2025 Gangca Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Qinghai Lake, located in the northeastern part of Qinghai Province, China, is the largest inland saltwater lake in China and one of the highest-altitude lakes in the world. Here's some detailed information about Qinghai Lake: ### Location - **Province**: Qinghai - **Coordinates**: 36°32′ to 37°15′ N, 99°36′ to 100°47′ E - **Elevation**: Approx. 3,205 m ### Area and Depth - **Area**: Approx. 4,500 sq km (varies with season and climate) - **Maximum Depth**: Approx. 32.8 m - **Average Depth**: Approx. 21 m ### Main Features 1. **Saltwater Lake**: Qinghai Lake is a saltwater lake with high salinity. 2. **Bird Habitat**: Qinghai Lake is an important habitat for various migratory birds, especially bar-headed geese and brown-headed gulls. 3. **Fish Resources**: The lake mainly contains the naked carp (commonly known as Huang fish), which is an important economic fish in the area. ### Tourist Attractions 1. **Bird Island**: Located in the western part of Qinghai Lake, it's an excellent spot for birdwatching. 2. **Sand Island**: Located in the northeastern part of Qinghai Lake, it's known for its desert landscape. 3. **Erlangjian Scenic Area**: Located on the southern bank of Qinghai Lake, it's a popular area for tourists. ### Climate - **Summer**: Cool, with an average temperature of approx. 15°C - **Winter**: Cold, with an average temperature of approx. -10°C ### Transportation - **Road**: From Xining City, take G109 National Road or G315 National Road directly to Qinghai Lake. The drive takes approx. 2–3 hrs. - **Railway**: Xining Railway Station is the nearest railway station. From Xining, you can take a bus or hire a car to Qinghai Lake. ### Important Notes 1. **Altitude Sickness**: Due to the high altitude, tourists need to take precautions against altitude sickness. 2. **Environmental Protection**: Qinghai Lake is an important ecological reserve. Tourists should abide by environmental regulations, avoid littering, and refrain from damaging the natural environment. With its magnificent natural scenery and rich ecological resources, Qinghai Lake attracts a large number of tourists and photography enthusiasts. Whether it's the sea of rapeseed flowers in summer or the snow-covered landscape in winter, Qinghai Lake displays a unique charm.

During the Qingming Festival, explore the beautiful scenery of Lanzhou (Gansu), Qinghai, and Zhangye. This 8-day itinerary takes you on a journey through the Northwest Great Ring Road. Save it now! -------- 🚩Itinerary at a Glance: D1: Departure City -> Lanzhou Depart from your city and arrive in Lanzhou. A private car will pick you up from the airport or train station (no carpooling or waiting). Enjoy free time in the city. D2: Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay (Cliff) -> Qinghai Lake · Heimahe Explore the wonders of the cliffs at Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay, then head to Heimahe to experience the magnificence of Qinghai Lake. D3: Chaka Salt Lake -> Dachaidan Emerald Lake Visit the "Mirror of the Sky" at Chaka Salt Lake, then proceed to Dachaidan Emerald Lake to admire the magnificent gems of nature. D4: Dongtai Jinel Lake -> Ussute Water Yadan Geopark -> Nanbaxian Devil City Journey through the magical colors of Dongtai Jinel Lake, visit the unique landforms of Ussute Water Yadan, and finally experience the mystery of the desert at Nanbaxian Devil City. D5: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring -> Mogao Caves Climb Mingsha Mountain, overlook the miracle of Crescent Moon Spring, and then visit the Mogao Caves to appreciate the treasures of Buddhist art spanning thousands of years. D6: Big Earth -> Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Visit the awe-inspiring Big Earth sculpture, then head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park to admire nature's colorful palette. D7: Zhangye City -> Qilian Mountain Grassland -> Menyuan Rape Flower Sea -> Xining -> Lanzhou City Depart from Zhangye, traverse the vast Qilian Mountain Grassland, visit Menyuan Rape Flower Sea (during its blooming season), and finally return to Lanzhou city via Xining. D8: Lanzhou -> Return Trip End your pleasant journey and depart from Lanzhou. If you choose a one-way package, you can enjoy free time and arrange your subsequent itinerary independently. -------- Travel Essentials: 👕 Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants, thick coats, sun-protective clothing, and sports shoes to cope with temperature differences between day and night and UV rays. 🎩 Accessories: Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and scarves are fashionable, sun-protective, and can also block wind and sand. 💳 Documents: ID card, cash, and bank cards are essential for travel. Don't forget them! 🧴 Skincare: Sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness. 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, and band-aids. It's always good to be prepared for a worry-free trip. 🎒 Other: Water bottle, portable charger, and umbrella to meet various small needs during the trip. -------- Enjoy Lanzhou (Gansu), Qinghai, and Zhangye, and take in all the beautiful scenery. Don't forget to share your travel stories! 📸✨

