The Mirror of the Sky – Welcome to Chaka Lake!

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Chaka Lake in Qinghai province and immerse yourself in the stunning turquoise waters surrounded by vibrant salt flats and picturesque landscapes! This is your chance to experience a serene oasis that promises tranquility and unforgettable vistas. Don’t miss your chance to explore this hidden gem in the heart of China!

Chaka Salt Lake is known for its reflective surface and is called one of the best photography spots in all of China! Chaka Salt Lake area is also the first edible salt production base in China! With an area of 105 square kilometres, Chaka Lake has an altitude of more than 3,000 metres above the sea, so be ready for this!

How to get to Chaka Lake?

Your first step would be reaching Xining, the capital of Qinghai province. Chaka Lake is around 300 km from Xining, so the trip there will take the whole day. Instead of looking for tour operators or hiring private cars, you can save money by going straight to the Chaka Lake Scenic Area by train – let the tracks lead you to an unforgettable experience! The train leaves daily from Xining train station to Chaka (during the peak season). There is only one train a day going there and back, so book the tickets in advance! There are also daily buses going from Xining main bus station to Chaka Town.

The best time to get to this spectacular place is May to October from which the middle of the summer is the most enjoyable. One whole day will be enough for the lake, you can stay longer to see the stars if the sky is clear, and both sunrise and sunset must be stunning, too! The sun rises at around 6:30 AM, and sets around 7:30 PM. To experience this you’ll need to stay in the scenic area or in Chaka Town 4 km from the scenic area.

In the Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area

The entrance fee for Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area is CNY 60 per person. In the scenic area, you’ll see huge lines forming to get on the park’s train. The train costs CNY 108 per person. If you don’t like overspending, we sincerely recommend skipping this tourist-packed train and just taking a walk to the end of the scenic path. It’ll take you around 20 – 30 minutes, you’ll be able to immerse yourself more in your surroundings and enjoy this spectacular place. If you’re there to try it all, take the train, and there’s also an opportunity to pay for the yacht ride.

There are several scenic spots to visit in the scenic area, each with its own beauty. There’s the “Love” Platform and the “I love Chaka” Platform. There’s the “Mirror of Sky” square with a viewing platform and huge sculptures made purely of salt.

Weather can change rapidly so make sure you have an umbrella or a raincoat. If you’re in luck, a clear blue sky will shine your way through the day. In this case, sunscreen is a must. As the lake is super-reflective it is easier to get a sunburn.

To be able to get on Chaka Lake you’ll have to rent red shoe covers. (Disposable ones are not allowed). That’ll be CNY 10 per pair + a deposit of CNY 100 that you’ll receive back after returning the shoe covers.