Geological & Industrial Significance
Qarhan Salt Lake (蒙古语: "Salt World") formed over 300 million years from evaporated ancient oceans, now holding:
- 600+ billion tons of salts (500B tons NaCl, 5.4B tons KCl).
- Global rankings: World's 2nd largest salt lake (after Utah's Great Salt Lake) and China's largest potassium/magnesium reserve.
- Industrial hub: Produces 80% of China's potassium fertilizer via automated plants like Qinghai Potash Factory.
Key Attractions
- Ten-Thousand-Meter Salt Bridge
- A 32km natural salt-crust highway (15-18m thick) floating on brine, supporting trains and trucks.
- Salt Flower Wonderland
- Halite crystals form "coral reefs" and "jade pagodas" due to varying mineral concentrations.
- Emerald Brine Pools
- High lithium content tints waters apple-green (best viewed June-Oct).
Tourist Experiences
- Industrial Tours: Visit potash mining sites and salt sculpture parks.
- Photography: Capture mirror-like reflections at dawn/dusk (similar to Chile's Atacama salt flats).
- Stargazing: Designated Dark Sky Zone with Milky Way visibility (Apr-Oct).
Visitor Essentials
- Best Time: July-Sept (daytime 15-25°C; avoid winter -30°C winds).
- Access: 60km from Golmud via G3011 highway; free entry (shuttle buses $5).
- Caution: Wear UV-protective gear (UV index 8+); avoid thin salt crusts.
Qarhan blends raw natural beauty with cutting-edge mineral industry, offering a unique glimpse into Earth's geological and economic treasures.
