Qinghai Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

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

Salt Lake

Caka Salt Lake, situated in Qinghai, China, is a natural wonder renowned for its ethereal beauty. Spanning over 100 square kilometers, it's one of the largest saltwater lakes in the region. What sets Caka apart is its striking pink hue during certain seasons, attributed to the presence of microorganisms and high salinity. The lake's landscape is surreal, with vast salt flats extending to the horizon, forming mesmerizing hexagonal patterns. Caka Salt Lake is also ecologically significant, providing habitat for migratory birds and supporting unique flora and fauna adapted to extreme salinity. Tourists are drawn not only to its surreal landscapes but also to the cultural richness of the Tibetan and Mongolian communities in the surrounding areas, making Caka Salt Lake a destination of natural and cultural intrigue. #timetotravel #China #instatravel

A Fairy lake surrounded by snowy mountains

Chaka Salt lake is a naturally crystallized saline lake surrounded by snow capped mountains in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. It is located at an altitude of approx 3000m about 300km from Xining. The combination of the white lake with reflection of the sky in the water, the distant snowy mountain range, the fresh wind makes it a magical place. I went there in May. It snowed in the evening the day I reached Chaka town while the prediction was 6-12 deg. I carried a puffer jacket for just in case and that saved my life 😄. So, take your jackets no matter which time of the year you decide to visit 🤭

Chaka salt lake - winter landscape in summer

We spent about a week in Qinghai, mostly at Qinghai lake as we visited local horse racing there. I liked Chaka lake better than Qinghai lake (as I still don't understand why Qinghai lake entry tickets are so overpriced) We came to Chaka in the evening by bus from Qinghai lake and stayed in a hotel. In the early morning I walked about 3-4km to the Scenic area witnessing wildlife such as hares and ducks. At the entrance I requested information in English and there was an English speaking employee to give details which were quite helpful. The path in the area is about 5km long, there are some cafés at the beginning and special shoes and fancy dresses rental somewhere in the middle. Visiting Chaka was one of the highlights of this summer! There are 2 Scenic areas, I've been to one only (should have visited both) It's not easy to find a taxi in the area, so the English speaking employee helped to arrange it in the evening #chakasaltlake #chaka

Surrounded by SALT

Chaka Lake is a must to visit. We took a bus and a slow train to the lake . People use to walk all the way to the lake in the past. Glad we don’t have too. It is known as “Mirror of the Sky in China”. “Chaka” means “Salt Lake” in Tibetan. As the name, Chaka Lake is a famous natural crystal salt lake in Qaidam Basin, able to meet all Chinese’s need to salt for 75 years. The lake reflects wonderful images , but it depends on where and how you take your pictures. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to caption the reflection from the lake. However, we had a great time.

Do you think these check-in photos at Kumbum Monastery are good?

Walking in the Kumbum Monastery with more than 600 years of history, touching the scattered temples on the Lotus Mountain, appreciating the art of ancient architecture, and feeling the peace in the strong light and shadow. The lifelike butter flowers, vivid murals and colorful embroidery make up the 'Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery Art', which are amazing and stoppable. Kumbum Monastery has a history of more than 600 years and covers an area of more than 600 acres. The temple buildings are distributed on the slopes of Lotus Mountain, with the temples scattered high and low, reflecting each other. The Dajinwa Temple in the center of the temple, with green walls and golden tiles, is brilliant and is the main building of the temple. The Buddha statues in the temple are vivid and beautiful, and they are sacred. The lifelike butter flowers, colorful murals and colorful embroidery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery Art'. The temple also contains many Buddhist scriptures and academic classics in history, literature, philosophy, medicine, and legislation. Travel tips: 1. Kumbum Monastery is located in Xining, you can take bus 306 directly, open from 08:00-17:30. 2. Pay attention to dress requirements, you must wear long gowns and long skirts to enter. 3. There are many places in the temple where photography is prohibited, pay attention to the warning signs. 4. Try not to take pictures of local people or monks who are prostrating or turning scriptures. Recommended check-in locations: 1. The city gate at the ticket check-in. 2. The 'Kumbum Monastery' sign in front of the right hand side of the white tower when you come in, as well as the turning cylinder and three towers further down the slope. 3. There are many pigeons here, you need to compose the picture in advance and wait for the pigeons to fly over, which really requires some luck and patience. 4. After entering along the main road, there are many red walls, white walls and stacked ancient buildings, which are very photogenic under the light and shadow.

Visiting Kumbum Monastery

#mytripvlog An incredible tour of Qinghai Province began at Xining’s Kumbum Monastery!

