2025 Haixi Prefecture Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

🌟 Must-visit attractions 1. Core Area of Water Yardang ⏰️ Best photography time: 9-11 AM and 4-6 PM Special landscape: Yardang landforms reflecting in lake water Hidden tip: Drone photography requires advance registration 2. West Taiji Nair Lake Dual-colored lake with a road passing through Tip: Bring a polarizing filter for better viewing 🌸 Best season: June-September when colors are most distinct 3. Eye of Yardang Heart-shaped salt lake hideaway ⏰️ Approximately 30-minute walk to reach Most beautiful at sunset 4. Stargazing Campsite One of the best stargazing spots in Northwest China Best time for Milky Way photography: beginning and end of lunar month Prepare warm clothing for cold night temperatures 🍽️ Food recommendations nearby 1. Scenic Area Restaurants Offers simple meals and local specialties Recommended: Highland yak noodles Average cost: about 💰40 yuan per person 2. Dachaidan Town Food 🍝 Recommended restaurant: Yibula Special Kang Pot Must-try: Lamb Kang Pot with naan bread About 2 hours' drive from the scenic area 3. Bring your own food Pack high-calorie snacks Bring plenty of drinking water 🥤 Self-heating meals recommended 🏨 Accommodation Guide 1. RV Campsite in Scenic Area Special feature: Direct view of Yardang landscape Facilities: Public bathrooms and showers 💰 Price: 800-1200 yuan per night 2. Hotels at Scenic Area Entrance 🏠 Recommended: Water Yardang Grand Hotel Relatively complete facilities 💰 Price: 600-900 yuan per night 3. Dachaidan Town Accommodation More affordable options Recommended: Pai Hotel Far from scenic area, plan ahead 🌸 🚗 Transportation Tips 1. Self-driving Routes From Xining via Delingha: about 8 hours ⏰️ From Golmud: about 3 hours Few gas stations along the way, fill up in advance 2. Car Charter Services 🚗 Recommended departure from Xining or Golmud Price: about 1000-1500 yuan per day Includes driver and guide for convenience 3. 🚗 Public Transportation Buses from Xining to Dachaidan Then charter a car from Dachaidan Time-consuming, not recommended ⚠️ Important Notes ✅️1. Climate Reminder Large temperature difference between day and night, bring layers Strong UV radiation, use sun protection Windy and sandy, face masks recommended ✅️2. Safety Information Don't venture alone into undeveloped areas Follow designated routes in the scenic area Watch out for wildlife ✅️3. Environmental Requirements Take all trash with you Don't damage Yardang landforms Protect the fragile ecosystem

#Mainland Travel 🔮The Emerald Lake is different from other famous lakes. It is quietly hidden deep in the desert Gobi, with lenses with various filters embedded at the foot of the Qimantag Mountain under the bright sun. 🌈The Emerald Lake in Da Qaidam is composed of many colorful salt lakes. The Emerald Lake is clear and transparent, with a turquoise inner layer, a milky blue outer layer, and olive green on the right. It is colorful, and you can clearly see the salt layer at the bottom of the lake through the water surface. The color of the water in each salt pond varies depending on the content of mineral elements, such as green, blue, yellow, and brown. 💎Against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds by the lake, these colorful salt ponds are like pieces of beautiful jade scattered on the earth, which is beautiful beyond words. When the wind is calm, the lake water spreads out like a mirror, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds and the snow-capped peaks of the Qaidam Mountains. The scenery is even more beautiful than the Chaka Salt Lake and is breathtaking. Only when you are there can you feel it deeply. 📸Recommended photo spots: Salt Lake No. 3 (Emerald Green) Salt Lake No. 4 (Same Tiffany Blue as Maldives) Salt Lake No. 5 (filming location of "Send You a Little Red Flower", The Piano on the Sea) X Avoid Salt Lake No. 6 (too crowded, difficult to film) 📸Photography tips: 1. It is recommended to wear brightly colored clothes to make the photos more attractive. 2. Choose a sunny day to see the truly colorful lakes. Remember to wear sunscreen. 🚂Tips for playing: 1. You can only take the train to the terminal station. When you arrive at the station, you can go back and get off at every station to take photos. 2. Many people gather at the lake at the terminal to take pictures. If you walk to the left at this time, not only will there be no one, but the lake will become more beautiful as you go further in, with more shapes and more brilliant colors. The heart-shaped lake and the blue hole are all over there. 🎫Ticket + train: 110/person 📍Location: Emerald Lake, Dachaidan 🗾Address: Dachaidan District, Haixi, Qinghai Province ⏰Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00～20:00 🆓Free people: Elderly people over 60 years old, children under 6 years old 🚙Transportation: It is more convenient to drive by yourself, parking is 10 yuan/time Travel nearby by high-speed rail or plane High-speed rail: Take it to Golmud Station/Delingha Station Airplane: Take to Golmud Airport/Haixi Deling Airport

The Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop is truly a perfect self-drive route, easily manageable in almost any type of vehicle. Along the way, you'll encounter mountains, grasslands, lakes, salt lakes, Gobi Desert, deserts, Yadan landforms, Danxia landforms, snow-capped mountains, historical sites, and delicious food. The journey is incredibly rich and diverse, and even after the trip, the most beautiful scenery feels like it was on the road itself. Every day, the stunning views along the way slowed us down, tempting us to stop for photos and fly our drone. We went at the peak season at the end of July, but there were still some routes where we were completely alone, driving through endless Gobi or grasslands, feeling utterly free. The afterglow is intense, and I highly recommend a self-drive trip. The only downside might be the long hours of driving each day. 📅Itinerary: Xining—Qinghai Lake—Chaka Salt Lake—Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Charhan Salt Lake—Highway 315 U-shaped Road—Water Yadan—Heidu Mountain—Dunhuang—Guazhou—Jiayuguan—Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park—Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon—Zuerken—Menyuan Rape Flower Fields 🚗Self-drive tips: Most roads are suitable for any vehicle, but the Eboliang Mars Highway near Mangya requires a car with higher ground clearance. Since we had a sedan, we chose not to go there. Some less-traveled routes might also have slightly worse road conditions. Always prioritize safety. ⛱️Must-see attractions: You can choose attractions based on your preferences, but the most beautiful scenery is truly on the road. Throughout the trip, we visited three salt lakes and various other attractions, but looking back, the best memories are from driving through the grasslands, along the lakes, and across the Gobi. 🏨Accommodation guide: It's fine during the off-season, but during peak season, it's recommended to plan your route and book accommodations in advance on Trip.com. The guesthouses and accommodations near Lenghu Town and Qinghai Lake might have slightly poorer conditions. There are many more options once you reach Dunhuang. 💗Other tips: We were on a ten-day self-drive tour, following the planned itinerary strictly for the first few days, and then making daily plans as we went. I recommend at least seven days for this trip, otherwise, the driving will wear you out. Even with a ten-day itinerary, we missed out on many things, such as tickets to the Mogao Caves and horseback riding at Shandan Horse Ranch. The rape flowers were also at the end of their season, which was a pity. But these are motivations for another trip around the loop. Also, the lamb in Dunhuang is particularly delicious, especially at a restaurant called Shouzhua Yangrou Yijue (手抓羊肉一觉). The Shazhou Night Market is a bit pricey, but the food is indeed delicious, and it's all concentrated in one place, making it convenient for tourists to try a variety of dishes.

Winter vacation is coming. Are you planning to visit Chaerhan Salt Lake? This 6-day travel guide will take you on a journey through the Northwest Great Ring Road! -------- 🚗Route suggestions: DAY 1: Departure 🛫——Xining 🏙️ Start your Qinghai journey and arrive in Xining to rest and adjust, ready to explore the plateau scenery. DAY 2: Riyue Mountain 🏔️——Chaka Salt Lake 🌊 Conquer the majestic Riyue Mountain, then visit the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake and experience the charm of the "Sky Mirror." DAY 3: China's Route 66 🛣️——Dongtai Jinel Lake 💧——Usute Water Yadan Geopark 🏞️——Yadan landforms Drive on China's Route 66, enjoy the beauty of Dongtai Jinel Lake, then visit the Water Yadan and experience the wonders of nature. DAY 4: Dachaidan Emerald Lake 🌲——Chaerhan Salt Lake 🌊 Stroll along the Dachaidan Emerald Lake, admire the emerald-like lake water, then head to the spectacular Chaerhan Salt Lake to experience the unique landscape of the salt lake. DAY 5: Qinghai Lake 🌊——Jinyintan Grassland 🌾 Tour around Qinghai Lake, appreciate the magnificence of the plateau lake, then head to Jinyintan Grassland to experience the vastness of the grassland and the harmony of nature. DAY 6: Xining 🛬——Departure 🏠 End your Qinghai journey, filled with memories, depart from Xining, and return to your sweet home. -------- Travel essentials: 🎒 👕 **Clothing**: It's warm during the day in February at the salt lake, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant. It is recommended to bring a jacket, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Sunscreen clothing is also essential! 🎩 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin; selfie sticks to capture beautiful moments; and power banks to ensure your electronic devices don't run out of battery. 🆔 **Documents**: Don't forget to bring your ID card, student ID, and other discount certificates to save money. Also, bring cash in case the signal is poor. -------- Chaerhan Salt Lake tour, experience the charm of nature, leave unforgettable memories, and come back next time to explore more wonders of the salt lake!

