The Emerald of the Earth: Qarhan Salt Lake

Qarhan Salt Lake Travel Guide Overview Qarhan Salt Lake, located in Qarhan Town, Golmud City, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, is China's largest salt lake, covering a total area of 5,856 square kilometers with salt reserves exceeding 60 billion tons. The lake surface displays gradient colors like emerald green, sky blue, and goose yellow due to variations in salinity and mineral content, earning it the nickname "Mirror of the Sky." The naturally formed "Ten-Thousand-Zhang Salt Bridge" (a section of National Highway G315) is a rare salt-crusted road globally, capable of supporting vehicle traffic. Best Time to Visit May-October: Temperatures range from 10-25°C, with ample sunlight, showcasing the lake's most vibrant colors and spectacular salt crystal formations. Peak season (July-August): Crowded; recommended to enter before 9 AM or after 6 PM to avoid crowds. May-June/September-October: Fewer tourists, ideal for photography; bring windproof jackets. Winter (November-April): The lake freezes, offering solitude for snowscape photography enthusiasts, though some areas may be closed. Transportation Guide Self-drive: 60 km from Golmud city via Liuge Expressway, about 1 hour. No gas stations en route; fill up before departure. Chartered/shared cars: Chartered cars cost 300-500 RMB/day (including driver); shared cars 100-150 RMB/person. Recommended to contact local Golmud travel agencies (e.g., Kunlun Travel Company). Public transport: Golmud Zhufeng Building commuter bus: 20-30 RMB/person, departs when full; check schedules in advance. Take a taxi from Golmud Railway Station, approximately 150-200 RMB. Tickets & Activities Tickets: Adult ticket + shuttle bus: 98 RMB/person Zhejiang residents ticket + shuttle bus: 60 RMB/person Senior ticket + shuttle bus: 60 RMB/person Child/student ticket + shuttle bus: 80 RMB/person Free for children under 6, disabled persons, and active military personnel. Shuttle bus: One-way 15 RMB, round-trip 30 RMB; recommended to save energy. Boat tour: 100-200 RMB/person, ideal for close-up views of salt fields. Must-Visit Attractions Emerald Lake: Jade-green lake surface with pristine white salt flats, perfect for reflection shots and drone photography. Best shooting times: 1 hour after sunrise or 2 hours before sunset. Ten-Thousand-Zhang Salt Bridge: 32 km salt-crusted road; walk or drive (ensure anti-slip measures). Photo spot: "Ten-Thousand-Zhang Salt Bridge" stone tablet on G315 Highway. Salt Crystal Wonderland: Salt formations resembling coral and mushrooms; macro lenses recommended for details. Touching crystals is prohibited; fines up to 500 RMB. Sunset Viewing Platform: Lake turns orange-red at dusk; capture reflections of salt sculptures and twilight. Food Recommendations Golmud City: Hand-grabbed mutton: Mazhong Restaurant (Kunlun Road), served with salt and pepper dip. Pan-fried lamb ribs: Lao Yan Roast Lamb (night market), paired with potatoes and onions. Yak yogurt: Old Yogurt Shop (Bayi Middle Road), best with honey. Near the Scenic Area: Qarhan Salt Lake Fish Restaurant: Steamed rainbow trout (cold-water fish), ~80 RMB/person. Mongolian Boiled Mutton: Cooked with coarse salt from the lake, tender and flavorful. Precautions Sun protection: UV index reaches 12+; bring SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. Wear hats and avoid prolonged midday exposure. Altitude sickness: Elevation 2,670 meters; may cause headaches or shortness of breath. Take Rhodiola supplements 3 days prior, avoid strenuous activity, and carry oxygen (available onsite). Environment: Picking salt crystals or littering is prohibited; fines up to 2,000 RMB. Trash bins provided; practice waste sorting. Safety: Stay within open areas; watch for salt holes. Children must be supervised at all times. Itinerary Suggestions Day trip: 8:00 AM Depart Golmud, arrive at the lake by 9:00 AM. 9:30 AM-12:00 PM Explore Emerald Lake and salt crystal areas. 12:30 PM Lunch at scenic restaurant (recommend pan-fried lamb). 1:30-3:30 PM Visit Ten-Thousand-Zhang Salt Bridge and boat tour. 4:00 PM Return, arrive in Golmud by 5:00 PM. Photography route: Enter at 6:30 AM for sunrise shots. Bring tripods and ND filters for long-exposure reflections. Capture salt mountain silhouettes at dusk. Nearby Attractions Chaka Salt Lake: 300 km away, 4-hour drive; suitable for 2-day trips. Qinghai Lake: 500 km, 6-hour drive; ideal for loop tours. Accommodation Golmud City: Golmud Hotel: 4-star, standard room 400 RMB/night, breakfast included. Salt Lake Hotel: 3-star, standard room 280 RMB/night, close to the lake. Near the Scenic Area: Qarhan Resort: Yurt-style lodging, 200 RMB/night; book in advance.