It is mountains and rivers, lakes and seas, it is freedom

🌊 Key Points

Best Time: July-August (rapeseed flowers in full bloom, best climate), May-June, early September-October (fewer people, beautiful scenery, slightly cooler weather)
Transportation:
Self-driving/Car rental 🚗: Highly recommended! Flexible and free around the lake (about 360 km).
Public Transport: There are buses from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake Scenic Area (Erlangjian), but traveling around the lake is inconvenient.
Core Experience: Lake circuit tour, lake viewing, rapeseed flowers (summer), cycling (some sections), experiencing the plateau scenery.

📍 Must-visit Attractions/Areas

1. Erlangjian Scenic Area: Main official scenic area, fully equipped, boat tours available.
2. West Road around the Lake: Most beautiful section, close to the lake, classic sunrise viewing spot at Heimahe 🌅 (many accommodations).
3. Bird Island (April-June): Birdwatching paradise (check opening status).
4. Sand Island/Jinsha Bay: Lakeside desert scenery, sand activities available.
5. Chaka Salt Lake (Nearby): "Mirror of the Sky," about 2 hours' drive from Qinghai Lake, highly recommended to visit together.
6. Roadside Rapeseed Flower Fields (July-August): Many paid photo spots around the lake 📸.

⚠️ Important Tips
Altitude Sickness: Qinghai Lake is about 3200 meters above sea level, avoid strenuous exercise, prepare medication, and rest well.
Weather and Clothing: Huge temperature difference between day and night! Even in summer, be sure to bring **windproof and warm jackets 🧥 (shell jacket/light down jacket), long pants. Sun protection is crucial (hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen)!
🕍 Accommodation: Heimahe (convenient for sunrise viewing), Erlangjian, Gangcha County, and guesthouses on the west road around the lake are main options; book early during peak season.
Respect Local Customs: Qinghai Lake area is home to many Tibetan and Hui communities; please respect local ethnic customs and religious beliefs (e.g., do not take photos of locals without permission, do not step on prayer flags).
Environmental Protection: Take care of the environment, carry out all trash.

🍜 Must Try

Hand-pulled lamb, yak yogurt, kangguo lamb, noodle slices, sweet fermented barley drink.

📅 Classic Route Reference (3 days)

Day 1: Depart from Xining → Riyue Mountain (passing by) → Daotang River (passing by) → **Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area → Stay in Heimahe.
Day 2: Sunrise viewing at Heimahe 🌅 → Cycling/touring along the west road around the lake → Bird Island (season permitting) → Gangcha County → Stay in Gangcha or north shore of the lake.
Day 3: North shore of the lake → Jinyin Beach Grassland/Atomic City (optional) → Sand Island/Jinsha Bay (optional) → Return to Xining OR visit Chaka Salt Lake before returning.