Things to do in Haixi Prefecture
Explore top experiences
Top 10 attractions in Haixi Prefecture
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
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.Golmud · 64.9 km from downtown
Dachaidan Emerald Lake
Dachaidan Emerald Lake is located on the northeast side of Ike Qaidam Lake and ten kilometers northwest of Dachaidan Township. It belongs to the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It was originally the mining area of the Salt Lake Mining Team of Dachaidan Chemical Plant. Because the lake water is clear and blue in the sun, the color is like jade, so it is named "Emerald Lake". When the wind and waves are calm, Emerald Lake is scattered around like a mirror. The blue sky and white clouds and the snow-capped peaks of Qaidam Mountain are reflected in the water. The scenery is better than Chaka Salt Lake. feel.Haixi Prefecture · >100 km from downtown
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
Wusute Yadan Geological Park
Wusute Yadan Geological Park is located in the northwest of Qaidam Basin, Qinghai, between Dongtai Jinaier Lake and Xitai Jinaier Lake. It is a rare water yadan view in the depths of the Gobi and a highly anticipated stop on the Greater Qinghai-Gansu Loop. This yadan cluster was originally a dry landform with mounds ranging from over ten to several dozen m in height, shaped like fleets, castles, and pyramids. Later, the Nalinggele River originating from the Kunlun Mountains changed its course due to mountain floods, and the water submerged the low-lying yadan area, creating the current wonder of turquoise waters embracing earthen mounds. As waterbirds and wild ducks gather in large numbers during spring and fall, locals call this water area "Duck Lake," also known as the "Lake of a Hundred Birds and a Thousand Islands." The park tour is connected by sightseeing buses, with stops including the sea-viewing platform, Penglai fairy island, West Sea fleet and golden beach. Among them, the "West Sea fleet" is a neatly arranged yardang cluster resembling a fleet formation, with extremely high recognition. The sea-viewing platform is ideal for overlooking the lake, especially during sunrise or sunset when sunlight turns the mounds golden, blending with their reflections to create a castle-like illusion floating on the lake—a prime time for photographers. Taking a cruise through the yardangs allows close observation of wind-eroded rock layers from the water, offering a "boat sailing through mountains" experience. Besides cruises, camel rides and desert off-road motorcycles are long-term activity options in the park. The park covers a vast area, ideal for slowing down and exploring at a leisurely pace. Don't miss the mornings and evenings when the light changes dramatically. The local plateau climate is dry with strong UV radiation and large temperature differences between day and night. Bringing sun protection and a windproof jacket before departure will make your experience more comfortable.Golmud · >100 km from downtown
Heidu Mountain
Heidu Mountain is a stretch of black mountains extending from the Saishiteng Mountain in the western section of the Qilian Mountains. Formed by volcanic eruptions hundreds of millions of years ago, the rocks have been covered by a layer of black desert varnish dyed by iron and manganese oxides after long-term wind erosion. The ink-black mountains form a sharp contrast with the surrounding grayish-white saline-alkali Gobi, looking from afar like an ink-wash painting unfurled between heaven and earth. There is no vegetation or flowing water here, only rolling black hills and gullies. On sunny days, the black and white are sharply defined, looking chilly and stark like a landscape painting done with dry brush and burnt ink. On cloudy days, clouds hang low over the landscape, making it look vast and desolate like an alien wilderness. When the light hits at an angle in the early morning and evening, the light and shadow on the mountains are distinct, making it especially suitable for taking dramatic ink-wash style photos. Wearing bright-colored clothing in the shot creates a striking contrast with the black-and-white landscape.Mangya · >100 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
Aiken Spring
Aiken Spring is a geothermal fountain that has been gushing for thousands of years. Although there is no grass in the place where its spring water flows, the red and yellow grassy beaches around it, and the reddish-brown sand and stones are like a circular palette, creating the world. There is a colorful oil painting in the oval-shaped Aiken Spring with a diameter of more than 10 meters. The green spring water is like boiling water, gushing up and rushing. Due to long-term evaporation, the minerals in the spring water have precipitated a dark red ring-shaped "sky eye boundary" on the land. Viewed from the air, the spring eye and the gushing spring water form the shape of the "earth pupil". The veins are clear and lifelike. Under the lens of photography enthusiasts, it is like a phoenix flying high. Aiken Spring is composed of two springs that are 400 paces apart, each forming a rather deep small lake around them, the lake on the west is a mineral lake. There are many cyan small springs dotted around the big spring, which are azure-colored small springs, like asteroids surrounding the sun. Around the spring water, when you step on it, there will be a clicking sound, and the soil is very loose and may sink in if you are not careful.Mangya · 28.1 km from downtown
Rainbow Danxia · Star Valley
