Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in our country, although it has the word 'sea', it is actually an inland lake🌊, the Tibetan name is 'Co Wen Bu' meaning 'blue sea', clear and green, and you can't see the edge at a glance. It is said to be a 'Yaochi' of the legendary Queen Mother of the West—'Queen Mother'. 📍Address: Qinghai Lake Scenic Area, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Qinghai Lake—a jade hidden in the snow-capped plateau, is not only a masterpiece of nature, but also a sacred place in the hearts of every traveler🚶🏻‍♀️. 🕙Play time: 2-3 hours 🏔 Altitude: The lake surface is 3196 meters above sea level Play📸 Keep walking along the road, you will see the statue of the Queen Mother of the West🗿, located in the middle of the lake, with open arms embracing the entire lake, it's spectacular! If you go forward to the heart of the lake, you can take a large cruise ship🚢, play some lake entertainment projects🚣, feed seagulls🐦…. You can also go to the lake to play in the water and take pictures. The lake is really blue, really like sapphire💎, it's so lucky to have good weather! Dress suggestion👗 Sky blue, white or paired with ethnic shawls, under the contrast of blue sky and white clouds☁️ and lake water, you can take pictures in minutes✌🏻 🐾Surrounding attractions ✅Heima River 🎫Free ticket, scenic bus 20/person (free for children under 1.2 meters) 🅿️The parking lot is across the road, free, the parking lot is all mud after rain… 🌟There are relatively more people, there are more scenic buses (golf battery cars) back and forth, so you don't have to wait long. The toilets in the scenic area are also relatively clean, near the entrance visitor center. 🎡There is a horse riding project inside, which is charged separately. There are similar Wangzai small steamed buns by the river, which can feed seagulls, and you can also feed them with your own biscuits and bread. ✅Donggeer Observation Deck 🎫Free 🅿️The parking lot is across the road from the observation deck, free parking 🌟There are fewer people at the Donggeer Observation Deck, and the entire scenic area is quite clean. There is a market in the upper position, and you can drink tea and eat something simple near the lake. 🎡There is a horse riding project, you can join a group tour. Overall, Donggeer's management is more complete, the only shortcoming is that the scenic area has limited capacity, the parking lot is small, and parking is not allowed on the side of the road (located on the side of the mountain bend), and individual customers cannot go down to the lake at will. ✅Qinghai Lake Cliff ️🎫It is now in trial operation, free, scenic bus 20/person (free for children under 1.2 meters) 🅿️Free parking lot 🌟Compared with the previous two attractions, the landscape here is more open and richer. Because it is in trial operation, the scenic area is not perfect. The scenic bus is an old bus, there are only two, and one must be kept up and down the mountain. When there are fewer people, the waiting time is longer. ⭐Tips 1️⃣The temperature difference between morning and evening at Qinghai Lake is large, it is recommended that tourists prepare storm jackets or thick coats🧥. 2️⃣The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, and sun protection🌞 should not be ignored. ⚠️At Qinghai Lake, whether you are enjoying the lake view or taking pictures, please respect nature and protect the environment❗ When you encounter local guides or vendors, please clarify the price and service content to avoid unnecessary disputes❗ 🎫Tickets 90💰/person Round-trip electric car 20💰 Boat ticket 150💰 😋Eat The more characteristic ones are hand-grabbed lamb🐏, fried eggs with sand onions, ants on the tree, spicy stewed lamb leg, big plate chicken🐔, onion burst lamb, kang pot lamb, braised lamb, highland barley cake🫓, barley porridge, firecracker noodles Yak🐮 yogurt, kang potato…… 🚏Line 🚗It is recommended to drive by yourself, the route is Xining—Qinghai Lake, the whole journey is 213km, it takes about 3 hours. The scenery along the way is picturesque🖼️, every corner is worth staying☺️

🌟 **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!** 🌟

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!

