Top 10 Best Things to Do in Golmud
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Top 10 Best Things to Do in Golmud

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  • Chaerhan Salt Laketop_1
    󰺂8.0
    85.86
    Golmud64.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe magnificent Chaerhan Salt Lake reappears in a stunning scene
    Highlights:
    󰀆20-mile salt bridge across lake
    Spectacular salt crystals & unique landscape
    󱨠Saved by 112 users󱨠2637 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M29***51M29***51

    Qarhan Salt Lake is located in the hinterland of the Chaidamu Basin in Qinghai Province, China. It is a bright pearl on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the largest salt lake in China. It is known as the "China's sky mirror" and the "king of the salt lake". It attracts many tourists with its unique natural landscape, abundant salt resources and fantastic ecological scenes. Summer vacation is here, friends bring their children to Chaer Khan to enjoy the dream painting of salt and water. The [scenery] of Chaerhan Salt Lake is covered with thick salt crystals, the lake is clear and transparent, forming a perfect mirror effect under the sun, reflecting the sky, clouds, mountains in the water, as if in an illusory dream. Especially in the windy and sunny weather, the lake is like a mirror, the scenery is breathtaking.

  • Wusute Yadan Geological Parktop_2
    󰺂8.0
    Golmud>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆360° view of Yadan Lake
    󱨜Castle-like formations on water
    󱨠Saved by 124 users󱨠3351 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    印象西南印象西南

    🌍 Exploring Wusute Water Yadan, the dream miracle of northwest of Shanghai This Qinggan Great Ring Road trip, Wusute Water Yadan Geopark is definitely the most amazing stop for me! 🚗 Transportation and itinerary: From Xining, all the way west, through the vast and endless Gobi desert, the scenery along the way has made me full of expectations for the destination. When the car slowly drove into the vicinity of the scenic spot, you could see the picture of the magical waters and the Yadan landform from a distance, and the heart was instantly choked. 🎫 Tickets and scenic facilities: The ticket price includes sightseeing tickets, which is reasonable. The sightseeing bus route planning in the scenic area is very clear, and the site setting is just right, and it is easy to reach the main observation decks. However, there are many tourists during the peak tourist season, and it takes some patience to wait in line. 🏞️ scenery: The moment I stepped into the scenic spot, I seemed to have entered another planet by mistake. The blue gem-like lake, sparkling under the sun, and the Yadan landform standing on the lake, in different shapes, some like mysterious castles, some like spirit animals, and some like expeditionary fleets, nature's ghostly work is displayed here. Walk along the plank road, enjoy the water Yadan up close, you can see the traces of wind erosion, touch the texture of the years. The light from different angles makes Yadan and the lake change different colors, sometimes golden, sometimes blue, each step is a beautiful picture. In the evening, the embers of the sunset were sprinkled on this magical land, and the whole world was dyed warm tones. The water Yadan was more magnificent in the embers. At this time, taking pictures, Zhang Zhang is a blockbuster! 🤸‍♀️ Play projects: The scenic area is rich in play projects and the experience is full. I took a speedboat, galloped on the lake, felt the roar of the wind, and watched the cliffs of Yadan up close; I also tried desert go-karts, and enjoyed the speed and passion on the Gobi. In addition, the camel riding project is not to be missed. Cycling slowly on the edge of the desert, as if crossing the Silk Road. 💡 Intimate tips: 1. Be sure to bring sun protection equipment, the ultraviolet rays here are very strong. 2. There are more mosquitoes, especially in the evening, remember to bring mosquito repellent supplies. 3. Aerial photography can take the whole picture and shock of the water Yadan, and friends with drones must not miss it. 4. The dining options in the scenic area are limited, and you can bring some small snacks and drinking water. Wusute Water Yadan Geopark is a treasure given by nature to the world. Whether it is a geology enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or an ordinary tourist, you can find your own happiness and touch here. I really recommend everyone to come here to feel this unique charm!

