Things to do in Qinghai Lake
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Top 10 attractions in Qinghai Lake
Chaka Salt Lake
Chaka Salt Lake is a 3,000-year-old salt field with highly saline water that naturally crystallizes into a white surface, beautifully reflecting the sky, clouds, and mountains on the opposite shore. Visitors can walk barefoot on the lake to observe and photograph their reflections, creating a mirror-like illusion of the sky. On sunny days, Chaka Salt Lake boasts highly crystallized waters where you can see a thin layer of brine covering the pristine white salt lake, creating clear and pure reflections. In the sculpture area of the attraction, you'll find the stone-carved Goddess of the Salt Lake, along with around a dozen other massive salt sculptures depicting figures like Maitreya Buddha and Genghis Khan. Walk along the path to the lakeshore, and you'll see the pristine white Chaka Salt Lake, perfect for exploration. A railway extends into the lake, with its starting point serving as the boarding area for the small train. Ride it to the deeper parts of the lake, where the scenery is even more breathtaking.China · Ulan
Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
Erlangjian Scenic Area is Qinghai Lake's main attraction. It is located on the south shore of the lake and is home to a shopping center, restaurants, and hotels. The visitor site consists of two areas, the first of which is located near the entrance and provides a range of commercial facilities and a harbor for tourist boats. The other area is a narrow peninsula that stretches out over 10 km into the lake. Taking a boat trip on the lake is one of Erlangjian's most popular activities.Gonghe · 34.7 km from downtown
Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake is called "Qinghai Lake" in Tibetan (meaning "blue sea"). Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, within Qinghai Province, it is formed byQilian MountainsDatong Mountain,Riyue Mountain and South Qinghai MountainFormed by fault subsidence, it is one of China's largest inland lakes and the origin of Qinghai Province's name. The lake covers a vast area, with a circumference of approx. 360 km. Its waters are boundless, azure, and ethereal. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeshore blends into expansive grasslands. Qinghai Lake boasts spectacular views and numerous attractions, making it a key destination in Qinghai. Natural environment: Qinghai Lake features a plateau continental climate with abundant sunlight and intense radiation. Winters are cold, summers are cool, warm seasons are brief, and cold seasons are prolonged. Spring brings frequent strong winds and sandstorms. Rainfall is scarce, concentrated in the warm season, with distinct wet and dry periods. This climate creates unique beauty in each season. The lake's color shifts with weather and light, sometimes displaying multiple hues in a single day. Scenery varies by season, with the ideal visiting period from April to August. July and August are particularly stunning, as vast rapeseed fields bloom along the shore, their golden yellow contrasting beautifully with the endless blue waters. In addition, when Qinghai Lake is frozen for thousands of miles in winter, you can also experience a different kind of natural grandeur. Historical legend: It is said that over 1,000 years ago, the Tang Dynasty and Tibet formed a marriage alliance, with Princess Wencheng marrying the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Before her departure, the Tang emperor gave her a sun-moon treasure mirror that could reflect images of her hometown. On the journey, the princess missed her hometown and took out the mirror, indeed seeing the long-lost Chang'an. Tears welled up in her eyes. However, she suddenly remembered her mission and resolutely threw the mirror away. Unexpectedly, when it hit the ground, a golden light flashed, and it transformed into Qinghai Lake. Attraction introduction: Some attractions have been developed around Qinghai Lake. South of the lake is the main attraction, Qinghai Lake Erlangjian scenic area, where you can take a boat tour. East of the lake lies the famousRiyue Mountain and Daotang Riveretc.; to the north there areJinyintan and the atomic cityand other attractions. In addition, when touring around Qinghai Lake, nearby attractions such as those west of the lake are usually included.Chaka Salt Lake, Hubei'sRapeseed flowers in MenyuanEtc. Ways to explore: You can visit just one side of Qinghai Lake or take a circular tour around it. Most travelers choose the south side for a simple lake view, where the grassland is lush and the scenery is stunning. For a circular tour, you can take a private charter from Xining and travel clockwise, which is also the direction local Tibetans follow for their lake pilgrimage.Gonghe · 34.6 km from downtown
