5-Day Qinghai Chaka Salt Lake Tour: A Detailed Guide

Winter vacation is here! For those who want to visit Qinghai Chaka Salt Lake, here's a 5-day travel guide for you to enjoy a hassle-free trip! -- 🚗Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining, the Summer Resort, and start your wonderful Qinghai journey!🎉 Day 2: Visit the mysterious Riyue Mountain, then head to the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake to experience the magnificence of nature.🏞️➡️🌊 Day 3: Explore the Dachaidan Emerald Lake, then uncover the unique Ussute Water Yadan Geopark and Yadan landforms. Finally, drive along the spectacular U-shaped highway for a unique scenic experience.💚🛣️ Day 4: Cross the Xiangpi Mountain, visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, and take a tour around the lake to appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the plateau lake.🏔️🌊 Day 5: Depart from Xining, concluding this unforgettable Qinghai journey. Have a safe trip home!🛫🎈 -- Recommended Attractions: Chaka Salt Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 9 Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Ulan County, Haixi Prefecture Opening Hours: Oct 30, 2024–Apr 30, 2025, 8:15am–7:30pm Duration: 2–4 hrs With its salt as white as snow and a lake surface as pure as a mirror, it's like stepping into a sky realm, a feast for the eyes. Qinghai Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: North Side of National Highway 109, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Opening Hours: Open 24 hours Duration: 1 day Standing on the vast grassland, gazing at the azure lake, you can feel the magnificent scenery of the "Source of the Sacred Lake." Ussute Water Yadan Geopark ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 2 Xitai, Dachaidan Administrative Committee, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (National Highway 315) Opening Hours: 8:30am–6:00pm Duration: 1 day Here, the unique landforms of the water Yadan and the dreamy scenery of sunrise and sunset intertwine, making you feel like you're in a magical world. Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Inside the Lake Scenic Area, National Highway 109, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: 8:30am–6:00pm Duration: 2–4 hrs The peninsula, shaped like a sharp sword, extends into the lake, guarding the tranquility of Qinghai Lake. Riyue Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 40 km southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: Oct 15, 2024–Apr 14, 2025, 8:00am–6:00pm Duration: 1–3 hrs A place of legend, with rolling hills and fluttering prayer flags, every step you take is filled with a sense of history. -- Travel Essentials: What do you need for a trip to Chaka Salt Lake and other places in Qinghai? 👕 Clothing: Pack warm clothes, ideally a thick down jacket. Temperatures in Qinghai in February are low, so make sure you can withstand the cold. You can wear sweaters or long sleeves underneath, along with comfortable pants. 🎒 Accessories: Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, as the UV rays are strong there. Also, bring a hat and scarf for warmth and style. 👟 Shoes: Fleece-lined hiking boots are practical, warm, and non-slip. Some areas around Chaka Salt Lake may be muddy or icy. 🎫 Documents and Cash: Bring your ID and cash. Some scenic areas may have poor signal, so it's safer to have cash on hand. 🍞 Food and Water: Bring a thermos and drink plenty of hot water. High-calorie snacks like chocolate are important for replenishing energy. 💊 Emergency Medication: Rhodiola, cold medicine, etc., to prevent altitude sickness and other emergencies. Safety first. -- Chaka Salt Lake, the "Mirror of the Sky," awaits your exploration. Don't miss this dreamy and beautiful salt lake!