Hey guys! Here's an 8-day itinerary for a trip from Xining to Jiayuguan via Qinghai Lake! Save it now and get ready to explore the northwest! . 📅Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive at Xining/Lanzhou Airport🛬️, enjoy 24-hour airport transfer service, check in to a local hotel, and explore the city at your leisure. Day 2: Head to Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery🌊->Stroll around Erlangjian Scenic Area and enjoy the beauty of nature->Visit Chaka Salt Lake and marvel at the mirror-like lake. Day 3: Drive along the spectacular U-shaped road->Cross the Qaidam Basin and explore the wonders of nature->Arrive at Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park and marvel at the unique landscape. Day 4: Visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area and enjoy the emerald-like lake->Visit Aksay Boluo Zhuangjing Film Base and experience the charm of film shooting. Day 5: Visit Mogao Caves and admire the thousand-year-old Buddhist art treasures->Head to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Spring, ride a camel through the desert, and admire the wonders of Crescent Spring. Day 6: Climb Jiayuguan Pass and look back at the vicissitudes of history->Head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park and admire the colorful Danxia landform. Day 7: Stroll around Qilian Grassland and enjoy the vastness and freedom of the grassland->Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field and enjoy the golden sea of flowers🌼. Day 8: Leave Xining/Lanzhou, enjoy 24-hour transfer service🚄/🛫, return home with beautiful memories. . Packing List: 👚 **Clothing**: Down jacket, thermal underwear, long pants, and thick socks to keep warm in January. 🕶 **Accessories**: Sunglasses, windbreaker, and sun hat to protect you from the sun and wind. 💳 **Documents**: ID card, driver's license, student ID, etc. These are essential for travel and special discounts. 🔋 **Electronics**: Mobile phone, power bank, and charging cable to capture beautiful moments. 💊 **Medicine**: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, and rhodiola to prevent altitude sickness. 🎒 **Other Items**: Moisturizing mask and lip balm to combat the dry climate. 🧢 **Final Reminder**: Don't forget to bring a good mood and enjoy the journey! . Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Jiayuguan: Enjoy the northwest scenery and make your trip a dream come true🌄

Traveling during the Lunar New Year? This 5-day itinerary to Dunhuang, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake will let you experience the beauty and mystery of Northwest China. Don't miss out! -- 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining Check into your hotel and get ready for an exciting journey! Day 2: Riyue Mountain - Erlangjian Scenic Area - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake Cross Riyue Mountain, explore Erlangjian, enjoy Qinghai Lake, and finally, get lost in the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake. Day 3: Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area - Dangjin Mountain Experience the unique charm of Emerald Lake, then head to Dangjin Mountain to enjoy the beauty of nature. Day 4: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Mingsha Mountain - Mogao Caves Ride a camel across Mingsha Mountain, listen to the legend of Crescent Spring, and visit the thousand-year-old art treasures of the Mogao Caves. Day 5: Leave Dunhuang and end your journey Return home with fond memories and look forward to seeing you again! 👋 -- Must-see attractions: - 🏜️ Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring: A miracle in the desert! Climb the sand dunes, overlook Crescent Spring, and marvel at the wonders of nature. - 🌊 Chaka Salt Lake: The salt here is whiter than snow, and the lake reflects the blue sky like a mirror. Wear bright clothes and take stunning photos! - 🎭 Mogao Caves: More than just murals and Buddha statues, the dome theater will take you back in time to experience the rich Buddhist culture. -- Travel essentials: 🧳 👕 Clothing: Bring a thick coat and long pants to keep warm and protect against the wind, as well as stylish and comfortable clothes like hoodies and denim jackets. 👟 Shoes: Boots are suitable for sandy areas and the Yadan landform, sneakers for everyday wear, and sandals for Mingsha Mountain. 🎩 Accessories: Hats and sunglasses are a must to protect against the sun and look stylish. Bring an umbrella to protect against the high-altitude UV rays. 💳 Documents and money: ID card, cash, and bank card are essential. Don't forget them! 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, sunscreen, and altitude sickness medicine are also recommended, just in case. 📱 Electronics: Phone, charger, and camera to record your wonderful journey! 🍞 Food and water: Bring some snacks and water to replenish your energy during the trip. It's important! -- 🚗 The beauty of Dunhuang, the tranquility of Qinghai Lake, and the magic of Chaka Salt Lake are waiting for you to explore. We hope your trip to Northwest China is full of surprises!

The Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop is definitely a scenic route you cannot miss in your lifetime. 8 days and 7 nights to explore the breathtaking landscapes on Earth! 📸✨ 🌺Essential items: 🆔Documents: ID card, student ID, etc. 🧥Clothing: windbreaker, down jacket, etc. 📱Electronics: mobile phone, camera, power bank, etc. 🤧Medicines: cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, etc. 🕶Others: sunscreen, sunglasses, etc. ⚠️Special notes: 1⃣Thermos, as the water quality in the northwest is hard, drink more water 2⃣Respect the customs of minorities 3⃣Pay attention to temperature changes 👉Itinerary: 💎Day 1: Xining 💎Day 2: Riyue Mountain, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake 📸Stunning scenery 💎Day 3: Dachaidan Emerald Lake 📷Sky reflection 💎Day 4: U-shaped road, Water Yadan 📸Spectacular views 💎Day 5: Nanbaxian Devil City, Dunhuang 🕰️Historical sites 💎Day 6: Mogao Caves, Mingsha Mountain 📷Desert landscape 💎Day 7: Guazhou, Jiayuguan, Rainbow Mountains 📸Colorful scenery 💎Day 8: Qilian Grassland 📷Vast grassland 📸Photo suggestions: landmark buildings, natural wonders

💦If someone asked me, what is the most unforgettable moment during my trip to the mainland? I would say: Daxiadan Emerald Lake. I can still clearly remember the boundless feeling. 💦Emerald Lake, also known as Shuicui Lake, is part of the former ocean of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The crustal movement left the seawater on this raised plateau, forming a turquoise lake of various depths, which is extremely beautiful. I walked and stopped the whole afternoon, and refused to leave until I squatted on the ground waiting to take pictures of the sunset 🌇. I just want to use my eyes to press the shutter, no words needed #Emerald Lake#Northwest

We spent about a week in Qinghai, mostly at Qinghai lake as we visited local horse racing there. I liked Chaka lake better than Qinghai lake (as I still don't understand why Qinghai lake entry tickets are so overpriced) We came to Chaka in the evening by bus from Qinghai lake and stayed in a hotel. In the early morning I walked about 3-4km to the Scenic area witnessing wildlife such as hares and ducks. At the entrance I requested information in English and there was an English speaking employee to give details which were quite helpful. The path in the area is about 5km long, there are some cafés at the beginning and special shoes and fancy dresses rental somewhere in the middle. Visiting Chaka was one of the highlights of this summer! There are 2 Scenic areas, I've been to one only (should have visited both) It's not easy to find a taxi in the area, so the English speaking employee helped to arrange it in the evening #chakasaltlake #chaka

Chaka Lake is a must to visit. We took a bus and a slow train to the lake . People use to walk all the way to the lake in the past. Glad we don’t have too. It is known as “Mirror of the Sky in China”. “Chaka” means “Salt Lake” in Tibetan. As the name, Chaka Lake is a famous natural crystal salt lake in Qaidam Basin, able to meet all Chinese’s need to salt for 75 years. The lake reflects wonderful images , but it depends on where and how you take your pictures. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to caption the reflection from the lake. However, we had a great time.

Getting There - You can drive yourself, get a taxi or go with a tour group. You drive for kilometers on end mext to the big salt lake. We went a tour group so we had a bus that took us to the scenic area. It's pretty easy to locate when you are in the area. Attractions - The whole Chaka Salt lake are breathtaking! Just spectacular! You can take the train to the middle of the lake, there you can walk in the lake, do a photoshoot, eat a salty ice-cream, just take in the beautiful scenery, you can decide if you want to take the train back to the entrance/exit or you can walk back. Hotels - There are hotels 5-10 minutes drive from the salt lake. Food & Restaurants - There are shops to buy food and drinks. There's also a few small restaurants. Shopping - There are shops to buy....salt😋, souvenirs, food, something to drink and the blue ice-cream that you have to try! It has a salty taste but not overbearing, it's sooo good #silkroad #awesomepic #summervacation #naturalwonders #chakasaltlake

Chaka Salt Lake aka “Mirror of the Sky” truly lives up to its name 🪞 I wanted to share some shots from this magical place in Xining province which I’ve been sitting on for a while (honestly far too long) The journey to get here was hectic but boy was it worth it for the view 🤩 Fun fact: The Chinese name of this lake is 茶卡盐湖 or Chá kǎ yánhú. “Chaka” means salt lake in Tibetan while “yanhu” means salt lake in Chinese So this marvel of nature is actually named “Salt Lake Salt Lake” Go figure! 🚫Don’t go on a windy day or you won’t be able to see the mirror effect🚫 #travellater #chinatravel #xining #chakasaltlake #solotravel #solofemaletravel

