Dachaidan Emerald Lake | A Hidden Gem of Blue and Green Mirrors on the Plateau

1. Key Highlights: Why Choose Emerald Lake?

1. Vibrant Colors with a 100% Photo Success Rate

Unlike single-colored salt lakes, Emerald Lake consists of dozens of salt pools of varying sizes. Due to differences in salinity and mineral content, the pools display distinct shades of blue and green. Under the midday sun, the pools resemble liquid emeralds; during sunrise and sunset, they are tinged with pink, purple, and orange hues, making every shot look like a scene from Bolivia.

2. Less Crowded, Better Experience

As a lesser-known destination, even during peak season (July-August), individual pools rarely get overcrowded. Visitors can enjoy the serene reflections and stroll along the salt flats in peace. It's perfect for introverts and photography enthusiasts who can create freely without waiting for a spot.

3. Diverse Activities for Everyone

Casual visitors can enjoy the scenery and take photos along the wooden walkways, while avid explorers can discover hidden salt pools and capture the starry night sky. Families with children can play "mirror reflection games" on the salt flats. From leisure sightseeing to in-depth experiences, it caters to all ages and fitness levels.

2. Key Spots and Practical Tips

1. Salt Pool No. 2 (The Main Attraction with Blue-Green Hues)

Basic Info: The core salt pool of the scenic area, located a 5-minute walk from the visitor center/parking lot No. 2. Tickets include a sightseeing shuttle (half-price for students/seniors). Opening hours: 8:00 AM-7:00 PM (summer), 9:00 AM-6:00 PM (winter).

Recommended Activities:

Mirror Photography: Wear white or light-colored clothing and stand at the edge of the salt flats (avoid deep water areas). Take low-angle shots to capture "floating reflections." Use props like hats or sunglasses under strong midday sunlight to add depth to your photos.

Salt Flat Stroll: Walk barefoot on the salt flats (the fine salt grains are gentle on the feet). Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent prolonged soaking. Capture close-ups of "feet in blue-green water" and feel the cool touch of salt crystals.

Tips: Some salt flats have salt crystal deposits. Wear non-slip shoes (avoid white shoes as they may get stained). Keep phones/cameras away from the lake water, as the saltwater is corrosive. Clean with fresh water if contact occurs.

2. Snow Mountain Viewpoint Pool (A Must-See for Lake and Mountain Views)

Basic Info: Take the shuttle to the "Snow Mountain Viewpoint" (about 10 minutes), then walk 3 minutes to reach the spot. The open view allows for capturing both the salt pools and the distant Qilian Snow Mountains in one frame.

Recommended Activities:

Panoramic Shots: Use a phone's wide-angle mode or a camera's telephoto lens to frame the "blue-green water + white snow mountains" contrast. The best lighting is within an hour after sunrise or before sunset when the mountain contours are most distinct.

Dynamic Shots: Capture interactions like "people and snow mountain reflections" when the wind lifts skirts or scarves, making the scene more lively and avoiding stiff poses.

Tips: The wooden walkway at the viewpoint is short, and some areas require walking on the salt flats. Wear waterproof shoes. Summer UV rays are strong, so use sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses.

3. Hidden Salt Pools (Explore Secret Scenic Spots)

Basic Info: Walk 10-15 minutes deeper along the wooden walkway from Salt Pool No. 2, or take the shuttle to the "Deep Salt Pool Station." These secluded pools are less crowded and often display amber and light purple hues.

Recommended Activities:

Color Contrast: Capture "multi-colored salt pool mosaics" using a phone's panorama mode to showcase the diverse colors of blue, green, yellow, and purple.

Starry Night Photography (Summer): On clear nights after 10:00 PM, use a tripod for long exposure (30 seconds/ISO 3200) to photograph the "Milky Way spanning the salt pool." The pool's reflection enhances the symmetry of the starry sky.

Tips: Hidden salt pools lack staff presence, so avoid exploring alone. In winter, the pools may freeze; do not step on the ice to prevent accidents.

