Qinghai Lake – A Lesson for Every Unprepared Mom!

Many moms dream of taking their kids to Qinghai Lake to see herds of cattle and sheep and witness the sunrise over the lake. But traveling to the plateau, especially with little ones, requires some advance preparation. Last time, we rushed into the trip and were "severely taught a lesson" by the high altitude. Here’s my tearful guide to avoiding pitfalls—every tip is a hard-earned lesson. A must-read for moms before the trip! 💔 Hard Lesson #1: Altitude Sickness Targets "Carefree" Moms! Think your kid has endless energy? Wrong! Qinghai Lake sits at 3,200+ meters above sea level, where the air is thinner. Don’t underestimate this altitude—my little one turned pale and complained of a headache as soon as we got out of the car. This scared me to death! 😭 ✅ Lifesaving Tips: ⏳ Acclimate first! Strongly recommend spending a night in Xining (about 2,200 meters) to let your child adjust before heading straight to the lake. My friend wisely arrived in Xining a day early with her kid. Due to work, I had to arrive and leave on the same day, which led to a series of headaches—literally. 💊 Pack a mini first-aid kit! Portable oxygen cans (might not be needed, but you’ll panic without them) and children’s ibuprofen suspension for fever or pain. Don’t forget lip balm! 👀 Monitor your child closely! If they’re unusually drowsy, vomiting, or breathing rapidly, head back to Xining immediately. Safety first! 💔 Hard Lesson #2: Temperature Swings + Harsh Sun = Kid’s "Torture"! Freezing at sunrise, peeling by noon! The weather at Qinghai Lake is unpredictable—a chilly breeze can leave your kid sniffling... ✅ Dressing Guide: 🧥 Layer like an onion! T-shirt + fleece + windbreaker, with a lightweight down jacket in the bag. ☀️ Sunscreen trio! High-SPF kids’ sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours!), wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses 🕶️ (the sunlight seems gentle, but the UV rays are brutal). 🌧 Carry a compact umbrella! The plateau weather changes fast. A small umbrella shields against rain and sun—and doubles as a privacy screen when nature calls in the treeless grasslands. 💔 Hard Lesson #3: Scattered Attractions = Kids Crying in the Car! Qinghai’s sights are dozens, even hundreds, of kilometers apart. Endless car rides will have your kid asking, "Are we there yet?" on repeat—every mom’s nightmare! ✅ Travel Tips: 🚗 Hire a local driver! Opt for a reliable car service with a child safety seat for comfort and safety while enjoying the views. We chose to self-drive… 🤪 🌸 The most scenic route is the West Loop Road around Qinghai Lake. Erlangjian Scenic Area was a mistake—too crowded! Instead, head to Dongge’er Viewing Platform (fewer people, stunning views, plus seagull feeding and Huang fish sightings), Gari Monastery, or the wetlands near Bird Island (watching Huang fish migrate is magical!). ⏱️ Limit to 1-2 sights per day. Give your child time to play and explore freely—that’s the real joy of travel. 💔 Hard Lesson #4: Last-Minute Food/Lodging = Disaster! In peak season, restaurants near attractions are pricey and packed! Finding kid-friendly meals is tough, and hunger strikes... Even in July/August, nights at Qinghai Lake drop below 10°C. No heating in your room? Everyone suffers! ✅ Survival Guide: 🏠 Stay along the West Loop Road! Not just for the views and photo ops, but also for sunrise access. Book early! Choose well-equipped hotels (ask about floor heating—it’s a must for the temperature swings). Oxygen-equipped lodgings are ideal for kids and elders! We stayed at Qinghai Lake Tibetan Charm Homestay—floor heating, oxygen, a private pasture, and a lakeside platform for stargazing and sunrise views. 🥣 Pack snacks! Kids’ crackers, instant porridge, and formula are lifesavers. Bring a portable electric kettle to warm meals if needed. Yak yogurt? Just a taste—too much may upset little tummies! ✨ Qinghai Lake at Its Best: With good prep, the lake rewards you with its most tender beauty. Watch your child run through golden rapeseed fields (mid-July is peak!). Feed adorable Huang fish by the clear water or snap a photo on a fluffy white yak... Every moment etches into memory, and the exhaustion melts away with their pure, joyful smiles! >📌 Mom’s Checklist: ✅ Altitude kit: Kids’ anti-altitude meds + portable oxygen ✅ All-season wardrobe: Layered clothing + top-tier sun protection ✅ Road buddy: A trusted driver (with a car seat!) ✅ Snack pack: Light bites + thermos ✅ Cozy haven: A well-booked hotel (with heating!) Qinghai Lake won’t punish prepared moms. With a little effort, it gifts you the bluest skies, softest clouds, mesmerizing waters, and your child’s carefree laughter. Go—it’s a memory to treasure forever!