Chaka Salt Lake, located in Wulan County, Qinghai, was rated as "the first of 55 places to visit in a lifetime"😚ヾ Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, it is spectacular and beautiful. The most famous thing is the view of the sky reflected on the lake, as if time has stood still and there is only the sky, the lake, and you. 😘༄ It is very nice to take pictures there. If you wait for the sunset, it will be extremely beautiful. It is worth recommending! ՞😃՞ #goodoutdoors #12月去边 #外游 #goodnewyearsendplace

Getting There - From Xining, there is a train to and from Chaka Lake. Only one train leaving from xining to chaka at 8am. The train returns 5:10pm. (Chaka to Xining). The train is not packed as Chaka is the only stop. (There is one stop before the lake also called Chaka, but it is for people that work in the are.) The train takes about 4:20 minutes. Attractions - Chaka salt lake Hotels - a day trip is more than enough Entrance fee: 80 yuan (Does not include train. The walk to the lake is much more quiet than the train and short.) Food & Restaurants - Dicos, Huizu cuisine, lots of beef noodles, Shopping - I mailed a postcard abroad. Some souvenir shops. Chaka lake was one of the better tourist experiences as a foreigner living in China. Very easy to get to from Xining, few people on the train. The staff on the train and park entrance did not make a big deal about encountering a foreigner. If you have traveled by train as a foreigner being in China during covid you will be surprised how smoothly it was to get on the train and into the park. For the train you will need the health code with green arrow, stamp showing when you entered China, phone number, vaccine record (phone one with health code is ok). Highly recommended as an easy day trip with not too much walking. Use the bathroom in the information/ticket office.

#salt #lake #qinghaitravel #qinghai #summervacation

Qinghai in China is a great option for summer as the weather is milder due to higher altitude. Especially Chaka Salt Lake is worth to experience when you are looking for a more extraordinary adventure. You fly in to Xining and take a car from there for around 4hrs❣ #summervacation#urbanexplorer

📍 Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai Province, China 青海茶卡盐湖 📸 August 2019 🧂Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai Province, China is a salt lake. The admission fee is 50 yuan (about 8,300 won) for adults, and the shuttle bus ticket is 20 yuan per person. Since Chaka Salt Lake is so large, you can take a shuttle bus to get around. If there were no clouds, you could take reflection photos like the Uyuni Salt Flats in South America, but unfortunately, it was a cloudy day when I went. It was fun to walk on the salt lake and feel the soles of my feet squeak~!! Qinghai Province, China has such beautiful natural scenery, so you should definitely visit it, and if you travel to Qinghai Province, be sure to visit Chaka Salt Lake 茶卡盐湖. #China travel #lake scenery #Qinghai Province, China #salt lake #Chaka salt lake #Chaka salt lake

For my birthday, my boyfriend brings me to this beautiful natural place 🎊 This salt lake is also called “Mirror of the sky” for the reflective shots you can take. My advice is to just walk around and enjoy the views on the lake and the snowy mountains around ! You will not be disappointed 👌😉 Bring your best camera and outfits to take incredible shots of the salt lake, the snowy mountains and yourself for your next profile pics 📸 Tips 1: Stay until sunset 🌅😎 the views are unbeatable Tips 2: if you want to relax🧘‍♂️, there is also a Spa located in the site for salt bath and other relaxing spa activities with salt #happylaborday #travelguide #landscapes #beautifulnature #chinatravel #scenicspotphotoguide

Chaka Salt Lake is a natural, crystallised saline lake in Qinghai Province. It’s a vast and expansive landscape, with salt lake sections stretching as far as the eye can see - it’s said to be the largest salt mine in the world! There’s nothing like the feeling of salt between your toes...but this section of the Chaka Salt Lake was a little more painful than the others. The further you walk, the bigger (and sharper...) the pieces got. But, you won’t be able to stop taking pictures while here because it truly is beautiful! Can you capture the famous mirror-like photos? ⠀ 📍Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai Province, China #leaveyourmark

#goout After entering the Sky Mirror Scenic Area of ​​Chaka Salt Lake, you can take a small train to the center of the lake. After that, everyone can step into the lake barefoot or rent a pair of shoe covers to find an angle to shoot the beautiful scenery of the sky and people reflected in the water. If there are blue sky and white clouds, it will definitely be more beautiful.

#awesomepic 🦸‍♂️The legendary mirror of the sky is the Uyuni salt marsh, which is located near the small town of Uyuni in southwestern Bolivia. It is the largest salt marsh in the world. The Uyuni salt marsh in Bolivia is the largest salt marsh in the world. The scenery and peaceful surroundings make it a dream place for many travel enthusiasts. Tea card, praised by the donkey friends as the sky of China, compared to Bolivia, the beauty here is more intoxicating green. It's still a quiet place that is rarely touched. As quiet as a virgin, stands quietly on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau like a city in the sky. Entering the tea card, your heart will be much quieter. #awesomepic

The 29th day of my journey. We drove to the Sugan Lake, even for the locals, it's not a familiar place. I saw the mirror of sky here, out of my expectation!

