Sky reflections
On shallow water.
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An oval salt lake at the eastern end of the Qaidam Basin on the Qinghai plateau, whose name means «salt lake» in Tibetan; it is known for clear, shallow water over a bed of white salt that mirrors the sky and clouds, which is why it is called the «Mirror of the Sky». The lake was and still is an important salt mine, and the branch railway built to carry the salt now brings tourist trains from Xining in over four hours; it drew more than three million visitors in 2018. Visitors walk on paths over the salt and through the shallow water or ride a small train out into the lake, and from the viewing tower see the white stretch away to the mountains. The best reflections come on clear, still days around 10 am or 3 pm. Tickets cost CNY 60, half price for students and seniors, the small train 60 one way or 100 return, and it is open from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm from May to October and 8.30 am to 6 pm in winter, per visitor guides. Salt is hard on shoes, so bring shoe covers or a spare pair.
On shallow water.
Into the lake.
Over the white.
Ulan County, Haixi, about 300 km west of Xining, Qinghai
Yes, but it is a long day of about four hours each way, and many combine it with Qinghai Lake on the way.
Yes, Qinghai has a large Hui Muslim community, and halal restaurants are common in Xining and along the road, best known for beef noodles and lamb.