Qinghai Lake

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

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

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

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

Getting There - getting to the Great Lakes is as easy as getting on a bus, quite literally. buses run from the Qining bus station, located next to the train station to the lakes at 40 rmb. The journey to the lakes will take you through breathtaking scenery, snow capped mountains, quaint rural villages and other incredible vistas. Upon arriving at the lakes, you can walk or either get a boat on the lake to enjoy this wonderland. For food, there are several options outside the lake. There is a small village which offers delicious Qinghai food. The clay pot chicken is highly recommended, though bring a friend! it’s enough to feed a whole family. #tigeryear2022 ##staycation #mountainview #lake #travel #backpackers

I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw Qinghai Lake. I was cycling down from the main road, through fields of grass and bright yellow rapeseed flowers when I first caught a glimpse of the blue water. For a split second, I forgot where I was and thought I had somehow made it to the sea!⠀ ⠀ Located on the northeast of the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Lake is incredibly vast - said to be three times the size of Greater London - and is a sacred lake for Buddhist pilgrims. ⠀ ⠀ 📍Qinghai Lake, Qinghai Province, China #leaveyourmark

#qinghai #西宁#qinghailake

Damei Qinghai self-driving route recommended! Qinghai--China's representative place Qinghai is separated from Sichuan by only one mountain, and Mianyang, but one thousand kilometers. There are mountains surrounded by blue waters, Qinghai Lake, and Lingshan Holy Water Cambra. Route 1: XiningMenyuanQilian smeared with a piece of green, and its golden color it is an energetic and vibrant romantic declaration . Under the deep blue sky of the plateau, the rich yellow flowers stretch for nearly 100 kilometers, like the golden sea. It shows the domineering of rapeseed flowers in the northern region under the blue sky, white clouds and snow-capped mountains... You can follow the 227 national road to the Russian Fort and then divide the road to the west to the big road, passing the imperial city grassland and the Aru grassland. . All the way from the source of the door, all the way is full of endless grassland and cattle and sheep, and then to the back, will feel the mountain suddenly increased, at first glance, a beautiful scenery in the mountains. A few kilometers along the mountain road is the Zall Mountain. You will see the mountains on both sides and the mountains in the distance. At this time, the eyes are not enough. The wheat fields, rape fields and Yadan landforms. The scenery of pine forests, snow mountains and grasslands surrounds you. Step by step, each angle is beautiful, and each angle is a perfect postcard. Route 2: Guide-Lajishan-Tal Temple took out Xining, driving south for several tens of kilometers to the foot of Lajishan. Not far from the hills, the five-color prayer flags fluttered in the wind, climbed up to take pictures, and later learned that Tibetans generally hang on the mountains, intersections, lakes or roofs to pray. It is said that the longer the connection between the warriors and the shackles, the higher the hang, the better the luck, which is why they choose the snow-capped mountains. When you reach the foot of the mountain, the right hand side is a compelling green, and the left hand side is a dazzling Danxia landform that is not pleasing in the grass in the afternoon sun. A crisscrossed, fine layered layer. The first time I saw the clear green green river, the trip was worth again. The statement that a basin of river water and half basin mud does not apply in Guide. If I didn't see it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe that there would be such a clear and clear Yellow River water anyway. , the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. A row of eight treasures like the tower, the size of the Jinwa Temple, is an iconic building. The Ta'er Monastery has three musts: murals, piles of embroidered, butter flowers.

