Chaka Salt Lake

Overview Chaka Salt Lake is located at No. 9, Salt Lake Road, Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is one of the birthplaces of Chinese salt culture and is known as the "Mirror of the Sky in China". The lake surface is like a mirror, reflecting the sky, clouds, and mountains, creating a stunning picture. Ticket Information - Peak season (May 1 to October 31): Full-price ticket CNY 70/person, discounted ticket CNY 35/person. - Off-season (November 1 to April 30 of the following year): Full-price ticket CNY 30/person, discounted ticket CNY 15/person. Admission is free from December 1, 2024 to February 28, 2025. Opening Hours Peak season: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm; off-season: 8:15 am to 7:30 pm. Transportation - Self-driving: Depart from Xining and navigate to "Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area". The whole journey is about 298 km, which takes about 3.5 hours. You can enjoy the unique landform of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau along the way. - Public transportation: You can take a bus from Xining Passenger Transport Center to Chaka Town, and then take a taxi or walk about 4 km to the scenic area. During some tourist seasons, there are direct buses from Xining Bus Station. Tour Routes - Walking tour route: After entering the park, visit the Salt Worker Hall, Salt Lake Avenue, Mirror of the Sky Square, and Chaka Salt Sculpture Station, and then return after reaching Chaka Xia Station. - Small train route: After entering the park, take the small train to visit Chaka Salt Station, Chaka Xia Station, Chaka Wind Station, and Chaka Snow Station, and then return. - Speedboat + small train route: After entering the park, take the battery car to the lakeside wharf, take the speedboat to Chaka Snow Station, and then take the small train back. Photography Tips - Time: The light is soft and the reflection is clear before 11:00 am and after 5:00 pm. The sunrise is around 6:00 am, the sunset is around 7:00 pm, and the starry sky is after 11:00 pm. - Equipment: Drones, cameras, and mobile phones are all available. It is recommended to bring a tripod or stabilizer, and the camera can be equipped with a wide-angle lens. - Clothing: Wear monochrome, bright clothes, or ethnic clothes. Girls can prepare long skirts that flutter in the wind, and match them with red scarves, hats, and other accessories. - Composition: Lower the camera position, get close to the water surface, and keep the horizon level. You can place the horizon in the middle of the picture. Reminders - The scenic area is 3,100 meters above sea level, and you may have altitude sickness. Prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance. - The ultraviolet rays are strong on the plateau. Do a good job of sun protection and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. - The prices in the scenic area are relatively high. You can bring your own drinking water and a small amount of snacks. - Visit in a civilized manner, protect the environment, and do not litter.