Xingluo Valley in Qinghai: A Lost Interstellar Landscape in the Qaidam Basin Deep in the vast heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, on the southeastern edge of the Qaidam Basin, lies a hidden paradise forged by time and starlight—Qinghai Xingluo Valley. Located 110 kilometers from Delingha City and 70 kilometers from Zongjia Town in Dulan County, it is a gem of Haixi Prefecture where nature and culture intertwine. Geological Wonders: Earth's Palette At an altitude of 2,900 meters, a magnificent and colorful landscape unfolds. Crimson Danxia landforms and deep blue Yardang landforms overlap and interweave, while rust-red, cobalt blue, and manganese black rock bands resemble ink splashed by the gods, painting a "cosmic heritage, a geological epic." When the morning light pours down, the rock walls pulsate with a "geological rainbow"; when the starry night falls, meteors scatter like stardust across the sky, creating a "lost interstellar painting of the Qaidam Basin." Stargazing · Dark Night Galaxy Theater With its lack of light pollution and clear atmospheric environment, Xingluo Valley has become a premier stargazing destination on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The Milky Way is practically within reach, and meteor showers are frequent. Visitor Information 1. Please observe the order of the attraction and follow the instructions of the staff. 2. Danxia landforms are difficult to form; please do not step on or climb the mountainsides. 3. Smoking and open flames are prohibited within the attraction. 4. Please keep your personal belongings safe. If anything is lost, please contact staff immediately. 5. The attraction is at a high altitude, so it is recommended to prepare for altitude acclimatization in advance.Dulan · >100 km from downtown
East Taiji Nai'er Lake
East Taiji Nai'er Lake is a pearl in the Qaidam Basin. The lake water has extremely high salinity and is rich in minerals such as magnesium and lithium. Under the intense highland sunlight, it displays a clear, pure blue-green color. The lakeshore is spread with vast, white salt flats, creating a striking contrast of blue and white. The surrounding terrain is open, and the scenery is magnificent, attracting many photography enthusiasts and tourists. The lake's water level changes significantly with the seasons and precipitation. The high-water period in summer and fall, when the lake surface is expansive and its colors are vibrant, is an ideal time for viewing. The colors are particularly intense on sunny days with ample light, while the soft light of early morning and evening is also perfect for taking photos. Visitors can stroll along the lake, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.Golmud · >100 km from downtown
Experiences you can't miss in Haixi Prefecture
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More things to do
Free things to do in Haixi Prefecture
Heidu Mountain
Mangya · >100 km from downtownEast Taiji Nai'er Lake
Golmud · >100 km from downtown
Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve
Golmud · >100 km from downtown
Tuosu Lake
Delingha · 45.6 km from downtown
Relics of Lenghu Oil Base
Mangya · >100 km from downtown
Hala Lake
Delingha · >100 km from downtown
Tree of Life Filming Location (Keluke Town)
Delingha · 14.5 km from downtown
Qaidam Basin
Mangya · 98.6 km from downtown
Xiao Qaidam Lake
Haixi Prefecture · >100 km from downtown
Nanbaxian Ghost City
Haixi Prefecture · >100 km from downtown
What travelers say about Haixi Prefecture
M58***07October 22, 2026
5.0
During the off-season, there are few tourists at the scenic area, and many facilities are not in operation. The scenery is not at its best, but because there are few people, experiencing a solo walk around the salt lake is still quite enjoyable.
Chaka Salt Lake
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
E15***58October 25, 2026
5.0
It was breathtaking! I woke up to find it snowing. As a southerner, I was almost in tears. The lake was beautiful, but photos can't capture its true beauty. Of course, it was also very cold; my hands were frozen. However, it produced many great photos. Since it was the off-season, there weren't many people, and many facilities in the scenic area were closed, making it inconvenient to eat or use the restroom.
Dachaidan Emerald Lake
leowxpOctober 22, 2026
4.0
A trip to Qinghai will definitely include Qinghai Lake in the itinerary. The lake is vast, with a loop of over 300 kilometers. There's an annual cycling race around the lake, so the ecological environment and water quality are well-preserved. The officially developed area is Erlangjian, where there are many accommodations.
The cliffs and Fairy Bay are on the opposite side.
Heimahe is famous for its sunrise views. While passing by, I saw many new guesthouses still under construction; the accommodations there were previously quite basic.
Due to weather conditions, our original itinerary for the lake loop was changed. We'll save the cliffs for another time. It's relatively close to Xining.
The weather improved slightly when we arrived at Erlangjian. I took a peek at the lake from the viewing platform.
Qinghai Lake
nature-volunteerOctober 16, 2026
4.0
I'd been to the Devil City in Dunhuang before, so I specifically wanted to see the Water Yadan landform. The scenic area shuttle bus goes all the way to the innermost part, then stops at various checkpoints. I walked along the lake for a while, and the weather was nice, so overall it was a good experience! The main problem is that it's too far from Golmud, which is inconvenient for tourists without a car!
Wusute Yadan Geological Park
可爱的旅游生活89August 12, 2026
5.0
This pristine Gobi Desert wonderland boasts a stark and expansive landscape of dark rocky hills and desolate scenery. The entire tour is by car with no additional costs. With few people around, it offers a tranquil and relaxing experience, perfect for a road trip to unwind and unwind. A 2.5-hour tour is recommended.
Heidu Mountain
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
cookieyin12345October 3, 2026
5.0
This attraction seems to be quite weather-dependent; it's definitely worth going on a sunny day. The springs have vibrant colors, and the aerial views are beautiful. There are also other free and attractive plants and lakes along the way to the scenic area.
Aiken Spring
半夜起床打蚊子不用洗脸October 9, 2026
5.0
Having seen the Zhangye Danxia Landform before, I was still amazed by the Delingha Rainbow Danxia Star Valley. Its colors are deeper and richer than Zhangye's, and its landforms are more varied. The only drawback is the transportation; some sections are bumpy and difficult to travel for an hour.
Rainbow Danxia · Star Valley
墨漠陌大March 13, 2025
5.0
东台吉乃尔湖，位于青海省海西蒙古族藏族自治州格尔木市境内。湖水在阳光下闪闪发光，透露着独特的蓝色，一望无际，空旷而又神秘。消失或是出现皆没有迹象，是上帝的一滴“蓝眼泪”。非常适合打卡拍照。过去十年间，东台吉乃尔湖已经出现消失多次。时隔3年，它如海市蜃楼般凭空出现在戈壁里。与众不同的蒂夫尼蓝，主要来源于锂盐。去东台交通不便，最好自驾。
East Taiji Nai'er Lake
