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Located on the north shore of Qinghai Lake, the Fairy Bay Scenic Area blends highland wetlands, lakeside and mountain scenery, grand sea worship ceremonies, Tibetan customs, and myths and legends. Fairy Bay is home to the whooper swan, a nationally protected species, and is home to thousands of swans during the autumn and winter months.
Tang Dynasty poet Li Shangyin once wrote, "The Queen Mother of the Jade Pool opens her brocade windows, and the song of the yellow bamboos shakes the earth with sorrow." This poem tells us that the Queen Mother of the West has been unable to wait for her beloved to arrive. Now, only the incarnations of the swan fairies fly here every year, adding a touch of spiritual energy to Qinghai Lake in winter. This is how the name Fairy Bay comes from.
From June to October every year, Fairy Bay Wetland blooms with flowers of different colors in different seasons, forming a sea of flowers, like a carpet woven by nature.
Temperate continental climate; Fairy Bay of Qinghai Lake is a tourist attraction that integrates plateau wetland ecological experience and sea worship culture, suitable for travel in all seasons.
Wetlands, Sansheng Laze, Circumambulation Corridor, and Sea Sacrifice Platform;
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
Peak season: 60 yuan/person, off-season: 30 yuan/person
8:30-19:00
Fairy Bay is part of Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland lake, significant for its unique ecosystem, migratory bird habitat, and natural beauty. It holds cultural importance for local Tibetan communities and is a symbol of Qinghai’s pristine landscapes.
Located in Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. Visitors usually reach the area by car, taxi, or organized tour from Xining. Public buses are limited; walking is suitable for exploring the bay area itself.
Open year-round. The best times to visit are from late spring to early autumn (May to September) for favorable weather and vibrant scenery.
Entrance fee is typically charged; prices may vary seasonally. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the park entrance. Online booking may be available through local travel platforms.
Advance booking is recommended during peak season (summer months) to ensure entry. Booking a few days ahead is usually sufficient.
2–4 hours are sufficient to explore the main bay, trails, and viewpoints.
Guided tours may be available via local tour operators; audio guides are generally not provided. Most guided services are in Chinese, though some tours in English may be arranged.
Start at the main entrance, walk along the lakeside path, stop at observation points for photography and bird watching, explore nearby trails, and finish at the bay’s pier or lakeside picnic area.
Night visits are limited; no light shows are offered. Special tours may be arranged with local guides for photography or ecological exploration.
Peak tourist season is summer (July–August). Visit early in the morning or weekdays for a quieter experience.
Basic facilities include restrooms, small food stalls, and benches. Limited souvenir or convenience shops are available near the entrance.
Main paths are flat and easy to navigate, but some trails may be uneven. Elderly and children can enjoy the lakeside; wheelchair access may be limited in certain areas.
Cash is often preferred, though some stalls may accept mobile payments. Entrance ticket counters may accept both.
Local Tibetan-style eateries and small cafes are near the park entrance and along the road to Fairy Bay.
Vegetarian options are available; halal food can be found in local Tibetan restaurants.
Guesthouses, small hotels, and eco-lodges are available in nearby towns such as Gangcha County or along Qinghai Lake.
Souvenirs include local Tibetan handicrafts, postcards, and Qinghai Lake-themed items.
Car, taxi, or organized tour vans are the most convenient for continuing to nearby scenic spots or returning to Xining.