🔸Preparation (check the weather in advance, avoid peak periods, sun protection) I went to Qinghai Lake for a self-driving tour from Xining. It is currently the peak tourist season. It takes two hours to drive to the scenic area. I personally suggest that you must go early and definitely avoid the peak period!! I set off at more than 6 o'clock in the morning and arrived at about 9 o'clock. Otherwise, you will be stuck for several hours. Actually, the ultraviolet rays are not strong in the morning (check the weather, bring a jacket 🕶 or wear sun-protective clothing is also possible, you must do a good job in sun protection, the ultraviolet rays here are really strong! ❤️Travel guide You can buy tickets online by scanning the code, the ticket is 90 yuan, and there are cruise ships around 120~150, divided into ordinary cruise ships and luxury cruise ships, you can suggest to take one, (there are sightseeing cars and bicycles in the scenic area to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way) I personally suggest that you can take a boat directly to the opposite Erlang Sword Scenic Area, where there are relatively fewer people, and the scenery is also super beautiful! 📸Photo location selection After entering the scenic area, there are many people who like to gather. In fact, the Erlang Sword Scenic Area open in Qinghai Lake is super large. After getting off the boat, you can avoid the crowd and walk in the right direction. There are fewer people there and the scenery is also super good. I played for more than 5 hours by myself, choosing the scenery to take pictures feels like the whole scenic area is yours, it's really good!! And every photo doesn't need to be P, it's really super cool! In short, this trip to Qinghai Lake is really super satisfying, very happy!

September to November is the off-season in Qinghai and Gansu, with fewer people around. During this time, you can spend 8 days and 7 nights entering the Qinghai-Gansu region to deeply explore its natural beauty. Although Qinghai and Gansu are beautiful, it's still necessary to do your homework before going. Remember these 20 points to avoid 80% of the pitfalls on the Qinghai-Gansu loop: 1. The northwest region is vast, located on the plateau, and many places are still undeveloped with inconvenient transportation. It is recommended to carpool or charter a car. 2. Look for businesses with proper qualifications, be discerning, and beware of price traps. 3. The signal is not good, download maps in advance. 4. The temperature drops quickly, so it's advised to wear thick clothes. 5. When you first arrive in Qinghai, don't run or jump, and avoid extreme emotions, which can exacerbate altitude sickness. 6. Sunglasses are a must, not just for show, as the sun can be blinding. 7. The water in scenic lakes is clear but should not be consumed directly, as untreated, it contains elements harmful to the body. 8. The journey will pass through uninhabited areas, so prepare some food in advance (ham, compressed biscuits, coarse grain rice balls). 9. Hotel conditions along the way are limited, those with high accommodation standards can prepare some disposable items. 10. Normally, there won't be severe altitude sickness, but individual physical conditions vary, so it's wise to have some medicine on hand in case of emergencies. 11. Prepare strong hydrating skincare products, neglecting protection could lead to skin peeling. 12. Don't drive in unfamiliar terrain! It's really easy to get lost. 13. Don't wash your hair too often, be careful of catching a cold and triggering altitude sickness. 14. Don't stop to take photos on the roadside, as you may be charged. 15. Make sure to use the restroom, because you don't know when you'll have the next opportunity. 16. Don't trust navigation too much, ask locals for directions. 17. Sunscreen essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen spray (SPF 30 or higher), parasol, sunscreen, sun hat, etc. 18. Clothing to bring: jacket, sweater, thermal underwear, raincoat, jeans. 19. ID card, bank card, a small amount of cash, support for Alipay payments. 20. Don't take photos in the middle of the highway, don't climb mountains, don't trust strangers, safety first. Qinghai-Gansu 8-Day Loop Itinerary The best choice is a comfortable business car that allows you to stretch your legs, and you can bring luggage at will. The 8-day journey is about 2700 kilometers, so comfort is very important. D1. Xining airport/train station pick-up D2. Xining—Qinghai Lake—Chaka—Delingha D3. Delingha—Chaka Salt Lake—Dachaidan (overnight stay) D4. Dachaidan—U-shaped Internet-famous road—Water Yadan—Xitaijiner Lake—Dachaidan (overnight stay) D5. Dachaidan—Emerald Lake—Boluo Transfer Well (petroleum town)—Dunhuang D6. Dunhuang—Mogao Caves—Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring—Shazhou Night Market—Dunhuang (overnight in Dunhuang) D7. Dunhuang—Guazhou—Jiayuguan Fort—Zhangye Danxia—Zhangye Danxia (overnight stay) D8. Zhangye—Biandukou—Qilian Grassland—Menyuan Rapeseed Flower—Daban Mountain—Heiquan Reservoir—Xining

