography bases along the "Golden Silk Road". Here, you don't need to look up to see the starry sky—it surrounds you completely. It's a romantic stroll under the stars, a snapshot of timeless moments. The sunset at Chaka Salt Lake is unlike any other in the world - where ethereal hues fill your vision and gentle breezes intoxicate the evening glow. About featured experiences Experience the unique charm of camel riding and the thrilling excitement of ATV adventures, while our highland playground lets you revel in the crystal-clear waters and azure skies. Live-action horse performance Qinghai Province's first large-scale immersive performance series, "Impressions of Chaka," is a multi-category spectacular production deeply rooted in Chaka's rich historical and cultural heritage. The show features captivating performances such as "Grassland Hero - Genghis Khan," "Knight's Parade," "Salt Lake Flying Dance," and "Great Khan's Welcome Opening Dance," vividly showcasing the region's diverse ethnic history and culture. The highlight, the grand historical reenactment "Grassland Hero - Genghis Khan," features dozens of performers and warhorses executing breathtaking equestrian stunts like mounted archery, mid-air leaps, spinning maneuvers, and upside-down riding, recreating the Khan's epic historical journey. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Qilian Mountains under the open sky, this performance is an unmissable experience for visitors to Chaka. High-altitude Glass Water Slide The lakeside high-altitude glass water slide offers breathtaking views of the vast salt lake, the snow-capped peaks of the Kunlun Mountains year-round, and the sweeping vistas of the Gobi Desert and Qilian Mountains. Built by the lake, it provides two thrilling experiences: admiring the salt lake scenery from above while taking in the expansive meadows of the Tibetan Plateau, and feeling the rush of speed and excitement. Featured campsites At the entrance of the attraction, the Chaka Sky One Hotel (Sky One Scenic Area Branch) is a modern, lightly luxurious hotel built to high standards. Whether you choose to experience the Mongolian camp for a taste of frontier life, stay in a refined RV park, or book a room at the Starlight Bubble Hotel—where each unit is named after a constellation and offers a private retreat with curtains that reveal a dazzling night sky—you'll find unforgettable accommodations. Spend the night in the scenic area to admire the Salt Lake's nighttime beauty and the brilliance of the starry sky. Wake up to a special sunrise experience, strolling in the morning light as if walking through a fairyland. As the sun rises, immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Mirror Salt Lake. Plateau Dead Sea Floating Pavilion The "Plateau Dead Sea Floating Hall," designed with elements inspired by Chaka's Great Green Salt and salt lake reflections, is a unique salt therapy wellness experience destination in Chaka. The venue offers visitors a relaxing way to enjoy the magical pleasures of innovative salt lake experiential tourism, including floating on saltwater, applying salt mud, playing with salt sand, steaming in salt rooms, inhaling salt mist, resting on salt beds, and sleeping in salt caves—all of which effectively alleviate travel fatigue..Ulan · 66 km from downtown
Sightseeing Tower, Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area
The Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area-Observation Tower adopts an open structure design to provide tourists with a good landscape view. The top of the tower is a large terrace, and standing on the platform, you can have a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of the Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area. The observation tower covers an area of about 125 square meters and is about 28 meters high. It consists of two steel structure stairs and a sightseeing elevator. The top open-air viewing platform can accommodate nearly 100 people for sightseeing at the same time. Looking far into the distance, the salt lake is like a huge mirror, reflecting the clear sky and continuous mountains. The water and sky are connected, and the scenery is magnificent. The white salt beach shines in the sunlight, and the sightseeing train slowly drives along the rails to the depths of the salt lake, adding agile beauty to the picture. When the weather is fine, you can even see the silhouette of the snow-capped mountains in the distance. Photographers can use fixed brackets to capture the fleeting beauty of the "mirror of the sky" and record the magical moments of salt crystals and light and shadow.Ulan · 56.4 km from downtown
Sky Mirror Square
The Sky Mirror Square in Wulan, Chinais located in the Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area in Wulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is the core landscape area of this "China Sky Mirror". There is an observation deck in the center of the square, where visitors can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Chaka Salt Lake in 360 degrees. On sunny days, the lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, forming a magical scene of "water and sky in one color". There are also rainbow squares, salt sculptures such as the giant West Queen Mother salt sculpture and ethnic customs display areas around it, showing the ecological art and salt culture of the Chaka Salt Lake. In addition, the square provides special snacks, handicraft shopping and other services to facilitate tourists to experience the local customs in depth. As a landmark attraction of the Chaka Salt Lake, the Sky Mirror Square not only enhances the overall image of the scenic area, but also becomes a popular check-in place for tourists to shoot the "Sky Mirror" effect. It is especially recommended to go there in summer and autumn, when the light is ideal.Ulan · 56.9 km from downtown
