Qinghai: God's Spilled Palette | Four-Day Detailed Itinerary

If you're writing about Qinghai, you can't just write about Qinghai itself. You need to include its forests and grasslands, alpine lakes, canyons and glaciers, breathtaking self-driving routes, and the place known as "the closest to the heavens on Earth." A four-day trip is highly recommended. 📆 Day 1: Xining — Riyue Mountain — Qinghai Lake Riyue Mountain offers stunning scenery, and many of the most beautiful photos of prayer flags are taken here. It's a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts. Qinghai Lake, with its sapphire blue waters, is both sacred and dreamy. You can rent bicycles along the roadside and ride while enjoying the lake breeze and sunset, feeling like the protagonists of a movie. Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake — U-shaped Highway — Dongtai Jinel Lake Walking to the center of Chaka Salt Lake feels like entering a "Mirror of the Sky." Take the small train within the scenic area to explore scenes reminiscent of "Spirited Away." The U-shaped Highway is known as the loneliest road, surrounded by desert and gobi landscapes that best represent the Northwest. Remember not to take photos in the middle of the road as there are many large vehicles, which can be dangerous. Dongtai Jinel Lake offers an endless sky above and deep blue waters below, making you feel like you're in a hidden paradise or a Buddhist haven. There are also many optional paid activities to choose from based on your preferences. Day 3: Water Yadan — Emerald Lake — Delingha Water Yadan is a disappearing "ocean" where gobi and lakes coexist. Emerald Lake looks like a watercolor painting dropped by God onto the earth, stunningly beautiful and unmatched by any other location. Day 4: Haizi Poetry Exhibition Hall — Xining "Sister, tonight I am in Delingha... Sister, tonight I do not care about humanity, I only miss you." Visit the Haizi Poetry Exhibition Hall to read his poetry and learn about his past. 🚗 Transportation Qinghai's attractions are scattered, so self-driving allows for a more leisurely experience. If you don't have time for self-driving, joining a tour group is also an option. 🍜 Food 📍 Qinghai Milk Cake Available in local shops, it has a rich milky flavor that evokes childhood memories with every bite. 📍 Hand-Pulled Lamb Qinghai's most famous dish, the lamb is not greasy, with tender and flavorful meat that melts in your mouth. 📍 Handmade Yogurt at Ma Bufang Mansion Entrance Various types of yogurt are available; try a couple to experience authentic Qinghai-style yogurt. 📍 Sweet and Sour Pork Tenderloin A Qinghai specialty and a must-order dish at restaurants. Most places offer similar flavors, so choose a highly-rated restaurant to try it. 📍 Baked Lamb Ribs Similar to dry pot dishes, the potatoes inside are soft and creamy, resembling mashed potatoes. The lamb is tender and fully infused with flavor—highly recommended. 🏠 Accommodation Apart from Xining, accommodation in Qinghai is relatively basic, though it has improved significantly compared to previous years. Be prepared for simpler conditions. Qinghai Lake also offers lakeside hotels where you can wake up and fall asleep to views of the sapphire blue lake. Highly recommended for those who want to experience this unique setting.