Qarhan Salt Lake
察尔汗盐湖
China’s largest natural salt lake, covering about 5,800 square km. The Salt Bridge and the brine pools reflecting the sky, “Sky Mirror,” make Golmud’s most photogenic sights.
Qarhan Salt Lake lies about 60 km north of Golmud city. It is the largest salt lake in the Qaidam Basin and produces potash and table salt. It is also China’s largest potash fertilizer production base. The scenic area has three highlights. First is the Salt Bridge, where the Qinghai–Tibet Railway and the Dunhuang–Golmud Highway run directly over salt crust more than ten meters thick, covering about 32 km. It is known as a road built on salt. Second are the brine pools and salt flowers. Glittering salt flowers form along the shore, and the lakeside pier and shallow brine reflections create a “Sky Mirror,” with white salt flats contrasting sharply with emerald brine. Visitors enter by sightseeing shuttle or small train to reach the lake area. Walking boardwalks total about 1 to 2 km. You can walk barefoot on the salt flats, but the crystals are sharp, so bring slippers and rinse your feet with clean water afterward. Entry costs about 50 to 60 yuan, plus shuttle fare, subject to official notices. Opening hours are about 08:30 to 20:00, and in winter the park closes earlier at 19:30.
Getting there: From Golmud city, it is about 1 hour by self-drive or chartered car along National Highway G215. You can also combine the route with Da Qaidam and Chaka Salt Lake.
Tips: UV exposure and glare are intense here, so sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Brine pool edges are soft and unstable, so never step over the railings.
Opening hours
Apr–early Oct 08:30–20:00; otherwise 08:30–19:30