Dulansi
Ulan · 15.7 km from downtown
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot is located in Linze and Sunan counties at the northern foot of Qilian Mountain. The attraction is 40 km east of Zhangye city and 20 km north of Linze county. Covering a total area of 50 sq km with 4 sq km accessible to visitors, it's currently recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark and a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The attraction features seven viewing spots, including Colorful Cloud Sea, Colorful Fairyland, Colorful Splendor, Colorful Rainbow Glow, Crouching Tiger Gorge, Colorful Ao River, and Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley, along with over 30 scenic views such as Dragon Playing with Fire (colorful hills), Monkey Gazing at the Sea, Turtle Asking the Sky, Golden Toad Seeking the Way, Giant Scallop, Colorful Screen, Sleeping Beauty, and Crouching Tiger. It is a highly integrated area of colorful hills and Danxia landforms. The colorful hills amaze visitors with their vibrant hues, intricate layered patterns, majestic scale, and breathtaking vistas. The Danxia landform area of Wanxiang Earth Forest Valley features towering peaks resembling a forest, with a harmonious yet dramatic arrangement of sparse and dense formations. These extraordinary shapes, carved by nature's artistry, combine grandeur, peril, wonder, elegance, and serenity in one spectacular landscape. After being promoted to a national 5A-level attraction and global geopark, Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot aims to become an international travel destination. By deeply exploring and optimizing regional cultural resources, the scenic spot will leverage its unique tourism assets and cultural heritage to transform into a western China-based international resort with scientific research appeal. Centered around colorful hills and Danxia landforms, it highlights the aesthetic and scientific value of geological resources while prioritizing their protection and development. The composite attraction primarily offers geological sightseeing and recreation, complemented by cultural experiences, folk customs, and leisure vacations.China · Zhangye
Kumbum Monastery
Kumbum Monastery is one of the important monasteries of the Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Hat sect. The monastery features magnificent architecture, abundant treasures, and a strong religious atmosphere, making it one of the more popular travel destinations in Xining. Overview of the visit It has distinct differences in architectural layout compared to Han Chinese Buddhist temples in inland China: the complex here is not symmetrically arranged along a central axis. The monastery is an ancient architectural complex composed of numerous halls, scripture halls, stupas, and colleges, with each sutra hall, main hall, and stupa irregularly distributed on a small hill. Travelers can explore the site in a relatively free manner rather than following a straight path along a central axis. The Great Golden Roof Hall of Kumbum Monastery is the center of the entire architectural complex. It is said that Master Tsongkhapa was born here, and when he was born, his umbilical cord blood dripped on this spot, from which a bodhi tree grew. Later, a stupa was built around the tree, and a monastery was constructed, hence the name. Believers hold that this tree and stupa are the embodiment of the master. The three unique features of the attraction: butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué embroidery. Butter sculptures are made by mixing butter with various pigments to mold and carve into figures of Buddhas, people, flowers, birds, animals, and pavilions. Travelers can admire exquisite butter sculptures at the butter sculpture hall inside the temple (located far from the main gate). Vibrant centuries-old murals can be appreciated in the main halls, corridors, and front galleries of the temple. Appliqué embroidery involves cutting colored satin into desired shapes, such as Buddha figures or animals, stuffing them with wool or cotton, and embroidering them onto cloth hangings. In the temple's great sutra hall, two rare large appliqué embroidery pieces—"Sixteen Arhats Displaying Divine Powers" and "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea"—hang on either side. The four major religious festivals (based on the lunar calendar): 1. Cham dance (14th day of the first month) and butter sculpture exhibition (15th day of the first month); 2. Cham dance (14th day of the fourth month), Buddha unveiling, and Cham dance (15th day of the fourth month); 3. Buddha unveiling, Cham dance (6th day of the sixth month), and golden Buddha procession (8th day of the sixth month); 4. Full-day Buddha unveiling (22nd day of the ninth month) and Cham dance (23rd day of the ninth month). During these festivals, activities like Buddha unveiling and ritual dances take place, attracting large crowds of devotees and travelers, creating a lively atmosphere.China · Xining