Kumbum Monastery

The monastery in Xining is swarming with worshipping monks, amongst beautiful temples, full of colour and life! The surrounding town is quiet and peaceful, and the entry into the monastery is quick and easy. You can spend hours wondering around this beautiful site, it really feels like you're in another country. I would always highly recommend visiting this amazing place, to see a direct contrast between Chinese ans Tibetan inspired architecture. Arrive early to ensure a quiet experience. You can see the gold guilded temple, colourful flags, amongst countless statues of religious figures. It really is a remarkable place. #culturalattractions

Welcome to Qinghai, China’s fourth largest province and home to towering mountains, stunning waterscapes and a variety of folk cultures.⠀ ⠀ We started our adventure in Xining (西宁), the capital city of the province on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau - and a city that played a key role in trade and cultural exchange after opening the Silk Road. And one of the most famous historical places to visit near Xining is Ta’er Monastery (otherwise known as Kumbum Monastery).⠀ ⠀ With 400 years of history, this monastery is a religious activity center that still houses practising monks within the complex that comprises of Buddhist halls, large courtyards, multiple stupas and more. ⠀ ⠀ 📍Kumbum Monastery, near Xining, Qinghai Province, China #leaveyourmark

Qinghai Emerald Lake The depth of the Qaidam Basin, the plateau salt lake at an altitude of more than 3,000 meters, like a gem falling into the human world, come here to appreciate it from the perspective of God, one by one The salt lake is like a piece of emerald embedded in the earth. The green is presented here to the fullest, deep or shallow, or thick or light...

Explore the comprehensive guide to the Great Northwest Loop of the Hoh Xil

"China is very beautiful, with seven parts of it in the Northwest." Hoh Xil, known as the "Roof of China" Here, you can see Magnificent snow mountains🏔, grasslands, lakes, forests🌳 As you trek through this undeveloped land You will be immersed in a natural environment where desolation and beauty coexist💕 🌄🌈 With the steps of summer, I came to the mysterious and magnificent Hoh Xil, embarking on an awe-inspiring journey around the Great Northwest Loop! Along the way, I witnessed the miracles of nature, experienced the unique Tibetan culture, and uncovered the secrets of this land. Let me share this unforgettable journey with you!✨✈ 🌺Must-visit spots in the Northwest: ✅Qinghai Lake: Encounter cattle and sheep, green fields, yellow flowers, desert oases ✅Chaka Salt Lake: Take the popular train deep into Qinghai Lake, see the lake and sky merge into one ✅Cherchen Salt Lake: The yellow-green salt lake is dreamy and fantastical ✅Blood of the Earth: A dried-up red valley runs through the Gobi canyons, known as the "Blood Vessel of Qinghai's Earth" ✅G315 Highway: The U-shaped highway that reaches the sky, giving a cinematic road movie feel ✅Dongtaijinaier Lake: Maldives "Qinghai branch," pure Tiffany blue ✅Water Yadan: The bizarre Yadan landforms and the clear lakes are mottled and scattered ✅Xitaijinaier Lake: Half emerald green, half sky blue, under aerial photography, the distinction is clear ✅Aiken Spring: Like a palette sprinkled by God, transforming into a variety of dazzling red, purple, blue, green, yellow ✅Mangya Emerald Lake: Dark green, light green, yellow-green, ink green... ✅Petroleum Town: Film locations for movies like "The Ghouls" and "Western Wind" 🌈Itinerary: ✔D1 - Gather in Xining ✔D2 - Xining - Sacrificial Lake - Xianhada - Sacrificial Prayer Flags - Qinghai Lake Cycling - Chaka Town ✔D3 - Chaka - Chaka Salt Lake Sunrise - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dachaidan Snow Mountain Hot Spring ✔D4 - Dachaidan - Blood of the Earth - U-shaped Highway - Water Yadan - Xitaijinaier Lake - Mangya ✔D5 - Mangya - Aiken Spring - Secret Blue Hole Salt Lake - Mangya Emerald Lake - Mangya ✔D6 - Mangya - Ebo Liang - Petroleum Town - Desert Party - Starry Sky Camping - Dunhuang ✔D7 - Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring Sunset - Dunhuang ✔D8 - Dunhuang - Son of the Earth - Guazhou - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Danxia Sunset - Zhangye ✔D9 - Zhangye - Qilian Mountain Grassland - Menyuan - Disband in Xining ⭕Warm Tips: Hoh Xil has an average altitude of 4500 meters, you can take Rhodiola one week in advance to prevent altitude sickness Do not approach/chase wild animals closely, you can use binoculars and telephoto lenses to observe from a distance The attractions are far apart, it is recommended to prepare snacks, fruits, etc. in the car in advance Prepare fleece, cotton clothes, down jackets, etc. for September/October/November 🔥Remember to bring sunscreen as the UV rays are strong along the way!! This journey has given me countless beautiful memories and deep emotions, and it has made me love this mysterious land even more. If you are also looking for a sense of purity and freedom, then Hoh Xil is definitely a destination you can't miss!🌠🌏

