Qarhan Salt Lake (Cha’erhan Salt Lake, 察尔汗盐湖), located in Golmud City, Qinghai Province, China, is the largest salt lake in the country and the second-largest in the world. Spanning over 5,856 square kilometers, the lake stretches more than 160 kilometers from east to west and 20 to 40 kilometers from north to south. With salt layers ranging from 2 to 20 meters thick, it serves as a crucial salt production base for China. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway passes through this vast salt lake, adding a unique feature to its landscape.
Upon entering the area, visitors will first encounter the Salt Lake Museum, located next to the industrial site. The museum is a two-story building that offers an excellent introduction to the formation and extraction processes of the salt lake. It includes models of Qarhan Salt Lake and various displays showcasing the history of the lake’s development and the salt mining industry. Particularly impressive are the crystallized salt flowers on display, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the lake’s natural beauty and geological wonders.
After visiting the museum, travelers can continue their journey by driving toward the lake’s edge. One of the most unique attractions here is the “Salt Bridge.” This road, made entirely of compacted salt, is strong enough to support vehicles, functioning much like an asphalt road. If the surface is damaged, workers can simply pour brine over it to restore the road, which adds a touch of magic to this engineering marvel.
Visitors can stop and walk along the Salt Bridge, where they will be greeted by stunning views of the expansive salt lake. On either side of the bridge are fields of white salt crystals, while the clear, greenish lake water reveals a white, crystallized lake bed. Natural salt pillars rise from the lake, creating a surreal and picturesque landscape. On sunny days, the sky, clouds, and surrounding scenery reflect beautifully on the lake’s surface, making it a prime spot for photography enthusiasts.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 19.30; Last admission: 18.30 |
Location and Transportation
Qarhan Salt Lake is located 69 kilometers north of Golmud City, in the Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, China. To visit the salt lake, most tourists either hire a car from Golmud or drive along the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, passing through the area. The salt factory surrounding the lake is vast, and the distance from the entrance to the lakeshore spans several kilometers, so driving within the factory premises is necessary to fully explore the site.
However, access to the salt factory is regulated, and only vehicles with special entry permits are allowed inside. If you are arranging a car rental in Golmud, it is advisable to confirm whether the car can enter the factory grounds. Otherwise, you might encounter security at the gate who could charge an unofficial “entrance fee.”