  • Hoh Xil Nature Reservetop_3
    󰺂6.1
    Golmud>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Join eco expeditions & research
    󱨜Tibetan antelope migration spectacle
    󱨠131 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M29***51M29***51

    Cocoa Xili National Nature Reserve, located in the northwest of Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, Kunlun Mountain Nanyu Yangtze River Northyuan Area, bordering the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Tibet Autonomous Region, and Qumalai County, Haixi Mongolia Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Yushu Prefecture, about 280 kilometers wide from north to south. East and West are 200~400 kilometers long, and the area is 4.5 10,000 square kilometers. The national nature reserve of Coco Xili is mainly to protect rare wildlife and plants such as Tibetan antelopes, wild yaks, Tibetan wild donkeys, Tibetan original alfalfa. On July 7, 2017, at the 41st World Heritage Congress held in Krakow, Poland, Qinghai Cocosili was approved to be included in the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Committee, becoming China's 51st World Heritage Site.

  • Dongtai Ji Nai'er Lake
    4
    󰺂5.7
    Golmud>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Tiffany blue & deep waters
    󰀆Tiffany blue lake & white salt
    󱨠Saved by 164 users
    4.4/5
    墨漠陌大墨漠陌大

    Dongtai Jinel Lake is located in Golmud City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The lake shimmers in the sun, revealing a unique blue, endless, empty and mysterious. There is no sign of disappearing or appearing, it is a drop of God's "blue tears". Very suitable for punching in and taking pictures. In the past decade, Dongtai Jinel Lake has disappeared many times. After 3 years, it appeared in Gobi like a mirage. The distinctive Tiffany Blue is mainly derived from lithium salt. It is inconvenient to go to Dongtai and it is best to drive by yourself.

  • Western Queen Fairyland
    5
    󰺂5.1
    Golmud>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱨜Explore the mysterious natural landscape of the alpine lake
    Watch rare birds play by the lake
    󱨠33% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    chenqw2chenqw2

    This time I traveled along the coast to the west. I saw on the Internet that Queen Mother Yaochi is a must-visit attraction when going to Golmud. Because I heard that the road in the past was very bad, it took six hours to walk a hundred kilometers, so I went there with the mentality of giving it a try. I didn't expect that after I went there, I found that the road was repaired. It was a two-lane asphalt road. It started from Wuji Longfeng Palace and went west all the way. There was no speed limit throughout the journey (but it was best to drive 80 miles per hour). The tourist attractions on the road were all under construction. I didn't see people and cars along the way. The end of the road was Queen Mother Yaochi. As for the scenery, it was amazing. There were snow-capped mountains all the way, and I saw Tibetan antelopes and wild donkeys. I gave up the Tibetan antelope viewing platform in Kekexili later because I saw them here. The only shortcoming was that after arriving at Queen Mother Yaochi, I didn't stop the car, walked around, and left directly. The reason was that there were so many mosquitoes under the sun in the daytime that they stopped on the car windows. I was scared and left immediately and didn't dare to get off the car. Fortunately, the scenery on the way there was amazing, and you could stop and take a rest (no mosquitoes). Except for mosquitoes, everything else was good. Recommended! ! !

Best things to do in Golmud (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Golmud? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Golmud offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Golmud

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Golmud experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Chaerhan Salt Lake

• Golmud | 64.9 km from downtown

• : 20-mile salt bridge across lake,Spectacular salt crystals & unique landscape

Wusute Yadan Geological Park

• Golmud | >100 km from downtown

• : 360° view of Yadan Lake,Castle-like formations on water

Hoh Xil Nature Reserve

• Golmud | >100 km from downtown

• : Join eco expeditions & research,Tibetan antelope migration spectacle

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Golmud

If you want to explore attractions just outside Golmud, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Golmud, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Golmud special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Golmud

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Golmud

Ready to explore the best of Golmud? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Golmud?
These are all Best Things to Do in Golmud:Chaerhan Salt Lake, Wusute Yadan Geological Park, Hoh Xil Nature Reserve, Dongtai Ji Nai'er Lake, Western Queen Fairyland
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Golmud?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Golmud include:Chaerhan Salt Lake:4.7, Wusute Yadan Geological Park:4.5, Hoh Xil Nature Reserve:4.7, Dongtai Ji Nai'er Lake:4.4, Western Queen Fairyland:4.7
At what locations in Golmud can Best Things to Do in Golmud be found?
The Best Things to Do in Golmud are mainly located in:Chaerhan Salt Lake:Golmud, Wusute Yadan Geological Park:Golmud, Hoh Xil Nature Reserve:Golmud, Dongtai Ji Nai'er Lake:Golmud, Western Queen Fairyland:Golmud
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