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Golden Beach is an ideal destination for enjoying the vast landscapes of Qinghai, especially its stunning sand dunes and pristine environment. Popular activities include relaxing by the beach, walking along the shoreline, taking part in sandboarding, and photographing the scenic views. Birdwatching is also popular, as the area is home to several species of migratory birds.
"In that faraway place, there lives a beautiful girl... I wish to wander the grasslands, by her side..." Many people can undoubtedly hum this familiar tune. It's said that Mr. Wang Luobin met the beautiful Zhuoma on the Jinyintan Grassland, which inspired him to compose this widely circulated song. This area, once a little-known and mysterious forbidden area, gave birth to the first atomic and hydrogen bombs of the People's Republic of China and served as China's first nuclear weapons research and development base.
The Jinyintan Grassland borders Qinghai Lake to the west and the Qilian Mountains to the northeast. With an average elevation of 3,200 meters, it is divided into the Golden Beach and the Silver Beach. A small river flows through it. The grasslands on the north bank are home to the fragrant, golden flowers of the Potentilla fruticosa, earning it the name Golden Beach. The grasslands on the south bank are dominated by the pure, silvery Potentilla siliqua, earning it the name Silver Beach. Every summer, wildflowers bloom, and the white flowers of the Golden Flower create a golden and silvery landscape, giving the grassland its name.
In summer, the grasslands are green and wildflowers are in full bloom. June to August is the best travel season of the year.
1-3 hours
Scenic spot pass: 160 yuan per person (160 yuan in peak season, 80 yuan in off-season)
The included attractions include: Atomic City Memorial Hall, Wang Luobin Music and Art Museum, Detonation Test Site, Second Branch Plant, Satellite Station, and Underground Command Center. Horseback riding costs approximately 50 yuan per round.
Ticket discount policy:
① Senior citizens aged 60-69 (half price);
② 70 years old and above (free of charge)
③ Students (enrolled students with student ID cards) can enjoy half price.
④ Active-duty military personnel with valid IDs are exempt from admission, as are those with a valid military disability certificate (with an active-duty officer's ID or a discharge certificate for those discharged from the military), and those with a valid disability certificate and press credentials (with a press credentials issued by the local propaganda department). (Tourists eligible for these preferential policies will be charged an additional 30 yuan per person for the scenic area's sightseeing bus fare.)
Peak season: April 15th - October 15th (08:00-19:00)
Off-season: October 16th - April 14th (09:00-18:30)
Golden Beach in Qinghai is known for its natural beauty, being part of the Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The beach has become a significant eco-tourism destination for its serene environment and diverse wildlife, as well as its connection to Tibetan culture and nomadic life in the region.
Golden Beach is located in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai. It can be reached by taxi from nearby towns or cities like Xining, the capital of Qinghai. Bus services are also available from Xining to the area, and private vehicles can be used for more convenience.
Golden Beach is open year-round. The best time to visit is between May and October when the weather is warm and pleasant, especially for outdoor activities like sandboarding and beach walks. Winter months are cold and may have limited accessibility due to snow.
There is generally no entrance fee to Golden Beach. However, for specific activities or guided tours, a small fee may apply. Tickets for activities can be bought on-site or through local travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary, except for guided tours or activities. It's best to book a few days in advance during peak tourist seasons (summer and early autumn).
To fully explore Golden Beach and its surroundings, you will need 2 to 4 hours. If you plan to engage in activities like sandboarding or photography, it may take longer. A full day can also be dedicated to enjoying the beach and nearby areas.
The must-see highlights include the sandy shoreline, the vast dunes, and the rich wildlife surrounding the area. The best area for photography is the sand dunes at sunrise or sunset. Birdwatching spots are also key attractions, especially during migratory seasons.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. These tours often cover the best photography spots, the history of the area, and its natural environment. Audio guides are not commonly offered.
The best viewpoints are atop the sand dunes, offering panoramic views of the beach and surrounding landscapes. Sunset and sunrise provide the best lighting for photographs, capturing the golden hues of the sand and sky. The wetlands nearby also offer great birdwatching and photography opportunities.
A recommended itinerary is to start by walking along the beach, taking in the views and photographing the sand dunes. Then, venture up to the higher dunes for panoramic views, and finally, visit the wetlands for birdwatching and to explore the diverse ecosystem of the area.
There are no night visits or light shows at Golden Beach. However, visitors can enjoy stargazing at night, as the area is far from city lights, offering clear skies for astronomy enthusiasts.
Golden Beach is generally not crowded. However, during the peak summer months and Chinese holidays, it may see an increase in visitors. For a quieter experience, visit in the spring or autumn, especially on weekdays.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and rest areas. There are small food stalls near the beach offering snacks and drinks. Larger shops or restaurants are located in nearby towns like Xining, where you can stock up on supplies.
The area is accessible for children and the elderly, though some parts of the beach may involve walking over sand dunes, which can be challenging for disabled visitors. It’s recommended to plan accordingly if you require wheelchair access or assistance.
Cash is commonly used in the area, especially for smaller transactions. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted in larger towns, but they may not be as widely available at the beach itself.
There are no major restaurants or cafes directly on Golden Beach, but nearby towns like Xining offer a variety of dining options ranging from local Tibetan cuisine to international food.
Vegetarian and halal options are available in nearby towns like Xining, where you can find restaurants catering to various dietary needs. Tibetan food often features vegetarian dishes, and halal options are common in the area due to the Muslim population.
There are no major hotels directly on Golden Beach. However, nearby Xining offers a range of accommodations, from budget hotels to more upscale options. You can find guesthouses and hostels in the area for a more traditional experience.
Nearby attractions include the Kumbum Monastery, known for its Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the Qinghai Lake, a stunning high-altitude freshwater lake. Both can easily be visited on a day trip from Golden Beach.
Small souvenir shops are available in nearby towns where you can purchase Tibetan handicrafts, such as prayer beads, thangka paintings, Tibetan jewelry, and local textiles.
From Golden Beach, the best way to continue your trip is by bus or taxi to Xining, where you can catch trains or buses to other destinations within Qinghai or neighboring regions.