The sky is azure, the sun is bright. In the distance, verdant mountains contrast with the vast lake, like a flowing painting. On the grassland by the lake, clusters of wildflowers bloom in competition, forming an interesting picture with the leisurely cows and sheep. The lake surface is sparkling, gently exuding a blue glow, like a dreamy fairyland. The charm of Qinghai Lake lies not only in its magnificent natural scenery, but also in its profound historical culture and rich human landscape. On the northeast shore of the lake, there is the famous Bird Island, which is a gathering place for various birds. Every spring, tens of thousands of migratory birds nest and reproduce here, forming a vivid ecological picture. Qinghai Lake is also a sacred place in the hearts of Tibetans. According to legend, it is a drop of sweet dew sprinkled by Guanyin Bodhisattva, which turned into clear lake water. Every year, thousands of Tibetans spontaneously go to Qinghai Lake for pilgrimage and sacrifice, forming a unique religious and cultural landscape.

We played all the way from Yunnan to Lhasa on the Yunnan-Tibet line, and then played back to Guangdong on the Qinghai-Tibet line. We played a lot of paid and free attractions along the way, but we were pitted by the paid attractions. The scenery along the way is really not worse than the paid attractions, so we simply didn't go to the attractions at Qinghai Lake, we played while driving around the lake. Although the lake is basically fenced up, there are still a few places where you can go down to the lake, or you can take beautiful lake views by parking by the side. You can drive slowly around the lake, and you can go and see where you see people going down or parking. The roadside shots are also very good, but pay attention to safety, do not stand in the middle of the road. Small tips: 1, Qinghai Lake is also very dependent on the weather, still that point, pick a sunny day to go, under the sun really comes with a filter 2, The wind on the side of Qinghai Lake is super strong, it's super cold when it rains, and it's very sunny at noon when it doesn't rain, so remember to bring sunglasses, apply sunscreen, and the clothes this season are best to be able to replace autumn and winter, take off autumn and put on winter is the best. 3, Self-driving partners whether or not you bought a ticket, if you have time, it is recommended to go around the lake, you don't have to finish all of it, it is also very healing to watch the lake for a while 4, In addition to the scenic area and the wild roadside, there are also some places on the roadside where you can go down to the lake for a walk, take pictures and feed seagulls, but you have to pay a parking fee, twenty yuan (it is said that those who can cross the fence to the lake on the wild roadside will be driven away if the police see it, so if you want to play more safely, you can go to such places, you can see it not long after you drive in, about 10 minutes drive) I will sort out the strategies for the other two salt lakes in Qinghai (Chaerhan and Dachaidan) later, if you are in a hurry, you can also compare and choose

|Encounter a breathtaking sunset!. Chaka Salt Lake| Encounter a breathtaking sunset! Actually, when we entered Chaka Salt Lake, it was already 7 pm and the sun was about to set The sky began to cloud over Originally, I thought that the scenery in such weather should not be good. I didn't expect that the last stop of 'Sky Territory' directly 'amazed us' The effect seen with the naked eye is almost the same as the picture. It's just that the wind is too strong, and because it's late, it's very cold and basically impossible to take pictures of people But the scenery on the spot is really good. It is recommended that everyone can go early Choosing a good weather day is particularly important You can also watch a beautiful sunset there. Great great great