Riyue Mountain
The Riyue Mountain are located on the route from Huangyuan to Qinghai Lake and serve as the only passage from Qinghai to Tibet. Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng entered Tibet, she shattered a stone mirror here that couldn't reflect her hometown, splitting it into two halves representing the sun and moon, hence the mountain's name. On either side of the mountain pass stand two small peaks, each featuring a pavilion—one for the sun andMoon PavilionTwo iconic buildings. visitors typically pass by Riyue Mountain on their way to Qinghai Lake from Xining. The area boasts lush grasslands, rolling mountains, and numerous prayer flags fluttering in the wind, creating a beautiful landscape. The attraction includes the Riyue Pavilion and...Moon PavilionThese are all imitation ancient structures, not actual historical relics, and you can also see the exterior from the mountain pass. Additionally, the Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) serve as the boundary between agricultural and pastoral areas, as well as between monsoon and non-monsoon zones. They also mark the westernmost edge of the Loess Plateau. When crossing the pass, you'll notice a striking contrast in the geographical views between the eastern and western sides, which is quite fascinating.Huangyuan · 95.6 km from Qinghai Lake
Danggar Ancient Town
The Dange'er Ancient City is located in Wuyuan County, about 40 kilometers west of Xining City. It has been thriving in the history of tea and horses. Because of its unique location, it has the title of “sea Tibetan throat”. Today, there are many shops in the Dange'er Ancient City, which are prosperous and lively. Many tourists who go to Qinghai Lake from Xining will visit when they pass by. The ancient city is small in size, with a Dange'er Street as the center, and the houses on the street are all brick-and-grey buildings in the northern town.Huangyuan · 99.3 km from Qinghai Lake
Longyangxia Scenic Spot
The Earth Forest Geological Park is located 13 km northwest of Longyangxia Town, stretching over 50 km. Formed by tectonic movements 23 million years ago, it is one of the world's typical Tertiary stratum-differentiated earth forests, ideal for admiring sunrise, sunset, and starry skies. Don't miss the "Mars walk" photo spot in the attraction! Travel guide: Hike the loop trail (1.5 km in total) to visit Fushan, see Mani stones, observe the meditation retreat, witness the "Camel asking Buddha" and "Ten thousand Buddhas worship" sights, and explore the sinkhole. Then, ascend to Fushan's Wisdom Summit or take the Fortune Path—and cap it off with the glass walkway (approx. 1.5 hr of exploration). Longyangxia Scenic Spot is an artificial lake on the main stream of the Yellow River with a storage capacity of 383 km². It never freezes over on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Visitors can take a boat to admire the dam and tour Longyang Lake. The attraction features supporting facilities such as off-road motorcycles, a Xinhua Bookstore cultural creative book bar, a Tianyoude cultural experience hall, and a Longyangxia Scenic Spot cultural creative store. Travel guide: Check in at the plaza with pigeons and the big apricot tree upon entering the park—ride shared bicycles to the off-road motorcycle and karting venue—experience off-road motorcycles and karting—visit the Tianyoude highland barley wine cultural experience hall—head to the dock to take a boat and view the Longyangxia Hydropower Station—enjoy lakeside activities and photo opportunities—explore the attraction's cultural creative store and Xinhua Bookstore cultural creative book bar Cliff scenic area is an ancient and precipitous gorge in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, with a drop of 600 m. The attraction features an approximately 8 km-long hiking trail built along the cliff, offering views of peculiar rocks in the canyon, outdoor hiking, and opportunities for nature photography to observe golden eagles diving for prey. Travel guide: Visit the bharal service area to see golden eagles and the gorge entrance, admire the emerald Yellow River—view peculiar rocks along the way—swing on the cliff swing—check in at the golden eagle service area—visit the Haizi West Peninsula cliff café (approx. 