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The Qarhan Salt Lake is a salt lake in the western part of Qinghai Province, China. It is located in the southern part of the Qaidam Basin, spanning Golmud City and Dulan County. It is formed by the confluence of Dabusun Lake and the South Hobson, North Hobson, and Senie salt ponds. It has a total area of 5,856 square kilometers. Many inland rivers such as the Golmud River and the Qaidam River flow into the lake.
Due to the continuous evaporation of water, a hard salt cover has formed on the salt lake. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Qinghai-Tibet Highway are built directly on the salt cover. The Qarhan Salt Lake is rich in inorganic salts such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride, with a total reserve of more than 2 billion tons. It is one of China's mining bases.
The Qaidam Basin has a plateau continental climate, characterized by drought.
The basin's average annual temperature is below 5°C, with dramatic temperature fluctuations, exceeding 60°C in absolute annual temperature differences and often around 30°C in daily temperature fluctuations. Summer nights can drop below 0°C. Winds are strong, with winds exceeding force 8 occurring 25-75 days annually. Strong winds can even reach 40 meters per second in the west, leading to significant wind erosion.
Global warming has significantly impacted the Qaidam Basin, making it the most sensitive and significant region to climate change on the entire Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Various signs indicate that the Qaidam Basin's climate is shifting from a warm and dry climate to a warm and humid climate.
Best time to travel: May to October
Recommended play time: more than half a day
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Qarhan Salt Lake, located in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai Province, is one of the largest salt lakes in China. It has significant economic value due to its vast salt deposits, and it plays a key role in the local economy. The lake is also known for its striking white salt flats, which are a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Qarhan Salt Lake is located in the Ulan region of Qinghai Province. The best way to reach the lake is by private car or taxi from the nearest city, Xining, which is about 200 kilometers away. Public transportation options are limited, so hiring a car or booking a tour is recommended.
The lake is accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is more moderate. It is open 24 hours a day, but visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience.
There is no official entrance fee for visiting Qarhan Salt Lake, but some tour operators may charge a fee for guided tours. You can arrange these tours either online or locally in Xining.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance unless you are joining a guided tour, in which case it is advisable to book a day or two in advance. Tours can be arranged in Xining or through travel agencies.
Exploring Qarhan Salt Lake can take between 2 to 4 hours depending on how much time you spend taking photos, exploring the salt flats, and learning about the local culture. If you plan to visit nearby areas, like the salt mines, it may take longer.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tour operators may offer English-speaking guides. It’s recommended to book a tour in advance if you want to learn more about the history and ecology of the area.
It is best to start at the entrance of the lake, explore the salt flats, and then head to the salt mining area. Take a break and enjoy the desert landscape before heading back. For photography enthusiasts, make sure to stay for the sunset for the best lighting.
There are no light shows or special tours available at night. However, the clear skies make for excellent stargazing opportunities at night.
Qarhan Salt Lake is relatively uncrowded compared to other tourist destinations in China. The least crowded times are during the weekdays and outside the peak summer months (July and August).
Basic facilities such as toilets are available near the entrance, but there are no major food or water facilities at the lake itself. It is advisable to bring your own water, snacks, and sun protection when visiting.
The terrain around Qarhan Salt Lake can be challenging, with uneven ground and the vast expanse of salt flats. While it is accessible for children and elderly visitors who are able to walk short distances, it may be difficult for those with mobility impairments. It is advisable to consult with tour guides for specific access needs.
Cash is generally accepted, but mobile payment platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also commonly used in the area. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it's best to have cash or use mobile payments.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly near Qarhan Salt Lake. However, small eateries and restaurants can be found in Xining, which is the nearest city and a good place to stop before or after your visit.
In Xining, you can find vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options. In the area surrounding the lake, food options are limited, so it’s advisable to bring your own snacks if you have specific dietary preferences.
There are no accommodations directly near the salt lake. It is recommended to stay in Xining, where you will find a variety of hotels and guesthouses ranging from budget to mid-range options.
Souvenir shops near Qarhan Salt Lake are limited, but in Xining, you can find various local handicrafts, Tibetan rugs, and salt products from the region. These make for unique souvenirs.
After visiting Qarhan Salt Lake, the best transportation options are to return to Xining by private car or taxi. From Xining, you can continue your journey to other destinations, including Qinghai Lake or Tibetan regions.
