Qinghai Lake Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Biggest salt water lake in China

Qinghai Lake, nestled in China's Qinghai Province, is the largest saltwater lake in East Asia, covering approximately 4,600 square kilometers. Its beauty lies in its serene, azure waters and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau's majestic landscapes. At an elevation of 3,205 meters, the lake is a vital ecological hotspot, home to diverse avian species and unique aquatic life. The lake holds cultural significance for Tibetans and the local Tibetan-Qiang people. It's a site for various religious ceremonies and festivals. However, environmental concerns, like shrinking water levels due to climate change and pollution, pose significant challenges to its preservation. Conservation efforts are underway to safeguard this remarkable natural treasure. #timetotravel #China #nature

Turquoise Eye of Qinghai Province

Tibetan plateau AKA "Roof of the World" is the highest in the world and Qinghai lake (青海湖) is the largest saltwater lake in China. 🌊Have you noticed that we're speaking in superlatives? It's not a coincidence. Qinghai lake (青海湖) definitely deserves to be be called the sea of the West due to its size, vastness, and the fact that it resembles a sea in certain aspects. It's a saline waters boasts incredible variety of wildlife at an altitude of 3205m. "On the plateau's crest, a jewel so grand, Qinghai Lake's waters stretch across the land. Azure skies embrace its tranquil face, A mirror of nature's serene embrace." 😍 Tips and tricks: If you want to visit Qinghai lake without any tour operators or rental cars you can easily get there from the Xining bus station (西宁汽车客运中心站). Several buses go to Qinghaihu (hu = lake) every day starting from 8AM. 🚌The drop off location is called 青海湖国家重点风景名胜区. That's the closest scenic area to the Xining city. One way ticket costs 60RMB. 💸The bus will wait for the passengers at the scenic area's parking lot for around 3 hours before heading back to the Xining bus station. To make sure you have a seat you can buy round way tickets at the Xining bus station. Total cost will be 120RMB per person. 🙃 #summerbreak #SpinTheWorld #qinghailake #xining #summervacation

Qinghai lake - the biggest in China

Only taking into consideration that it's the biggest, it's worth visiting. Yet I think Scenic area tickets are overpriced. There's not much to do in the area apart from taking pictures, riding a boat (3 types, start from 100yuan) and feeding seagulls. Still it's worth visiting, though it feels much much better if you drive a car in Qinghai (we took a shared taxi from Xining to Qinghai lake) and overall had pretty much headache with transportation in this province. Almost all the wild areas around are privately owned and you need to pay to enter (or, say, ride a horse, 200yuan per 3km round-trip to the lake🙄). This numerous fences and herds of tourists made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the beauty of the lake and surrounding landscapes (I just ran into the mountains 😂) . Also it was pretty hard to find a hotel accommodating foreigners (beginning of August). Only Chinese food (quite pricey) Still it was a great trip, I'd like to come back driving a car😁 #qinghai #qinghailake

The Beautiful Qinghai Lake

We couldn’t believe our eyes when we first saw Qinghai Lake. We were cycling down from the main road, through fields of grass and bright yellow rapeseed flowers when we first caught a glimpse of the blue water. For a split second, we forgot where we were and thought we had somehow made it to the sea! #mytripvlog

There are many lakes that are loved by the magnificent scenery. Qinghai Lake simply stretches the magnificence to the plain and replaces the show with a magnificent. Here, the grassland and the sea can be docked. The beauty of the grassland, the vastness of the sea and the calmness of the lake. Intertwined, it has made the beauty of Qinghai Lake."

I chose to ride because I wanted to use my feet to measure the magnificent waters of the sapphire on this plateau. Think of your own eyes and slowly feel the squareness of it. Every time the rhythm of the wind moves. The fine sand on the coastline, whether it is squally or drizzle, will be God's unique whisper to you, because only the pure heart and the fate can appreciate the most beautiful scenery. This is the best way to experience the beauty of Qinghai Lake!

