The Ultimate Guide to Chaka Salt Lake: A Real Experience of Walking on the Sky

When I first stood on the embankment of Chaka Salt Lake, I suddenly understood why some call it "Qinghai's Mirror." The wind brushed the lake's surface like freshly ironed blue velvet, with clouds floating on the water, making even my own reflection crystal clear—this surreal beauty is likely the reason countless people trek across mountains to get here.

Must-Know Tips Before You Go: Don’t Let Small Details Ruin Your Trip
Before visiting Chaka, I often heard people say, "It depends on luck," but proper preparation can avoid 80% of regrets. The best times to visit are June-August or September-October. June offers blooming rapeseed flowers, while September has fewer crowds and clear skies. No matter when you go, bring a jacket—the lakeside wind is fiercer than expected. You might wear a T-shirt at noon but need a windbreaker by dusk.

The biggest pitfalls are tickets and transportation. The area is divided into two zones: "Sky Mirror No. 1" and "Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area." Locals highly recommend the older scenic area, where taking a mini-train to the lake’s heart is a must-try experience. Tickets cost 70 yuan, and the mini-train is 50 yuan one-way—buy a round-trip ticket, as walking 40 minutes to the lake center and back under the scorching sun is exhausting.

If driving, take the Jingzang Highway from Xining; it takes 4.5 hours with few service stations along the way, so fill up your tank. For public transport, direct buses depart from Xining Passenger Transport Center at 8 AM daily for 65 yuan per person. Arrive early—seats sell out fast in peak season.

Accommodation: Stay Near the Scenic Area or in Town?
I stayed two nights in Chaka Town, where guesthouses offer great value—150 yuan gets you a heated standard room just a 10-minute walk from the entrance. The hosts will update you on the next day’s weather and lend you free red scarves (don’t laugh—they’re essential for photos).

For stargazing, Qingyan Hotel inside the scenic area is ideal, with salt lake views right outside your window. But prices surge to 400+ yuan in peak season, and rooms have a faint salt smell. If that bothers you, stay in town and arrive early at 4 AM for sunrise.

Photo Guide: Stunning Shots for Everyone
After browsing countless guides, I realized red outfits aren’t cliché—they pop in photos. Long dresses flutter beautifully in the wind, while white blends into the lake.

The best spot is the mini-train tracks at the lake center. The softest light is from 3-5 PM, casting long shadows on the rails. Skip the crowded entrance and head to the terminus, where salt sculptures and abandoned tracks offer pristine backdrops.

Try shooting downward with your phone close to the salt crust for an "upside-down world" effect. Rain isn’t a dealbreaker—post-rain, the lake shatters like glass, refracting light more stunningly than sunshine.

Pro Tips
Bring sandals—salt crystals hurt bare feet after 10 minutes. Renting shoes costs 10 yuan, but bringing your own is better.
Sunscreen is a must! Qinghai’s UV rays are three times stronger than plains regions. Even with a hat and mask, my neck got sunburned.
Don’t step on salt sculptures—they’re fragile and cost thousands to repair.
Skip the overpriced, greasy lamb hotpot at the entrance. Try "Old Ma’s Restaurant" in town for a hearty 25-yuan lamb noodle bowl.

On my last day, I sat by the lake watching the sunset dye the water orange, with the Qilian Mountains fading into silhouettes. The real magic wasn’t the mirror-like sky in photos but the moment the wind whispered past, merging me with the landscape. If you visit, leave time to just sit—such views may come only once in a lifetime.