Exploring Haixi: A Journey Through Dreams and Desolation, Encountering the Ultimate Romance of the Earth

Haixi, this mysterious land in Qinghai, is a hidden gem of nature. Here, you'll find salt lakes as dreamy as fairylands, majestic Yardang landforms, and vast Gobi deserts—each landscape tells an ancient story of the Earth. If you crave an escape from the hustle and bustle to embrace nature, Haixi is the perfect choice. Pack your bags and follow this guide to embark on a soul-stirring adventure in the Northwest! ### I. Preparations 1. **Documents**: Bring your ID card and driver’s license (essential for self-driving). Some attractions may require online ticket reservations in advance, so keep your purchase receipts handy. 2. **Clothing**: Haixi has significant temperature differences between day and night. In summer, wear light clothing during the day but pack a thick jacket for mornings and evenings. Also, bring sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses—UV radiation is strong on the plateau, so sun protection is crucial. 3. **Essentials**: Prepare a power bank, water bottle, and common medications (cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness pills, etc.). For self-driving trips, check your vehicle in advance and carry a spare tire, jack, and other tools. 4. **Miscellaneous**: Download offline maps ahead of time, as some areas have poor signal. Carry some cash for emergencies. ### II. Transportation Guide 1. **External Transport**: First, arrive in Xining, a major transportation hub with numerous flights and train options. From Xining, you can reach Haixi by train (budget-friendly), long-distance bus (frequent departures), or carpool/chartered car (more flexible and convenient). 2. **Internal Transport**: Haixi is vast with scattered attractions, so self-driving is the best way to explore freely. If you prefer not to drive, some attractions have shuttle buses, but schedules are limited—plan ahead. ### III. Popular Attractions 1. **Chaka Salt Lake**: One of the world’s largest natural salt lakes, dubbed "China’s Mirror of the Sky." The crystalline salt grains and mirror-like lake surface reflect the sky, while the salt flower formations showcase nature’s artistry. Walk across the "Ten-Thousand-Zhang Salt Bridge" for a surreal experience. Wear bright, solid-colored dresses for stunning photos. Ticket: ~¥100. 2. **Dachaidan Emerald Lake**: The multicolored lake resembles scattered gemstones, with its mesmerizing Tiffany blue hues. Take a sightseeing train to enjoy different views at each stop. Free entry; parking fee: ¥10–20. 3. **Water Yardang**: The world’s only Yardang landform submerged in water. The wind-eroded formations stand tall in the lake, glowing golden at sunset for a dreamlike spectacle. Ticket + shuttle: ~¥120. 4. **Aiken Spring (Devil’s Eye)**: The sulfur-scented spring resembles an eye gazing at the sky from above—mysterious and awe-inspiring. Currently free, but the rough road requires an SUV. 5. **U-Shaped Highway**: A viral stretch of National Highway 315, winding like a path to the horizon. Perfect for roadside photography (stay safe and avoid traffic). Free. 6. **Black Lonely Mountain**: Known as "the most moon-like place on Earth," its black rocks and gray gravel create a uniquely desolate landscape, a paradise for photographers. Free. ### IV. Itinerary Suggestions 4-Day Trip - **Day 1**: Xining → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha - Morning: Depart Xining for Chaka Salt Lake; afternoon: stroll the "Mirror of the Sky." - Evening: Arrive in Delingha; walk along Bayin River to enjoy the town’s nightscape. - **Day 2**: Delingha → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town - Morning: Explore Dachaidan Emerald Lake and take photos. - Evening: Return to Dachaidan Town for local cuisine. - **Day 3**: Dachaidan Town → Water Yardang → Xitai Jinair Lake → Mangya - Morning: Visit Water Yardang; noon: experience the two-toned Xitai Jinair Lake. - Evening: Rest in Mangya. - **Day 4**: Mangya → Aiken Spring → Lenghu Town (optional: watch sunrise at Aiken Spring before returning). - Early morning: Sunrise at Aiken Spring; then head to Lenghu Town, admiring Gobi scenery en route. 6-Day Trip - **Day 1**: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town - Morning: Qinghai Lake; afternoon: sunset at Chaka Salt Lake. - Stay overnight in Chaka Town. - **Day 2**: Chaka Town → Delingha → Keluke Lake → Tuosu Lake → Delingha - Morning: Travel to Delingha, stopping at Keluke and Tuosu Lakes. - Evening: Explore Delingha. - **Day 3**: Delingha → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town - Full day at Dachaidan Emerald Lake. - Evening: Local food in Dachaidan Town. - **Day 4**: Dachaidan Town → Water Yardang → Dongtai Jinair Lake → Xitai Jinair Lake → Mangya - Morning: Water Yardang; then visit Dongtai and Xitai Jinair Lakes. - Evening: Arrive in Mangya. - **Day 5**: Mangya → Aiken Spring → Huatugou Town - Morning: Aiken Spring; afternoon: rest in Huatugou Town. - **Day 6**: Huatugou Town → Lenghu Town → Mars Camp → Eboliang Yardang → Return - Morning: Lenghu Town and Mars Camp. - Afternoon: Eboliang Yardang; depart based on return plans. ### V. Food Guide 1. **Kang Yang Pai (Grilled Lamb Ribs)**: Crispy outside, tender inside, served with potatoes and carrots—irresistibly aromatic. 2. **Hand-Torn Lamb**: Lightly salted and slow-cooked, tender and non-gamey. Dip in chili or garlic sauce for extra flavor. 3. **Qinghai Yogurt**: Thick, slightly sour with a cheesy aroma—perfect chilled for summer. 4. **Niang Pi (Cold Noodles)**: Chewy handmade noodles tossed in chili oil and vinegar—refreshingly spicy and tangy. 5. **Sweet Fermented Rice**: Made from barley or oats, soft and mildly sweet with a rice wine fragrance—chilled for a refreshing finish. ### VI. Accommodation Tips 1. **Delingha**: Stay downtown for convenience. Hotels and guesthouses range from ¥200–500. 2. **Dachaidan Town**: Opt for lodgings near Emerald Lake (¥200–800). 3. **Mangya**: Multiple hotel options (¥300–600). Book early during peak seasons. ### VII. Important Notes 1. **Altitude Sickness**: Some areas are high-altitude; avoid strenuous activity, stay hydrated, and consider anti-altitude meds. 2. **Weather**: Large temperature swings and strong UV—carry rain gear, warm layers, and sun protection. 3. **Driving Safety**: Some roads are challenging; drive slowly, especially in Gobi/sandstorm-prone areas. 4. **Eco-Consciousness**: Preserve the environment—no littering! Let’s protect this pristine land together.