The most beautiful scenery is on the road, just like the West Lake Road of Qinghai Lake. Under such a blue sky and white clouds, rent a bicycle and start to ride Qinghai Lake, so that the body and mind can enjoy the beautiful scenery at this time. What you see is the most beautiful scenery~

In July, going to Qinghai Lake has become a year of my hope that time Qinghai may be the most beautiful season I remember when I first saw Qinghai Lake can not help but sigh: big Meiqinghai Yes Qinghai beauty is worthy of being described by Damei sky, lake, highway, grassland, snowy mountain all the sights seen by the naked eye are vast and July/ Hh/The rapeseed sea by the lake gives the big beauty the finishing touches If I have a girlfriend then I must come to Qinghai Lake to see the flower sea see the sunrise/hh in the Heima River /

Adventurous Road Trip

We spend 2.5 hours on the road to get to Qinghai Lake via Sun-moon mountain, the largest salt water lake of China. There you may feel that the air is so fresh and the sunshine is so warm it makes you feel as if you are in paradise. You can see groups of sheep, yaks, blue sky and white clouds. We dressed up in traditional Tibetan clothing and enjoyed some of the activities they had. The main scenic area we visited was the Erlangjian Scenic Area. You can enjoy the charming lake, take a boat cruise, horse riding and bike riding which is also available around the lake. #qinghailake #horseriding #tibetanculture #yak #coffee #freshair #sunshine #blueskies #xining

You should visit Qinghai Lake at least twice a year

After a night of snowfall in Chaka Town❄️, what would have been a 2-hour journey over Rubber Mountain🚗 to reach Qinghai Lake turned into a 3.5-hour detour via the Jingzang Expressway. During this season, there are very few tour groups and self-driving tourists, making it much quieter, and there's no need to worry about accommodation, tickets, or dining anymore~ The water of Qinghai Lake is very clear. On a good day, it really resembles the sea🌊 with its azure blue beauty, very pleasing to the eye❗️ In the distance, there are snow-capped mountains, and the diverse natural scenery is indescribably beautiful~ ⚠️Important notes: 1⃣️ Parking is prohibited at random on the Qinghai Lake ring road. Self-driving friends should pay attention. 2⃣️ There are many herders' pastures along the way, so drive slowly and carefully. Avoid hitting cattle and sheep that may dart out. 3⃣️ Qinghai Lake is over 3000 meters above sea level. Be sure to walk slowly. 4⃣️ The ultraviolet rays are strong and the temperature difference is large. Make sure to protect yourself from the sun and keep warm. 5⃣️ You can bring some small bread. It's possible to feed the seagulls.