Self-Driving Tour | This is a treasure trove privately kept by God, with water green, azure, yellow-green, and more

Recommended Reason: Da Qaidam Jade Lake was originally the mining area of the Da Qaidam Chemical Plant Salt Lake Mining Team, which has formed mining pits after years of mining. The brine pools, large and small, show different colors such as green, blue, yellow, and brown due to the varying content of mineral elements. Against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds, they look like pieces of beautiful jade scattered on earth. The color of the lake water changes thousands of times depending on the angle and the light. Here, you can find tranquility and comfort, openness and desolation, and only by being in the midst of it can you feel the captivating beauty. Scenic Area Address: Da Qaidam Town, under the direct jurisdiction of Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Ticket Price: Adult ticket 50 RMB/person, discounted ticket for students and people aged 60-69; sightseeing train 60 RMB/person. Tour Route: The sightseeing train has 6 stops, starting from the farthest station 1 in the scenic area → Station 2 → Station 3 → Station 4 → Station 5 → Station 6 → Scenic Area Gate. Tour Duration: 2-3 hours. Best Seasons: Spring and summer, especially suitable for summer visits. Precautions: 1) For those who like photography and want to take more beautiful photos, it is recommended to take the sightseeing train directly to Station 1, then walk along the edge of the lake and take photos until you reach the scenic area gate. 2) The color of the lake water changes with different angles and light, so it is suggested to look for different angles when taking photos for unexpected beautiful effects. 3) If you choose to walk, it is recommended to wear travel shoes or light shoes. 4) There are basically no snack shops in the scenic area, so it is advised to bring your own mineral water and snacks, and please dispose of mineral water bottles and snack packaging in the trash bins. 5) The UV radiation here is strong, so sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen are essential items.

【Annual Review】Do you know these ten popular and unpopular attractions in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province?

❗️In the summer of 2023, we spent half a month on a self-driving tour in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Next, let's review these ten popular and unpopular attractions for everyone. It can be said that these are the essence of Haixi Prefecture❗️ 1️⃣Dachaidan Emerald Lake Pictures 1-3: 🌟Highlights: This is a salt lake that changes color! On sunny days, it presents an emerald color, on cloudy days, it presents a white jade color, and when night falls, it reflects the color of the sky at that time! 📍Detailed address: About 5 kilometers west of Dachaidan Town, directly under Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. 2️⃣"Blood of the Earth" Picture 4: 🌟Highlights: The river channel next to the highway contains sulfur elements, so it appears red when the light is good, and the river channel is like a blood vessel, so it is vividly compared to the "blood of the earth", of course, you need to take aerial photography to see such a scene! 📍Detailed address: 755-757 kilometers of National Highway 315 in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province 3️⃣Wusute Yardang Geological Park Picture 5 🌟Highlights: What kind of scene will the Yardang landform present after being flooded? Anyway, I saw a lot of "aircraft carriers" and various "warships" here, like a huge fleet waiting for your "review". 📍Detailed address: About 250 kilometers west of Dachaidan in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, next to National Highway 315. 4️⃣Nanbaxian Yardang Pictures 6-7: 🌟Highlights: The mysterious Yardang landform group where few people set foot. Because G215 passes through the center, most vehicles and tourists can easily go deep into the core area of the Yardang landform to watch. Of course, this is also a free location for shooting big movies! 📍Detailed address: About 100 kilometers west of Dachaidan in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. 5️⃣Ebolian Yardang Picture 8: 🌟Highlights: The Yardang landform landscape that looks most like the "World of Warcraft" with various shapes, and the difficulty of reaching it makes it even more mysterious! Off-road enthusiasts can experience the fun of crossing here, and photographers can freely compose big movies here! 📍Detailed address: About 80 kilometers west of Lenghu Town in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province, deep in the desert! 6️⃣Lenghu Mars Camp Picture 9: 🌟Highlights: This can be said to be the place on earth that looks most like Mars. The panoramic view of the opposite Ebolian Yardang makes people feel like they are on an alien planet, and the brilliant Milky Way at night is likely to refresh your understanding of the starry sky! 📍Detailed address: Opposite to Ebolian in Lenghu Town, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. 7️⃣Mangya Emerald Lake Picture 10: 🌟Highlights: The color is the same as that of Dachaidan Emerald Lake. The only difference is that the area of the emerald lake here is really large! So large that it is endless emerald green! 📍Detailed address: South side of Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. 8️⃣Aiken Spring Picture 11: 🌟Highlights: This is the largest spring eye I have ever seen, and the "most beautiful" spring water landscape. Because the spring water contains certain substances, it causes the area around the spring eye to be barren for hundreds of meters and all dyed red and yellow! It is very appropriate to describe it as the "eye of the devil"! 📍Detailed address: About 20 kilometers west of Mangya City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. 9️⃣Kunlun Mountain Picture 12: 🌟Highlights: The best place to appreciate the scenery of Kunlun Mountain. The Yuzhu Peak here is 6178 meters above sea level, which is the highest peak in the eastern section of the Kunlun Mountains. The towering Kunlun will let you understand what is the "ancestor of all mountains"! 📍Detailed address: Next to National Highway 109 in Golmud City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province. 🔟Kekexili Picture 13: 🌟Highlights: Here you can watch the "highland elves" Tibetan antelope in a reasonable and legal way. If you are lucky, you can also touch the cute "little elf". When you come here, you have come to the mysterious Kekexili. 📍Detailed address: Sonandajie Protection Station, National Highway 109, Golmud City, Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai Province.

