In-depth Travel Guide to Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, and Emerald Lake

1. Qinghai Lake: The Four Seasons Beauty of the Plateau Pearl Geographical Location and Features Qinghai Lake is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is the largest inland saltwater lake in China. In Mongolian, it is called 'Kukunor' (Blue Sea). Formed by the subsidence of the Qilian Mountain fault, the lake surface is at an altitude of 3200 meters, featuring a plateau continental climate with distinct seasonal scenery. Best Time to Visit - July to August: The sea of rapeseed flowers is in full bloom, and the cycling race around the lake is held at the same time. The climate is cool and pleasant. - April to June: Bird-watching season on Bird Island, with hundreds of thousands of migratory birds resting. - Winter: Spectacular blue ice (note ice safety). Core Attractions and Activities - Erlangjian Scenic Area: Boat tours on the lake, experiencing Tibetan culture, and witnessing the spectacular ice collapse during the lake opening period (April). - Heimahe: A sunrise spot with nearby pastoral fields for close contact with the lakeshore. - Bird Island: Bird-watching from April to June, ecological protection during other seasons. - Jinyintan: A combination of grassland scenery and the history and culture of the Atomic City. Tickets and Discounts - Peak season (April 1 to October 31): Erlangjian 90 yuan, off-season (November 1 to March 31) 50 yuan. - Free admission: Seniors over 60, children, military personnel, disabled persons, etc.; Half-price: Students, minors. Travel Suggestions - Small Loop: 3-5 days, covering Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Qilian Mountains, and other attractions. - Nearby Dining: Lunch at Daotanghe (affordable), dinner at Heimahe (Tibetan cuisine options). Notes 1. Ice Safety: Avoid entering non-open areas in winter due to high ice cracking risk. 2. Ecological Protection: Do not feed birds or damage grassland vegetation. 3. Altitude Sickness: Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival and prepare common medications. 2. Chaka Salt Lake: Dreamy Experience of the Sky Mirror Geographical Location and Features Located in Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Prefecture, the lake covers an area of 105 square kilometers. It is a brine lake with both solid and liquid states, known as the 'Mirror of the Sky in China,' and was listed by National Geographic as one of the '55 Places to Go in Your Lifetime.' Highlights - Small Train: A circular tour of six major stations, experiencing the world of salt crystals in the heart of the lake. - Salt Lake Experience: Walk on the lake surface with eco-friendly shoe covers and take photos of the 'Sky Mirror' reflection. - Immersive Check-in: 27 new themed installations (such as Snow Hall, Hot Air Balloon Swing) for photo opportunities in all seasons. - Salt Lake Culture: Learn about the 3000-year history of the salt industry through salt sculptures and the Salt Culture Museum. Tickets and Transportation - Tickets: 60 yuan per person, valid for multiple entries within 2 days; Free admission for Zhejiang residents. - Transportation: Take a tourist train or drive from Xining (about 3 hours). Photography Tips - Time: The golden hours are 1 hour after sunrise (6:00) and 1 hour before sunset (19:00). - Clothing: Solid color long dresses (red, blue, white are best) with shawls for warmth and style. - Techniques: Shoot from a low angle, keep the horizon level, and use drones for aerial shots of the salt lake texture. Notes 1. Sun Protection and Windproof: Strong UV rays require sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen; large temperature differences between day and night require warm clothing. 2. Environmental Requirements: Only eco-friendly shoe covers are allowed on the lake, and no littering is permitted. 3. Avoid Crowds: Enter the park before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM for off-peak photography. 3. Emerald Lake: The Colorful Gem Left by God Geographical Location and Features Located in Dachaidan Town, Haixi Prefecture, this pristine salt lake group presents green, blue, yellow, and other colors due to different mineral contents, earning it the name 'Plateau Emerald.' Core Activities - Small Train Tour: Direct access to the heart of the lake, focusing on the No. 1 Heart-shaped Blue Lake and No. 2 Tiffany Blue Lake. - Hiking Exploration: Discover lesser-known salt lakes along the lakeside trails, wearing non-slip shoes is recommended. - Drone Aerial Photography: Overlook the stunning panorama of the salt pools scattered like stars. Tickets and Discounts - Tickets: 50 yuan, small train 60 yuan per person; Free admission for Zhejiang residents. - Opening Hours: 8:00-20:00, recommended 3-hour visit. Photography Tips - Clothing: Red and yellow contrast with the salt lake, white highlights the purity. - Light and Shadow: Soft light in the morning or evening enhances color contrast. - Composition: Use distant mountains as a background, shoot from a low angle for a sense of extension. Notes 1. Safety Warning: Some lake shores are soft, avoid the edges; the lake water is corrosive, wash off immediately after contact. 2. Warmth Measures: Strong winds on the plateau require windproof jackets, and sun protection is needed even in summer. 3. Civilized Tourism: Do not step on salt crystals, protect natural landscapes. 4. General Notes for Plateau Travel 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention - Take Rhodiola 10 days in advance, avoid bathing and strenuous exercise for the first 2 days. - Mild symptoms (headache, shortness of breath) can be relieved with rest and glucose supplements, seek medical attention for severe symptoms. 2. Weather and Equipment - Qinghai's weather is changeable, prepare windbreakers, sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisturizing masks. - Strong winds at Emerald Lake and Chaka Salt Lake require hats and scarves. 3. Travel Optimization Suggestions - Combine Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake in one trip to avoid repetitive routes. - Emerald Lake is suitable for inclusion in the Dachaidan itinerary, combined with other salt lakes such as Dongtai Jinel Lake. Summary: The grandeur of Qinghai Lake, the dreamy Chaka Salt Lake, and the colorful Emerald Lake form a tricolor picture of plateau lakes. Reasonable itinerary planning, attention to environmental protection and safety, and in-depth experience of the unique charm of this land. Qinghai Lake · Qinghai Chaka Salt Lake Dachaidan Emerald Lake Tourist Area