This Tomb-Sweeping Day holiday, explore the northwestern scenery! Departing from Lanzhou, enjoy a 5-day itinerary featuring Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. 🛣️Suggested Route: DAY 1: Departure City—Lanzhou Arrive in Lanzhou, transfer to the hotel, and rest up for the exciting journey ahead. DAY 2: Riyue Mountain->Qinghai Lake->Chaka Salt Lake Cross the spectacular Riyue Mountain, explore the beautiful Qinghai Lake, and visit the dreamy Chaka Salt Lake to experience the magical beauty of nature. DAY 3: Qinghai Lake West Loop Road->Gangcha Grassland->Dadongshu Mountain Pass Travel along the western loop road of Qinghai Lake, admire the vastness of the Gangcha Grassland, and cross the Dadongshu Mountain Pass to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the plateau. DAY 4: Zhuoer Mountain->Arou Grand Temple->Ebao Ancient City Ruins Park->Qilian Grassland Climb Zhuoer Mountain, visit the ancient Arou Grand Temple, explore the mystery of the Ebao Ancient City Ruins, and finally experience the vastness of nature on the Qilian Grassland. DAY 5: Lanzhou Departure—Departure City End your pleasant journey, depart from Lanzhou, and return home with wonderful memories. Tips: - Souvenir Prices🛍️: Tibetan green salt from Chaka Salt Lake is a specialty, reasonably priced, and perfect as a souvenir. - Must-Try Food🍽️: Qinghai's lamb is tender and juicy. Be sure to try hand-grabbed lamb and lamb hot pot! - Airport Transportation🚗: From Xining Airport, you can rent a car or take a long-distance bus to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake. - Photo Spots📸: The Sky Mirror and Eye of the Salt Lake at Chaka Salt Lake are stunning no matter how you photograph them! Don't forget to bring your camera. From the charm of Lanzhou to the magnificence of Qinghai Lake and the dreamlike Chaka Salt Lake, the scenery along the way is breathtaking. Don't just dream it, do it! Experience it yourself!

Hey there! Get ready for a 4-day adventure to Qinghai Lake and Qarhan Salt Lake. Check out this super practical guide and save it for later! -------- 🚩Itinerary: DAY 1: Atomic City Memorial Hall -> Jinyintan Grassland -> Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay (Cliff) -> Chaka Salt Lake Explore the mysterious Atomic City, stroll through the vast Jinyintan Grassland, admire the spectacular cliffs of Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay, and immerse yourself in the dreamlike scenery of Chaka Salt Lake. DAY 2: Qaidam Basin -> Qarhan Salt Lake -> Xiaochaidan Lake -> Dachaidan Emerald Lake Journey through the vast Qaidam Basin, experience the unique beauty of Qarhan Salt Lake, and explore the tranquility of Xiaochaidan Lake and the splendor of Dachaidan Emerald Lake. DAY 3: Ussute Water Yadan Geopark -> Dongtai Jinel Lake -> Nanbaxian Devil City Discover the unique water Yadan landforms of Ussute, enjoy the charming scenery of Dongtai Jinel Lake, and experience the mystery and magnificence of Nanbaxian Devil City. DAY 4: Xiangpi Mountain -> Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area -> Riyue Mountain Cross the scenic Xiangpi Mountain, explore the natural beauty of Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area, and finally ascend Riyue Mountain to overlook the magnificent mountains and lakes. -------- Tips: - Photo Spots: Capture the breathtaking sunrise and starry sky at Qinghai Lake🌅✨, and the awe-inspiring salt bridge at Qarhan Salt Lake🌉. - Souvenir Prices: Qinghai black goji berries are relatively expensive, generally around CNY 500–600 per 500g🌱. - February Weather: Qinghai Lake has significant temperature differences between day and night. The daytime is suitable for sightseeing🌦️. Remember to bring a warm coat. - Food Recommendations: Don't miss out on hand-grabbed mutton, traditional yogurt, and yak jerky🍖🥛🍖. -------- Qinghai Lake and Qarhan Salt Lake are truly stunning. Don't miss out! Pack your bags and embark on your amazing Qinghai journey!