Don't just head to Northwest China without a plan, how much do you know about it? Is it the lonely scenery beyond the Great Wall, or the dazzling and magnificent views? Maybe it's neither. Northwest China is a place that encompasses seemingly incompatible elements like deserts, grottoes, Danxia landforms, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and salt flats. The most classic route is the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, which includes more than 20 iconic spots in Northwest China. An eight-day, seven-night trip will let you thoroughly explore the Northwest. Itinerary: ✔D1 Various locations - Arrive in Lanzhou/Xining (24h pick-up service) - Hotel ✔D2 Lanzhou/Xining - Qilian Grassland - E'bao Ancient City - Danxia Entrance/Zhangye ✔D3 Danxia Entrance/Zhangye - Jiayuguan City Tower - Son of the Earth - Camping Base Experience - Dunhuang ✔D4 Dunhuang - Mogao Caves - Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring - Dunhuang ✔D5 Dunhuang - Oil Town - South Baxian Devil City - U-shaped Highway - Jade Lake - Dachaidan ✔D6 Dachaidan - Chaka Salt Lake Sky No.1 - Qinghai Lake - Along Qinghai Lake ✔D7 Heima River - Heima River Sunrise - Plateau Tibetan Village - Ta'er Monastery - Jinko Artillery Museum - Xining/Lanzhou New District ✔D8 Lanzhou/Xining - Drop off at the airport Itinerary Highlights: ✔Average cost 1K+ per person, including stay + transportation + food ✔Four-star local hotels throughout the journey ✔2-12 people small group tours ✔Complimentary popular photo spots, beautiful desert tents for photography, free aerial photography, Dunhuang festival performances, sand sliding, camel riding, and many other activities. After reading this guide, what are you still hesitating for? Why not set off together to see the magnificent scenery of Northwest China!

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.

Getting there: you need to get to Xining first. There are many high speed trains from other areas to Xining railway station. If you want to visit Qinghaihu, After arriving at the railway station, follow the English signs to the long distance bus station and buy a bus ticket to Qinghai. Costs 20yuan one way. Most buses run in the morning starting at 9am. Or you can ask your hostel to arrange a shared car to Qinghaihu and other attractions along the way. One person costs 150yuan in a car share with 3 other travelers. Attractions around Xining: I only stayed there 2 nights and spent one whole day in Qinghaihu so I only saw 2 attractions: a Tibetan temple on the way to Qinghaihu and the lake itself. The temple costs 46yuan and the lake is 92yuan. If you’re interested in history, the Tibetan temple is an interesting place to visit. You’ll learn about the history of Tibet and Wencheng Princess who married Gampo (King of Tibet at that time) during Tang Dynasty. There’s a statue of the Princess in the Temple. Qinghaihu is a beautiful lake but in my opinion, there isn’t much to see and the price is expensive. Most of the lake is closed for protection and you can only access it from Erliangjian. After buying the ticket for 92 yuan, you can rent an electric bike to bike around the area or get an electric car (20yuan one way) to take you directly to the lake and that’s it. Foods: Xining is known for Yak meat. I found a good restaurant near my hotel (see the picture). It costs 100yuan for a portion of yak meat, a cup of chamomile tea, a dish of broccoli (very fresh and delicious), and a yogurt desert. You can also buy yak meat jerky. Next to Wangjifu shopping mall is the night market where you can find a whole line of street foods after shopping.

In Tibetan, Qinghai Lake is called 'Co Ngoinbo', which means 'blue sea'. When in the Northwest, one must visit Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. Under the sun, Chaka Salt Lake is like a mirror of the sky, with the water and sky blending into one. It's truly beautiful. We bought a package for the small train, as the walking distance is quite far. If you're looking for convenience, the small train is really convenient. Highlight‼️The last train is at 18:30, so be mindful of the time. We checked in at the Sky Mirror Salt Sculpture. It is said that the wind of Qinghai Lake will punish every stubborn person. It's still very cold by Qinghai Lake in November, so it's recommended to bring a down jacket when you travel. The scenery is really beautiful, with no filters needed for the original pictures.