Walking among the clouds in Chile and China's salt lakes

With China offering visa-free travel to citizens from Chile and several other South American countries from June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026, now is the perfect time to explore the stunning natural wonders that connect both sides of the world.

In Chile, the Salar de Atacama is the country's largest salt flat, located in the Atacama Desert – one of the driest places on Earth. Stretching for over 3,000 square kilometers, it’s known for its dramatic landscapes, salt-crusted plains, and bright turquoise lagoons.

The salt flat is also a haven for wildlife: flocks of flamingos wade through its shallow waters, while the surrounding Andes mountains provide a majestic backdrop. At sunrise and sunset, the sky paints the salt with hues of pink, gold, and purple, creating an almost dreamlike scene.

In China, Chaka Salt Lake in Qinghai Province is often called the "Mirror of the Sky" – and for good reason. When the weather is calm, the shallow lake reflects the sky so perfectly that visitors appear to be walking through the clouds.

This salt lake lies over 3,000 meters above sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and has been mined for salt for over 1,000 years. In summer, tourists can walk out onto the lake's surface and take the iconic "sky-mirror" photos or even ride a small train across the white expanse. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, Chaka offers a peaceful escape and a truly surreal visual experience.