Qarhan Salt Lake Travel Guide | China's Largest Salt Lake

🚗【Transportation Guide】
✅ Self-driving: Navigate to "Qarhan Salt Lake Tourist Center", parking is free 🅿️
✅ Approximately 1 hour drive from Golmud city center
✅ For those without a car, carpooling/chartered car is available: Commuter buses are available at Golmud Railway Station (approx. 25 RMB round trip) or carpooling (approx. 100-150 RMB per person)
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🎫【Ticket Information】
▪ Adult Ticket: 40 RMB
▪ Student Ticket: Half price (with valid student ID)
▪ Zhejiang residents: Free admission (with ID card)
▪ Round-trip shuttle bus: 60 RMB/person (mandatory purchase, private cars are not allowed into the core scenic area)
▪ Scenic area sightseeing car: 15 RMB/person (optional purchase, round-trip ticket, can hop on/off at each stop)
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📸【Recommended Itinerary】
1️⃣ Quick Tour (2 hours)
Shuttle bus to scenic area entrance → Take sightseeing car to the last stop → Check in at popular swing, Bishaoyao Terrace, water piano, etc. → Sightseeing car returns to shuttle bus stop
(Suitable for those with limited time or sensitive to sun, saves time and effort)
2️⃣ In-depth Tour (4 hours)
Shuttle bus to sightseeing car transfer point → Walk and explore (approx. 4km round trip) → Take photos leisurely, discover the secret realm of salt flowers
(Suitable for visitors with good physical stamina who enjoy an immersive experience)
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👗【Outfit Suggestions】
✅ Long dress: White, green, and red photograph best (avoid blue tones)
✅ Sunglasses are a must! The salt lake's reflective light is extremely strong, protecting from sun and glare
✅ Can be paired with props like straw hats, silk scarves, etc.
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🍏【Dining Tips】
▪ Drinks in the scenic area: Green Apple Soda (28 RMB), Grapefruit Sparkling Water (26 RMB), Guava Sparkling Water (26 RMB), Coconut Green Apple Jelly (26 RMB), Sea Salt Ice Cream (19 RMB)
▪ The taste is average, but they look good in photos 📸
▪ It is recommended to bring your own snacks and water, as supplies in the scenic area are limited
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⚠️【Precautions】
1️⃣ Safety first! There are hidden holes under the salt crust, do not leave the designated viewing areas
2️⃣ The lake water is brine, which is toxic and highly corrosive. Do not let it touch your skin or drink it
3️⃣ Sun protection, sun protection, sun protection! UV rays + salt flat reflection = double impact. SPF50+ sunscreen + physical sun protection is recommended
4️⃣ Protect the environment! Do not step on salt crystal formations, do not take away salt blocks/salt flowers
5️⃣ There is generally no signal in the scenic area, it is recommended to download an offline map in advance
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✨【Hidden Gems】
🔹 Aerial photography is super stunning! See the emerald lake and salt bridge from a bird's-eye view (be sure to avoid no-fly zones)
🔹 Photograph the salt cliffs and abandoned salt mining boats at sunset for a post-apocalyptic blockbuster feel
🔹 Try "sprinkling salt" to create ripples on the lake surface for more dynamic photos
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💬【Summary】
Qarhan Salt Lake has fewer crowds and wilder scenery than Chaka Salt Lake. Its area is equivalent to 56 Chaka Salt Lakes, and its emerald green lake surface and diverse salt flowers are truly worth seeing! Although the facilities are not as developed as mature scenic spots, its raw and rugged beauty is more captivating~

You must visit the Great Northwest at least once