Northwest Trip

D1: Xining - Laji Mountain - Riyue Mountain - Qinghai Lake - Delingha (Stay) D2: Delingha - Chaka Salt Lake - Dachaidan Emerald Lake - Dachaidan (Stay) D3: Dachaidan - 315U-shaped Highway - Heidu Mountain - Dunhuang Night Market - Dunhuang (Stay) D4: Dunhuang Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang (Stay) D5: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan (optional) - Zhangye Danxia Landform - Zhangye (Stay) D6: Zhangye - Qilian Grassland - Xining (Return)

Green Treasure: The vitality and energy of Chaerhan Salt Lake

Green｜Chaerhan Salt Lake Green, as a color, is located in the middle of the spectrum, with a wavelength range of 517-570 nanometers. In nature, green is widely present, such as in leaves, grasslands, oases, etc. In human culture, green is usually associated with concepts like life, health, vitality, nature, peace, etc. Chaerhan Salt Lake is located in Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China. It is the largest salt lake in China and the second largest in the world. The area of Chaerhan Salt Lake is about 5856 square kilometers, and its altitude is about 2670 meters. Chaerhan Salt Lake is an inland lake, with its water mainly coming from the melting snow of the surrounding mountains and groundwater. The salt content of the lake water is extremely high, reaching 32%, making Chaerhan Salt Lake one of the most important salt chemical bases in China. The green of Chaerhan Salt Lake may be related to the microorganisms, minerals, and light in the lake water. Under sunlight, the microorganisms and minerals in the lake water may appear green. In addition, the green of Chaerhan Salt Lake may also be affected by the surrounding ecological environment, such as grasslands, oases, etc.

Chaerhan Salt-Lake in Qinghai Province

The Chaerhan Salt Lake is located 60 kilometers away from the northern Golmud city, more than 110 kilometers away from the southern Chaidamu. The salt lake is more than 160 kilometers long from east to west and 20-40 kilometers wide from south to north. The thickness of the salt lake is 2-20 meters. The Chaerhan Salt Lake is located in the desert; the weather is dry and hot. With the long-time sunburn and windburn it's necessary to bring sun protection. 🏴 Tourists can rent cars to get to the Chaerhan Salt Lake along the No. 215 National Highway. Hotels or travel agencies might also organized tours. Adventurours without driving license can try to hitchhike. 🎫 Entrance including bus to the final destination inside the lake: 100元/80元 students ✨ You can also rent bikes (if they're not broken) or drones at the final destination. #dessert#hiking#roadtrip#summervacation

[Qalhan Salt Lake in Qinghai] Zarhan Salt Lake is the largest salt lake in China and one of the most famous salt lakes in the world. The picture taken in my picture is the Wanzhang Salt Bridge, which is a road made of salt and extends into the lake. Its hardness is comparable to that of the asphalt road. We can see from the sky that there are white crystals on both sides of the salt bridge. The lake is transparent and green. The scenery here is picturesque. The sunny Chaerhan Salt Lake has also become a good place for photography. Note: Sun protection measures should be prepared. It is recommended to bring a hat and sunglasses. You can drive in by yourself. In principle, only visiting documents are allowed to enter. You need to communicate in advance.