Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Second Stop: Chaka Town - Chaerhan Salt Lake - Xiao Qaidam Lake - Da Qaidam Guide

🌊 7-Day Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop · Second Stop Guide: Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake → Xiao Qaidam Lake → Da Qaidam 🌊 🚗 Itinerary Overview Route: Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake (~400km, 5h) → Xiao Qaidam Lake (~50km, 40min) → Overnight in Da Qaidam Recommended departure time: 7:00 AM from Chaka Town (leave early to avoid strong sunlight and allow ample sightseeing time) 📍 First Stop: Chaka Town → Chaerhan Salt Lake 📌 Key Info - Ticket: ¥100/person (includes shuttle bus), half-price for students. - Transport: Private car/self-drive via G3011 Liuge Expressway, good road conditions. - Suggested duration: 2-3 hours 🌟 Must-Do Experiences - Ten Thousand Zhang Salt Bridge: A natural salt-crust highway, perfect for aerial shots (drones allowed, mind wind speed). - Salt Flower Wonders: Natural crystalline patterns on the lake surface, glittering like diamonds under sunlight. - Swing/Glass Boat: Instagrammable spots (fee: ¥20-30). ⚠️ Notes - Strong reflection from the salt lake—wear sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+). - Shuttle bus is mandatory (20km from entrance to core area), last bus at 18:00. 📍 Second Stop: Chaerhan Salt Lake → Xiao Qaidam Lake 📌 Key Info - Ticket: Free wild attraction, parking fee ¥10. - Transport: 50km from Chaerhan Salt Lake, en route. - Suggested duration: 1 hour 🌟 Must-Do Experiences - Lakeside Walk: Azure waters with snowy mountains in the background, less crowded for great photos. - Wildlife Spotting: Chance encounters with wild ducks and waterbirds (approach quietly). ⚠️ Notes - No commercial facilities—bring snacks and water. - Windy with large temperature swings—pack a windbreaker. 📍 Third Stop: Xiao Qaidam Lake → Da Qaidam Town 📌 Key Info - Accommodation: Da Qaidam Town (book 3 days ahead in peak season!). - Transport: ~30km from Xiao Qaidam Lake, 30-minute drive. 🏨 Stay Recommendations - Budget: Homestays/hostels (¥100-150/person). - Comfort: Da Qaidam Snow Mountain Hot Spring Hotel (¥300-500/night, includes hot spring). 🍜 Food Recs - Grilled Lamb Ribs (highly rated at "Yibula Specialty Grill"), yak meat soup noodles. 💡 Pro Tips - Da Qaidam’s elevation is ~3200m—avoid strenuous activity. - Stock up on supplies (no shops near Da Qaidam’s Emerald Lake). 💰 Estimated Cost (per person) - Transport: ~¥150 for carpool from Chaka to Chaerhan. - Tickets: ¥100 for Chaerhan Salt Lake. - Lodging: ~¥120 for shared room in Da Qaidam. Total: ¥370 (excluding meals & extras). 📸 Photo Outfit Tips - Chaerhan Salt Lake: Bright-colored dresses (red/orange) + scarves (windproof yet flowy). - Xiao Qaidam Lake: Denim/utility style with combat boots (suits the wild vibe). ✨ Tomorrow’s Preview: Third Stop Da Qaidam → Emerald Lake → U-shaped Water Yadan → Devil City! #QinghaiGansuGrandLoop #SaltLakeWonders