Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Tourism

Encounter of the Mirror of the Sky and the Ancestor of Ten Thousand Mountains — a fantastic journey from Chaka Salt Lake to the Kunlun Mountains. 6 days 5 nights in-depth tour includes salt lake photography, emerald secret realm, and Kunlun exploration experience.

6178
Kunlun Main Peak Elevation (m)
3000+
Average Elevation (m)
Mongolian/Tibetan/Han
Major Ethnic Groups
6-9
Best Travel Months

Haixi Prefecture Counties & Cities Tourism

Haixi Prefecture Six Days Five Nights Hidden Gem Tour

Stroll across the mirror of the sky, explore the emerald secret realm, pilgrimage to the ancestor of ten thousand mountains

Duration
6 Days 5 Nights
Main Destinations
Delingha City, Ulan County, Da Qaidam, Golmud City, Mangya City
Suitable For
Photography enthusiasts, geology explorers, culture researchers
Budget per Person
¥3000-¥4500
01
Gobi Pearl
Delingha City · Poetry and Lakes
Highlights

Arrive in Delingha in the morning, visit Alien Ruins and Keluke Lake in the afternoon.

Attractions
Alien Ruins
Mysterious caves on Baigong Mountain containing iron tubular objects suspected to be left by extraterrestrial civilizations, sparking endless speculation.
Keluke Lake
A freshwater lake, collectively known with Tuosu Lake as 'Lovers Lake', abundant with water birds and pleasant scenery.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Delingha Downtown Hotel
  • Lakeside Mongolian Yurt
  • Stargazing Camp
Notes
  • Wind and sun protection
  • Protect the lake environment
  • Respect local legends
02
Mirror of the Sky
Ulan County · Chaka Salt Lake
Highlights

Full day tour of Chaka Salt Lake, capturing the mirror illusion.

Attractions
Chaka Salt Lake
China's version of the 'Mirror of the Sky', the salt lake surface reflects the sky like a mirror, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Salt Lake Train
A sightseeing train traversing the salt lake, reaching deep into the lake center to experience the unique salt lake scenery.
Practical Info
Photography Tips
  • Best time: sunrise and sunset
  • Use polarizing filter to reduce glare
  • Wear bright colored clothing
Safety Tips
  • Do not step into unopened areas
  • Watch out for cracks in the salt crust
  • Bring sunglasses to prevent glare
03
Emerald Secret Realm
Da Qaidam · Water Yadan
Highlights

Full day tour of Da Qaidam Emerald Lake and Water Yadan Geopark.

Attractions
Da Qaidam Emerald Lake
Salt lakes appear emerald green due to mineral content, like scattered jade embedded in the Gobi.
Water Yadan
The world's only water Yadan landform, wind-eroded earth mounds contrast beautifully with the lake water.
Practical Info
Photography Suggestions
  • Drone aerial shooting is best
  • Sunny midday has brightest colors
  • Bring enough batteries and memory cards
Notes
  • Do not enter dangerous waters
  • Wind and sun protection
  • Protect fragile geological formations
04
Ancestor of Ten Thousand Mountains
Golmud City · Kunlun Mountains
Highlights

Full day exploration of Kunlun Mountains Geopark, experiencing the majesty of the 'ancestor of ten thousand mountains'.

Attractions
Kunlun Mountains
China's foremost sacred mountain, known as the 'ancestor of ten thousand mountains', main peak elevation 6178 meters, rich in mythology and legend.
Kunlun Mountains Geopark
A park showcasing the rich geological relics of the Kunlun Mountains, including glaciers, canyons, volcanoes and other diverse landforms.
Practical Info
Expedition Gear
  • Cold-weather clothing
  • Trekking poles
  • Altitude sickness medication
Cultural Tips
  • Learn about Kunlun mythology
  • Do not climb dangerous areas without permission
  • Respect local beliefs
05
Eye of the Devil
Mangya City · Aiken Spring
Highlights

Full day exploration of Mangya Aiken Spring and Emerald Lake, experiencing geological wonders.

Attractions
Aiken Spring
Known as the 'Eye of the Devil', a geothermal spring whose mineral deposits around the vent form peculiar patterns.
Emerald Lake
Salt lakes appear emerald green due to different mineral contents, especially spectacular from an aerial view.
Practical Info
Photography Suggestions
  • Drone aerial shooting is best
  • Sunny mornings have brightest colors
  • Bring enough memory cards
Safety Tips
  • Do not approach dangerous spring vent areas
  • Watch out for soft ground
  • Wind and sun protection
06
Tubo Legacy
Dulan County · Departure
Highlights

Visit Reshui Ancient Tombs in Dulan in the morning, depart in the afternoon.

Attractions
Reshui Ancient Tombs
Large-scale tomb complex from the Tubo period, yielding a large number of precious artifacts reflecting Tubo cultural characteristics of the Tang Dynasty.
Practical Info
Cultural Tips
  • Learn about Tubo history
  • Do not touch artifacts
  • Protect the site environment
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Kunlun Jade
  • Goji Berries
  • Yak Jerky
  • Salt Carving Crafts

Must-Try Foods in Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Hand-Grabbed Lamb

A traditional Mongolian delicacy made from premium mutton, boiled in plain water and eaten by hand. Pure and authentic flavor.

Tsampa

A traditional Tibetan staple made from roasted highland barley flour mixed with butter tea. Nutritious and easy to carry.

Yogurt

A highland specialty dairy product, fermented from yak milk. Balanced sweet and sour taste, aids digestion.

Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • June-September: Pleasant climate
  • July-August: Best season for summer escape
  • Note: Some attractions closed in winter
Travel Preparation
  • Prepare sun and cold protection items
  • Obtain necessary permits
  • Acclimate to high altitude in advance
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 400 yuan
  • Accommodation: 500-800 yuan/night
  • Meals: 100-150 yuan/day
  • Transportation: 2000-3000 yuan
  • Total: 3000-4500 yuan