Chaka Salt Lake (Qinghai) - "Mirror of The Sky" Near Qinghai Lake

Chaka Salt Lake Facts

Chinese: 茶卡盐湖（Chákǎ Yánhú）

Salinity: 32.5%, which is about 10 times saltier than seawater

Formation: The evaporation of freshwater over time

Size: 105 km2 (41 sq mi)

Max. length: 15.8 km (9.8 mi)

Max. width: 9.2 km (5.7 mi)

Altitude: 3,059 m (10,036 ft)

Opening Hours: 6:00-20:00 (Peak Season); 7:30-19:00 (Off Season) or 07:30-21:00, entrance closed at 19:40

Travel Duration: 2-3 hours

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Location: Ulan County, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China

How to Get to: 3.5-4 hours’ drive from Xining; 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Qinghai Lake

Activities: Photography, sightseeing train, sightseeing cruise, sunrise, sunset, etc.

How Was the Chaka Salt Lake Formed

Chaka Salt Lake was formed through a long geological process of evaporation. Thousands of years ago, the area was once part of a vast inland sea. Over time, water evaporated due to the arid climate, leaving behind large salt deposits. The high salinity and flat surface create a reflective phenomenon that gives the lake its nickname, the "Mirror of the Sky".

Today, it is one of the most significant salt lakes in China and remains a key site for salt production.

Top Attractions & Things to Do in Chaka Salt Lake

Chaka Salt Lake is famous for its stunning mirror effect, where the calm, shallow water perfectly reflects the sky. This makes it a photographer's paradise. The best times to capture this reflection are early morning (before 09:00) or late afternoon (17:00) when the wind is minimal, and the light is soft.

Chaka Salt Lake is divided into two main areas: the "Mirror of the Sky" Scenic Area and the newly developed "Sky No. 1" Scenic Area (now renamed Chaka No. 1 Salt Lake Scenic Area). These two areas are not connected, so you must take free shuttle buses from the Chaka Tourist Center to reach each area and purchase separate tickets.

1. "Mirror of the Sky" Scenic Area (天空之镜景区)

This is the classic and most popular part of Chaka Salt Lake, known for its stunning natural beauty and salt sculptures. On a clear day, you can witness the perfect reflection of the blue sky and white clouds on the lake's surface. That's how it got its name.

Chaka Salt Lake Colorful Reflections

Chaka Salt Lake Sightseeing Train

1. Sunrise & Sunset Viewing

For breathtaking sunrise or sunset views, head to the salt sculpture area or Chaka Xia Station. The vibrant colors of the sun reflecting off the lake create a dreamlike scene, with the shimmering water resembling countless diamonds.

Note: The exact daily sunrise and sunset times can vary!

1. Observation Tower for Panoramic View of the Lake

A 27.84-meter steel tower offering one of the best panoramic views of Chaka Salt Lake. It can accommodate up to 90 visitors at the top. You can climb the observation tower and look out over the Salt Lake.

1. World’s Largest Outdoor Salt Sculpture Group

Explore this massive outdoor sculpture display, featuring statues like the Queen Mother of the West (西王母雕像), the Goddess Muyaoluosangma (穆瑶洛桑玛女神雕塑, the lake's protector), a large Genghis Khan sculpture (成吉思汗大盐雕), and a reclining Buddha (卧佛盐雕).

Beautiful Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai

Chaka Salt Lake Carvings, Qinghai

1. Sightseeing Train on Rails (Extra Charge)

The century-old sightseeing train runs through 6 stations, allowing visitors to explore the heart of the lake. You can take the train deep into the lake, then walk leisurely back to the entrance (about a 40-minute walk) or take the train back (extra charge).

Route: “Mirror of the Sky” Station (天空之镜站) – Chaka Salt Station (茶卡盐站) – Chaka Xia Station (茶卡霞站) – Chaka Wind Station (茶卡风站) – Chaka Snow Station (茶卡雪站) – Chaka Heart Station (茶卡心站)

Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai

Explore Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai

1. Boat Ride (Extra Charge)

The eco-friendly sightseeing boat takes visitors from the East Pier to the heart of the lake, where you can enjoy scenic spots like the "Qian Ying Mu Xue" Observation Deck (千映慕雪观景台) and "I Love Chaka" Viewpoint (我爱茶卡观景台).

Route: East Pier (东码头) - Pier at the Heart of the Lake (湖心码头)

2. "Sky No. 1" Scenic Area (天空壹号景区)

Also known as Chaka No. 1 Salt Lake Scenic Area (茶卡天空壹号景区), this newer, smaller scenic area focuses on both natural beauty and entertainment activities. The Chaka Sky No. 1 Scenic Area is about 12 km from the Mirror of the Sky Scenic Area, approximately a 15-minute drive.

1. Sightseeing Train (Extra Charge)

After passing through the 8.2-meter-tall giant salt camel sculpture, you will reach the boarding point for the sightseeing train, which will take you on a scenic tour of the lake’s eastern and western sections. The train allows you to hop on and off at various stops to enjoy the salt lake views. The train passes through 6 stations, with different entertainment activities.

