[2025 Datong Attraction] Travel Guide for Black Spring Reservoir (Updated May)

Heiquan Reservoir resembles a tranquil painting hidden in the western suburbs of Xining. The lake's surface is crystal clear, shimmering under the sunlight, with surrounding mountains reflected in the water, creating a breathtaking symmetry. When I visited in the afternoon, a gentle breeze rippled across the water, stirring faint waves like the soft undulations of the heart. Unlike bustling tourist spots, this place exudes a sense of seclusion and peace. Walking leisurely along the dam, you can see birds gliding across the sky in the distance, fishermen sitting quietly in their boats, and the seamless blend of water and sky that makes the world seem to pause. Not only is this reservoir a vital water source for Xining, but it is also a perfect retreat for calming the soul. I sat by the shore for a long time, listening only to the whispers of water and wind. Heiquan Reservoir is like a mirror, reflecting the tranquility of nature and the serenity within.

Hey friends, the short holiday is coming! Want to chase the beautiful blue ice? This 3-day tour of Xining will take you to explore the wonders of frozen Qinghai Lake! Blue ice, ice flowers, and ice bubbles are waiting for you. Don't miss this winter feast! Check out this guide and let's go! / 📍Itinerary: Day 1️⃣：Riyue Mountain -> Qinghai Lake 🌄Starting from Riyue Mountain, explore the mysteries of the plateau. Then head to Qinghai Lake, where you'll see the magnificent sight of half-frozen and half-flowing water in winter. Discover the beauty of blue ice and experience the magic of nature. Day 2️⃣：Chaka Salt Lake -> West Road around Qinghai Lake -> Dadongshu Mountain Pass 🌅Experience the magic of the "Sky Mirror" at Chaka Salt Lake, then enjoy the lake and mountain scenery along the West Road around Qinghai Lake. Finally, challenge the high altitude of Dadongshu Mountain Pass and overlook the vast plateau. Day 3️⃣：Zuer Mountain -> Arou Grand Temple -> Menyuan Rape Flower Sea -> Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area -> Heiquan Reservoir 🏞️Start from the beautiful scenery of Zuer Mountain and visit the serene Arou Grand Temple. Then, pass through the golden feast of Menyuan Rape Flower Sea and head to the Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area to experience the majesty of the snow-capped mountains. Finally, arrive at Heiquan Reservoir and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the plateau pearl. 💙Special reminder: The blue ice of Qinghai Lake mainly appears from mid-to-late January to March, which is a good time to observe unique landscapes such as blue ice, ice shoves, ice flowers, and ice bubbles. Don't miss it! / Must-see attractions: 1. Qinghai Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: North side of National Highway 109, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture - Opening hours: Open all day - Duration: 1 day - The source of the holy lake, the vast grassland reflects the blue lake water. After entering the freezing period, the blue ice landscape is even more beautiful. 2. Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: North of Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province - Opening hours: Open all day - Duration: 4 hours - The peak is covered with snow all year round, and the sunset is colorful. Snow mountains, glaciers, grasslands, and rape flowers offer endless beautiful scenery. 3. Chaka Salt Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: No. 9 Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Ulan County, Haixi Prefecture - Opening hours: 08:15-19:00, March 1 to September 29 - Duration: 2-4 hours - The salt is as white as snow, and the "Sky Mirror" offers pure beauty that makes you feel like you are in a fairyland. 4. Riyue Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: 40 km southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province - Opening hours: 08:00-18:00, October 15, 2024 to April 14, 2025 - Duration: 1-3 hours - A legendary place with prayer flags on the mountains, experience the mystery and magnificence of the plateau. 5. Zuer Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Ladongtai Village, Babao Town, Qilian County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province - Opening hours: 09:00-17:00, November 1, 2024 to April 19, 2025 - Duration: 3-5 hours - The Danxia landform and grassland intertwine. From Zuer Mountain in the early morning, you can enjoy the scenery of all four seasons. / Things to prepare before your trip: 🎒Pack these essentials for your trip to Xining! 👕 Clothing: The temperature difference in Xining in March is large, so it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket, fleece jacket, and a light down jacket. Don't forget jeans and comfortable sneakers! 🕶️ Accessories: Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential, as the plateau's ultraviolet rays are no joke. Hats and scarves can also protect you from the sun and add style. 💳 Documents: ID card, student ID, and other discount certificates. Be sure to carry these with you when you are away from home. 💊 Medicine: Rhodiola to prevent altitude sickness, as well as cold medicine and stomach medicine, just in case. 🚰 Daily necessities: Thermos, tissues, and wet wipes to stay refreshed and comfortable. 📷 Photography equipment: Camera, charger, and spare battery. Don't miss the beautiful scenery! 🎒 Backpack selection: A large backpack or trolley case for luggage, plus a light small bag to carry with you, which is convenient and practical. / Join a group tour to Xining and enjoy the beautiful scenery without any worries! Remember to follow me for more exciting travel guides. 🌈

