Qinghai Haixi 3 Days 2 Nights Travel Guide

—— Explore the Qaidam Basin, Encounter the Mirror of the Sky and Devil City
📅 Itinerary Overview
📍 Destination: Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province
⏰ Duration: 3 days 2 nights
💰 Budget: 7000 RMB (2 people traveling together, 3500 RMB per person)
🚗 Transportation: Private car/Carpool (SUV or off-road vehicle recommended)
🏔️ Main Attractions: Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, Water Yadan, National Highway 315 U-shaped Road, Delingha Alien Ruins

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Xining → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha
🚗 Transportation: Depart from Xining, private car to Chaka Salt Lake (about 4 hours, car fee about 800 RMB/day)
🎫 Tickets: Chaka Salt Lake (60 RMB/person, small train one way 50 RMB/person)
🏨 Accommodation: Delingha city (Recommended: Senyuan Quality Hotel, about 400 RMB/night)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch (Chaka Town, about 50 RMB/person), Dinner (Delingha, about 80 RMB/person)
📌 Highlights:

Chaka Salt Lake — "Mirror of the Sky," perfect for reflection photos (wear bright clothes recommended)
Arrive in Delingha in the evening, visit Haizi Poetry Exhibition Hall (free)

Day 2: Delingha → Emerald Lake → Water Yadan
🚗 Transportation: Delingha → Dachaidan Emerald Lake (about 2.5 hours, car fee 800 RMB/day)
🎫 Tickets: Emerald Lake (50 RMB/person), Water Yadan (120 RMB/person, including sightseeing vehicle)
🏨 Accommodation: Water Yadan RV Campground (about 600 RMB/night) or return to Dachaidan Town (about 400 RMB/night)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch (Dachaidan Town, about 60 RMB/person), Dinner (scenic area or town, about 80 RMB/person)
📌 Highlights:

Emerald Lake — Tiffany blue salt lake, stunning aerial views
National Highway 315 U-shaped Road — popular road, be careful when taking photos
Water Yadan — the world’s only water Yadan landform, sunset is breathtaking

Day 3: Water Yadan → Xitai Jinaier Lake → Return to Xining
🚗 Transportation: Water Yadan → Xitai Jinaier Lake (about 1 hour) → Xining (about 6 hours, car fee 800 RMB/day)
🎫 Tickets: Xitai Jinaier Lake (free)
🍽️ Meals: Lunch (simple meal on the road, about 50 RMB/person)
📌 Highlights:

Xitai Jinaier Lake — two-colored lake, highway passes through the lake
Gobi scenery along the way, chance to see wild camels

💰 Budget Breakdown (Total for 2 people)
Transportation (3 days private car)
2400
800 RMB/day, SUV or off-road vehicle

Accommodation (2 nights)
1000
Delingha + Dachaidan/Water Yadan

Tickets
460
Chaka Salt Lake + Emerald Lake + Water Yadan

Meals
600
6 meals in 3 days, about 100 RMB/person/day

Others (snacks, oxygen bottles, etc.)
500
Reserve

Total
7000
3500 RMB per person

⚠️ Travel Tips

Altitude Sickness: Haixi average altitude is above 3000 meters, it is recommended to take Rhodiola in advance and prepare oxygen bottles.
Weather and Clothing: Large temperature difference between day and night, sun protection during the day (sunglasses, hat), keep warm at night (windbreaker).
Photo Tips: Drone photography produces better shots (note that drones are prohibited at Chaka Salt Lake and Emerald Lake).
Road Conditions: Some sections have no signal, it is recommended to hire a local driver or join a tour group.

🌟 Optional Upgrades

Star Photography: Water Yadan or Dachaidan nights are suitable for shooting the Milky Way.
In-depth Tour: Add Mangya Emerald Lake or Aiken Spring (Devil’s Eye), requires 1-2 extra days.

📸 Bring your camera and come to Haixi to experience the ultimate wilderness and the romance of salt lakes! 🌊🚙