May Day holiday, are you tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, longing to find a place of tranquility and beauty? Then come to Qinghai! Here you have everything you yearn for: blue sky, white clouds, green waters, green mountains, and that unique tranquility and purity. Here are vast grasslands, clear lakes, and those ancient villages hidden deep in the mountains. Every scene is captivating. - ✨Trip Highlights 📍Qinghai Lake The 'Highland Sapphire,' China's largest saltwater lake, the legend of the sky realm begins here, nature has bestowed a huge treasure mirror on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. 📍Chaka Salt Lake The Chinese version of 'Mirror of the Sky,' the pure white pearl forgotten by God, 'one of the 55 places one must visit in a lifetime.' 📍Zhangye Danxia One of 'China's most beautiful colorful Danxia,' the only complex area of Danxia landform and colorful hills in China, like the pork belly on the northwest loop. 📍Qilian Grassland The 'Oriental Switzerland,' a must-visit place on the northwest grand loop, 'where the wind blows and the grass bends to reveal cattle and sheep,' every frame is healing. 📍Arou Temple The pearl of the plateau hidden under the Qilian Mountains, the largest Gelug monastery within the territory of Qilian County. 📍Zhuoer Mountain One of the most magnificent sights in Qinghai, with herders, sheep, grasslands, it's like coming to a corner of Switzerland. 📍Dadongshu Mountain Pass Selected by 'China National Geography,' one of Qinghai's 100 'most beautiful scenic photography spots.' - 🚗Recommended Itinerary D1: Gather all day in Xining from all over the country D2: Xining-Biandukou-Ancient City Post Station-Zhangye Danxia-Zhangye City D3: Zhangye-Qilian Grassland-Arou Temple-Zhuoer Mountain-Qilian County D4: Qilian County-Ice Gully Forest Sea-Dadongshu Mountain Pass-Gangcha-West Lake Road-Chaka Salt Lake D5: Chaka Salt Lake-Qinghai Lake Black Horse River Scenic Area-South Lake Road-Xining - 🎒Pre-trip Preparation 💳Documents: ID card, student ID, etc. 📷Electronics: Mobile phone, charger, headphones, power bank, camera, etc. 💧Daily necessities: Toiletries, hydrating cosmetics, etc. - ‼️tips ✔️Qinghai is a plateau area, if you feel unwell, it is recommended to arrange your itinerary reasonably, rest appropriately, and stay hydrated. ✔️Keep warm during the trip, as the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, especially in places with high altitude, be sure to prepare warm clothing.

Welcome, dear travelers, to this meticulously crafted Qinghai travel guide. Here, you will witness the unique plateau scenery of Qinghai, experience the rich ethnic culture, taste authentic cuisine, and enjoy an extraordinary journey of transportation, granting you an unforgettable travel experience on this magical land. Attractions: 1. Qinghai Lake - China's largest inland lake, like a sapphire embedded in the plateau, with rippling blue waves, flocks of sheep and cattle by the lake, and a golden sea of rapeseed flowers, offering a spectacular sight of thousands of birds flying together in the summer. 2. Chaka Salt Lake - Known as the 'Mirror of the Sky', its pristine surface reflects the blue sky and white clouds, as if stepping into a dreamy fairyland. 3. Ta'er Monastery - One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Qinghai Province, with exquisite murals, thangka, and butter sculpture art that are breathtaking. 4. Qilian Mountain Grassland - A green carpet surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a paradise for photography enthusiasts, and an excellent place to experience the life of nomads. Itinerary: Arrive in Xining on the first day, rest, and then visit the Dongguan Mosque to taste the local Muslim culture. The next day, drive to Qinghai Lake, enjoy the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau scenery along the way, and camp by the lake to watch the stars. On the third day, visit Chaka Salt Lake and head to Qilian Mountain Grassland in the afternoon, spending a night in a grassland homestay. Food Recommendations: • Hand-grabbed lamb: Made from tender lamb, with a rich taste and aromatic flavor, it is a Qinghai specialty. • Yogurt: Qinghai yogurt is thick and creamy, with a suitable sour and sweet taste, rich in probiotics, and is an excellent choice for quenching thirst and beating the heat. • Tsampa: A local specialty with a rich flavor, chewy texture, thick soup, and rich in nutrients. Transportation Tips: You can take a flight directly to Xining Caojiabao Airport from all over the country, or choose to travel by train or long-distance bus. Within the province, chartered self-driving is the most convenient for stopping to enjoy the scenery along the way. In addition, there are tourist buses to and from Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, and other places, which are both economical and convenient. On this vast and mysterious land, let us listen to the stories of Qinghai, explore the treasures of nature, enjoy the delicacies of the world, and embark on a journey that captivates the heart and soul!