The beauty of the tea card is stronger than the memory. Whether it is the first few times, it is full of excitement and ecstasy. At the moment of arrival, I still feel that everything is worth it. The day with you seems to live in a dream because it is a nightmare so there will be "infinitely good" possible um.../ Hh/ This must be my favorite season I received a lot of lots of warm greetings

Get up early in the sunrise of the tea card Salt Lake, there are not many people in the scenic area, and the black paint, all the way to go away! You can enter the park at 5:30 in the morning, wait for sunrise, wait for the sunrise, fly the aerial camera self-timer! Casually pat is the mirror of the sky! No girl shoots, then shoot yourself more, after all, its handsome, Aunts who passed by, all of them are competing to take a group photo! When I am going to leave, there are not many people in the depths of the scenic spot, But when I go back, my horse! People crowded into the sea! horror! terrible! When I was out of the park, it was the 65th. So many people like me like me! Tea Lake Salt Lake is not very beautiful, but! ! Today's focus is not on the tea card salt lake!

**Water Yadan Travel Guide** **Water Yadan** (Wusute Yadan Geological Park) is located within Dachaidan, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. It is the only water Yadan landform in the world, known as the "Jade of the Devil City." The peculiar Yadan formations here contrast beautifully with the deep blue lake water, resembling an alien secret realm, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and adventurers. --- ### **1. Best Time to Visit** - **June to September**: Mild climate, full lake, most beautiful scenery (but more tourists). - **October to November**: Autumn colors deepen, fewer tourists, ideal for quiet photography. - **Winter**: The lake may freeze, Yadan covered in snow, uniquely charming (but cold and difficult transportation). **⚠️Note**: Avoid windy weather (common dust storms in spring) as it affects the viewing experience. --- ### **2. How to Get There** - **Self-drive/Charter (Recommended)**: - **From Xining**: Via National Highway G315, about 700 km, 8-9 hours drive (suggest stopping at Delingha or Dachaidan midway). - **From Dachaidan Town**: About 220 km, 2.5 hours drive (can visit Dachaidan Emerald Lake en route). - **Public Transport**: - Take a bus from Xining or Golmud to Dachaidan Town, then charter a car to the park (no direct public bus to the scenic area). **📍Navigation Location**: Wusute Water Yadan Geological Park, Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province (Entrance fee 60 RMB/person, sightseeing bus 60 RMB/person). --- ### **3. Main Attractions and Activities** - **Yadan Viewing Platform**: Take the sightseeing bus to the terminal station, climb up for a panoramic view of the Water Yadan. - **West Sea Fleet**: The largest Yadan group, shaped like a fleet formation, perfect for aerial photography. - **Penglai Fairy Island**: Isolated Yadan in the lake, great for reflection shots. - **Golden Sand Beach**: Lakeside sandy area, close access to the water surface. - **Starry Sky Camping**: Camping available inside the park (advance booking required), stunning stargazing at night. **📸Photography Tips**: - Best lighting: 1 hour after sunrise and 1 hour before sunset (Yadan turns golden). - Drones require prior approval (there are flight restriction zones in the park). --- ### **4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Inside the Park**: - Wusute Yadan Grand Hotel (the only official hotel, convenient for stargazing but relatively expensive). - RV campsite (suitable for families or groups). - **Dachaidan Town**: More cost-effective (e.g., Dachaidan Light and Shadow City luxury tent homestay), but requires a 2-hour round trip drive. --- ### **5. Important Notes** - **High-altitude Sun Protection**: Altitude about 2800 meters, strong UV rays, bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. - **Wind and Sand Protection**: The park is windy, recommend windproof jackets and face scarves. - **Limited Supplies**: Few and expensive dining options inside the park, bring your own snacks and water. - **Environmental Protection**: The Yadan landform is fragile, do not climb or carve on it. --- ### **6. Classic Itinerary (Including Nearby Attractions)** **3 days 2 nights recommended route**: - **Day 1**: Xining/Golmud → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Overnight in Dachaidan Town. - **Day 2**: Dachaidan → U-shaped Highway (G315) → Water Yadan (sunset) → Camp or return to Dachaidan. - **Day 3**: Water Yadan sunrise → Dongtai Jinaier Lake (not yet open, can be viewed from afar) → Return trip. **🚗 Self-drive Tips**: - No gas stations along G315, fill up before departure. - Some sections have no signal, download maps in advance.

