Trip Overview
When: March (early spring, cool but pleasant)
Duration: 1 day
Travelers: With parents
Budget: ~600 RMB (~$85 USD)
Transportation: Self-drive/Local transport
Day 1: Qinghai Lake (青海湖)
Jia Ling's film 'Hi, Mom' expresses her deep love for her mother, Li Huanying. As the old saying goes, 'A child' s love is as insignificant as a blade of grass, how can they repay the spring sunshine?' Loving your own mother is only natural.
But when a group of people travel thousands of miles to visit someone else's 'mother,' give money to someone else's 'mother,' and take photos with someone else's 'mother,' in some places, people would say: 'Look at their mother, she's amazing!'
Enough praise—let's speak in Northeast Chinese dialect: 'No regrets!' Let me show you this 'stunning' mother. Come and go? Let's just 'Go'!
Qinghai Lake (青海湖)—the mother lake in the hearts of Qinghai people. Known in Tibetan as 'Cuo Wen Bu' (meaning 'blue sea'). China's largest inland lake.
Qinghai Lake—the phrase 'paradise on earth' has sparked countless people's longing for this place. Imagined Qinghai Lake should be: vast and misty, magnificent and dreamy. Qinghai Lake—how it makes everyone's heart race; it's simply impossible to describe her beauty in words.
A massive lake lies across the plateau, as if all the water of the plateau has gathered here.
Legend has it: Over 1,000 years ago, to strengthen the Tang-Tibetan alliance, Princess Wencheng (文成公主) of the Tang Dynasty was married to Songtsen Gampo (松赞干布), the King of Tibet. Before her departure, the Tang Emperor gifted her a magical mirror that could reflect her homeland. On the journey, the princess missed her homeland so much that she took out the mirror—and indeed saw her beloved Chang'an. Tears streamed down her face. However, suddenly remembering her mission, she decisively threw the mirror away. Unexpectedly, as it hit the ground, a golden flash turned it into Qinghai Lake. Another legend says it was the youngest son of the East Sea Dragon King who brought 108 streams together to form this vast West Sea, thus becoming the West Sea Dragon King. Yet another says it was when Sun Wukong (Monkey King) made havoc in the Heavenly Palace, being chased by Erlang God to this place; Erlang God was extremely thirsty and discovered this sacred lake.
Qinghai Lake sits at an altitude of 3,196 meters, located within the Qinghai Lake basin, surrounded by mountains on three sides: the Qilian Mountains (祁连山) to the north, the Riyue Mountains (日月山) to the southeast, and the Nanshan Mountains (南山) to the south. It features rich plateau scenery, combining grassland and mountains, and is a famous habitat for migratory birds.
The loop road around the lake is approximately 360 kilometers, with scenery along the way including grasslands, lakes, deserts, mountains, Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖), rapeseed flowers, cattle, sheep, and bird flocks—truly diverse landscapes.
Strolling along Qinghai Lake, the blue湖水 (lake water) beneath your feet blends seamlessly with the deep blue sky above. Distant snow-capped mountains that never melt add to this breathtaking scene. The joyful cries of seabirds in the distance add a vivid touch to this picture-perfect landscape. Immersed in it, you not only feel the harmony between humans and nature, but also witness birds reflecting beautifully against the natural surroundings.
Poetry and distant places—that is Qinghai Lake; Qinghai Lake—that is the poetry and distant places in our hearts.
Leaving Qinghai Lake, when you later visit those distant places, you might sigh: 'This is nothing compared to what I've already seen.'
Even more magical: Every season at Qinghai Lake brings a different poetic experience.
In summer and autumn, the area around Qinghai Lake is lush with beautiful scenery. By the azure lake, golden rapeseed flowers fill the air with fragrance. And in winter, the lake surface is vast and crystal clear, shining brilliantly under the sunlight all day.
Nearby Attractions Recommendations:
1. Xihai Town (西海镇)—Experience China's Atomic Bomb History
Also known as Atomic City, Xihai Town is located in Haiyan County (海晏县), Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (海北藏族自治州), Qinghai Province. It is the political, economic, and cultural center of the prefecture. Xihai Town is 9 km from Haiyan County and 110 km from Xining (西宁), the provincial capital. The town covers 436.96 sq km, with a built-up area of 5 sq km.
2. Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖)—Get Close to the 'Mirror of the Sky'
Chaka Salt Lake is located in Chaka Town (茶卡镇), Wulan County (乌兰县), eastern Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province. It was an important station on the ancient Silk Road. Chaka Salt Lake is a famous natural crystallized salt lake with vast lake surface and beautiful scenery. The lake is pure white and magnificent, combining delicacy and grandeur. Visiting Chaka Salt Lake allows you not only to see clear reflections on the lake surface beneath your feet but also to witness the spectacular sight of rolling salt patterns left after the tide recedes. If you are a traveler who loves exploring the mysteries of the lake bottom, this is a great choice.
The best viewing season is June to October. Winter for snow viewing, summer for water scenery—the scenic route along the way will leave you reluctant to leave.
3. Gangcha Grassland (刚察草原)—Horseback Riding and Gazing at Blue Skies
Gangcha Grassland is located in Gangcha County (刚察县), Haibei Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The grassland is covered with clusters of tough grass, growing quite tall—very different from the grass in Gold Beach Grassland. The grassland is home to sheep, yak, horses, and other animals. It is a pristine, ecologically untouched grassland.
4. Riyue Mountain (日月山)—Relive the Glory of the Tang Dynasty
Riyue Mountain is a natural water dam on the eastern side of Qinghai Lake, located in Huangyuan County (湟源县), Xining City (西宁市), Qinghai Province. Historically known as 'Red Ridge.' Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng was married to Songtsen Gampo, she passed through this mountain. At the peak, she looked west, and the longing for her homeland grew stronger. She couldn't help but take out the 'Sun-Moon Mirror' gifted by the empress before her departure. Instantly, the mirror showed the enchanting scenery of Chang'an. The princess was torn between joy and sorrow, and accidentally dropped the mirror, which broke into two pieces, falling on two small hills. The eastern piece faced west, reflecting the sunset glow; the western piece faced east, catching the rising moonlight—thus giving Riyue Mountain its name.
5. Ta'er Monastery (塔尔寺)—Birthplace of the World's Second Buddha
Ta'er Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug School (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism in China and is the birthplace of the world's second Buddha, Tsongkhapa (the first is Sakyamuni Buddha). The monastery came first with the tower, then the temple was built, hence the name Ta'er Monastery. The vivid butter sculptures, colorful murals, and colorful stack embroidery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery.'
Xining City has direct bus lines to Ta'er Monastery, or you can share a taxi with a few people—very convenient.
When is the best time to visit Qinghai Lake?
1. The peak season around Qinghai Lake is July and August each year. During this time, it can get extremely crowded, which affects the viewing experience and travel enjoyment. So it's better to avoid peak season and visit in late spring, early summer, or early autumn.
2. Considering many families travel with children during summer vacation, if July and August are the only time available, be sure to book hotels, chartered cars, train tickets, and flights in advance. This not only saves money but also allows you to follow your own plans leisurely (during peak season, last-minute arrangements cost several times more, and many things may not be available).
3. From a cost perspective, visiting in the off-season can save a lot on food, accommodation, and transportation.
Tips and Precautions
1. Qinghai is quite dry. To boost immunity, eat more vegetables and fruits. Be careful not to overindulge in lamb, as getting overheated will affect your physical strength and health. Since local vegetables and fruits are limited, consider bringing vitamin supplements, especially Vitamin C.
2. Qinghai's Tibetan area has quite strong Qingke wine (青稞酒). When drinking, limit yourself to about two-thirds of your normal alcohol intake.
3. Food like butter tea in Tibetan areas may not suit the stomachs of people from the interior. Don't eat too much. There's a custom in the area that hosts must always refill the butter tea bowl for guests. Therefore, always keep your butter tea bowl two-thirds full—this respects Tibetan feelings and protects yourself. Consider bringing medicine like berberine for diarrhea.