Chaerhan Salt Lake
Located in Golmud City, Qinghai Province, the inland Chaerhan Salt Lake is huge and well known across the world. Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs through the lake. The lands around the lake are flat, with boundless desert and exotic landscape. On a clear day, the vast mirror-like lake reflects shimmering silver lights with steaming. It is like a green ocean.China · Golmud
Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
Erlangjian Scenic Area is Qinghai Lake's main attraction. It is located on the south shore of the lake and is home to a shopping center, restaurants, and hotels. The visitor site consists of two areas, the first of which is located near the entrance and provides a range of commercial facilities and a harbor for tourist boats. The other area is a narrow peninsula that stretches out over 10 km into the lake. Taking a boat trip on the lake is one of Erlangjian's most popular activities.China · Gonghe
Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake is called "Qinghai Lake" in Tibetan (meaning "blue sea"). Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, within Qinghai Province, it is formed byQilian MountainsDatong Mountain,Riyue Mountain and South Qinghai MountainFormed by fault subsidence, it is one of China's largest inland lakes and the origin of Qinghai Province's name. The lake covers a vast area, with a circumference of approx. 360 km. Its waters are boundless, azure, and ethereal. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeshore blends into expansive grasslands. Qinghai Lake boasts spectacular views and numerous attractions, making it a key destination in Qinghai. Natural environment: Qinghai Lake features a plateau continental climate with abundant sunlight and intense radiation. Winters are cold, summers are cool, warm seasons are brief, and cold seasons are prolonged. Spring brings frequent strong winds and sandstorms. Rainfall is scarce, concentrated in the warm season, with distinct wet and dry periods. This climate creates unique beauty in each season. The lake's color shifts with weather and light, sometimes displaying multiple hues in a single day. Scenery varies by season, with the ideal visiting period from April to August. July and August are particularly stunning, as vast rapeseed fields bloom along the shore, their golden yellow contrasting beautifully with the endless blue waters. In addition, when Qinghai Lake is frozen for thousands of miles in winter, you can also experience a different kind of natural grandeur. Historical legend: It is said that over 1,000 years ago, the Tang Dynasty and Tibet formed a marriage alliance, with Princess Wencheng marrying the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Before her departure, the Tang emperor gave her a sun-moon treasure mirror that could reflect images of her hometown. On the journey, the princess missed her hometown and took out the mirror, indeed seeing the long-lost Chang'an. Tears welled up in her eyes. However, she suddenly remembered her mission and resolutely threw the mirror away. Unexpectedly, when it hit the ground, a golden light flashed, and it transformed into Qinghai Lake. Attraction introduction: Some attractions have been developed around Qinghai Lake. South of the lake is the main attraction, Qinghai Lake Erlangjian scenic area, where you can take a boat tour. East of the lake lies the famousRiyue Mountain and Daotang Riveretc.; to the north there areJinyintan and the atomic cityand other attractions. In addition, when touring around Qinghai Lake, nearby attractions such as those west of the lake are usually included.Chaka Salt Lake, Hubei'sRapeseed flowers in MenyuanEtc. Ways to explore: You can visit just one side of Qinghai Lake or take a circular tour around it. Most travelers choose the south side for a simple lake view, where the grassland is lush and the scenery is stunning. For a circular tour, you can take a private charter from Xining and travel clockwise, which is also the direction local Tibetans follow for their lake pilgrimage.China · Gonghe
Experiences you can't miss in Ulan
Featured Day tours in Ulan
View all Day tours
4.8/5
· 14 reviews· 194 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
From€37.81
4.7/5
· 26 reviews· 213 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
From€63.07
3.5/5
· 2 reviews· 26 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
From€113.66
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 26 bookedFree cancellation
Instant confirmation
9% off
Limited-time sale
From€40.50€44.99
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
From€45.37
![[Depart from Xining] Qinghai Lake & Chaka Salt Lake & Riyue Mountain Private Day Tour](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0354z12000shfkq85FBC9_C_568_320.jpg?_fr=wc)
From€175.59
More ways to travel from Ulan
Group Tours in Ulan
View More Group Tours in Ulan
What travellers say about Ulan
_We***36October 19, 2026
4.0
There aren't many people now, but it's very cold. Remember to wear winter clothes! Wear thick shoes too. The little train is now enclosed, so remember to bring some hot water; the only hot drink inside is Xiangpiaopiao milk tea 😂~ A cup of hot water is absolutely essential now. The salt lake is very weather-dependent; don't come if it's cloudy, rainy, or snowy, it won't be worth it. Highly recommended on a sunny day.
