Chaka Salt Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Northwest China. It is known as the "Mirror of the Sky". The scenery here is like a dreamy picture scroll, making you feel in a fairy tale world, and you can feel inner tranquility and relaxation.
The beauty of Chaka Salt Lake is not limited to the lake water and sky, but also the surrounding mountains and grasslands. Here, you can see spectacular snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, making people feel the infinite charm of nature. At the same time, there is also a unique Tibetan culture here, where you can taste authentic Tibetan delicacies and feel the strong Tibetan customs.
The pollution-free natural environment of the Chaka Salt Lake Plateau, the vast field of vision, and the pure lake surface outline a magnificent picture at night. At night, the starry sky and the lake blend into one, as if stars are sprinkled in the mirror. It is known as the most beautiful starry sky photography base in China.
Chaka Salt Lake occupies an important position in the Belt and Road Initiative. It is an important station of the ancient Silk Road and the Tang-Fan Ancient Road. In the scenic area, you can see the Prayer Flag Square, Oboo, and ethnic performing arts activities, which are very distinctive. Every year on the 15th day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar, the scenic spot will hold a lake sacrifice ceremony, which has lasted for more than 240 years.
Tourist Attractions
Tour Tower
This open steel tower is one of the best viewing points for the magnificent panoramic view of the lake from above. At a height of 27.84m, the top viewing platform can accommodate 90 visitors and can overlook Chaka Lake.
Mirror of the Sky
From June to October every year, due to the crystallization of a large number of lake salt deposits in Chaka Salt Lake, a salt ground tens of meters thick is formed at the bottom of the lake. The water above the salt ground is only a few millimeters deep. From a distance, the person standing on the salt ground seems to be floating on the water, and the reflection is visible.
Mirror of the Sky Tour Tower
Qianying Muxue Platform
Qianying Muxue Platform is the core tourist area of Chaka Salt Lake, which is located on the west side of Tianjin Bishui Station, the terminal of the small train. It is the best place to enjoy the sunset of Salt Lake. The main line is 150 meters long and the branches are 50 meters long. It is composed of six small viewing platforms from different angles. It is the best place to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Chaka Salt Lake. You can see the beautiful scenery of Salt Lake at different times from different angles.
Salt Sculptures
Salt Sculptures in Chaka Salt Lake recognized by the World Record Association include several large-scale salt sculptures, including the large-scale salt sculpture of Genghis Khan, the salt sculpture of Queen Mother of the West, the Salt Sculpture of Jingpo Ethnicity, the Salt Sculpture of Meeting at Jade Lake, and the Salt Sculpture of Wu Xian. These are made from a total of 7,104 tons of salt, and every salt sculpture contains profound cultural connotations, telling the legends and stories of Chaka Salt Lake.
How to Travel in Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area
Salt Lake's scenic area is large, walking tours are very difficult, and private cars are not allowed to enter the scenic area. There are three main ways to visit here: sightseeing car, sightseeing train, sightseeing yacht.
Sightseeing car
Earliest departure time: Around 7:00am
Stop station: Youth Hostel Station>>Mirror of Sky Station>>Lakeside Station
Ticket price: About 5CNY per person per stop
Sightseeing Train
Sightseeing train
Earliest departure time: 6:30am
Stop station: Old Auditorium Station>>Mirror of Sky Station>>Sunrise Heavenly Road Station>>Skyline Station>> Sky-mirror & Blue Water Station
Ticket price: 50CNY for single one-way ride
Sightseeing yacht
Sightseeing time: 7:00-19:50
Ticket price: 90CNY per person per ride from East Pier to Tianji Xinyue Pier, 50CNY per person from Tianji Xinyue Pier to Mirror of Sky.
Features
Chinese Name: Cha Ka Yan Hu（茶卡盐湖）
Location: Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Wulan County, Qinghai Province
Altitude: 3059m
Climate: Plateau continental climate
Scenic Spot Level: National 4A Level Scenic Spot
Travel Information
Opening Time: peak-season 6:00-20:00, off-season 7:30-19:00
Ticket Price: peak-season 60CNY, off-season 30CNY
Best Time to Travel: June to August
Travel Tips
1.Before visiting Chaka Salt Lake, prepare some wet wipes. After touching the lake water, salt crystals will stick to your hands. You can wipe them off with wet wipes.
2.Qinghai has strong ultraviolet rays and reflections from the lake surface. It is recommended to bring sunglasses and a sun umbrella, and apply sun protection.
3.Chaka Salt Lake area is about 3000 meters above sea level, do not strenuous exercise, so as to avoid altitude sickness.
4.Because the salt layer is relatively rough, in order to prevent foot injury when going down the lake, you cannot go down the lake barefoot, and you must wear environmentally friendly shoe covers rented by the scenic spot.
