Qinghai Lake Trip

3-Day Off-the-Beaten-Path Itinerary in Xining, Qinghai 🌿 A Healing Self-Drive Journey through Grasslands and Lakes

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🌞Day 1: Xining City - Ta'er Monastery - Laji Mountain - Qinghai Lake
Depart from Xining city at 8 AM, and after a 1.5-hour drive, you'll see the golden-roofed Ta'er Monastery shining brightly. Don't miss the butter sculptures here! In the afternoon, when passing Laji Mountain, the 3,800-meter altitude brings the sea of clouds within reach. Arrive at the south shore of Qinghai Lake by evening; we recommend Gesang Flower Tibetan Restaurant in Heimahe Town, where you can sip butter tea while watching the sunset light spread across the lake.

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🌲Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake - West Ring Road of Qinghai Lake - Gangcha Grassland
At Chaka Salt Lake, known as the "Mirror of the Sky," it’s best to wear bright-colored clothes. The key is fewer crowds! There is a shallow area by the lake where you can wade in the water, so remember to bring slippers~ In the afternoon, driving along the west ring road of Qinghai Lake, you will pass vast fields of rapeseed flowers. The golden sea of flowers paired with the deep blue lake in summer is simply stunning!

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🏔Day 3: Zhuo'er Mountain - Qilian Grassland - Return to Xining
The Danxia landform of Zhuo'er Mountain is amazing, like a spilled palette of colors. Passing through Qilian Grassland, you can experience horseback riding, and the local herders are very friendly. On the way back, you will pass the ten-thousand-mu rapeseed flower fields in Menyuan; don’t forget to buy plateau honey as a souvenir.

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【Practical Tips】
1. For self-driving, renting an SUV is recommended as some road sections are quite bumpy.
2. Sunscreen + sunglasses + hat are essential; ultraviolet rays are very strong on the plateau.
3. Accommodation by Qinghai Lake is basic, so remember to bring a sleeping bag liner.
4. Zhuo'er Mountain requires hiking; prepare an oxygen bottle to prevent altitude sickness.