Tongbaoshan | Between Snow Mountains and Holy Lakes, I Found the Purest Freedom

**Tongbaoshan Travel Guide: Explore a Hidden Wonderland, Enjoy Delicious Food and Stunning Scenery** ### 🌄 Tongbaoshan Overview Tongbaoshan is located in Haiyan County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, near the north shore of Qinghai Lake. With an altitude of about 4024m, it is a niche, hidden gem in the area surrounding Qinghai Lake. Once the site of "China's first nuclear weapons research base" (Site 221), it is now known for its magnificent snow-capped mountains, pastures, lakes, and starry skies, making it ideal for hiking, photography, camping, and in-depth travel. --- ###📍 Must-See Attractions 1. Tongbaoshan Observation Deck - **Highlights**: Panoramic views of Qinghai Lake, with the golden lake surface and snow-capped mountains reflecting each other at sunrise and sunset, making it an excellent photography spot. - **Tips**: The mountain road is steep. It is recommended to drive an SUV or hike up the mountain. Be sure to protect yourself from the cold and wind. 2. Qinghai Lake Cliff (Internet-Famous Cliff) - **Location**: Near Tongbaoshan, navigate to "Daxiu Mula Buzai". - **Things to do**: Take photos with Qinghai Lake at the edge of the cliff for stunning shots. In summer, herders may charge a 10–20 CNY cleaning fee. 3. Jinyintan Grassland - **Features**: The birthplace of Wang Luobin's "In That Distant Place". In summer, wildflowers bloom everywhere, and you can ride horses and camp. 4. Atomic City Memorial Hall - **A must-see for history buffs**: Learn about the history of China's nuclear industry and experience the spirit of "Two Bombs, One Satellite". Free admission. ### 🍖 Food Recommendations 1. Tibetan Cuisine Experience - **Yak Hot Pot**: The yak meat from local herders' homes is fresh, tender, and nourishing. It is recommended to pair it with wild yellow mushrooms. - **Tsampa + Butter Tea**: Traditional Tibetan breakfast, essential for combating high altitude. - **Recommended Restaurant**: "Tibetan Courtyard" in Xihai Town (a well-established restaurant). 2. Qinghai Specialties - **Hand-Grabbed Mutton**: Authentic flavor, perfect with salt and pepper or chili powder. - **Yogurt**: A layer of golden milk skin on the surface, rich and sour-sweet. Look for "Yak Yogurt". - **Ga Mian Pian**: Qinghai-style small dough pieces soup, warm and filling. 3. Nearby Food Hubs - **Xihai Town**: Home to the Atomic City, with a concentration of restaurants. "Ma Nai Kao Rou" (Ma Nai Roasted Meat) and "Yi Yuan Xuan Mian Pian Guan" (Yi Yuan Xuan Noodle Soup Restaurant) are recommended. ### 🎪 Extended Activities 1. Cycling Around Qinghai Lake - Starting from Tongbaoshan, pass by Jinsha Bay and Bird Island (seasonally open) along the way, and experience the vastness of the "Blue Planet". 2. Huangyu Viewing Platform in Gangcha County - During the summer migration season, you can see thousands of huangyu (naked carp) swimming upstream, a shocking and healing sight. 3. Qilian Mountain Grassland (2-hour drive) - If time permits, you can extend your trip to Qilian County, the "Little Switzerland of the East", to see the Danxia landforms of Zhuoer Mountain and the Arou Grand Temple. ### 📌 Practical Tips - **Best Season**: June–September (green grasslands, blooming flowers). After October, the snow-capped mountains are more prominent but it is colder. - **Transportation**: It is recommended to hire a car or drive yourself. Navigate to "Tongbaoshan" or "Qinghai Lake Cliff". There is no signal in some sections of the road. - **Accommodation**: Xihai Town or Gangcha County offer better conditions. If you want to experience the starry sky, you can camp (pay attention to keeping warm). - **Altitude Sickness**: At an altitude of 4000+ meters, avoid strenuous exercise, and bring oxygen tanks and glucose. The beauty of Tongbaoshan lies in its pristine and tranquil nature—snow-capped mountains, holy lakes, prayer flags, cattle, and sheep, as if time stands still here. If you are tired of the commercialization of Qinghai Lake, this place will surely offer you a piece of pure land! 🌿✨