📅 2. Best Time to Visit ⏱️ ✅ Recommended Seasons: - June to September (most vibrant lake colors, stable weather) - July to August (summer with more sunny days, ideal for aerial photography) - September to early October (crisp autumn air, fewer tourists) ❌ Not Recommended: - November to April (lake may freeze in winter, some areas closed) 🌤 Notes: - Strong UV radiation on the plateau—sun protection is a must (SPF50+ sunscreen + sunglasses + hat) - Large temperature differences between day and night—bring a windproof jacket even in summer 3. Transportation 🚗 1. Self-drive/Private Car: - About 6 hours from Xining (recommended as part of the Qinghai-Gansu loop tour) - About 15 minutes from Dachaidan Town to Emerald Lake 2. Public Transport: 🚌 - Take a bus to Dachaidan Town, then a taxi (around 30💰) 4. Tickets 🎫 & Opening Hours ⏱️ - Admission: 50💰 (may be free in low season) - Sightseeing Train 🚞: 60💰 (optional, walking 🚶🏻‍♂️➡️ offers more freedom) - Opening Hours: 8:30 AM–7:30 PM - Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours 📸 5. Must-Visit Photo Spots 1. Heart-Shaped Lake (deepest part of the scenic area): Tiffany-blue water + white salt flats 2. Emerald Salt Lake (near the entrance): Turquoise water reflecting snow-capped mountains 3. Amber Salt Lake: Golden hues under sunset 4. Salt Bridge: Walk and take photos on the pristine salt-crystal path 5. Aerial Panorama: Bird’s-eye view of the emerald-colored mosaic 👗 6. Outfit Suggestions - Solid-color long dresses (red/white/black recommended) - Ethnic-style shawls (adds atmosphere) - Sunglasses + straw hat (sun protection + photogenic) - Barefoot or transparent shoe covers (for shallow water areas) ⚠️ 7. Important Notes 1. Protect the environment: No littering, avoid damaging salt crystals 2. Safety first: Some areas have deep water—do not enter recklessly 3. Altitude sickness: Elevation ~3,148m, avoid strenuous activity 4. Equipment protection: Salt lake is highly corrosive—protect cameras/drones 🏨 8. Accommodation Recommendations 1. Dachaidan Town (budget-friendly): - Light & Shadow Luxury Tent Camp - Dachaidan Jinling Yadan Hotel 2. Stargazing Camps (unique experience): - 37° North Latitude Star Camp 9. Food Recommendations 🍜 - Kangguo Lamb 🐑 (Qinghai specialty) - Yak Yogurt 🥛 (with barley flour) - Liangpi 🍝 - Butter Tea 🍵 🚩 10. Nearby Attractions 1-Day Itinerary: Dachaidan Emerald Lake → 315 U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan 3-Day Loop: D1: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake D2: Emerald Lake → U-shaped Highway → Dongtaijinaier Lake D3: Water Yadan → Xitaijinaier Lake → Return 💡 11. Travel Tips - Best photo times: Before 10 AM or after 4 PM - Bring wet wipes (to clean feet after photos) - Pack a power bank (no charging facilities in the scenic area) - Download offline maps in advance (no signal in some areas 📶) Emerald Lake is like nature’s spilled palette, with ever-changing colors across seasons and even different times of the day. This guide hopes to help you encounter the most stunning "Qinghai Emerald"—remember to bring your eye for beauty and camera to capture this unique wonder!

