Qinghai Haixi 3 Days 2 Nights Travel Guide

—— Explore the Qaidam Basin, Encounter the Mirror of the Sky and Devil City 📅 Itinerary Overview 📍 Destination: Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province ⏰ Duration: 3 days 2 nights 💰 Budget: 7000 RMB (2 people traveling together, 3500 RMB per person) 🚗 Transportation: Private car/Carpool (SUV or off-road vehicle recommended) 🏔️ Main Attractions: Chaka Salt Lake, Emerald Lake, Water Yadan, National Highway 315 U-shaped Road, Delingha Alien Ruins 🗓️ Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Xining → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha 🚗 Transportation: Depart from Xining, private car to Chaka Salt Lake (about 4 hours, car fee about 800 RMB/day) 🎫 Tickets: Chaka Salt Lake (60 RMB/person, small train one way 50 RMB/person) 🏨 Accommodation: Delingha city (Recommended: Senyuan Quality Hotel, about 400 RMB/night) 🍽️ Meals: Lunch (Chaka Town, about 50 RMB/person), Dinner (Delingha, about 80 RMB/person) 📌 Highlights: Chaka Salt Lake — "Mirror of the Sky," perfect for reflection photos (wear bright clothes recommended) Arrive in Delingha in the evening, visit Haizi Poetry Exhibition Hall (free) Day 2: Delingha → Emerald Lake → Water Yadan 🚗 Transportation: Delingha → Dachaidan Emerald Lake (about 2.5 hours, car fee 800 RMB/day) 🎫 Tickets: Emerald Lake (50 RMB/person), Water Yadan (120 RMB/person, including sightseeing vehicle) 🏨 Accommodation: Water Yadan RV Campground (about 600 RMB/night) or return to Dachaidan Town (about 400 RMB/night) 🍽️ Meals: Lunch (Dachaidan Town, about 60 RMB/person), Dinner (scenic area or town, about 80 RMB/person) 📌 Highlights: Emerald Lake — Tiffany blue salt lake, stunning aerial views National Highway 315 U-shaped Road — popular road, be careful when taking photos Water Yadan — the world’s only water Yadan landform, sunset is breathtaking Day 3: Water Yadan → Xitai Jinaier Lake → Return to Xining 🚗 Transportation: Water Yadan → Xitai Jinaier Lake (about 1 hour) → Xining (about 6 hours, car fee 800 RMB/day) 🎫 Tickets: Xitai Jinaier Lake (free) 🍽️ Meals: Lunch (simple meal on the road, about 50 RMB/person) 📌 Highlights: Xitai Jinaier Lake — two-colored lake, highway passes through the lake Gobi scenery along the way, chance to see wild camels 💰 Budget Breakdown (Total for 2 people) Transportation (3 days private car) 2400 800 RMB/day, SUV or off-road vehicle Accommodation (2 nights) 1000 Delingha + Dachaidan/Water Yadan Tickets 460 Chaka Salt Lake + Emerald Lake + Water Yadan Meals 600 6 meals in 3 days, about 100 RMB/person/day Others (snacks, oxygen bottles, etc.) 500 Reserve Total 7000 3500 RMB per person ⚠️ Travel Tips Altitude Sickness: Haixi average altitude is above 3000 meters, it is recommended to take Rhodiola in advance and prepare oxygen bottles. Weather and Clothing: Large temperature difference between day and night, sun protection during the day (sunglasses, hat), keep warm at night (windbreaker). Photo Tips: Drone photography produces better shots (note that drones are prohibited at Chaka Salt Lake and Emerald Lake). Road Conditions: Some sections have no signal, it is recommended to hire a local driver or join a tour group. 🌟 Optional Upgrades Star Photography: Water Yadan or Dachaidan nights are suitable for shooting the Milky Way. In-depth Tour: Add Mangya Emerald Lake or Aiken Spring (Devil’s Eye), requires 1-2 extra days. 📸 Bring your camera and come to Haixi to experience the ultimate wilderness and the romance of salt lakes! 🌊🚙