As the winter wind blows gently, Qinghai Lake sheds its summer bustle and noise, and puts on a crystal-clear "ice dress," transforming into a dreamlike ice and snow world. Now, let's share this super-detailed travel guide for Qinghai Lake in winter, and unlock the unique charm of Qinghai Lake in winter! 🧳Pre-trip preparation Clothing: The temperature of Qinghai Lake in winter is extremely low. Be sure to bring thick down jackets, warm sweaters, fleece pants, snow boots, scarves, gloves, and hats. Choose windproof and waterproof materials as much as possible to withstand the cold wind. Skin care and sun protection: The ultraviolet rays in the plateau area are strong, even in winter. Prepare high-SPF sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm, and sunglasses to prevent skin sunburn and cracking. Other items: Power bank, thermos (it's important to drink hot water at any time), cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and other commonly used medicines to prevent physical discomfort. 🚗Transportation guide Airplane: You can first arrive at Xining Caojiabao International Airport, then take a special bus to Qinghai Lake from the airport, or choose to rent a car or carpool, the journey takes about 2-3 hours. Train: First arrive at Xining Station or Xining West Station, then charter a car or take a bus to Qinghai Lake from Xining city. The bus frequency is relatively low, so it is recommended to check the time in advance. 🌟Scenic spots Blue ice wonder: The most attractive thing about Qinghai Lake in winter is the blue ice. Near the Erlangjian Scenic Area, large areas of blue ice under the sun are like a dream, like blue crystals, with ice cracks crisscrossing, and the light refraction presents a wonderful texture, every shot is a blockbuster📸 Sunrise and sunset: At the lakeside observation point, waiting for sunrise and sunset is an experience not to be missed. When the first ray of sunlight or the last ray of twilight falls on the ice, the entire lake is dyed golden red, contrasting with the azure sky and the snow-capped mountains, creating a breathtaking view. Bird Island: Although the number of birds in winter is less than that in summer, there are still some migratory birds inhabiting here. If you are lucky, you can see them playing and foraging on the ice, adding a touch of vitality to the quiet winter Qinghai Lake. 🗺Travel route planning Day 1: Xining - Riyue Mountain - Daotang River - Qinghai Lake (enjoy blue ice, watch sunset) Day 2: Qinghai Lake (watch sunrise) - Bird Island - Chaka Salt Lake (if the weather permits, Chaka Salt Lake in winter also has a unique flavor) - Xining 🍱Food recommendations Qinghai Lake naked carp: This is a unique fish species of Qinghai Lake. The meat is tender, but it is now a protected animal and cannot be eaten. However, you can learn about its unique characteristics. Qinghai old yogurt: The taste is mellow, the milk flavor is strong, and there is a thick layer of milk skin on the top. Sprinkle with white sugar, sour and sweet, it is a local must-try snack. Kang pot mutton: A full pot of mutton, served with potatoes, onions, and other side dishes, fried in a cast iron pot until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fragrant and full of flavor, perfect for warming up in the cold winter. ❗Precautions The surface of Qinghai Lake is frozen in winter, but the thickness of the ice varies. Do not walk deep into the ice to avoid danger⚠️ When driving to Qinghai Lake, pay attention to the icy roads, control your speed, and drive carefully. As it is a plateau area, you may experience altitude sickness when you first arrive. Pay attention to rest and avoid strenuous exercise. If the altitude sickness symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately. Come to Qinghai Lake and have a romantic date with the blue ice in winter! 💕

We recommend a 3-day travel guide for Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake, where you can enjoy the lake view, stroll along the salt lake, and experience the unique tranquility and beauty! Let's take a closer look at this journey! -------- 🎉Route Suggestions: Day 1: Riyue Mountain -> Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake -> Rubber Mountain ⭐ On this day, we will experience the magnificent Riyue Mountain, the pure and mysterious Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, and the unique Rubber Mountain. Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake -> West Road of Qinghai Lake -> Gangcha Grassland in Qinghai -> Binggou Forest ⭐ The second day will be more exciting, with a white romantic journey at Chaka Salt Lake, exploring the endless beauty of the West Road of Qinghai Lake, experiencing the vastness of Gangcha Grassland and the tranquility of Binggou Forest. Day 3: Mount Zhuoer -> Qilian Grassland -> Ten Thousand Mu Flower Sea in Menyuan, Qinghai ⭐ On the last day, we will climb Mount Zhuoer, admire the green ocean of Qilian Grassland, and then stroll in the flower sea, leaving beautiful memories. -------- Attraction Suggestions: 🏞️Chaka Salt Lake: The salt-white lake surface reflects the clear sky, pure as a mirror, stunningly beautiful. ⛰️Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake: A narrow, sword-shaped peninsula over ten kilometers long, stunning everyone. 🌄Riyue Mountain: A legendary place with rolling mountains and fluttering prayer flags, where you can feel the rich historical and cultural atmosphere. -------- Tips: 1️⃣Airport Transportation🚗: Xining Caojiabao Airport is about 30 kilometers from the city center, and the taxi fare is usually around CNY 100. You can arrange a transfer service in advance. 2️⃣February Climate🌤️: The temperature in Qinghai is low in winter, with an average temperature of around -10°C. Be sure to wear warm clothes, bring thermal underwear and down jackets, and don't forget hats and scarves. 3️⃣Specialty Prices🍭: Qinghai ginseng fruit, yak jerky, and other specialties range from CNY 80-200 per jin. It is recommended to buy them in malls or shopping spots with clear prices to avoid being overcharged. 4️⃣Scenic Area Tickets🎫: The ticket for Chaka Salt Lake is CNY 50, including round-trip transportation in the scenic area, while Qinghai Lake requires CNY 120. Remember this if you plan to go hiking. 5️⃣Pay Attention to Altitude Sickness🌁: The average altitude in Qinghai is over 3,000 meters. First-time visitors should pay more attention to altitude sickness, drink plenty of water, and bring anti-altitude sickness medicine such as Rhodiola. -------- On this Xining-Qinghai Lake-Chaka Salt Lake trip, let's experience the quiet beauty, clean air, and tranquility of the mountains and waters together. 🍃💙

