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Eling Lake is a large plateau freshwater lake in the upper reaches of the Yellow River. It is also known as Elinghai, formerly known as Baihai, and called Co'erlang in Tibetan, which means long blue lake. It is located in a depression in the west of Maduo County, Qinghai Province, China, 15 kilometers west of Zhaling Lake. It is known as the "sister lake at the source of the Yellow River" together with Zhaling Lake.
Eling Lake is shaped like a golden bell, narrow from east to west and long from north to south. Separated from Zhaling Lake by a natural levee, Eling Lake resembles a butterfly. The Yellow River forms a gorge about 300 meters long as it flows through the Bayan Langma Mountains between the two lakes. East of the gorge, extending to the lakeshore, lies a vast marsh. The Yellow River flows in from the southwest and out from the northeast, giving the lake a turquoise blue hue due to the low sediment content. The lake is rich in cold-water, scaleless fish, and migratory birds flock to the small island in its center, creating another bird island on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The lake is surrounded by subalpine meadows, a major pasture in Qinghai.
Plateau mountain climate;
Recommended travel time: Summer
70 yuan/person
All day
Eling Lake is a serene, pristine body of water located in Banma County, Qinghai. It holds ecological significance due to its rich biodiversity, including numerous bird species. The lake's pristine environment and the surrounding natural landscape make it an important ecological and cultural landmark in the region.
Eling Lake is located in Banma County, Qinghai, China. It is about a 4-hour drive from Xining, the provincial capital. The most convenient way to reach the lake is by taxi or private car. There are no direct public transport options, so booking a guided tour or hiring a car is recommended.
Eling Lake is open year-round, with the best times to visit being during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild, and the surrounding landscape is at its most vibrant. Morning and late afternoon provide the best light for photography and peaceful exploration.
The entrance fee for Eling Lake is low, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate. It is generally not necessary to purchase tickets in advance, as the site does not typically see heavy crowds. Cash or mobile payments are commonly accepted at the entrance.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required unless visiting during peak tourist seasons or major holidays. If you are traveling with a tour group, the ticket may be included as part of the package.
Exploring Eling Lake fully typically takes about 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to engage in additional activities like birdwatching, photography, or walking along the surrounding wetlands, you may want to spend 4 to 5 hours.
Guided tours are available, with Mandarin-speaking guides. English-speaking guides may be available during peak seasons, but it is advisable to check in advance if you need one.
Start by walking along the lake’s edge to take in the views, then explore the wetlands for birdwatching. End the visit by hiking up to a high point nearby to capture the best panoramic views of the lake and its surroundings.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Eling Lake. However, the area offers beautiful sunset views, and a peaceful evening by the lake can be a memorable experience.
Eling Lake is generally not crowded, except during peak Chinese holidays or weekends. The best time to visit for fewer crowds is early mornings or weekdays, especially during the off-peak months of spring and autumn.
Basic facilities, such as toilets and rest areas, are available near the lake. However, there are no large shops or food stalls directly on-site. It’s advisable to bring your own snacks and water for the visit.
The main areas of Eling Lake are accessible to elderly visitors and children. However, some of the trails, especially the ones leading up to higher viewpoints, may be challenging. Disabled visitors may find it difficult to navigate some of the more rugged areas, but the lakeshore is easily accessible by foot.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used in the area. It’s advisable to carry cash in case there are any issues with mobile payments.
There are no restaurants or cafes directly at Eling Lake. However, small local eateries in Banma County offer traditional Tibetan and Hui food. It is best to visit these eateries after your trip to the lake.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available in the nearby village, especially in places catering to the local Tibetan and Muslim communities.
There are no hotels directly near Eling Lake, but Banma County offers a range of guesthouses and basic accommodations. For a wider selection, visitors can opt to stay in Xining, about 4 hours from the lake.
There are no large souvenir shops at Eling Lake. However, traditional Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, and local artifacts can be found in Banma County or nearby villages.
To continue your trip after visiting Eling Lake, returning to Xining by taxi or private car is the best option. From Xining, you can explore other nearby attractions such as Qinghai Lake or the Kumbum Monastery.
