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Hey guys👋, as a travel enthusiast, I'm here to share my amazing travel experiences with you. This time, I visited Chaka Salt Lake in winter. Compared to other seasons, it has a unique and cold beauty. Let's take a virtual tour together. Dreamy Sky Mirror - Chaka Salt Lake Chaka Salt Lake is located in Wulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, and is one of the four major salt lakes in the Qaidam Basin. "Chaka" means salt pond in Tibetan. It is like a piece of jade left by nature, with a vast salt lake that stretches as far as the eye can see. In winter, the lake surface freezes, resembling a giant white mirror that reflects the sky, clouds, and distant mountains, creating a dreamlike and fairy-tale world. Winter Travel Route 🔸Morning: Depart from the city and arrive at Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area. First, visit the Sky Mirror Square, where you can overlook the magnificent scenery of the entire salt lake. Stroll along the boardwalk, admire the ice scenery around the salt lake, and feel the biting cold wind, which is a unique experience. 🔸Noon: Enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant near the scenic area. After replenishing your energy, continue exploring in the afternoon. 🔸Afternoon: Head to the depths of the salt lake. You can choose to take a small train 🚂 and enjoy the unique winter scenery of the salt lake along the way. Upon reaching the center of the lake, have fun on the white ice surface and experience the endless world of ice and snow. Photo Spots 1. Salt Lake Railway: The railway extending into the depths of the salt lake looks particularly lonely and romantic against the snow. Walk along the railway, with the salt lake as the background, and take stunning photos. It's recommended to wear bright-colored clothes, such as red or blue, which will stand out in the white world. 2. Salt Sculptures: Various salt sculptures glisten in the sunlight, creating a unique landscape with the winter salt lake. Stand next to the salt sculptures, strike different poses, and capture these magical moments. 3. Mirror-like Ice Surface: Find a smooth ice surface, lie on it, and have the photographer take a top-down shot. The sky and salt lake merge into one, creating a floating effect that is truly breathtaking. Chaka Delicacies 1. Kang Guo Lamb: The lamb is tender and not gamey, paired with potatoes, onions, and other ingredients, sizzling in a large iron pot with a mouthwatering aroma. One bite warms you up instantly, making it perfect for the cold winter 🥘 2. Qinghai Old Yogurt: It has a thick texture, like soft tofu. The surface has a thick layer of milk skin, paired with sugar or honey, making it sweet and sour, refreshing, and appetizing. Be sure to try the local handmade old yogurt, which tastes different from the usual yogurt. 3. Highland Barley Cake: Made from roasted highland barley flour, it has a crispy outer layer and a soft interior, with a faint aroma of highland barley. You can buy a few as snacks and eat them whenever you feel hungry during your trip. Warm and Comfortable Accommodation I recommend some hotels in Chaka Town, which are close to the scenic area and convenient for travel. The hotel rooms are clean and tidy, with ample heating. After a day of fun, you can have a comfortable sleep 🛏 Some hotels also offer local specialty breakfasts to start your day full of energy. Tips 1. The temperature at Chaka Salt Lake is very low in winter, so be sure to bring enough warm clothing, such as down jackets, thick sweaters, snow boots, scarves, and gloves 🧣 2. Remember to bring sunglasses, as the ice surface of the salt lake reflects strong light, and sunglasses can effectively protect your eyes. 3. Check the weather forecast in advance and choose a sunny day to visit. This way, the photos will be more colorful, and the salt lake scenery will be more beautiful. 4. The signal in the scenic area may not be good, so download offline maps in advance for easy navigation. Unforgettable Winter Trip This winter trip to Chaka Salt Lake left a deep impression on me. In this white world, I felt the magic and grandeur of nature, tasted the unique local cuisine, and gained a lot. If you have the chance, be sure to experience the charm of Chaka Salt Lake in winter. I'm sure you'll fall in love with it too. Don't hesitate, add Chaka Salt Lake to your travel list now 💖