Qinghai Lake · Lake Tour Guide

Qinghai Lake, praised by 'China National Geographic' as 'China's most beautiful lake', is also rated as 'one of the 55 places one must visit in a lifetime'. ✅Qinghai Lake tour: The lake tour is about 360 kilometers 🌟In July-August, the rapeseed flowers bloom, very beautiful (Picture 2-Picture 6) 🌟In May-June, it's the bird migration season, a paradise for birds (Picture 7-Picture 9) 🌟I've been there twice, recommend July (the experience in May was not so good) ✅Qinghai Lake Fishery: From entering Qinghai Lake to Erlang Sword, I personally feel it is the most beautiful place in Qinghai Lake 🌟You can pay 10-20 yuan to the Tibetans, walk to the lake through the local path, the rapeseed flowers, lake, yaks, horses along the way, taking pictures is very spectacular 🌟Highlights: lake water, rapeseed flowers, horse riding, yak riding, sheep and cattle ✅Erlang Sword Scenic Area: The scenic area is well-equipped, you can walk to the lake along the plank road, or take a cruise / speedboat 🌟Personally, I think if you don't take a boat or experience the project, there is no need to buy a ticket to enter the scenic area (you can enter the lake through the Tibetan path on the lake tour) 🌟Highlights: horse-drawn carriage, horse riding, plateau camel, Buddhist pagoda prayer flags, water bike, hot air balloon, cruise 🌟The scenic area ticket is 90 yuan/person, speedboat 100 yuan/person, cruise 140 yuan/person, luxury cruise 180 yuan/person, photo props about 20 yuan) 🌟Nanshan Guanhaiting, located on the opposite Nanshan in the scenic area, you can overlook Qinghai Lake, and also appreciate the 'true face' of Erlang Sword 🌟There are many accommodation options near the Erlang Sword Scenic Area, the conditions are better but the price is also more expensive ✅Heimahe Township: The starting point of the western lake tour, the section to Bird Island about 70 kilometers is also known as the most beautiful section of Qinghai Lake 🌟The best place to watch the sunrise of the holy lake, usually at 6 o'clock in the morning, you can take a sightseeing car to the sunrise point-Ban Chanzha Re (the section car costs 20, you can also choose to walk) 🌟There are many accommodation options in the town, and you can also experience the lakeside tent ✅Bird Island Scenic Area: Named for the hundreds of thousands of migratory birds that inhabit it 🌟If you don't enter the scenic area, you can also enjoy many different bird groups on both sides of the Buha River Highway 🌟The best time to watch birds is from the end of April to the beginning of June each year; the best time to watch swans is from the end of November to the beginning of March each year 🌟Admission: 120 yuan/person ✅Gangcha: About 40 kilometers from Bird Island 🌟From Haergai to Gangcha, passing a rapeseed flower viewing platform, very beautiful~ 🌟Attractions: Huang Fish Home, Cangyang Gyatso Cultural Square, Fan Yin Wind and Rain Forest Card, Five Major Prayer Flags ✅Fairy Bay Scenic Area: A lakeside wetland about 10 kilometers from Gangcha, enjoy the lake view along the plank road 🌟Highlights: Architectural landmark 'San Sheng La Ze', wooden plank road, prayer wheel, Lover's Cliff, National Harmony Tower, understanding the 'San Sheng La Ze' taboo sea culture 🌟The cliff scenic area has a section car to take, the cost is 20 yuan 🌟Admission: 60 yuan ✅Sand Island: Large sand dune landscape, there is an international sand sculpture art festival every July 🌟Admission: 70 yuan/person (temporarily closed) ✅Jinsha Bay Scenic Area: A desert area, an excellent place to enjoy the sand dune landscape and watch the sunset 🌟Highlights: desert motorcycle, sand sliding, camel riding 🌟Admission: free ✅Haixin Mountain (not open to the public) 🌟Haixin Mountain Temple (Lotus Temple), 30 meters high Lotus Born Great Master golden statue

The best place to embrace the sunrise and sunset at Qinghai Lake: Erlang Sword Scenic Area

🌠 Erlang Sword Scenic Area, located on the southeast shore of Qinghai Lake, was previously known as Base 151. There is a sharp peninsula extending into the lake in the northeastern part of the scenic area, stretching from south to north into the lake, resembling a long sword, hence the name Erlang Sword. 🌅 The scenic area features bird-watching platforms, deer-watching platforms, sea-viewing bridges, sea-viewing pavilions, and water entertainment activities such as jet skiing and yachting. It is also the best place to watch the sunrise and sunset over Qinghai Lake. 📝 Note tips: Staying at the hotel within the scenic area allows for free admission, which should be processed at a separate window, and guests staying in the scenic area can drive into the area for free. 🕙 Business hours: 8:30-18:00 ⏳ Recommended duration of visit: 2-3 hours 💰 Ticket price: Peak season: 90 RMB/person, Off-season: 50 RMB/person 📍 Detailed address: Beside National Highway 109, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province

Explore the infinite charm of Qinghai's C-position city—Haibei!