🌟 Must-visit TOP 5 1️⃣ Qinghai Lake Loop (Free wild spots > Erlangjian 90 RMB) 🚴‍♂️ Cycling 20 RMB/hour! August rapeseed flower sea + azure lake = wallpaper generator 2️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake (60 RMB, one-way train 50 RMB) 📸 Rush before 9 AM! Wear a bright-colored long dress and stand in the shallow water area to shoot stunning "Mirror of the Sky" photos 3️⃣ Dacaidan Emerald Lake (50 RMB) 💚 Mint green salt lake + Tiffany blue lake, drone shots are worth the ticket price! 4️⃣ U-shaped Highway (Free but no parking allowed) 🛣 G315 National Road 780 boundary marker! Safety tip: shoot from the hilltop > risk taking photos in the middle of the road 5️⃣ Ta'er Monastery (70 RMB) 🙏 Spin the prayer wheels and touch the scriptures, photo shoot with red walls and golden roofs 50 RMB/set 💰 Money-saving tips ✔️ Carpool tours: 7-day loop carpool in an off-road vehicle 1.2k RMB > renting a car saves half ✔️ Ticket combo: Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake combo ticket 130 RMB saves 30 RMB ✔️ Food deals: · Kangguo lamb 60 RMB/jin (choose "Yixin Shouzhu" in Xining) · Yak yogurt 5 RMB/bowl (most authentic from street carts) 💣 Avoid scams: "White yak photo" inside scenic spots starts at 50 RMB, bargain down to 20 RMB! 🛏️ Amazing accommodation recommendations ▪️ Qinghai Lake shore: herdsman tent 100 RMB/night (open the door to see the Milky Way + sunrise) ▪️ Dacaidan Town: Snow Mountain Hot Spring Hotel 300 RMB (includes shuttle to Emerald Lake) ▪️ Xining transit: Hostel 50 RMB/bed (super convenient near Limeng business district) 🚗 7-day loop itinerary D1: Xining → Qinghai Lake cycling → stay in Heimahe D2: Chaka Salt Lake → cross Qaidam Basin → stay in Dacaidan D3: Emerald Lake → U-shaped Highway → Water Yadan 120 RMB → stay in Lenghu D4: Mangya Emerald Lake free → Devil’s Eye (drone essential) → stay in Huatugou D5: Aiken Spring → Eboliang Landform → stay in Dunhuang D6: Mogao Caves → Mingsha Mountain → desert camping 200 RMB D7: Return trip ⚠️ Hard-earned experience ❶ Altitude sickness warning: drink Rhodiola in advance, don’t jump around above 3,000m! ❷ Hardcore sun protection: SPF50+++! Face cover + ice sleeves to survive ❸ Clothing guide: bring a down jacket even in summer! Chaka Salt Lake drops to 5°C at 8 PM ❹ Toilet tips: dry toilets 1 RMB/use, bring small change; Water Yadan has free luxury toilets

🌊 7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop · Second Stop Guide: Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Xiao Qaidam Lake → Da Qaidam 🌊 🚗 Itinerary Overview Route: Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake (~400km, 5h) → Xiao Qaidam Lake (~50km, 40min) → Overnight in Da Qaidam Recommended departure time: 7:00 AM from Chaka Town (leave early to avoid strong sunlight and allow ample sightseeing time) 📍 First Stop: Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake 📌 Key Info - Ticket: ¥100/person (includes shuttle bus), half-price for students. - Transport: Private car/self-drive via G3011 Liuge Expressway, good road conditions. - Suggested duration: 2-3 hours 🌟 Must-Do Experiences - Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge: A natural salt-crust highway, perfect for aerial shots (drones allowed, mind wind speed). - Salt Flower Wonders: Natural crystalline patterns on the lake surface, glittering like diamonds under sunlight. - Swing/Glass Boat: Instagrammable spots (fee: ¥20-30). ⚠️ Notes - Strong reflection from the salt lake—wear sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+). - Shuttle bus is mandatory (20km from entrance to core area), last bus at 18:00. 📍 Second Stop: Chaerhan Salt Lake → Xiao Qaidam Lake 📌 Key Info - Ticket: Free wild attraction, parking fee ¥10. - Transport: 50km from Chaerhan Salt Lake, en route. - Suggested duration: 1 hour 🌟 Must-Do Experiences - Lakeside Walk: Azure waters with snowy mountains in the background, less crowded for great photos. - Wildlife Spotting: Chance encounters with wild ducks and waterbirds (approach quietly). ⚠️ Notes - No commercial facilities—bring snacks and water. - Windy with large temperature swings—pack a windbreaker. 📍 Third Stop: Xiao Qaidam Lake → Da Qaidam Town 📌 Key Info - Accommodation: Da Qaidam Town (book 3 days ahead in peak season!). - Transport: ~30km from Xiao Qaidam Lake, 30-minute drive. 🏨 Stay Recommendations - Budget: Homestays/hostels (¥100-150/person). - Comfort: Da Qaidam Snow Mountain Hot Spring Hotel (¥300-500/night, includes hot spring). 🍜 Food Recs - Grilled Lamb Ribs (highly rated at "Yibula Specialty Grill"), yak meat soup noodles. 💡 Pro Tips - Da Qaidam’s elevation is ~3200m—avoid strenuous activity. - Stock up on supplies (no shops near Da Qaidam’s Emerald Lake). 💰 Estimated Cost (per person) - Transport: ~¥150 for carpool from Chaka to Chaerhan. - Tickets: ¥100 for Chaerhan Salt Lake. - Lodging: ~¥120 for shared room in Da Qaidam. Total: ¥370 (excluding meals & extras). 📸 Photo Outfit Tips - Chaerhan Salt Lake: Bright-colored dresses (red/orange) + scarves (windproof yet flowy). - Xiao Qaidam Lake: Denim/utility style with combat boots (suits the wild vibe). ✨ Tomorrow’s Preview: Third Stop Da Qaidam → Emerald Lake → U-shaped Water Yadan → Devil City! #QinghaiGansuGrandLoop #SaltLakeWonders