Written by Veronica |
Qinghai Lake, also known as āCuo Wen Bu,ā meaning the āblue seaā in Tibetan, is the largest inland lake as well as the largest saltwater lake in China. It is known as āChinaās Most Beautiful Lakeā and the āSapphire on the Plateau.ā It sits in northwestern Qinghai Province, amongst Qilian Mountain, Datong Mountain, and Riyue Mountain.
Fast Facts aboutĀ Qinghai Lake
- Location: Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai
- Hours: all day
- Tickets: CNY 100 for Erlangjian Scenic Area
- Size: Over 4,500 square kilometers (1,737 square miles)
- Altitude: 3,196 meters (10,486 feet)
- Recommended Visit Time: two to three days
- Best Time of the Year: May till October
- Suited to: nature and outdoor lovers, anyone interested in Tibetan culture
Qinghai Lake Overview
Qinghai Lake sees its best time of the year in July and August when the average daily temperature is about 15 Ā°C (59 Ā°F). At this time, hundreds of acres of rapeseed flowers around the lake are in bloom. Mountain pastures are coated in colorful wildflowers, dotted with cattle and sheep.
Qinghai Lake is an essential stop in any Qinghai tour. Many cyclists have made the pilgrimage here and ranked it āChinaās Top Eight Most Beautiful Cycling Paradise.ā It is also a popular destination for wildlife lovers and bird watchers.
Qinghai Lake holds great historical and cultural value as well. The famous ancient Silk Road passes by its north bank, enabling the cultural exchange between China and the West since the Han Dynasty. The lake has nourished many Tibetan cultures for centuries. On your Silk Road tour, you can visit local villages, taste delicious Tibetan food, and learn about their customs and beliefs.
What to See and Do at Qinghai Lake
1. Explore the Erlangjian Scenic Area
Erlangjian is the only official scenic area of Qinghai Salt Lake and one of the best places to watch the sunrise. It is located on the northeast bank of Qinghai Lake, named after the sword of the legendary Erlang God who killed demons here. There are sightseeing towers, viewing platforms, walking plank roads and other facilities. You can participate in water activities and enjoy the surrounding views.
2. Stop in Heima River Town
Heima River is one of the largest rivers that join Qinghai Lake and one of the best places to observe local birds and wildlife. It is on the south bank of Qinghai Lake and is named after the legend of the Heima (black horse) God. The river flows through a vast valley. On its banks, there are many plants such as canola and plateau rhododendron.
There are several aquatic organisms such as fish, shrimps, and crabs in the river. The wildlife at Qinghai Lake also includes Tibetan antelope, bison, and wild donkeys. Over 100 species of birds inhabit the plateau like white cranes, black-necked cranes, and migratory birds.
3. Take in the View of Qinghai Lake
There are several ways to spend some time with the great lake. You may choose to hike around it and discover some unique plants and animal species. Or you might take a boat tour over the clear water. Qinghai Lake is a world-famous destination among cyclists as well.
4. Visit Tibetan Villages and Taste Local Foods
There are a number of local villages near Qinghai Lake. Tasting their local delicacies will surely be a highlight of your Qinghai trip. Qingke wine is a barley wine and a favorite of Tibetan people. It warms you up after being in the cold and fills your senses with aroma and flavors. If youāre not a fan of alcohol, try butter tea instead. It tastes thick and creamy while refilling your energy.
Mutton is commonly seen on the dinner table in Tibet. One of the ways to prepare it is to boil large chunks in an iron pot over the fire. They are boiled overtime together with condiments till they are tender. Locals also like to have mutton with noodles.
Finally, for dessert, Tibetan yogurt is a popular choice among visitors for being the most distinctive dairy product in Qinghai. It involves heating milk or yak milk to about 80 Ā° C (176 Ā°F). It is then put into a clay pot with a small amount of yogurt bacteria to ferment overnight. Tibetan yogurt comes out tasting rich and sweet.
Cycling aroundĀ Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake has become one of the most popular spots in China for cycling enthusiasts, because of the gorgeous view and challenges posed by altitude and length. The altitude makes the cycling process strenuous. The total distance around Qinghai Lake is about 360 kilometers (224 miles). The complete journey usually takes 4-6 days.
Cyclists need to monitor their health closely in order to avoid any altitude sickness. If you wish to challenge yourself and take on this challenge, there are plenty of local cycling tours and groups you can sign up for. Summer is the busiest season for Qinghai Lake, as all the yellow rape flowers and wildflowers are in full bloom. The Tour of Qinghai Lake professional bicycle racing event is held every year in July.
Of course, you may just watch the race or only cycle for part of the journey. For families with children, there are electric bikes that you can rent around the lake.
Best Time to Visit Qinghai Lake
The best time to travel to Qinghai Lake is between May and October when the weather is nice. In spring, the surrounding is covered in greens and wildflowers. And in autumn, changing the colors of the foliage is another sight to see. The months of July and August are the best for witnessing the sea of yellow rape flowers around the lake. If youāre interested in birdwatching, visit Qinghai Lake from May to July.
How to Get toĀ Qinghai Lake
By Flight: Fly into Xining Caojiabao Airport from major cities in China. Then you can take an airport bus or a taxi to Xining city center.