Qinghai, this mysterious and beautiful plateau province, has a C-position city that is fascinating—Haibei. Speaking of this city, everyone must feel very niche, yes! It is indeed niche, but it has magnificent natural scenery and deep Tibetan cultural heritage, and it is also a place where many travelers yearn for. 😍 After I went, I found out that it is really beautiful here! Companions really have time to explore! ~ ⚠Small tips When traveling to Haibei, there are a few small tips to note ✔Transportation: It is recommended to rent a car for self-driving, which is more convenient, but due to the complex road conditions, it is recommended that experienced drivers drive, which can explore the scenery of Haibei more deeply ✔Climate change: The climate on the plateau is changeable, the temperature difference between day and night is large, and warm clothing and sun protection products are essential ~ 🌿Recommended scenic spots to check in 1⃣Qilian Mountain Grassland It is a dazzling pearl in Haibei, with magnificent natural scenery and rich tourist resources🏞. Walking into the Qilian Mountain Grassland, you will be shocked by the endless green, as if you are in a fairyland. ⚠Riding a horse on the grassland is also a good choice, but safety should be noted. 2⃣Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area The Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area is located in Qilian County, with majestic mountains⛰, vast grasslands and mysterious Tibetan buildings. Climbing Zhuoer Mountain and overlooking the entire scenic area, you will be shocked by the beautiful scenery in front of you. ⚠There is a 360-degree viewing platform in the Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area, where you can overlook the spectacular scenery of the entire scenic area. 3⃣Menyuan Hundred Miles Rapeseed Flower Sea Scenic Area Located in Menyuan County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is a scenic spot known for its spectacular rapeseed fields and beautiful natural scenery. 💐When the rapeseed flowers here are in full bloom, it is like a golden ocean, the scenery is very spectacular, and in the summer season, walking into Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Qinghai, 🖼 is like walking into a naturally formed oil painting. The photos are very good, and girls can wear fresh dresses to look beautiful! 4⃣Gangshika Snow Peak The Gangshika Snow Peak towers over the Cold Dragon Mountain, and the Gangshika Snow Peak is the highest peak here! It is also the location of the film "The Climbers"! The scenery is very charming in winter, and the waterfall here forms an ice waterfall after freezing. Under the sunlight, 💦 the ice waterfall refracts colorful colors, and the photos are really good📸. ⚠The road to the top of the mountain is all mountain roads, everyone drive carefully Haibei is a city full of charm and charm, a niche treasure city! If you haven't been here, you can really find a holiday to come once!

The snowy peaks of the Gangshika in the great northwest are so impressive!

I've dreamed a million times of the summit of the snowy mountains, and now I stand here, gazing at the snowy mountains right before my eyes, with the journey at my feet, yet I find myself unable to take the steps forward. They say the meaning of climbing is not just the vanity and satisfaction of reaching the summit, but the confidence to walk on the path of climbing, with a sparkle in your eyes and hope in your heart. For climbers, who doesn't covet the vanity of the summit, the scenery from the top! Who isn't advancing bravely towards the goals in their heart? Human nature is just like this! Who would give up without trying everything possible? We distance ourselves from the prejudices of the marketplace, hide from the turmoil of the city, not talking about fame and profit, here we come to set ourselves free. No matter the age, we see ourselves as naive children, becoming the heroes in our own eyes. Regardless of poverty or wealth, we find joy and freedom, enriching our inner selves. To interact with others with happiness and sincerity is also a pursuit! Fellow travelers with golden waves, dreams entwined with snowy mountains, watching over the snow peaks!

Gangshika Snow Peak

If mountains could speak, would their first words to you be 'I have waited for you for a long time'? And would my first words upon seeing you be 'Long time no see'? The blue icefalls crush the eyes, the last tenderness between the mountains under the blowing of the north wind. The first glimpse, like a last glance, brings so many emotions surging to my heart, abrupt yet powerless. One side is black, the other white. The sun says I have given my favor to the southern girl. A pretentious flower rushes to the mountain top, blooming in the most passionate way on the glacier, with light and ceaseless motion. Collecting a liter of tears from the broken-hearted, a liter of endless sorrow from those who have lost their only child, burying them at the mountain top with a smile. You all are blessed people. I am at the Gangshika Snow Peak, at an altitude of three thousand meters, praying for you. It will take effect tomorrow, lasting for thirty thousand days, don't be greedy. Just run, move forward, be unrestrained, and chase all fantasies and shatterings. I have piled up a Mani stone heap for you in front of the deity of the snow peak, with solemnity, redemption, and full of joy. You all are blessed people, including me.

Don't be a special soldier for travel, Qinggan Ring Line 4 days and 3 nights route guide

