The Chaka Salt Lakes (Chaka yanhu) were originally part of the ocean in primordial times, and were formed during the intense crust activity that resulted in the formation of the largest plateau in the world, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. As the waters of this primordial soup receded, flowing into the nearby .

Indian and Pacific Oceans, depressions in the plateau, among which the salt lakes are typical ones, retained water forming the region’s famous lakes

The lake’s are made up of over thirty big and small lakes, the largest of which is named the kilometers.

The highlight of the lakes are their reflective surfaces, that mirror the passing clouds, the distant mountains and the nomad’s tents and herds that can be found all around the area. Distinctive in this region is the salty smell, that can be perceived from anywhere near the lakes and that has lead to their description as a world of salt. Locals make a living from dredging the salt and riding tourists around on a freight train. For those into hiking, a walk along the Salt Bridge that crosses the lakes, running a total of 60km, is an interesting experience, as is a look into the salt house that can be found beside the main lake. The lakes are probably best seen as a side trip for those after an extensive camping or hiking experience, since the sights here are not exceptionally spectacular, but at the moment retain a still beauty.

How to get there: The lakes are located 310km from Xining, to the southwest of Qinghai Lake and the Tibetan village of Heimahe. Tours can be arranged for visiting both Qinghai and Chaka lakes through the Qinghai Transport Travel Service in Xining (about RMB600). It is also possible to catch a bus at the Xining long-distance bus station that goes to the lakes, before continuing on to Chaka, Wulan or Delingha. From Heimahe, it is also possible to catch a ride on to the lake, a journey of around 150km, via either hired car or on the bus.
Cost: Entry fee of RMB25.