"More than just the Mirror of the Sky: The Salt and Light of Chaka, Hiding the Tenderness of the Plateau"

Chaka Salt Lake is located in Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, and is famous for its stunning reflections known as the "Mirror of the Sky." Here is a detailed travel guide:

Transportation Guide

• Self-driving: Navigate from Xining to Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area, approximately 298 kilometers, about 3.5 hours of travel.

• Public transportation: You can take a bus or a direct tourist shuttle from Xining Passenger Transport Center or Xining Bus Station, about 4 hours of travel. After arriving in Chaka Town, the scenic area is about 4 kilometers away, accessible by walking or taxi.

Ticket Information

• Tickets: Full-price ticket for the Mirror of the Sky Scenic Area is 60 RMB per person; off-season (generally non-peak tourist periods) is 30 RMB per person; ticket prices for the Sky One Scenic Area are similar to those of the Mirror of the Sky Scenic Area. Some groups such as active military personnel, seniors over 60 years old, and people with disabilities are free of charge; minors aged 6-18 and students enjoy half-price discounts.

• Internal transportation: Small train one-way 50 RMB per person, electric cart one-way 5 RMB per person, boat one-way 90 RMB per person.

Tour Routes

• Premium half-day tour (train in—boat out): Scenic area entrance → Old Assembly Hall Square → Mirror of the Sky Station (take the small train) → Chaka Salt Station (salt sculpture area) → Chaka Xia Station (lake visit and photo-taking) → Chaka Wind Station (check in at iconic buildings) → Chaka Snow Station (experience water activities) → walk back to Chaka Wind Station (take the boat) → East Pier (take the electric cart) → Salt Culture Museum → Scenic area exit.

Must-Visit Spots

• Mirror of the Sky Square: The core area of the scenic spot, featuring salt sculpture art groups, brine experience area, prayer flag square, etc., where you can experience the beautiful scenery of "walking on the lake, as if traveling in a painting."

• Qianying Muxue Viewing Platform: The small train terminal station, the best spot for photos; shoe covers can be rented to enter the lake and feel the artistic conception of "water reflecting the sky, sky connecting the earth."

• Romantic Sky Mirror Area: The lake center area, equipped with electric boats, water bicycles, and nearly 20 photo props such as crystal pavilions, bubble chairs, swings, etc.

Accommodation Recommendations

• Chaka Town: Such as the Mirror of the Sky Grand Hotel, with a superior location, some rooms offer direct views of the salt lake sunrise.

• Around the scenic area: Chaka Sky One Grand Hotel, located on the west side of the scenic area, offers various room types with views of snow-capped mountains, salt lake, and starry sky.

Notes

• Weather: The weather at Chaka Salt Lake is changeable with strong UV rays; bring thick jackets, umbrellas, and sun protection.

• Shoe covers: If you want to enter the lake, you must use environmentally friendly shoe covers, which can be prepared in advance or rented at the scenic area.

• Photography: It is recommended to wear bright-colored clothes, such as red dresses or ethnic costumes, to make photos more striking.