Have you ever imagined standing under the vast expanse of blue sky, with your feet on a lake that seems to stretch to the horizon? Qinghai, this mysterious and magnificent land, is waiting for your exploration. Named 'China's most beautiful lake' by 'Chinese National Geography', Qinghai Lake is not just a poem, but also a painting, a dream, an irresistible call. 🚗 Essential Travel Guide 🚗 As the gateway to Qinghai Lake, Xining is not only convenient in transportation but also the starting point of your journey to the northwest. From Caojiabao Airport to Xining Railway Station, there are multiple options to choose from. However, don't forget that the true beauty often lies in remote areas, and the scenic spots in the northwest are scattered and far away, making them difficult to reach by public transport. Self-driving or carpooling becomes the best choice, making your journey more free and closer to the call of your heart. 🏨 Smart Accommodation Choices 🏨 In the downtown area of Xining, Mo Street and Dongguan Mosque are gathering places for delicious food, while the New Millennium International is a great place for shopping and leisure. When you arrive at the shore of Qinghai Lake, Chaka Town is your best choice, just a few kilometers away from Chaka Salt Lake, convenient for you to start a new adventure the next day. If you crave to experience local customs, the homestays in Qilian County are your ideal choice, with snow-capped mountains and grasslands right outside your window, and the coolness of summer is incomparable. 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions Checklist 🌟 Qinghai Lake: That intoxicating blue, that splendid yellow, the rapeseed flowers bloom from June to August every year, making it a holy land in the hearts of photography enthusiasts. Chaka Salt Lake: Walk on the 'Mirror of the Sky', take a small train deep into the heart of the lake, step barefoot on the salt lake, capture reflections, like a dream. Qilian Grassland: One of China's six major grasslands, horse riding and archery, fully experience the vastness and freedom of the grassland. Arou Temple: Explore Tibetan Buddhism culture, feel the devotion and tranquility of the locals. 📅 Recommended Itinerary 📅 Day1: Gather in Xining from all over the country, preparing for your journey to the northwest. Day2: Depart from Xining, head west, pass by the Erlang Sword Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, and then to Chaka Salt Lake, staying overnight in Chaka Town. Day3: Get up early to enjoy the sunrise (if possible), then start the journey to the Qilian Mountain Grassland, pass by the 4120 viewing platform, reach Zhuoer Mountain, and stay overnight in Qilian. Day4: Visit Arou Temple, experience the joy of horse riding, gaze at the Gangshika Snow Peaks, and return to Xining via Qingshizui. 🍲 Unmissable Delicacies 🍲 How can you not try the authentic hand-grabbed meat and roasted lamb chops in Qinghai? The earthy hot pot warms the stomach and relieves fatigue, the old yogurt is refreshing and delicious, and the niangpi has a unique taste, each bite is an ultimate tease to the taste buds. 📝 Important Notes Must Read 📝 Highland climate is changeable, even in summer, please have a thick coat ready just in case. Do enough sunscreen and moisturizing work to resist the strong ultraviolet rays. Carry common medicines and personal special drugs, ensuring a healthy and worry-free trip. Don't forget beautiful skirts, hats, and other photo props, after all, you don't want to miss any opportunity to take great photos!

🤩There is such a stunning salt lake in the Great Northwest - the dreamy Chaka Salt Lake! It's incredibly beautiful! 😉If you love the scenery of salt lakes, Chaka Salt Lake will definitely not disappoint you! 🌊This vast salt lake, white as snow, is comparable in size to 55 Chaka Salt Lakes, making it the second largest in the world and the largest in China without a doubt! 📍It is located in Chaka Town, Golmud City, Qinghai Province. The opening hours are 8:00-20:00, and the ticket price is 100 yuan per person. 🎈The best time to visit is from June to October every year🤗, when the climate is pleasant, the sun is abundant, and the beautiful scenery is in full view. Especially in autumn, the dried-up lake bed forms a red salt layer, which is spectacular! 🚗For transportation, first get to Xining, then drive or charter a car to Chaka Salt Lake (there is no public transportation). Why not take a trip around the Qinghai-Gansu loop, with plateaus, snow-capped mountains, lakes, yardangs, grasslands, deserts... a colorful landscape like a palette overturned by God! 👀Main attractions include: 🛣The Salt Bridge: A naturally formed salt road, 32km long and 15-18 meters thick, is an excellent place to view the salt lake. 🤩Dream Island: A small island in the center of the lake with pianos, swings, and beautiful salt flowers. The starry sky rooms on the island are a major highlight, where you can enjoy the starry sky and the lake light at night. 👉The Ship of Salt: A symbolic landscape, the boat-shaped salt crystals are like a giant wheel sailing on the salt lake. 📋Notes: ☀The sunlight reflection on the salt lake is strong, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun and your eyes. 🚫Do not step on or damage the salt layer at will, and protect the natural wonder. 🤒Located in a high-altitude area, you may experience altitude sickness, so be sure to rest and hydrate appropriately. 🎊Recommended itinerary: D1: Xining → Qilian Grassland → Zhuoer Mountain → Qilian County D2: Qilian → Sui-Qi Highway → Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park → Jiayuguan City D3: Jiayuguan → Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring → Dunhuang D4: Dunhuang → Mogao Caves → Dachaidan Emerald Lake → Dachaidan Town D5: Dachaidan → Water Yardang → U-shaped Highway → Golmud City D6: Golmud City → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Chaka Town D7: Chaka Town → Nanshan Panorama → Qinghai Lake → Xining