Chaka Salt Lake
Anonymous userOctober 8, 2026
4.0
Chaka is divided into Chaka Sky Mirror and Chaka No. 1. Sky Mirror is the older scenic area, more crowded, with complete facilities and equipment, great photo opportunities, and better management, but definitely more crowded with long queues. Sky No. 1 is a newly developed scenic area, less crowded, quieter, allowing for more leisurely photography, but the scenery is far inferior, and management is practically nonexistent. Choose the scenic area based on your needs.
Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
涟峥September 13, 2024
5.0
The Chaka Salt Lake Observation Tower is a viewing facility that uses an open steel structure tower. It covers an area of about 124.74 square meters and is 27.84 meters high. It consists of two steel structure staircases and a sightseeing elevator. The open-air viewing platform on the top of the tower can accommodate 90 people at the same time for sightseeing on the top floor, providing a good viewing angle. Standing on the platform, you can have a panoramic view of the entire scenic area and overlook the core tourist area. On the south side of the observation tower is the tourist service center, and the ticket price is 20 yuan per person per time. In addition, the observation tower is located outside the scenic area, providing an opportunity to overlook the panoramic view of the salt lake from a high altitude, and you may also be able to see snow-capped mountains in the distance. The Chaka Salt Lake Observation Tower is not only an excellent place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Chaka Salt Lake, but also an important part of experiencing the beautiful scenery of "walking in the lake, like swimming in a painting" in this paradise on earth.
Sightseeing Tower, Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area
l779566311December 4, 2021
5.0
Arriving at Chaka Salt Lake, the scenic area is very large. After entering the scenic area, you will see the first attraction, Sky Realm. You can take a small train and get off at the first stop, or you can get off at the end, and then walk back to visit, which is more energy-saving.
Sky Mirror Square
自驾走八方March 8, 2023
5.0
Han and Tibetan Buddhism coexist, and the popularity of incense is very strong.
Dulansi
老琥游October 18, 2026
4.0
I visited the Rainbow Mountains during the National Day holiday and entered from the North Gate. Parking was plentiful. Each viewing platform requires a shuttle bus, and the park's shuttle service is well-organized, so boarding is usually quick and orderly. Viewing platform number four was the most crowded, packed with people.
Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
乐山乐水的狄龙October 18, 2026
5.0
This century-old Tibetan Buddhist temple is well worth a visit, boasting exquisite butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué embroidery. It's also among the first batch of national protected cultural relics and a 5A-level scenic spot. It's one of the two must-see attractions in Xining, the other being Qinghai Lake.
Kumbum Monastery
M11***87October 17, 2026
5.0
Qarhan Salt Lake is definitely worth a visit. The lake is so vast that the shuttle bus ride takes a long time. The water is such a beautiful green, it looks just like green apple juice. The various buildings and facilities along the lake shore are also very attractive. The photos taken there are absolutely gorgeous.
Chaerhan Salt Lake
薛定谔的鳄梨October 18, 2026
5.0
Buy tickets for the 9:00 AM bus from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake. You can buy tickets through the Xining Bus Station's WeChat mini-program! The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a service station for restroom use. Arrive around 11:30 AM. (There will be grasslands along the way; you can see them from the window.) The tour guide will assist with buying tickets on the bus, or you can buy them at the ticket center. Upon arrival, take a fast cruise to the island, then either the cruise ship to the island or a small train or bus to the lake. On the island, you can play in the sand and see seagulls and yaks. Plan your itinerary carefully; less than 4 hours for sightseeing will feel rushed.
Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
suyuOctober 5, 2026
5.0
Erlangjian is the main scenic area of Qinghai Lake, shaped like a long sword entering the lake. Visitors can take a cruise to explore the heart of the lake and also get a close look at the ruins of a torpedo launching test base. The facilities are well-developed, making it suitable for first-time visitors, but prices are high during peak season due to crowds.
Qinghai Lake
