Picture-perfect Qinghai Lake! One-day photo guide

Hey everyone👋, let's take a spontaneous trip to Qinghai Lake! This super detailed guide will show you how to enjoy Qinghai Lake👇 1. Pre-trip Preparations 1. Tickets🎫: Erlangjian Scenic Area: CNY 90/person during peak season, CNY 50/person during off-season. Other areas may be free. Booking in advance through the official public account or travel platforms is more convenient. Some people are eligible for free or discounted tickets, so remember to check in advance~ 2. Transportation🚗: - Self-driving: Starting from Xining, the whole journey is about 150 km, about a 2-hour drive. The scenery along the way is super beautiful, and you can stop to take pictures at any time🚘. However, pay attention to road conditions and driving safety. - Group tour: Hassle-free, prices range from CNY 200 - 400, including round-trip transportation, tour guide services, and some scenic spot tickets. Join a group and enjoy the journey with everyone👨‍👩‍👧‍👦. - Express bus: Purchase tickets on the "Qinghai Smart Passenger Transport" public account. You can choose to go to Erlangjian Scenic Area or Heimahe, etc. The journey takes 2 - 3 hours. Enjoy the scenery outside the window on the bus🎐. 3. Items to bring🧳: A thick coat (large temperature difference between morning and evening, be careful not to catch a cold😷), sun protection trio (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, the plateau's UV rays are super strong, don't get sunburned😎), power bank (too many beautiful scenes, taking pictures consumes battery, running out of power can be a bummer📷), and some cash (just in case). 2. Itinerary Self-driving/chartered car Xining - Riyue Mountain (you can see prayer flags, tickets are CNY 54, half price for students, super suitable for taking photos📸) - Daotang River (a magical river flowing from east to west, super atmospheric for photos💐) - Qinghai Lake (you can choose to take a boat tour at Erlangjian Scenic Area🚢; or find a herdsman's path to the lakeside, CNY 20 - 30/person, super affordable💰) - Jinsha Bay (a wonderful combination of desert and lake, super cool for photos, a must-visit if you have time🌟) - Xining. Group tour Usually, it's Xining - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Salt Lake (optional if time permits) - Xining. Just follow the tour guide throughout the journey, but the time at each spot might be limited, so plan your photo time wisely⏱️. 3. Must-visit attractions 1. Erlangjian Scenic Area🌊: The core scenic area of Qinghai Lake, where you can get close to the lake. There are also boat tours, yak riding, and other activities, offering great photo opportunities! Standing by the lake, any shot is a masterpiece. 2. Qinghai Lake West Ring Road🌅: Known as the most beautiful road section, with azure lake water and vast sky, as if the water and sky merge into one. Any shot is a masterpiece. The sunset here is super beautiful, don't miss it🌇. 3. Bird Island (best from April - June)🐦: Bird lovers must not miss this. Thousands of migratory birds inhabit and breed here, creating a spectacular scene. Bring your binoculars and experience the vitality of nature🦅.