Route: Munaozongge Square (目瑙纵歌广场) - Flying Water Slide (高空水滑道) - Live Performance Theater (实景演绎剧场) - Heart-to-Heart Observation Deck (心心相映观景台) - Mirror Lake (镜湖) - Highland Dead Sea Floating Center (高原死海漂浮馆)

1. Munaozongge Square

At Munaozongge Square, there are 2 free "Flying Dance" performances daily (peak season only), from 11:10-11:15 AM and 5:30-5:45 PM You can also walk along a 10-kilometer wooden and submerged walkway, wearing shoe covers to stroll across the lake.

1. Flying Water Slide (Peak Season Only)

Standing on the flying glass water slide observation deck, you can overlook the vast and magnificent salt lake while enjoying the thrill of gliding through the air.

1. Live Performance Theater (Peak Season Only)

The Live Performance Theater hosts the grand equestrian show "Grassland Hero: Genghis Khan (草原英雄·成吉思汗)." There are 4 daily performances at 11:00-11:30 AM, 2:30-3:00 PM, 4:30-5:00 PM, and 6:00-6:30 PM. After the show, you can try horse riding and archery at the theater entrance, experiencing traditional nomadic sports.

1. Diamond Walkway (钻石栈道)

The Diamond Walkway offers a two-toned lake view - one side resembles the deep blue sea, while the other has a light green, apple-like hue. As the sightseeing train passes through the middle of the lake, the surreal scenery becomes even more captivating!

Visit Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai

Take awesome photos at Chaka Salt Lake

1. Highland Dead Sea Floating Center (Peak Season Only)

Here, you can fully engage with salt in various activities—float in the salt sea, apply salt mud, rest in a salt cave, relax on a salt bed, enjoy a salt steam bath, or inhale salt mist, offering a unique and immersive salt-based experience.

Chaka Salt Lake Tickets & Prices

Note: Opening hours may vary. Please confirm the opening hours for specific days with the location.

Where Is Chaka Salt Lake Located: Chaka Salt Lake Map

With an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) above sea level, Chaka Salt Lake is located in Ulan County, in the eastern part of Qinghai Province, about 300 km west of Xining, the provincial capital, and 150 km southwest of Qinghai Lake.

On a Chaka Salt Lake map, you’ll find the lake nestled between mountain ranges, making it a picturesque stop for travelers exploring western China.

How to Get to Chaka Salt Lake

As the provincial capital of Qinghai, Xining is the preferred gateway for most people travelling to the Chaka Salt Lake. The distance from Xining to Chaka Salt Lake is close to 300 kilometers.

Xining to Qinghai Lake Map

Xining to Chaka Salt Lake Map

Xining to Chaka Salt Lake

1. By Private Car - Most Recommended

Time Required: About 3.5-4 hours

Departure: Hotel

Arrival: Chaka Town

Price: Included in the tour fee

The most flexible and convenient option is to drive from Xining to Chaka Town. The journey takes approximately 3.5-4 hours, covering a distance of around 300 kilometers. This route offers scenic views along the way.

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) and you won't have to worry about all your transport, accommodation and entrance fees for Qinghai's attractions, including Chaka Salt Lake.

2. By Special Train Line (July-September)

Time Required: About 4.5 hours

Departure: Xining Railway Station

Arrival: Chaka Railway Station

Departure time: 08:05

Return Time: 17:50

Price: ¥62.5-117.5 per person for a one-way ticket

Chaka Salt Lake is accessible by train. During the peak tourist season from July to September, you can take the "Mirror of the Sky" Special Train Line (“天空之镜号”旅游专列) from Xining to Chaka. Along the way, you can see the stunning scenery of Qinghai Lake, grasslands and snow-capped mountains, and the journey takes about 4.5 hours each way.

Get on the train at Xining Railway Station, get off at Chaka Station and walk about 200m to the entrance of Chaka Salt Lake.

3. By Tourist Shuttle Bus (July-September)

Time Required: About 4.5 hours

Departure: Xining Bus Station

Arrival: Chaka Salt Lake

Departure time: 09:00

Return Time: After a 3-hour stay at Chaka Salt Lake

Price: ¥100 per person for a one-way ticket

If you travel to Chaka Salt Lake during the high season from July to September, you can take the tourist shuttle from Xining Bus Station directly to Chaka Salt Lake and walk about 100 meters to the entrance of the scenic spot.

4. By Shuttle Bus

Time Required: About 4.5 hours

Departure: Xining Bus Station

Arrival: Chaka Town

Departure time: 5 buses a day, earliest 09:45, latest 15:30

Return Time: From 08:30 to 14:30 every day, there is an hourly shuttle bus back to Xining City via Chaka Town.

Route: Xining Bus Station - Chaka Town - Chaka Salt Lake

Price: ¥83 per person for a one-way ticket

The shuttle bus will not take you directly to Chaka Salt Lake. Instead, it will take you from Xining bus station to Chaka Town. You will then need to take a car to your final destination, Chaka Salt Lake, which will cost about ¥15 for a 4 km trip.

Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake

Qinghai Lake is another must-see attraction in Qinghai, and many visitors choose to explore Qinghai Lake first before heading to Chaka Salt Lake, which is about 150 km away.

1. By Private Car

Driving from Qinghai Lake to Chaka Town takes about 2.5 hours over the 150-kilometer journey, This is the most convenient option, allowing for flexibility to stop and explore along the way. Travel with AOT >>

2. By Bus

Buses from Xining Bus Station travel to Chaka Town, with a stop at the Erlangjian Scenic Area. You can wait at the scenic area entrance. The journey takes around 3 hours. Note that Chaka Town is still 4 kilometers from the lake, and there’s no public transportation, so you’ll need to take an extra taxi.

Blooming rapeseed flowers around Qinghai Lake

Chaka Salt Lake is a paradise for photographers

Chaka Salt Lake Weather: Best Time to Visit Chaka Lake

Chaka Salt Lake has a cool, dry high-altitude climate with an average annual temperature of 4°C (39°F). Summers are mild at 19.6°C (67°F), and winters can drop to -12.2°C (10°F).

The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant. On clear days, Chaka Salt Lake offers stunning "Mirror of the Sky" views, where the sky is perfectly reflected on the lake's surface. July and August are peak tourist months, so expect larger crowds.

How to Plan a Chaka Salt Lake Tour

Usually, travelers would like to spend half a day to one day exploring Chaka Salt Lake. Since Chaka Salt Lake is closely linked with Qinghai Lake and Xining City, it is a good idea to visit the three areas in one trip.

Start your Qinghai tour in Xining, visit Qinghai Lake and spend the night in Chaka Town. The second day is dedicated to exploring Chaka Salt Lake. To explore all the must-see highlights in Qinghai Province, you can spend 3 to 4 days on this route. The following itinerary is a classic route for your reference:

Day 1: Arrival in Xining

Arrive in Xining and visit Ta'er Monastery, a significant Tibetan Buddhist site rich in cultural and spiritual heritage. In the evening, enjoy free time exploring Xining’s lively night market and sampling local delicacies.

Visit Ta'er Monastery in Xining

Xining City Nightview

Day 2: Xining - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town

Begin your journey with a 2-3 hour drive to Qinghai Lake, where you'll explore the Erlangjian Scenic Area. Enjoy optional activities like a boat cruise, horseback riding, or cycling. In the afternoon, continue with a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Chaka Town for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Chaka Town - Chaka Salt Lake - Xining Departure

Spend the morning at the renowned Chaka Salt Lake, visiting the "Mirror of the Sky" Scenic Area, famous for its stunning reflections. Take the sightseeing train to immerse yourself in the beauty of the salt flats. Afterward, return to Xining, a drive of around 3.5 to 4 hours (300 km).

Recommended Tours:

3 Days Qinghai Tour: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake & Ta’er Monastery

Tips: Qinghai is well-connected to Gansu Province and other destinations along the ancient Silk Road, making it ideal for a multi-destination journey. Consider spending 3–4 days exploring Qinghai's highlights, then continuing to Gansu’s Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang for 3-8 days. Refer to the itinerary below:

Recommended Tours:

5 Days Colorful Gansu Tour from Zhangye to Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

Tips:  Or, you can extend your Silk Road Adventure with 5–10 days in Xinjiang Province. The following itinerary will take you to Qinghai Xining, Gansu Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang, and Xinjiang Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar. You can read and refer to this itinerary:

Recommended Tours:

12 Days Silk Road Tour from Xining to Kashgar (Qinghai Gansu Xinjiang)

Travel Tips for Traveling Chaka Salt Lake

• Photography Tips: To capture the perfect “Mirror of the Sky” shot, visit early in the morning (before 09:00) or late afternoon (17:00) on a sunny day. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the expansive reflections.
• Accommodation: Staying in Chaka Town is the most convenient option. Accommodations range from budget guesthouses to mid-range hotels, offering a comfortable stay close to the lake.
• Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and anti-motion sickness pills. The high altitude can make sun exposure intense, and facilities around the lake are limited.
• Altitude Awareness: Chaka Salt Lake is located over 3,000 meters above sea level, so take precautions against altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, move slowly, and allow time to acclimate.

Visit Chaka Salt Lake with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

For a stress-free and enriching experience, consider booking a tour with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT). AOT specializes in customized tours that cover the most scenic and cultural highlights of Chaka Salt Lake, providing expert guides, transportation, and accommodation. Whether you’re looking to hike the salt flats, capture the perfect photograph, or simply take in the breathtaking views, AOT can tailor your trip to suit your interests and schedule.

Visiting Chaka Salt Lake is a unique experience that showcases the natural beauty of Qinghai Province. With its stunning landscapes, cultural significance, and diverse activities, it's a must-see destination for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility. Plan your Chaka Salt Lake tour today and discover the "Mirror of the Sky" with Asia Odyssey Travel!