Experience the Spectacular Wonders of Walking Among the Clouds in Chile & China's Salt Lakes

Travelers from Chile and several South American nations can now take advantage of visa-free entry to China between June 1, 2025, and May 31, 2026, creating fresh opportunities for adventure and cultural discovery between the two continents. With this new policy in place, explorers have the chance to experience two of the world’s most breathtaking salt landscapes—Chile’s Salar de Atacama and China’s Chaka Salt Lake—each offering a unique glimpse into nature's artistry.

Nestled in northern Chile, the Salar de Atacama spans over 3,000 square kilometers within the heart of the Atacama Desert, renowned as one of the driest places on Earth. The vast salt flat is distinguished by its rugged, white-crusted plains interspersed with brilliant turquoise lagoons. The area’s dramatic scenery is enhanced by wildlife, particularly the clusters of flamingos that gather in its shallow waters, while distant Andean peaks frame the horizon. Sunrises and sunsets transform the landscape, painting the salt and sky with captivating shades of pink, gold, and violet, enchanting photographers and visitors alike.

Thousands of kilometers away in western China, the Chaka Salt Lake awaits in Qinghai Province. Often dubbed the “Mirror of the Sky,” this lake is famed for its optical illusion: when winds are still, the surface becomes a perfect reflection of clouds and mountains above, creating mesmerizing photo opportunities. Located more than 3,000 meters above sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Chaka Salt Lake boasts a rich history of salt mining spanning more than a millennium. Tourists flock here in summer to stroll across the crystalline surface, snap surreal images, or board a small train that glides across the white expanse, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and sprawling grasslands.

This new era of visa-free travel encourages South Americans and Chinese alike to explore each other’s natural wonders, forging deeper connections across continents. Whether it’s witnessing the boundless skies reflected in Chaka’s tranquil lake or marveling at the vibrant wildlife and shifting colors of the Atacama, these salt flats stand as testaments to the planet’s diversity and beauty. With borders opening wider, now is an ideal moment for travelers to embark on journeys that bring the wonders of Chile and China closer than ever before.