Best Route for Cycling Around Qinghai Lake

Take an impromptu trip to Qinghai Lake with your bestie 🌊, where the end of the lake surprisingly meets the grasslands! Save this 2-day, 1-night guide～ 🚗 Itinerary: Day 1: 📍 Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake (Entrance fee 90 RMB) A must-visit spot at Qinghai Lake! It’s best to arrive before 9 AM for fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. You can rent a bike to cycle around the lake (rental 50-80 RMB/bike) or take a boat ride to experience the lake up close (120 RMB/person). Don’t forget to take a photo at the "Qinghai Lake" stone monument 📸 📍 Heimahe Town (30 minutes by car from the scenic area) For lunch, we recommend Heimahe Food City, where the yak meat hotpot is amazing! In the afternoon, drive along the western lakeside road; you’ll see vast fields of rapeseed flowers and prayer flags, especially beautiful from June to August～ Day 2: 📍 Chaka Salt Lake (2 hours by car from Qinghai Lake) The "Mirror of the Sky" lives up to its name! We suggest wearing bright-colored dresses for photos, red is especially photogenic～ Entrance fee 60 RMB, one-way train ride 50 RMB. Remember to bring sunglasses, the salt lake’s reflection is extremely dazzling 🕶️ 🍽️ Food Recommendations: ▫️ Qinghai yogurt (most authentic sold by local herders roadside) ▫️ Hand-pulled lamb (recommended at Qinghai Lakeside Restaurant) ▫️ Yak jerky (top choice for souvenirs) 🏠 Accommodation Suggestions: There are many unique guesthouses by Qinghai Lake. We recommend staying in Heimahe Town so you can watch the sunrise directly in the morning! We stayed at Guanhu Hotel, which offers great value and lake views right outside the window～ ⚠️ Practical Tips: 1. Altitude around 3200 meters, pay attention to sun protection and altitude sickness 2. Large temperature difference between morning and night, bring a jacket even in July and August 3. Limited restroom facilities in scenic areas, prepare in advance 4. Respect local Tibetan customs, do not take photos of herders and their yaks and sheep without permission This itinerary is not too rushed and lets you deeply experience the beauty of Qinghai Lake～ Tag your bestie and start planning!