Experience the Surreal Beauty: Walking Among the Clouds in Chile's and China's Salt Lakes
China grants visa-free access to Chile and other South American countries from June 2025, opening doors to breathtaking adventures.
China’s decision to grant visa-free travel to citizens from Chile and several other South American countries from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, is opening up new opportunities for travelers eager to discover the breathtaking landscapes that span both continents. This historic move is expected to boost tourism and foster cultural exchange, while bringing the natural marvels of China and South America closer than ever before.
Among the wonders waiting to be explored is the Salar de Atacama in Chile, renowned as the country's largest salt flat. Tucked within the world-famous Atacama Desert—one of the driest places on the planet—the Salar stretches over an impressive 3,000 square kilometers. Visitors are drawn by its stark, dramatic scenery: vast salt-encrusted plains glimmer under the intense sun, interrupted by crystalline turquoise lagoons that provide a welcome respite from the arid landscape.
The salt flat also plays host to an abundance of wildlife, turning a harsh environment into a vibrant ecosystem. Flocks of flamingos create striking splashes of color as they wade through shallow pools, searching for food. Towering Andes mountains loom on the horizon, providing a spectacular natural frame. Sunrise and sunset transform the salt flat into a painter’s palette, tinting the terrain with shades of pink, gold, and purple—a sight that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
On the other side of the globe, travelers can immerse themselves in the ethereal beauty of Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai Province, China. Dubbed the “Mirror of the Sky,” this salt lake is famous for its crystal-clear reflections—when windless, it creates the illusion that visitors are strolling among the clouds. Perched high on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, more than 3,000 meters above sea level, Chaka Salt Lake has a rich history of salt mining stretching back over a millennium.
Nowadays, the lake is a beloved destination for tourists. In the summer months, visitors can walk on the dazzling white surface, capturing those iconic “sky-mirror” images or hitching a ride on a scenic train across the expanse. The surroundings—snow-capped peaks and sweeping grasslands—add to the sense of tranquility and wonder, making Chaka a must-see for adventurers and photographers alike.
With visa-free access on the horizon, more travelers than ever may soon have the chance to witness these extraordinary landscapes firsthand, deepening the connections between Chile, China, and beyond. As explorers cross hemispheres, new stories are sure to unfold amid the salt flats, lagoons, and mirrored lakes linking the world’s natural treasures.
