Xiao Qaidam Lake
小柴旦湖
A high-altitude saltwater lake at the junction of National Highways G215 and G315. Its water is a deep blue, and mountains surround it. Drivers on the Great Loop can stop to admire the view.
Xiao Qaidam Lake, known in Mongolian as Baga Qaidam Lake, sits about 20–40 km southwest of Chaidam Town, near the junction of G215 and G315. It lies at an altitude of roughly 3,170 m and covers about 70 square km. The water is salty, and the surroundings include salt marshes and meadows with layered mountains in the distance. On clear days, the lake turns a deep blue. The Dexiao Expressway and the Liuge Expressway both pass along its shores, so you can enjoy the view from the road. There is no admission fee, and a basic viewpoint is located by the lake. It is a convenient half-hour stop for travelers heading to Da Qaidam from Chaka or Delingha, or on the way to Golmud. The grassland by the lake has marshes and saline soft ground, so do not drive off the road.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Hongya Mars Landform Area
- Chaidan Town & Starry Sky Camp
- Emerald Lake, Da Qaidam
- Da Qaidam Lake
- Da Qaidam Snow Mountain Hot Spring
- G315 U-shaped Road
- East Taijinar Lake
- Wusute Water Yardang