Chaka Salt Lake Pitfall Avoidance Guide Teaches You the Right Way to Experience the "Mirror of the Sky"

Just got back from Chaka Salt Lake! This "China's Mirror of the Sky" is absolutely stunning 🌌 But to fully enjoy it without any pitfalls, be sure to check out this heartfelt and hard-earned anti-pitfall guide 👇 📍Location: No. 9, Salt Lake Road, Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province ⏰Opening Hours: May 1 - October 31: 07:00 - 18:00 November 1 - April 30 (next year): 07:30 - 17:30 (Small train operating time +0.5h) ✨Choosing the right time = half the success 💯 ✔️Best photo times: 1 hour before and after sunrise or after 5 PM in the evening 🌅 We entered the park at 6 AM and secured the entire lake’s mirror effect! No need to queue for spots at all~ ✔️Recommended seasons: May-June or September-October (off-season, fewer people, better prices) ✔️Must check weather forecast: pick a sunny day with light breeze and few clouds 🌞 🚫Avoid cloudy or rainy days, better to reschedule! 🎫Ticket & Transportation Money-Saving Tips ✔️Ticket: 60 RMB (peak season) ✔️Small train one-way: 50 RMB (strongly not recommended to buy round-trip tickets❗) 💡Money-saving secrets: ①Free admission with Zhejiang ID card ②Walk back + 5 RMB electric cart combo ③Recommended carpool round trip from Xining (80-120 RMB/person) 🚶‍♂️Tested super efficient route 1️⃣Take the small train straight to Chaka Snow Station (best photo spot in the lake center) 2️⃣Walk back passing Wind Station + Glow Station 3️⃣After checking out the salt sculptures, take the electric cart back 📸Easily cover all highlights in 3-4 hours! Must-know photo TIPS 📷 👗Outfit: choose solid color long dresses (red/royal blue are best) 👢Gear: must rent shoe covers + sunscreen essentials 📱Photo spots: Chaka Snow Station / Glow Station sunset / salt sculpture group night view 🏨Accommodation Recommendations: Hotels in Chaka Town (10 minutes by car) 💰Peak season: 100-300 RMB/night Booking one week in advance is recommended! ⚠️Important Notes: ①Altitude 3100 meters ⛑️ Beware of altitude sickness ②UV rays are very strong, SPF50+ sunscreen is a must ③Protect the environment, do not step on the salt sculptures❗ I’ve put together a "1-minute quick reference sheet"—message me if you want it~ Super practical lazy pack 💕