Complete Guide to Cycling Around Qinghai Lake

Seven Days and Six Nights In-Depth Tour of Qinghai (Budget 10,000 RMB)
Trip Highlights: Cycling around Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake "Mirror of the Sky," galloping on Qilian Grassland, Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea, Ta'er Monastery Tibetan Buddhist Culture
Suitable For: Photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, cultural experiencers
Budget Allocation:

Transportation: 3,000 RMB (airfare/train tickets + local car rental)
Accommodation: 2,000 RMB (comfortable hotels/unique homestays)
Meals: 1,500 RMB (local specialty cuisine)
Tickets and Activities: 2,000 RMB (scenic area tickets, cycling, horseback riding, etc.)
Others: 1,500 RMB (souvenirs, snacks, etc.)

Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Xining, acclimate to the plateau environment

Morning: Arrive at Xining Caojiapu Airport, take the airport shuttle or taxi to the city hotel.
Afternoon: Rest and adapt to the high altitude; visit Dongguan Mosque or Qinghai Provincial Museum.
Evening: Taste Xining specialties such as hand-pulled mutton, yogurt, and sweet fermented barley.
Accommodation: Hotel in Xining city

Day 2: Xining - Ta'er Monastery - Qinghai Lake (Cycling Experience)

Morning: Visit Ta'er Monastery, one of the six major Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, to experience the rich religious atmosphere.
Afternoon: Drive to Qinghai Lake, enjoy the plateau scenery along the way, and upon arrival, experience cycling around Qinghai Lake (about 2 hours).
Evening: Stay at a hotel or homestay near Qinghai Lake and enjoy the starry sky.
Accommodation: Hotel/homestay near Qinghai Lake

Day 3: Qinghai Lake Sunrise - Chaka Salt Lake - Heimahe

Early Morning: Watch the sunrise at Qinghai Lake and feel the grandeur of nature.
Morning: Head to Chaka Salt Lake, the "Mirror of the Sky," to capture dreamy reflections.
Afternoon: Drive to Heimahe, enjoying the grassland scenery en route.
Evening: Stay at a hotel in Heimahe and savor local specialties.
Accommodation: Hotel in Heimahe

Day 4: Heimahe - Qilian Grassland - Zhuo'er Mountain - Qilian County

Morning: Visit Qilian Grassland, experience horseback riding or hiking, and feel the vastness of the grassland.
Afternoon: Climb Zhuo'er Mountain to overlook the panorama of Qilian County, admiring the magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands.
Evening: Stay at a hotel in Qilian County and enjoy local specialties.
Accommodation: Hotel in Qilian County

Day 5: Qilian County - Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea - Xining

Morning: Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea (best viewing period July to August), admire the golden sea of flowers against the blue sky and white clouds.
Afternoon: Return to Xining, enjoying the plateau scenery along the way.
Evening: Stay at a hotel in Xining city, free activities.
Accommodation: Hotel in Xining city

Day 6: Xining - Kanbula National Geopark - Xining

Morning: Visit Kanbula National Geopark to appreciate Danxia landforms, forests, lakes, and other natural landscapes.
Afternoon: Return to Xining, free activities, souvenir shopping available.
Evening: Taste Xining specialties.
Accommodation: Hotel in Xining city

Day 7: Departure from Xining

Morning: According to flight/train schedule, head to the airport/train station, concluding a pleasant Qinghai trip.

Travel Tips:

Altitude Sickness: Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival, drink plenty of water, and rest adequately.
Sun Protection and Warmth: Qinghai has strong UV rays and large temperature differences between day and night; take measures for sun protection and warmth.
Respect Customs: Respect local ethnic customs and religious beliefs.
Eco-friendly Travel: Protect the plateau ecological environment, do not litter.

Optional Upgrades:

Qinghai Lake Boat Tour: Experience the vastness of Qinghai Lake up close.
Desert Camping: Camp in the desert at Jinsha Bay and enjoy the starry sky.
Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over Chaka Salt Lake to overlook the "Mirror of the Sky."

You can adjust the itinerary and budget according to your own situation. Wish you a pleasant journey!