🌟 **Selected four-day itinerary in the northwest** 🏜️ 🗺️ **Day1：** 🏔️ **Xining** → 🏞️ **Mingshan** → 🌊 **Qinghai Lake** → ✨ **Chaka Salt Lake** → 🌙 **Chaka** 🏡 Enjoy a night of tranquility and starry sky in beautiful Chaka, feel the charm of nature. 🌄 **Day2：** 🏔️ **Chaka** → 🛣️ **West Lake Road** → ❄️ **Ice Gully Forest Sea** → ⛰️ **Qizuoer Mountain** → 🌆 **Qilian County** Enjoy a night in Qilian County, ready to welcome the exciting journey ahead! 🏜️ **Day3：** 🌅 **Qilian County** → 🕌 **Arou Temple** → 🌈 **Zhangye Rainbow Danxia** Stay in Zhangye, prepare for tomorrow's adventure! 🌞 **Day4：** 🌄 **Zhangye** → 🏞️ **Biandukou** → 🌾 **Qilian Prairie** → 🏔 **Gangshika Snow Peak** → 🌼 **Menyuan Rapeseed Flower** → 🏔 **Xining** End the wonderful journey, leaving full memories and photos! 🏔 **Unlimited scenery, all in the northwest!** 🏜️ 🌤️ **Climate dressing suggestions:** 1. Prepare a thick coat in Qinghai to deal with possible snowfall; 2. In Dunhuang, Zhangye and other regions, the temperature is relatively warm, you can prepare spring and autumn equipment; 3. Sunglasses, scarves and other warm accessories are also indispensable. 📸 **Travel tips:** ✅ Play in the off-season, avoid peak crowds, and enjoy the scenery; ✅ Some scenic spots are free or half price, saving money and time; ✅ Remember to bring a camera and capture every beautiful moment! 👉👉👉 **Northwest trip, waiting for you to explore!** 🌟

Qinghai self-guided tour has checked in for you

1️⃣ 📍: Hoh Xil 🚘: Driving route: Golmud - Kunlun Holy Spring - Yuzhu Peak - Kunlun Mountain Pass - Sonandajie Conservation Station, return. 🏞️: High-altitude uninhabited area, pristine nature reserve, World Natural Heritage site. Here you can find towering snow-capped mountains, majestic glaciers, tranquil lakes; it's a paradise for wildlife, with Tibetan antelopes, black-necked cranes, vultures, wild yaks, Tibetan wild donkeys, etc. Also known as: The Forbidden Zone of Life. 🐳: Poor road conditions (requires vehicle passability and power), no supplies (bring your own food), poor signal (download offline maps), high altitude with lack of oxygen and high UV radiation (prepare for cold, sun protection, and altitude sickness), unpredictable weather, respect the dangers! Littering is strictly prohibited! 2️⃣ Devil's Eye 📍: Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture 🚘: Navigate to the Devil's Eye to reach. 🏞️: In the desolate western end of the Qaidam Basin, the never-ending spring water gushes out from the earth, the spring water is a bright yellow-red color, shaped like an eye, as if embedded in the desolate land like the eye of a devil. The tumbling spring water spreads to the surrounding land, accumulating over time, etching the surrounding land into another appearance, indescribably magnificent and colorful, it will always gaze quietly into the deep sky. 🐳: Average road conditions (requires vehicle passability and power), essential to have a drone (no effect without aerial photography)! 3️⃣ Devil's City 📍: Lenghu Town, Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture 🚘: Navigate to the Yadan Landform Group in the Ejin Banner Scenic Area, first to the Mars Camp, and then 500 yuan per vehicle for entry to the scenic area. 🏞️: Ejin Banner, a Yadan landform group, where you can see thousands of miles of rolling yellow sand and fierce westerly winds, a sense of loneliness and insignificance that has nowhere to be placed. The sunset is gorgeous, the night sky is clear, and the Milky Way is brilliant, striking the soul with desolation and grandeur! Mars Camp, this is the place on Earth that least resembles Earth. Space capsules, spacesuits, as if you are on Mars. 🐳: Poor road conditions (requires vehicle power and passability), long-focus photography, aerial photography can have an effect! 4️⃣ 📍: 1. Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture 2. Da Qaidam, Haixi Prefecture 🚘: 1. Navigate to Mangya Emerald Lake, beside the 315 road in Huatugou Town; 2. Navigate to Da Qaidam Town Emerald Lake 🏞️: Both are called Emerald Lakes, although they are hundreds of kilometers apart, each has its own unique beauty, you can choose one or both to see. Comparatively speaking, Mangya Emerald Lake is a bit greener, Da Qaidam Emerald Lake is bluer, and Mangya Emerald Lake is larger overall. The large and small lakes are like gems lost by the fairy world to the human world, dazzling and captivating, making it hard to contain oneself. 🐳: Pay attention to wind and sun protection, aerial photography is recommended if possible. Summary: Qinghai has unique natural landscapes, with Xining and Golmud as the two base cities to expand outward, there are endless beautiful views, you can plan your route according to time.