Hey friends, the short holiday is here! A 3-day tour of Xining and surrounding areas will have you chasing stunning blue ice! Discover the frozen wonders of Qinghai Lake, the scenic Black Horse River walkway, and the unique landscapes of Chaka Salt Lake and Mount Zhuoer. One guide covers it all! Don't miss out! -------------------- 🚗 Itinerary: D1: Riyue Mountain -> Qinghai Lake Depart early for Riyue Mountain and experience the plateau scenery. Afterward, arrive at Qinghai Lake, stroll along the Black Horse River walkway, and search for traces of blue ice, experiencing the magical scene of ice and flowing water coexisting. You can stay overnight by the lake and wait for the next day's sunrise. D2: Chaka Salt Lake -> Qinghai Lake West Ring Road -> Dadongshu Mountain Pass In the morning, head to Chaka Salt Lake to admire the beautiful scenery of the "Sky Mirror." In the afternoon, travel along the Qinghai Lake West Ring Road, enjoying the boundless scenery along the way. Arrive at Dadongshu Mountain Pass in the evening and overlook the magnificent continuous plateau mountains, experiencing the majesty and vastness of nature. D3: Mount Zhuoer -> Arou Grand Temple -> Menyuan Rape Flower Sea -> Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area -> Heiquan Reservoir Get up early and climb Mount Zhuoer for a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Then, visit Arou Grand Temple and experience the tranquility and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, head to Menyuan Rape Flower Sea (note the season). If it's during the flowering season, it will be a golden expanse of beauty. Afterward, go to the Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area to explore the mystery and magnificence of the snow peaks. Finally, arrive at Heiquan Reservoir, admire the tranquility and depth of the plateau lake, and conclude your pleasant journey. -------------------- Attraction Recommendations: 🌟 Qinghai Lake 🌟🌟 Address: North side of National Highway 109, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Opening Hours: Open all day Duration: 1 day Recommendation: The source of the divine lake, the vast grasslands and blue lake waters complement each other. The blue ice landscape during the freezing period is incredibly beautiful and not to be missed! 🏔️ Qilian Mountains Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area 🏔️ Address: North of Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: Open all day Duration: 4 hrs Recommendation: Snow-capped peaks, colorful sunsets, glaciers, grasslands, and flower seas intertwine, making it a suitable choice for hiking and trekking! 🌅 Chaka Salt Lake 🌊 Address: No. 9 Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Ulan County, Haixi Prefecture Opening Hours: Mar 1–Sep 29, 8:15am–7pm Duration: 2–4 hrs Recommendation: Salt as white as snow, the "Sky Mirror," the pure lake reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if you are in a fairyland. 🌄 Riyue Mountain ⛰️ Address: 40 km southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: Oct 15, 2024–Apr 14, 2025, 8am–6pm Duration: 1–3 hrs Recommendation: A place of legend, rolling hills, fluttering prayer flags, experience the mystery and magnificence of the plateau. 🌲 Mount Zhuoer 🌳 Address: Ladongtai Village, Babao Town, Qilian County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: Nov 1, 2024–Apr 19, 2025, 9am–5pm Duration: 3–5 hrs Recommendation: The Danxia landform and grasslands complement each other. Mount Zhuoer in the early morning is incredibly beautiful, as if you are in a painting of changing seasons. -------------------- Travel Tips: 📅 March Climate: Xining has a large temperature difference between day and night, remember to bring a thick coat and thermal underwear! 📸 Photo Spots: The blue ice of Qinghai Lake is beautiful! Erlangjian Wharf and Fairy Bay are recommended, with abundant blue ice landscapes! 🎈 Local Customs: Respect local customs, do not take pictures of local residents and religious sites at will. ✈️ Airport Transportation: There is an airport bus from Xining Airport to the city center, which is convenient and fast, so don't worry about transportation! 💡 Tip: The location of the blue ice is not fixed, there are new discoveries every time you go! Mid-to-late January to March is the ideal viewing period, don't miss it! -------------------- 🎉A Xining group tour, a close combination of beauty and culture, awaits you. Join us and explore the beauty of Qinghai!

Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, and Qilian: A three-day tour covering the best of the region! Experience rich culture and magnificent natural scenery. Don't miss out! 🚗Itinerary: DAY1️⃣: Riyue Mountain > Qinghai Lake > Qinghai Lake Starting from Riyue Mountain, drive to the magnificent Qinghai Lake. Enjoy the natural beauty of the lake and mountains. In the evening, experience the tranquility and mystery of Qinghai Lake. DAY2️⃣: Chaka Salt Lake > West Lake Road of Qinghai Lake > Dadongshu Mountain Pass Explore the magical scenery of Chaka Salt Lake, admire the beauty of the lake and sky along the West Lake Road of Qinghai Lake, and finally ascend to Dadongshu Mountain Pass to overlook the vastness and magnificence of the plateau. DAY3️⃣: Zhuoer Mountain > Arou Grand Temple > Menyuan Rape Flower Sea > Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area, Qilian Mountains > Heiquan Reservoir Climb Zhuoer Mountain to experience the majesty of the plateau mountains; visit Arou Grand Temple to experience the rich Tibetan culture; stroll through the Menyuan Rape Flower Sea and enjoy the sea of flowers; visit the Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area in the Qilian Mountains to experience the magnificence of the snow peaks; and finally, arrive at Heiquan Reservoir to admire the tranquility and beauty of the plateau pearl. Return at the end of this wonderful three-day tour. Must-visit attractions: 🌟 Chaka Salt Lake 🌟🌟 Address: No. 9 Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Ulan County, Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: 08:15–19:00, March 1 to September 29 Duration: 2–4 hrs With its salt as white as snow and as pure as a mirror, Chaka Salt Lake is a paradise for photographers. Don't miss the charm of this "mirror of the sky"! 🌊 Qinghai Lake 🌟🌟 Address: North Side of National Highway 109, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: Open all day Duration: 1 day Qinghai Lake, the source of the holy lake, offers a stunning contrast between the vast grassland and the azure lake, bringing tranquility to the soul. 🏔️ Riyue Mountain 🌟🌟 Address: 40 km southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province Opening hours: 08:00–18:00, October 15, 2024 to April 14, 2025 Duration: 1–3 hrs Riyue Mountain is a place full of legends. Here, you can see rolling mountains, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and experience the mystery and magnificence of the plateau. Travel checklist: 🧳Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Lake, and Qilian: Essential items for an effortless trip! 👗 Clothing: There is a large temperature difference at Ta'er Monastery in March, so bring a down jacket and thermal underwear. It's windy at Qinghai Lake and Qilian, so a windbreaker and hat are essential. Don't forget comfortable sneakers for walking! 🎒 Accessories: Skincare products and sunscreen are a must due to the strong sunlight on the plateau. Sunglasses and sun hats are essential for protecting your eyes and skin. Also, remember to bring a power bank and data cable to keep your phone charged for photos! 📂 Documents: Don't forget essential documents like your ID card, student ID, and driver's license. Book tickets in advance for a smoother trip. It's also a good idea to have some cash and bank cards on hand, just in case! The mystery of Ta'er Monastery, the magnificence of Qinghai Lake, and the scenery of Qilian are all waiting for you to explore. Start your journey to Northwest China now!

