Dachaidan Emerald Lake Travel Guide | God's overturned palette

🌟 Dachaidan Emerald Lake Travel Guide | God's overturned palette, unlock Qinghai's "Emerald Secret Realm" 🌟 If Chaka Salt Lake is the "Mirror of the Sky," then Dachaidan Emerald Lake is the "Earth's Garment"—salt ponds of varying depths are scattered like emeralds, and the blue-green interwoven lake water collides with the snow-capped mountains and Gobi Desert to create the ultimate wasteland aesthetic! This comprehensive guide will take you through this "earthly jasper" that has not yet been fully developed! 🚗 Transportation Guide | How to reach this emerald secret realm? 1. Self-driving is preferred - Departing from Golmud: Drive along National Highway G215 or G315 for about 260-300 km, the journey takes 4-5 hours, and you can enjoy the Gobi and Yadan landforms along the way. - Departing from Dachaidan Town: Navigate to "Dachaidan Emerald Lake," drive west along National Highway G109 for 12.5 km, turn onto the dirt road after seeing the "Emerald Lake" sign, and drive for 3 km to arrive. - Tips: Roads are prone to icing in winter, four-wheel drive vehicles + anti-skid chains are recommended; pay attention to sun protection in summer, the signal is weak along the way, download offline maps in advance. 2. Public Transportation - Golmud → Dachaidan: Take a long-distance bus from Golmud Bus Station (about 4 hours, ticket price 100 yuan), then charter a car or take a taxi (about 30 minutes). - Xining → Dachaidan: Take the high-speed train to Golmud/Delingha and then transfer to a bus, suitable for non-self-driving travelers. 3. Chartered car/carpooling - Chartered cars are available in Golmud or Dachaidan Town (SUV about 500 yuan/day), suitable for small groups of 4-6 people, flexible stops for photo spots. 🌊 Must-see attractions | N ways to experience Emerald Lake 1. Emerald Salt Pond Group | God's overturned palette Thousands of salt ponds display colors such as mint green, Tiffany blue, and amber yellow due to different mineral contents. Aerial photography by drone looks like gems inlaid on the earth. Best shooting time: morning (8-10 am) or evening (5-7 pm), the light is soft, and the lake reflections are like mirrors. 2. Buddha Observation Platform | Encounter the "Buddha's Light" spectacle From 4-6 pm, if there is sufficient water vapor, the refraction of sunlight may form a rare Buddha's light. Wearing light-colored clothing makes it easier to capture the light and shadow. 3. Transparent boat experience | Floating on the emerald Take a transparent boat for 20 yuan/person, as if suspended in the blue waves, the aerial photography perspective is like "water floating" (additional charges apply). 4. Salt Crystal Beach | White "Snowfield" blockbuster The salt crystals precipitated by the lake form a pure white beach. Step barefoot on the "snow" and pair it with a colorful long skirt to create a desolate blockbuster in minutes. 5. South Eight Immortals Yadan Devil City | Check in the "alien landform" along the way About 1 hour's drive from Emerald Lake, the Yadan group formed by wind erosion is like an alien battlefield, and it looks even more magical under the evening light and shadow (free admission). 📸 Photography secrets | 100% success rate - Classic symmetrical composition: Stand in the center of the salt pond and shoot the person and reflection from a low angle. - Drone perspective: Ascend 100 meters to capture the color gradients and geometric textures of the salt pond group. - Red dress with green lake: The red long skirt forms a strong contrast with the emerald green lake, creating a cinematic feel. 🏡 Accommodation recommendations | Stay between the snow-capped mountains and the salt lake 1. Dachaidan Town: - Light and Shadow Wild Luxury Tent Camp: Starry tents face the snow-capped mountains, and the Milky Way is clearly visible at night (summer only). - Vienna Hotel: Cost-effective choice, sufficient heating, suitable for winter stays. 2. Golmud City: - Suitable as a transit station, recommend "Golmud Swiss-Belhotel," well-equipped, close to the bus station. 🍜 Food recommendations | Plateau flavors and Northwest passion - Fried Lamb in a Pot: Potatoes, lamb, and spices are braised in an iron pot, fragrant and flavorful (Dachaidan Town "Yibla Special Fried Lamb in a Pot"). - Yak Yogurt: Hand-fermented, with a milk skin on the surface, sprinkled with white sugar, sweet and sour, appetizing. - Qinghai Liangpi: Sour, spicy, and refreshing, served with gluten and chives, a must-try at night markets. 💡 Travel tips 1. Best season: - June-September: The lake water is the most vibrant, and the temperature is comfortable; - November-March: Fewer people and quiet scenery, some salt ponds freeze like colored glaze (need to prevent -20℃ low temperature). 2. Clothing guide: - Summer: Bright long skirt + sun protection clothing + sunglasses; winter: Thick down jacket + snow boots + wool hat. 3. Environmental protection and safety: - Do not step on the edge of the salt pond to protect the fragile crystalline layer; - Stay away from mining areas and follow the instructions of the "Rule of Law Train" scenic spot (a new law popularization sightseeing train will be added in 2025). 4. Altitude sickness prevention: - Altitude 3148 meters, most people have no reaction, it is recommended to bring oxygen cylinders (20 yuan/can outside the scenic area). --- 📅 Itinerary reference - One-day highlights tour: Golmud/Dachaidan Town → Emerald Lake (morning photography) → Transparent boat experience → South Eight Immortals Devil City (sunset) → Return. - Two-day in-depth tour: Day 1: Emerald Lake + Salt Crystal Beach creation; Day 2: Snow Mountain Hot Spring + National Highway 315 U-shaped Highway check-in.