3. Transportation, Accommodation & Dining Guide

1. Transportation Tips

Self-Drive (Recommended):

Dachaidan Town → Scenic Area: 12 km/20 minutes (paved road, navigate to "Dachaidan Emerald Lake Scenic Area," free parking with ample spaces).

Xining → Scenic Area: About 500 km/6 hours (via Jingzang Expressway → Liugou Expressway, with stops at Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, ideal for a loop tour).

Dunhuang → Scenic Area: About 350 km/4.5 hours (via Liugou Expressway, suitable for a Hexi Corridor + Qinghai loop).

Public Transport:

Shared Rides from Dachaidan Town: Hotels/guesthouses in town can arrange shared rides, costing 20-30 RMB per person round trip (15 minutes one way, flexible and convenient).

No direct buses are available. Avoid taking unlicensed roadside vehicles; prioritize official shared rides or private hires.

2. Accommodation Options

Dachaidan Town:

Advantages: Close to the scenic area (20-minute drive), with complete dining and shopping facilities. Accommodation ranges from budget options (e.g., Dachaidan Xihai Hotel) to mid-to-high-end choices (e.g., Dachaidan Jinling Yadan Hotel), catering to various budgets.

Recommendations: For stargazing, choose hotels on the town's outskirts (less light pollution), such as "Dachaidan That Summer Inn," which includes breakfast and offers stargazing photography guidance.

Near the Scenic Area: No accommodations are available. Return to Dachaidan Town for lodging. Do not trust claims of "on-site accommodations."

3. Dining Recommendations

Dachaidan Town Dining:

Specialties: Kangguo Lamb (recommended at "Western Cuisine City" or "Old Ma's Kangguo Lamb," tender meat paired with potatoes and onions), Yak Jerky (great as a souvenir).

Quick Meals: Beef noodles, stir-fried noodles, ideal for a quick energy boost.

Tips: Most restaurants in town are Halal. Respect dietary customs and avoid ordering non-Halal dishes. During peak season (July-August), restaurants may have queues; dine during off-peak hours.

Scenic Area Dining: Only vending machines at the visitor center (selling bottled water and snacks). Bring your own food (e.g., bread, fruits, energy bars) for a picnic by the salt pools (remember to take your trash with you to protect the environment).

4. Practical Tips & Itinerary Suggestions

1. Avoiding Pitfalls

Do not wear dark clothing for photos! Dark colors blend with the blue-green water. White or light-colored clothing highlights the subject and improves photo quality.

The scenic area's shuttle operates on a loop. You can get on and off at any station without worrying about missing spots. Keep your ticket (required for multiple checks).

Avoid "private guides/paid photography" services. Core attractions are easy to navigate and photograph independently, saving unnecessary expenses.

2. Suggested Itineraries

1-Day Tour (Starting from Dachaidan Town):

09:00 Depart from town, head straight to Salt Pool No. 2 for photos.

11:00 Take the shuttle to the Snow Mountain Viewpoint Pool for lake-mountain shots.

13:00 Lunch at the scenic area exit or in town.

15:00 Explore hidden salt pools (extend to 18:00 in summer for sunset shots). Return by 7:00 PM.

Multi-Day Tour (Qinghai Loop):

Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Stay in Chaka Town.

Day 2: Chaka Town → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Stay in Dachaidan Town.

Day 3: Dachaidan Town → Naanba Fairyland → Water Yadan → Stay in Water Yadan.

Day 4: Water Yadan → Dunhuang (visit Xiaochaidan Lake en route), completing the classic Qinghai-Hexi Corridor loop.

The beauty of Dachaidan Emerald Lake lies in its purity and dynamism—blue-green waters shift with the light, salt flats reflect snow-capped mountains and skies. Free from excessive commercialization, it offers the natural essence of a plateau salt lake. Whether you're looking to capture stunning photos for social media or immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the highlands, this is a must-visit treasure in Northwest China.