Hey guys, here is a guide for a 3-day tour of Xining, Ta'er Monastery, and Qinghai Lake! This is a super useful guide to help you explore the beauty of Qinghai. Save it now! / 🛣️ Itinerary: DAY 1: Riyue Mountain - Daotang River Scenic Area - Qinghai Lake Drive through the Riyue Mountains, explore the mysterious Daotang River, and finally immerse yourself in the magnificent scenery of Qinghai Lake. DAY 2: Chaka Salt Lake - Qinghai Lake - Datongshu Mountain Pass - Binggou Forest Start your journey from the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake, visit Qinghai Lake, cross the Datongshu Mountain Pass, and arrive at Binggou Forest. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. DAY 3: Mount Zhuo'er - Arou Monastery - Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field - Heiquan Reservoir Climb Mount Zhuo'er to enjoy the view, feel the tranquility of Arou Monastery, stroll through the Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field, and finally stop at Heiquan Reservoir to end your trip. / Must-see attractions: - 🌟 Chaka Salt Lake: The salt here is as white as snow, and the lake reflects the sky like a mirror. It is extremely pure! - 🌊 Qinghai Lake: Known as the source of the sacred lake, the vast grassland and the blue lake complement each other beautifully. - 🏔️ Riyue Mountain: A place full of legends, with undulating mountains and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. - 🌄 Mount Zhuo'er: The Danxia landform and the vast grassland intertwine. In the early morning, you can see the changing scenery of the four seasons. - 🌼 Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field: As spectacular as a golden ocean, it is stunning against the blue sky of the plateau. / 🎒 Travel preparation: 👗 Clothing: Windbreaker, long pants, short sleeves, and sun protection clothing to cope with the temperature difference between day and night, protect you from the sun, and keep you warm. 🎩 Accessories: Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat, and sun protection mask to protect you from UV rays and make you look stylish. 👟 Shoes: Comfortable sneakers to walk around Xining, Ta'er Monastery, and Qinghai Lake without stopping. 💳 Documents: ID card, cash, and bank card to travel without worries and shop conveniently. 🔋 Electronics: Power bank, charger, and mobile phone to record the beautiful scenery and share the joy of travel at any time. 💊 Others: Moisturizing skincare products and common medicines to keep your skin hydrated and deal with emergencies. / 🎉 Wish you an unforgettable trip to Xining, Ta'er Monastery, and Qinghai Lake!

Nearby attractions The scenery around the reservoir is pleasant, with the mysterious sunset glow and natural water-eroded Maitreya Buddha. It is one of the attractions on the northern line of Qinghai tourism. Crossing Daban Mountain is Menyuan County with a hundred miles of flower sea. Splash Water Buddha - On the side of the road on the east side of the Heiquan Reservoir Dam, there is a huge rock cliff protruding. It is said that on the smooth cliff, there is a Buddha sitting cross-legged in the lotus, with a peaceful and kind face, lifelike. But this Buddha usually does not show up, only after the good men and women or tourists clean their hands and burn incense, and splash clean spring water on it, it will appear, the crown pattern is clearly visible, and the lotus throne is clearly visible, so people call it 'Splash Water Buddha'. Hot Springs - Under the majestic and steep Crescent Mountain upstream of Baoku River, there are 5 hot springs, the temperature is kept at about 48℃ all year round, the spring water is clear and transparent, sweet and delicious, can be drunk directly, it is said that it can also be used to treat various diseases. Huaping Mountain - The main peak of Huaping Mountain is in Wujianfang Village, Baoku Township today. It extends from the south to the city and connects with Ganliang in the north. The mountains are undulating and continuous. At the turn of spring and summer, the birds are singing and the flowers are fragrant, forming a natural painting. One of the eight ancient scenes of Datong, 'Huaping Autumn Clean', refers to this mountain. At the end of the Qing Dynasty and the beginning of the Republic of China, Liao Xi Su praised it 'The mountain is like a painting screen, six curves are flat, the west wind sends autumn unlimitedly. The red path of the mountain is dawn, and the frost leaves are piled up. This scene is separated from the dust, and the point is absolutely berry moss. The reflection of the sky peak enters the building platform, all the floating light is swept away, slightly better than Penglai.' Buddha Gully 'Fairy Frame' - Although the Buddha Gully in Baoku Gorge Scenic Area is not deep, the mountain is steep, the various trees and bushes are slightly sparse, and what really occupies here seems to be those abrupt and cold rocks. Among these rocks, the most famous is the cliff fairy frame on the top of the mountain that protrudes half to the left. It is said that in ancient times, a fairy wanted to build a bridge to connect the west and north mountains for cultivation. But the heavens did not allow it, because the real cultivation has no shortcuts, and the bridge is a speculation. Therefore, the stone bridge was not built, but this 'fairy frame' was left, which made later generations have many associations. Osaka Mountain Tunnel - Osaka Mountain Tunnel is also in this scenic area. It is so far the first in Asia in terms of altitude, the second in the world, the first to set up a windproof and thermal insulation door at the entrance, and the implementation of advanced anti-freezing and anti-leakage measures at home and abroad. The tunnel is 1530 meters long, 8.5 meters wide, and 4 meters high. It shortens the mountain crossing distance by 5.2 kilometers. Its completion and opening to traffic have made 'the ghost gate of a thousand difficulties and dangers is not as good as the snowstorm of Osaka' a historical relic.