Hidden Fun at Qinghai Jade Lake! Unlock 5 Colors of Lakes with Kids

Who says the Northwest is only about yellow sand? Dacaidan Jade Lake is truly a treasure for traveling with kids! We just finished the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop with our 5-year-old, and this place became the child's unforgettable "colorful fairy tale world" along the way. The lake surface looks like a spilled paint palette, green as jade, blue as a gem, and even the little ones kept snapping photos nonstop!

👨‍👩‍👧 A must-experience for families

✔️ See green, blue, cyan, white lakes all in one stop, giving kids a real natural color lesson

✔️ Ride the little train through the salt lake, like entering the sea train in "Spirited Away," kids get super excited

✔️ Few people and flat paths, stroller-friendly, large safe areas by the lake, letting kids run freely with peace of mind

🎫 Worry-free info pack

Tickets | Adults 50 RMB, free for Zhejiang ID holders, children under 1.2 meters free

Time | Recommended to enter before 9 AM or after 4 PM, soft and non-glaring light

Duration | 3 hours suggested with kids, use the little train to reduce walking

Others | Simple meals and drinks available at the entrance to recharge

🚂 Family little train guide

► Remember to exchange for paper tickets after buying! You can get off and on at each stop, perfect for segmented play with kids

► On the way out, sit on the left side to view the lake; on the return, sit on the right side for scenery. Recommend kids sit by the window

► Stop 2 has the richest lake colors, ideal as the main play area; Stop 5 has a wide shallow beach where kids can safely approach the water

🧩 Family activities at each stop

Stop 2: Find the heart-shaped lake, use bread crumbs to attract salt lake birds, help kids identify lake color differences

Stop 3: The green lake surface looks like a giant jade, great for fun perspective photos

Stop 4: Walk on the white salt bridge, guide kids to observe the lake’s color layering

Stop 5: Explore the "alien lake group," use binoculars to see reflections of distant mountains

Stop 6: Take a photo with the "Must-Visit in This Life" sign, recording the child's first Northwest memory

👣 Thoughtful kid-friendly route planning

► Easy version: Take the little train to Stop 2 → fully explore the core lake area → take the train back to Stop 6 for check-in → finish

► Exploration version: Get off at Stop 2 → hike along the lake to Stop 3 (about 20 minutes) → continue by train for further exploration

⚠️ Family tips

► Dress kids in non-slip sports shoes, salt flats can be slippery

► Strong lake reflections, be sure to prepare kids’ sunglasses, sun-protective clothing, and wide-brim hats

► Bring a small amount of biscuits or bread to attract birds and increase fun interaction

► High altitude, remind kids to avoid strenuous exercise, bring hot water and snacks

► At the exit, there is an amber-colored small salt pool for kids to compare color differences with the large lakes