Blood of the Earth

Here's a travel guide to Qinghai, covering attractions, food, and more:

Must-See Attractions

- Qinghai Lake: The largest inland and saltwater lake in China, with ethereal blue waters. July and August are the most beautiful months, when thousands of acres of rapeseed flowers bloom around the lake, contrasting with the azure water like a picturesque scroll.

- Chaka Salt Lake: Named one of the "55 Places to Visit in Your Lifetime" by National Geographic Magazine, it's known as the "Mirror of the Sky." The lake's surface reflects the sky, clouds, and mountains like a dreamlike wonderland.

- Ta'er Monastery: One of the most important monasteries of the Gelug school (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism, and the birthplace of Master Tsongkhapa. The monastery boasts magnificent architecture, exquisite murals, embroidery, and butter sculptures, and a rich religious atmosphere.

- Dachaidan Emerald Lake: Formerly a mining area of the Dachaidan Chemical Plant Salt Lake Mining Team, the lake's water is clear and blue under the sunlight, like emeralds embedded in the snowy plateau, resembling a teardrop from God.

- Qilian Mountains Grassland: Located at the border of Qinghai and Gansu, it was named one of China's six most beautiful grasslands by Chinese National Geography. The vast grassland stretches like a thousand-mile green carpet. In July and August, lush grass, blooming wildflowers, and flocks of cattle and sheep contrast with the snow-capped Qilian Mountains, creating a breathtaking scene.

Local Specialties

- Hand-Grabbed Mutton: Qinghai's mutton is fatty but not greasy, rich and tender, without a strong mutton odor. It's a must-have dish at banquets.

- Niangpi: A traditional Qinghai snack with a unique production process. It has a cool and refreshing taste, perfect for whetting the appetite and relieving summer heat. It can be eaten as a main course or a snack.

- Qinghai Yogurt: Authentic yak yogurt, made from milk after butter extraction. It's rich in nutrients, aids digestion, and quenches thirst.

- Gou Jiaour (Dog Pissing): Also known as "Gou Jiaour" oil cake, it's a popular pasta dish in Qinghai. Thin pancakes are fried in rapeseed oil, then coated with roasted soybean flour, Sichuan pepper powder, salt, and other seasonings. While frying, oil is poured onto the pancakes in a swirling motion, resembling a dog urinating.