By Train:Ā Take a train to Heima River Railway Station, which is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away from Qinghai Lake. From there, take a taxi or a local bus to the lake.
By Bus: To travel from Xining to Qinghai Lake, you can take a train as mentioned before, or you can take a bus from Bayi Bus Terminal. The bus leaves at 8 am and returns at 4 pm. The fee for a single trip is CNY 40 per person. The bus stops at the Erlangjian Scenic Area.
By Private Car: The easiest way to reach Qinghai Lake is by hiring a private car and driving along the G109 National Highway. Itāll take about 3.5 hours.
Essential Travel Tips
- Qinghai Lake is at an altitude of 3,200 meters and about 30 % tourists may suffer from mild altitude sickness. So it is advised to stay in Xining city for one or two days before you go to Qinghai Lake. And take rhodiola rosea, ibuprofen and glucose oral solution with you. During the tour, keep a healthy living habit. Ensure enough sleep and water intake. Avoid overeating, smoking and drinking alcohol.
- The clothes tourists should pack include a thick coat, a sun-protective clothing and disposable underwear. Other accessories include sunglasses, a sunhat and a silk scarf. Besides, do not forget the high-spf sunscreen and oxygen bottle.
- For ecological protection, the Bird Island has been closed since 2018. But you can also watch the birds at the designated area near Haixi Mountain.
- The best place to take photos of the sunrise and the scene of the lake meeting the sky is Erlangjian Scenic Area. Huanyu West Road is suitable for taking photos with a road theme. Along the way, there are prayer flags, grasslands and flocks of cattle and sheep. In Heima River, you can capture the moment of sunrise and lively pictures of birds.
- Qinghai Lake is an ecologically vulnerable area. Do not disturb birds and pick up bird eggs. And please take away the trash.
- Around Qinghai Lake are the residences of Tibetan people. Qinghai Lake is their sacred lake, so it is important to respect their religious belief. Do not tread on prayer flags and Marnyi Stone. Do not throw things randomly into the lake. And follow a clockwise direction to travel around the lake.
Attractions Nearby Qinghai Lake
- Riyue Mountain sits in the southeast of Qinghai Lake. Itās popular among hikers for an amazing view of the lake from above.
- Ta’er MonasteryĀ is one of the most significant Tibetan monasteries in China. Itās about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Qinghai Lake and is famous for its beautiful architecture and valuable collections of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
- Chaka Salt LakeĀ is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) west of Qinghai Lake. A spectacular optical illusion happens between noon and 4 pm, when the lake reflects the sky and clouds, making it hard to tell where the horizon is.
Accommodation: Where to Stay
XiningĀ is the base for a tour to Qinghai Lake. There are more types of hotels and most hotels are in good condition. The catering choices are also abundant. But the city is about 2.5 – 3.5 hoursāĀ driving away from the scenic area.
Heima River TownĀ is the main living area for most tourists, because it is one of the best places to watch the sunrise on Qinghai Lake. The disadvantage is the living condition is relatively basic. In July and August, the price is higher and the hotel is in short supply, so you need to make a reservation in advance.
Local Tibetan guesthouses/tentsĀ along the lake’s ring road must be the most special living experience and will leave unforgettable memories for a lifetime. Just open the window, you will see the Qinghai Lake before your eyes. In the evening, the starry milky way will amaze you. Some guesthouses also provide activities like a Tibetan clothing experience and a bonfire party. But the facilities are simple and most are not equipped with independent bathrooms. The temperature is lower in the evening, resulting in a higher risk of altitude sickness.
FAQs about Qinghai Lake
What is Qinghai Lake known for?
It is famous for the spectacular natural scenery of blue lake water, the hundreds of thousands of migratory birds and the unique Tibetan customs.
Can foreigners visit Qinghai?
Foreigners can visit the open scenic spots, such as Erlangjian. If you plan to climb the mountain, conduct scientific research or mapping, then you need to apply to the relevant department in advance and get approval.
How large is Qinghai Lake, and what is its altitude?
Qinghai Lake is over 4,500 sq km and at an altitude of 3,196 meters.
How many days do I need to visit Qinghai Lake? Ā
Usually, 2 – 3 days are needed.
A brief route for a one-day tour is as follows: Xining – Riyue Mountain – Daotang River – Erlangjian Scenic Area – Jinsha Bay – Jinyintan Grassland – Return to Xining
The itinerary for a 3-day classic lake tour is listed below:
Day 1: Xining – Riyue Mountain – Daotang River – Erlangjian Scenic Area – Heima River Town
Day 2: Watch sunrise in Heima River – Huanyu West Road – Bird Island – Gangcha County
Day 3: Gangcha County – Sand Island – Jinyintan Grassland – Atomic City – Return to Xining
How long does it take to complete the Qinghai Lake cycling route?
A complete cycling tour usually takes about 4 – 6 days.
Explore Qinghai Lake with China Xian Tour
Qinghai Lake is a must-visit attraction in Qinghai Province. Follow China Xian TourĀ to feel its charm by exploring the Erlangjian Scenic Area, observing the birds along the way and tasting the Tibetan food. And you do not have to worry about the altitude sickness, our guide has lived here for several years, he will tell you how to prevent and deal with it so that you can enjoy a more comfortable tour. Just contact us, we will tailor a Qinghai Lake trip based on your likes.
