Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Family Trip｜Complete Guide to Visiting and Taking Photos with Kids at Chaka Salt Lake

Traveling the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop with kids, Chaka Salt Lake is definitely a highlight! The "Mirror of the Sky" effect here is perfect for capturing stunning family photos. This guide helps you easily plan your trip, ensuring the kids have fun and you get great shots!

☀ Choose the right weather to see the "Mirror of the Sky"

✅ Summer is the golden season: lots of sunny days, little wind, perfect lake crystallization, and clear reflections

✅ Best on cloudless sunny days, strong lake reflections, excellent mirror effect

❌ Avoid visiting on cloudy days, the lake surface looks dull and loses its mirror charm

✅ Pick windless or light wind days, the lake surface is calm like a mirror

❌ Strong winds ruin the mirror effect, not recommended to visit

👣 Suggested play order with kids

On clear days: take the small train directly to the deep Mirror of the Sky area, take the best photos first, then slowly explore outward

If the weather might clear up: start from the salt sculpture area, walk and observe the weather changes

📸 Family activities at each small train stop

First stop (Salt Station): see the world's largest salt sculpture group, spectacular and fun

Second stop (Xia Station): if you arrive here at dusk, the lake’s glow is stunning

Third stop (Wind Station): photo spots include the Love Viewing Platform, Mirror of the Sky stones, boats, and swings

Final stop (Snow Station) highlights:

Water train background like in Spirited Away

Industrial relic old railway tracks with great atmosphere

Various photo props: hot air balloon, piano, swings

Qianying Muxue Viewing Platform for photos with snow mountains and salt lake together

ℹ️ Essential family travel info

Tickets: 60 RMB in peak season, 30 RMB in off-season

Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM (peak season)

Recommended duration: 2-4 hours

Small train: 50 RMB one way, runs every 10-15 minutes

Electric cart: 5 RMB one way, short distance, optional

Shoe covers: rental 10 RMB (deposit 50 RMB)

Altitude: 3,059 meters, watch kids’ activity pace

🚂 Small train riding tips

A must for families! Stations are far apart, salt ground is rough and hard to walk on. Taking the small train goes straight to the core scenic areas and saves energy. Buy one-way tickets if weather is good.

🥾 Shoe cover rental guide

Rent if you plan to step into the water for reflections and the weather is good; the shoe covers are waterproof. If walking only on shore or weather is bad, no need to rent.

🎁 Free salt available at the exit (with purchase conditions)

🚗 For self-driving, parking in Zone E is most convenient

🏨 Accommodation recommended in Chaka Town, with many dining options and close to the scenic area