Qinghai Travel Guide

# Qinghai July-August Travel Guide: Encounter the Blue and Gold of a Highland Summer I. 🧳Travel Preparations Weather & Clothing: - Daytime temperatures in Qinghai during July-August are warm (20-28°C), but with large day-night temperature differences (can exceed 10°C). Pack long-sleeved jackets, sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and other sun protection gear. - Some areas like Chaka Salt Lake can be windy, so bring a lightweight windproof jacket. - Occasional showers during rainy season, pack a lightweight raincoat or foldable umbrella. Altitude Sickness: - Qinghai's average elevation exceeds 3000m. Avoid strenuous activity upon arrival. Consider taking Rhodiola rosea supplements in advance. - Bring common medications like cold medicine, stomach medicine, and motion sickness pills. Other Essentials: - Sunscreen (SPF50+), lip balm, moisturizers (highland climate is dry). - Camera📸, power bank (scenic views will drain your phone battery quickly). - ID, student ID (discounts at some attractions), some cash (poor signal in some areas). II. Recommended Itinerary (7-8 days) Day 1: Arrive in Xining - Arrive at Xining Caojiabao Airport, acclimate to high altitude. - Visit Dongguan Mosque, explore Moji Street for local cuisine (hand-grabbed mutton, yogurt, sweet fermented barley, etc.). - Overnight in Xining. Day 2: Xining - Qinghai Lake - Travel to Qinghai Lake (~2.5hr drive), enjoy rapeseed flower fields along the way (best in July). - Visit Erlangjian Scenic Area or local shepherd paths for close-up lake views. - Sunset at Qinghai Lake, overnight at Heima River or West Ring Road. Day 3: Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake - Delingha - Sunrise viewing at Heima River. - Visit "Mirror of the Sky" Chaka Salt Lake (~2hr drive) for reflection photography. - Evening arrival in Delingha, overnight stay. Day 4: Delingha - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dunhuang (optional) - Travel to Dachaidan Emerald Lake (~3hr drive) to see jade-like salt lakes. - Option to continue to Dunhuang (~5hr drive) or return to Delingha. Day 5: Delingha - Qilian - Cross Qilian Mountains, admire stunning landscapes of grasslands, snow mountains, and forests. - Visit Zhuoer Mountain for panoramic views of Qilian County and rapeseed fields (best July-August). - Overnight in Qilian County. Day 6: Qilian - Menyuan - Xining - Travel to Menyuan (~2hr drive) for vast rapeseed flower fields (best in July). - Return to Xining (~3hr drive), overnight stay. Day 7: Xining - Kumbum Monastery - Departure - Visit Tibetan Buddhist sacred site Kumbum Monastery, admire its "Three Artistic Treasures" (butter sculptures, murals, embroidery). - Depart according to flight🛫/train🚂 schedule. III. ✈️Transportation Options 🚘Private/Shared Car: Flexible, ideal for groups, allows scenic stops. 🚌Public Transport: Buses available from Xining to Qinghai Lake/Chaka Salt Lake, but limited schedules (check in advance). 🚗Self-drive: Good road conditions, but beware of high-altitude fatigue and speed limits. IV. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations Xining: Various city hotels like Qinghai Hotel, Xining Hotel. Qinghai Lake: Homestays at Heima River or West Ring Road, experience Tibetan culture. Delingha: City hotels like Delingha Hotel. Qilian: County hotels or homestays near Zhuoer Mountain. V. 🍜Food Recommendations Hand-grabbed Mutton: Qinghai specialty, original flavor. Qinghai Yogurt: Rich texture, balanced sweet-sour taste. Sweet Fermented Barley: Refreshing summer snack made from barley. Gan Mian Pian: Qinghai-style noodles with delicious broth. Yak Jerky: Portable specialty snack. VI. ❗️Important Notes Respect Local Customs: Qinghai is multi-ethnic; respect Tibetan, Hui, and other minority traditions. Eco-friendly Travel: Protect the highland environment, no littering. Safety First: Avoid strenuous activity at high altitudes, prioritize sun protection and warmth. VII. Optional Extensions Dunhuang: Visit Mogao Caves, Singing Sand Dunes & Crescent Lake (+2-3 days). Zhangye: See Rainbow Mountains (+1-2 days). Wishing you an unforgettable summer adventure in Qinghai!