Qinghai Lake: Natural Beauty in Memory

--- ### **I. Overview of Qinghai Lake** Qinghai Lake is China's largest inland saltwater lake, situated at an altitude of about 3,200 meters with an area of 4,583 square kilometers. The circumference of the lake is approximately 360 kilometers, with diverse landscapes including grasslands, deserts, flower fields, and snow-capped mountains around the lake, offering distinct scenery across all four seasons. --- ### **II. Transportation Guide** **How to reach Qinghai Lake?** 1. **Main Transportation** - **By Air**: First fly to Xining Caojiabao Airport, then transfer by car (approximately 2.5 hours to Qinghai Lake). - **By Train**: Xining Station is a hub of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway; take a train to Xining from anywhere in the country, then hire a car or drive to Qinghai Lake. 2. **Xining → Qinghai Lake** - **Charter/Shared Car**: Flexible and convenient for touring around the lake (approximately 400-600 yuan/day). - **Bus**: Buses to Erlangjian Scenic Area depart from Xining Bus Station (about 50 yuan, 3 hours). - **Self-driving**: Recommended! The lake circuit road is in good condition, allowing stops for photos anytime (mind the speed limits). --- ### **III. Accommodation Recommendations** 1. **Heimahe Township**: The best spot to view sunrise over Qinghai Lake, with many tent hostels and guesthouses nearby, ideal for photography enthusiasts. 2. **Erlangjian Scenic Area**: Well-equipped with many hotel options, suitable for first-time visitors. 3. **Gangcha County**: On the western section of the lake circuit, fewer tourists, perfect for experiencing Tibetan culture in depth. 4. **Chaka Town**: If you plan to visit Chaka Salt Lake, you can stay here (about 2 hours drive from Qinghai Lake). **Tips**: Book in advance during peak season (July-August); nights on the plateau are cold, so choose accommodations with heating. --- ### **IV. Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Qinghai Lake Core Area** - **Erlangjian Scenic Area**: The main scenic area, offering boat tours (about 140 yuan) for close contact with the lake. - **Heimahe Sunrise**: The morning view where the lake meets the horizon is breathtaking (free viewing point). - **Western Lake Circuit Road**: Less crowded with beautiful scenery, excellent for cycling or driving, covered with canola fields in summer. **2. Surrounding Attractions** - **Chaka Salt Lake** (Sky Mirror): 2 hours west of Qinghai Lake, the lake surface reflects like a mirror on sunny days (entrance fee 60 yuan). - **Bird Island** (open April-June): A bird-watching paradise where thousands of migratory birds nest (check opening times). - **Sand Island/Golden Sand Bay**: Desert landscape on the lakeshore, offering sand sliding and camel riding (entrance fee about 70 yuan). - **Gangcha Huangyu Fish Migration** (May-July): Qinghai Lake's unique Huangyu fish swimming upstream to spawn, an ecological wonder. **3. Lesser-Known Gems** - **Cliff** (North shore of Qinghai Lake): Undeveloped scenic spot overlooking the panorama of Qinghai Lake, perfect for photography. - **Garila Monastery**: A Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a lakeside cliff, peaceful and sacred. --- ### **V. Itinerary Suggestions** **Classic 3-Day Tour** - **Day 1**: Xining → Sun and Moon Mountain → Reversed-flow River → Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area → Heimahe (overnight). - **Day 2**: Heimahe sunrise → Western Lake Circuit → Chaka Salt Lake → Gangcha County (overnight). - **Day 3**: Gangcha → Qilian Grassland (summer) or Jinyin Beach Grassland → Atomic City → Return to Xining. **In-depth 5-Day Tour** Add **Qilian Zuoer Mountain**, **Menyuan Canola Flower Sea** (July), **Guide Danxia Landform** and other surrounding attractions. --- ### **VI. Best Travel Seasons** - **June-August**: Comfortable temperatures (10-25°C), canola flowers in bloom, crowded peak season. - **September-October**: Colorful autumn scenery, fewer tourists, ideal for photography. - **Winter**: Frozen lake surface, pristine snow scenes, but some scenic areas close, and cold protection is necessary. --- ### **VII. Important Notes** 1. **Altitude Sickness**: Qinghai Lake is at high altitude; avoid strenuous activities, bring rhodiola rosea and oxygen bottles. 2. **Sun Protection and Warmth**: Extremely strong UV radiation requires sunglasses, hats, and SPF50+ sunscreen; large temperature differences between morning and evening, bring windbreakers/down jackets. 3. **Environmental Protection**: Do not litter, protect the lakeside ecology. 4. **Food**: Try yak yogurt, hand-pulled lamb, noodle sheets and other local specialties, but consume moderately to avoid digestive discomfort. 5. **Ethnic Etiquette**: Respect Tibetan customs, obtain permission before photographing locals. --- ### **VIII. Budget Reference (3 days)** - **Transportation**: Charter/shared car about 500-800 yuan/person, self-driving fuel + toll fees about 400 yuan. - **Entrance Fees**: Qinghai Lake Erlangjian 90 yuan, Chaka Salt Lake 60 yuan, other attractions 30-100 yuan each. - **Accommodation**: Budget guesthouses 150-300 yuan/night, mid to high-end hotels 400-800 yuan/night. - **Dining**: 50-100 yuan per person/meal.