Chaka Salt Lake is located in Chaka Town, Ulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The lake surface sits at an altitude of 3,059 meters and covers an area of 105 square kilometers. It has been named one of the "55 places you must visit in your lifetime" by National Geographic Travel and is celebrated as China's "Sky Mirror."
"Chaka" means "salt pool" in Tibetan. The lake surface is like a giant mirror — on clear, windless days, it perfectly reflects the sky, white clouds, and distant mountains. Standing on the lake, you feel as if you are walking among the clouds, where heaven and earth merge into one, creating a dreamlike and magical scene. This extraordinary visual effect has made Chaka Salt Lake a dream destination for countless travelers.
The Chaka Salt Lake "Sky No.1" scenic area has built upon the natural salt lake with added facilities including observation platforms, salt sculptures, a mini train, and a Sky Mirror reflection photography zone. Riding the mini train deep into the heart of the salt lake, with vast white salt landscapes on both sides, feels like walking through a fairy tale.
Practical Information
Tickets: Sky No.1 Scenic Area — 60 RMB per person.
Best Time to Visit: June to September. Early morning or late evening on clear, windless days offers the best reflection effects.
Photography Tips: Wear bright-colored clothing (red and white work best). Wading barefoot into the lake produces the finest reflection photos.
Important Notes: Salt crystals may prick your feet — wear jelly shoes or walk carefully barefoot. UV reflection is intense, so sunglasses are a must.
Recommended by Tuodada Travel
Tuodada's Gansu-Qinghai 8-Day Grand Loop includes a Chaka Salt Lake visit on Day 3. Consultation hotline: 0937-8839685 / 133-0937-2188 / 133-0937-3667.