4. Mosques generally do not welcome non-Muslim visitors during prayer times, but Muslim prayers are worth watching. Get permission before entering or taking photos. The best approach is to find a Muslim to take you in and have them arrange for you to watch from the side.
5. Tibetan sky burial ceremonies do not welcome onlookers. Taking photos or filming will cause big trouble. You can only watch with permission from the family, but try not to take photos.
6. If staying in Tibetan tents, pay attention to moisture protection. There should be a moisture barrier between the bed and ground. If you don't have a professional moisture mat, use plastic sheets instead.
7. If staying in a Muslim family, don't enter the kitchen without permission. Muslim kitchens generally don't welcome non-Muslims. Don't enter the host's, especially the hostess's, rooms. Don't touch religious objects. Follow halal standards when eating in Muslim homes.
8. There are many illegal vendors near Ta'er Monastery who forcibly sell Tibetan knives. They often gather at the monastery entrance to intimidate tourists into buying their knives and other items. Don't show any interest in their goods, don't stop to watch. Buy what you need from regular shops on the street. Be extra careful as this happens at some other tourist spots too.
9. Before departing for other attractions, buy enough film, batteries, food, medicine, etc. Other cities in Qinghai rarely have complete supplies, and even if they do, they're very expensive.
10. In some remote areas with little public transport, consider hitchhiking. Sometimes cigarettes work better than money. Try to find reliable vehicles like military vehicles or mail trucks.
6 Ways to Experience Qinghai Lake
1. South Bank of Qinghai Lake—Rapeseed Flowers and Photos. On the south bank, golden rapeseed flowers stretch to the blue waters of Qinghai Lake—blue and yellow, vivid colors. Occasional white pagolas, prayer flags, cattle, and sheep add to the scenery. Perfect for photos.
2. Cycling the West Lake Road. How can you visit Qinghai Lake without cycling? The full loop is 360 km, taking 4-6 days. If time and energy allow, give it a try. If limited, cycle a section of West Lake Road—this is about 15 km, taking 2 hours by bike, not too strenuous, and won't affect your following itinerary. This section has no truck traffic, just fresh highland air. Cycling along the massive blue Qinghai Lake, enjoying the gentle highland breeze and air scented with rapeseed flowers—absolutely amazing.
3. Afternoon by the Lake. You can take photos, play with water, fly kites. Tired? Sit by the lake and day-dream. Let the soft evening glow fill your eyes, enjoy the lake breeze, listen to the sound of waves hitting the rocks.
4. Bonfire Party by the Lake. After dinner, if you like excitement, invite new friends you just met and fellow hotel guests for a bonfire party by the lake—unforgettable.
5. Finding the Brightest Star in the Night Sky. Qinghai Lake is at high altitude with thin air and little light pollution. On clear nights, you can see a sky full of stars. If you love tranquility and nature, find a high place and enjoy a romantic night under the stars.
6. Watching Sunrise at Black Horse River. In July at Qinghai Lake, sunrise is around 7 AM. It's quite cold—wear a down jacket. The vast lake is initially blue, then as the sun rises, the lake surface is covered with shimmering silver waves. Occasionally, birds fly by, adding infinite vitality to this serene scenery.
Travel Tips:
1. Food: Noodles (ga mian pian, lamian, etc.) and beef/lamb are the staples. Along the way, you can also try Qinghai's special cold skin noodles and yogurt.
2. Accommodation: When staying in tents, pay attention to moisture. There should be a moisture barrier between bed and ground. Use plastic sheets if no moisture mat is available.
3. Safety: Watch out for dogs when approaching herders. At night, beware of wolves (locals say there are wolves in the eastern lake area). Some places by the lake are wetlands/marshes. Don't risk getting close to the lake easily.
4. Self-driving: The loop has excellent high-grade roads with little traffic. The only thing to note is that police are extremely strict about speeding. Also, watch out for cattle and sheep crossing the road. There is no altitude sickness in this area.
5. Loop Tour: Qinghai Lake is a sacred lake in the Tibetan area. It's best to follow the local custom and go clockwise. There is mostly government-installed wire fencing separating the road and lake pasture, but many places have no fencing or are easily crossed to get close to Qinghai Lake.