2.5 hrs of exploration). Cruise exploration area. This is the first grand canyon after the Yellow River flows through the Qinghai grassland, and also the most magnificent canyon group on the Yellow River. Stretching 33 km in total, the narrowest part of the canyon is only 60 m. The emerald Yellow River rushes down, carving out a steep and spectacular alpine canyon. Inside the canyon, gullies crisscross, strange peaks and perilous rocks stand, and cliffs tower thousands of meters high. Its ruggedness is unparalleled in the entire Yellow River basin, showcasing features of "uniqueness, serenity, depth, peculiarity, danger, and mystery." Take a cruise into the depths of the canyon to explore the ancient Yellow River basin.China · Gonghe
Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake
Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, located on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake, is a masterpiece of geological formation and glacial activity. With its magnificent and rugged cliffs reaching vertical heights of dozens of meters, it creates a striking contrast against the azure waters of Qinghai Lake, offering a unique landscape. As one of the core attractions of Qinghai Lake, Holy Spring Bay not only boasts captivating natural scenery but also serves as a vital habitat for diverse wildlife, holding significant ecological value. Nearby, visitors can explore rich historical and cultural relics, providing a multifaceted travel experience.Gangca · 31.2 km from downtown
Qinghai Lake Heima River
Qinghai Lake Heima River is located in Qinghai Province, China, and is a tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery. The altitude here is over 3,000m, and the lakeshore is open and flat, with vast grasslands and pastures stretching out behind it. In midsummer, the sunrise usually occurs around 6:00 AM. As the sun slowly rises from the end of the lake, the water is dyed golden red. Prayer flags flutter in the morning breeze along the shore, and occasionally, water birds like bar-headed geese skim across the surface. Many people stay overnight specifically to wait for these few minutes of morning light over the lake. It is also an important stop for cycling around the lake, and the West Lake Road heading north from here stretches along the lakeshore, which is considered by many cycling enthusiasts to be a section with outstanding lake views on the route around the lake.Here, visitors can enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain scenery and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.Gonghe · 90.5 km from downtown
Longyang Grand Canyon Cliff Sightseeing
The Longyang Grand Canyon Attraction is located between the Longyangxia Hydropower Station and the Laxiwa Hydropower Station, with a total length of 33 kilometers. The rocks on both sides are sedimentary rocks. Mother Nature has carved the rock strata and mountains with her uncanny creativity. It is a magnificent canyon group on the Yellow River. The valley is full of gullies, strange peaks and rocks, steep cliffs and towering sky gates, forming a landscape that is strange, secluded, deep, unusual, dangerous and dense.China · Gonghe
Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Chaka Salt Lake, backed by the sacred Kunlun Mountains known as the ancestor of all mountains. Situated at the eastern gateway of the Qaidam Basin, it offers views of the Kunlun Mountains to the south and the Qilian Mountains to the north, with picturesque salt lake reflections. The attraction integrates salt lake views and salt culture with ancient Qiang-Jingpo culture and Dorbed Mongolian culture, creating a comprehensive tourist destination featuring salt lake sightseeing, unique salt culture experiences, and eco-friendly vacations. Lakeside loop train The lakeside train route spans 8.5 km with 5 stops, allowing you to comfortably explore the entire attraction. Beautiful No.1 Scenic Spot is a must-visit photo destination. The entrance to Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area, designed with the characters "Chaka" as its image, is an iconic landmark of Chaka. Upon entering the scenic area, you'll immediately spot the Salt Sculpture of Camels, which stands 8.2 meters tall. The majestic two-humped camels, carrying salt bags, walk atop the pristine white salt piles, with the salt sculpture appearing incredibly lifelike. Walk through the commercial street to reach