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Beautiful Qinghai welcomes you
Qinghai, also known as Qing, with its capital in Xining, is located in western China. Distinguished by the majestic natural scenery of the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Lake is renowned as China's largest inland saltwater lake. Every year in July and August, the vast expanse of rapeseed blossoms draws numerous tourists.
The Yangtze River and the Yellow River both originate in Qinghai. The Yangtze River's source is breathtakingly beautiful, with tens of meters high ice towers rising into the clear sky, stretching for dozens of miles, like a crystal mountain range with a myriad of unique features. Qinghai boasts golden seas of flowers, dazzling snow-capped mountains, and ocean-like clear waters. The Yellow River's source offers delightful scenery, with abundant water and grass, and numerous lakes and streams dotted throughout the area, creating a truly spectacular sight. Qinghai is a multi-ethnic region, home to Han and
The folk customs of the local people are unique, including those of the Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, Tu, Salar and other ethnic groups.
Continental plateau climate;
The best time to travel is from June to August
Recommended 5-day tour
Chaka Salt Lake
Chaka Salt Lake is a renowned natural crystalline salt lake in the Qaidam Basin, known as China's "Sky Mirror." Its salt production could supply the entire nation for approximately 75 years. The scenic area boasts numerous salt sculptures to admire, and visitors can take a train to the depths of the lake. Visitors can walk barefoot onto the surface of the lake to view and photograph their own reflections. If you're lucky, you might even witness mirages forming on the surface during the day.
Qinghai Lake
Also known as "Kukunur," meaning "blue sea" in Mongolian, it lies within the Qinghai Lake Basin and is China's largest inland lake and saltwater lake. Formed by the collapse of the fault between the Datong and Riyue Mountains of the Qilian Mountains and the Nanshan Mountains of Qinghai, the plateau's continental climate creates distinct beauty throughout the seasons. Boat tours are available at the Erlangjian Scenic Area on the south side; to the west is Bird Island, where hundreds of thousands of birds fly by each year from April to June, offering opportunities for viewing and photographing. The eastern part of the lake is dominated by beaches and recreational activities, including the famous Riyue Mountain and Daotang River. To the north are attractions such as the Golden Silver Beach and the Atomic City.
Ta'er Monastery
Ta'er Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in China and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the world's second-greatest Buddha. Named Ta'er Monastery because the pagoda was built first and the temple later, it boasts a history of over 400 years. With its magnificent architecture, rich treasures, and rich religious atmosphere, it is one of Xining's most popular tourist destinations. Its lifelike butter sculptures, vibrant murals, and vibrant pile embroidery are known as the "Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery Art."
Qinghai has long been a cultural crossroads, located on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. It was an important part of the ancient Silk Road, serving as a link between Central Asia and China. The region is home to Tibetan Buddhism, Islamic Hui culture, and Mongolian traditions, reflecting its multi-ethnic heritage. Its natural beauty and strategic location make it historically significant for trade, religion, and cultural exchange.
For popular sites like Chaka Salt Lake and Qinghai Lake during July–August, booking tickets online at least a few days in advance is recommended. For monasteries and smaller attractions, onsite purchase is usually sufficient.
Yes, many attractions offer discounts for students, seniors, and children with valid ID. Free entry days are not common, but reduced prices may apply during off-season months.
Chinese citizens must show ID cards, while foreigners must carry a passport. Health QR codes or vaccination records may be required depending on current travel policies. For remote border areas, special permits may sometimes be required.
Most natural attractions are open year-round, though accessibility can be limited in winter due to heavy snow. Religious sites like Kumbum Monastery are open year-round, but hours may shorten during festivals or special ceremonies.
Yes, guided tours are available at major sites like Kumbum Monastery (Mandarin, Tibetan, some English). Audio guides may be available via mobile apps for certain attractions. Hiring a private guide is common for in-depth exploration.
Most tickets allow single entry only, but some scenic areas (like Qinghai Lake) may allow re-entry within the same day. Confirm when purchasing tickets.
Yes, Chaka Salt Lake sometimes offers night sky viewing. Local Tibetan villages may host cultural performances. Light shows are rare, but stargazing tours are popular in high-altitude areas.
All major sites have toilets, rest stops, souvenir shops, and small restaurants. Remote areas may have basic facilities only, so carry water and snacks.
Yes, main attractions have paved paths and basic facilities. However, high altitude may pose health challenges for elderly or sensitive travelers.
Allowed but not always practical on rough terrain. Large monasteries and mountain sites may lack full accessibility. Rental options are rare.
Available in monasteries and museums, but not common at natural sites like lakes and mountains.
Wi-Fi is available in hotels, restaurants, and some city attractions. Remote scenic areas usually have no internet access.
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Cash is still useful in small villages or rural stalls.
ATMs are available in Xining and county towns, but rare in remote scenic areas. Carry cash when traveling outside the city.
Yes, avoid touching religious relics or prayer wheels unnecessarily. Dress modestly in monasteries and remove hats when entering prayer halls.
Local legends say Qinghai Lake was formed from the tears of a goddess. The lake is also associated with Tibetan prophecies and seen as sacred in Buddhism.
Qinghai’s landscapes have inspired Chinese poetry and photography. The region is also linked with Tibetan Buddhist masters and scholars who spread Buddhism into China.
Qinghai embodies a blend of Tibetan, Hui, Han, and Mongolian cultures, reflected in its monasteries, mosques, festivals, food, and nomadic traditions. It also mirrors its Silk Road legacy as a crossroads of cultures.
Qinghai is generally safe, with low crime rates. Minor scams may occur in tourist areas. The main concern is high altitude sickness rather than crime.
First aid is available in major tourist spots. Xining has hospitals and clinics. Remote areas may have limited medical access, so bring basic medicines.
Cities like Xining are safe at night. Remote areas are not recommended for night visits. Off-season (winter) travel can be difficult due to cold weather and limited transport.