the Munao Zongge Square, where you must follow the totems on the square's ceremonial pillars to explore the origins of Chaka salt culture. At the southern end of the square, an 800-meter-long boardwalk extends deep into the salt lake. Designed in the shape of Gesang flowers, its farthest extension resembles a phoenix ready to take flight, earning it the name "Danfeng Chaoyang" (Phoenix Greeting the Sun). Experience the sacred and magical Sky Mirror Salt Lake up close. The outer lake resembles a vast blue sea, while the mirror lake shines like emerald jade. Due to varying salt concentrations, this creates a unique "two-tone lake" view. The mirror lake features distinctive walkways with creative designs, including [Descending Koi], [Four-Leaf Clover], [Eternal Diamond], and [Salt Heart Path]. The train on the lake perfectly recreates the iconic water railway scene from classic anime, harmonizing with the salt lake and sky to evoke a fairytale romance. Chaka Salt Lake at night is a favored observation spot for international stargazers and ranks among the top ten photography bases along the "Golden Silk Road". Here, you don't need to look up to see the starry sky—it surrounds you completely. It's a romantic stroll under the stars, a snapshot of timeless moments. The sunset at Chaka Salt Lake is unlike any other in the world - where ethereal hues fill your vision and gentle breezes intoxicate the evening glow. About featured experiences Experience the unique charm of camel riding and the thrilling excitement of ATV adventures, while our highland playground lets you revel in the crystal-clear waters and azure skies. Live-action horse performance Qinghai Province's first large-scale immersive performance series, "Impressions of Chaka," is a multi-category spectacular production deeply rooted in Chaka's rich historical and cultural heritage. The show features captivating performances such as "Grassland Hero - Genghis Khan," "Knight's Parade," "Salt Lake Flying Dance," and "Great Khan's Welcome Opening Dance," vividly showcasing the region's diverse ethnic history and culture. The highlight, the grand historical reenactment "Grassland Hero - Genghis Khan," features dozens of performers and warhorses executing breathtaking equestrian stunts like mounted archery, mid-air leaps, spinning maneuvers, and upside-down riding, recreating the Khan's epic historical journey. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Qilian Mountains under the open sky, this performance is an unmissable experience for visitors to Chaka. High-altitude Glass Water Slide The lakeside high-altitude glass water slide offers breathtaking views of the vast salt lake, the snow-capped peaks of the Kunlun Mountains year-round, and the sweeping vistas of the Gobi Desert and Qilian Mountains. Built by the lake, it provides two thrilling experiences: admiring the salt lake scenery from above while taking in the expansive meadows of the Tibetan Plateau, and feeling the rush of speed and excitement. Featured campsites At the entrance of the attraction, the Chaka Sky One Hotel (Sky One Scenic Area Branch) is a modern, lightly luxurious hotel built to high standards. Whether you choose to experience the Mongolian camp for a taste of frontier life, stay in a refined RV park, or book a room at the Starlight Bubble Hotel—where each unit is named after a constellation and offers a private retreat with curtains that reveal a dazzling night sky—you'll find unforgettable accommodations. Spend the night in the scenic area to admire the Salt Lake's nighttime beauty and the brilliance of the starry sky. Wake up to a special sunrise experience, strolling in the morning light as if walking through a fairyland. As the sun rises, immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Mirror Salt Lake. Plateau Dead Sea Floating Pavilion The "Plateau Dead Sea Floating Hall," designed with elements inspired by Chaka's Great Green Salt and salt lake reflections, is a unique salt therapy wellness experience destination in Chaka. The venue offers visitors a relaxing way to enjoy the magical pleasures of innovative salt lake experiential tourism, including floating on saltwater, applying salt mud, playing with salt sand, steaming in salt rooms, inhaling salt mist, resting on salt beds, and sleeping in salt caves—all of which effectively alleviate travel fatigue..Ulan · 93 km from Qinghai Lake
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Free things to do in Qinghai Lake
Chaka Salt Lake
China · UlanImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeQinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
Gonghe · 34.7 km from downtownImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeQinghai Lake
Gonghe · 34.6 km from downtownRiyue Mountain
Huangyuan · 95.6 km from Qinghai LakeDanggar Ancient Town
Huangyuan · 99.3 km from Qinghai LakeLongyangxia Scenic Spot
China · GongheImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytimeShengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake
Gangca · 31.2 km from downtownQinghai Lake Heima River
Gonghe · 90.5 km from downtownLongyang Grand Canyon Cliff Sightseeing
China · GongheChaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
Ulan · 93 km from Qinghai LakeImmediate access, Book now for today, Cancel anytime
What travelers say about Qinghai Lake
薛定谔的鳄梨October 18, 2026
5.0
Buy tickets for the 9:00 AM bus from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake. You can buy tickets through the Xining Bus Station's WeChat mini-program! The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a service station for restroom use. Arrive around 11:30 AM. (There will be grasslands along the way; you can see them from the window.) The tour guide will assist with buying tickets on the bus, or you can buy them at the ticket center. Upon arrival, take a fast cruise to the island, then either the cruise ship to the island or a small train or bus to the lake. On the island, you can play in the sand and see seagulls and yaks. Plan your itinerary carefully; less than 4 hours for sightseeing will feel rushed.
Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
suyuOctober 5, 2026
5.0
Erlangjian is the main scenic area of Qinghai Lake, shaped like a long sword entering the lake. Visitors can take a cruise to explore the heart of the lake and also get a close look at the ruins of a torpedo launching test base. The facilities are well-developed, making it suitable for first-time visitors, but prices are high during peak season due to crowds.
Qinghai Lake
152***82August 1, 2026
5.0
It's a very quaint ancient town with a relaxed commercial atmosphere. Many local residents live there, and many ancient buildings are free to enter, such as the City God Temple and the Confucian Temple. Prices are very reasonable: incense is 3 yuan, butter lamps are 1 yuan, and small souvenirs are 10 yuan. Walking through the ancient town after the rain is very pleasant, and it's not crowded.
Danggar Ancient Town
good猫宁(旅行版)July 10, 2026
5.0
A special trip to Longyang Gorge was a delight, far exceeding my expectations! While the Yellow River is known for its silt-laden waters, here I found a tranquil, emerald-green lake. The 33-kilometer-long gorge is majestic and expansive, with an eight-kilometer-long suspended walkway offering breathtaking views. With luck, you might spot argali sheep on the cliffs or golden eagles soaring overhead. The natural scenery is both wild and soothing.
A boat trip across Longyang Lake is breathtaking, with the sunset painting the water a shimmering golden light. The adjacent Earth Forest Geological Park, with its millennia-old weathered landforms, features reddish-brown earth pillars under the setting sun, creating a truly atmospheric experience – a natural geological museum. There's also the first dam on the Yellow River, a magnificent and awe-inspiring engineering feat. It offers stunning scenery and insights into hydroelectric history, making it suitable for educational trips, road trips, and family outings.
The scenic area boasts excellent facilities, well-maintained trails, clean restrooms, tidy boats, and patient staff. The package ticket is a great deal, and the average summer temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius provides a cool respite from the heat. Unlike other popular tourist destinations, it's not crowded or noisy. With its unique and unparalleled scenery, Longyang Gorge is a must-see when visiting Qinghai!
Longyangxia Scenic Spot
Anonymous userOctober 8, 2026
4.0
Chaka is divided into Chaka Sky Mirror and Chaka No. 1. Sky Mirror is the older scenic area, more crowded, with complete facilities and equipment, great photo opportunities, and better management, but definitely more crowded with long queues. Sky No. 1 is a newly developed scenic area, less crowded, quieter, allowing for more leisurely photography, but the scenery is far inferior, and management is practically nonexistent. Choose the scenic area based on your needs.
Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area