Traveling during the Lunar New Year? A 5-day tour of Lanzhou, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka Salt Lake is perfect for you! Check out this super useful guide and start your journey to the northwest! . 🚩Route suggestions: D1: Departure city👉Lanzhou Arrive in Lanzhou, enjoy free airport transfer to the hotel, and get ready for a wonderful journey! D2: Riyue Mountain–Qinghai Lake–Chaka Salt Lake Cross the magnificent Riyue Mountain, explore the deep Qinghai Lake, and step into the mirror of the sky, Chaka Salt Lake, to feel the endless charm of nature. D3: West Road of Qinghai Lake–Gangcha Grassland–Datongshu Mountain Pass Drive along the West Road of Qinghai Lake, enjoy the vastness of Gangcha Grassland, conquer the towering Datongshu Mountain Pass, and experience the grandeur of the plateau. D4: Mount Zhuo'er–Arou Temple–Ebao Ancient City Ruins Park–Qilian Grassland Climb Mount Zhuo'er to overlook the beautiful scenery, visit the ancient Arou Temple, and feel the weight of history. Visit Ebao Ancient City Ruins Park and immerse yourself in the vastness of Qilian Grassland. D5: Lanzhou airport transfer👉Departure city End your pleasant journey, enjoy the airport transfer service, and return home with a full load, looking forward to the next trip! . **Notes**: * Food: Lanzhou beef noodles are a must-try, Qinghai Lake fish is fresh, and Chaka Salt Lake shrimp is a specialty. 🍜🐟🦐 * Customs: Respect the local Hui customs, and the Tibetan culture around Qinghai Lake is profound, so be respectful when experiencing it. 🙏🏼 * Photo spots: The mirror of the sky at Chaka Salt Lake is beautiful, so remember to wear bright clothes for better photos! 📸👗 * Altitude sickness: Qinghai Lake is at a high altitude, so be careful to prevent altitude sickness and prepare medicine. 💊🌄 * Sun protection and warmth: Protect yourself from the sun in summer, and bring a coat for the large temperature difference at night at Chaka Salt Lake. 🧢🧣 . ✨️Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lanzhou, Qinghai Lake, and Chaka, and don't forget to share your travel stories!✨️

My dears, today I want to share with you a great tourist destination - the coastal Tibetan city of Gangcha 😍. This place is like a treasure hidden in the Northwest, with a unique charm that makes people intoxicated. Scenic spot guide Nianqinxiageri Mountain: 4,385 meters above sea level, it is a mysterious area where Kunlun culture originated and changed. It is said to be the place where the Queen Mother of the West practiced and lived. The stone pillar on the top of the mountain is called the "Mountain Pillar". In winter, the mountain is covered with snow, which is as beautiful as a painting and very spectacular. Dongger Waterfall: It means conch in Tibetan. It is about 40 meters high and more than ten meters wide. In winter, the water flows down from the sky, splashing silver flowers. The pure color is simply fascinating. Shaliu River: Also known as the Ikuulan River, it is named after the tamarisks growing on both sides of the river valley. The river is 106 kilometers long and flows through the county seat into Qinghai Lake. There are continuous mountains on both sides of the river, and the scenery is picturesque. Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay Ecological Experience Area: 221 kilometers away from Xining, it has beautiful natural ecological scenery. In summer, you can watch Qinghai Lake sacrificial activities, naked carp and water birds. In winter, you can watch the sunrise and sunset, and watch gorgeous fireworks on the blue ice, feeling the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. Food Guide Hand-Pulled Lamb: The hand-pulled lamb from Gangcha is tender and fresh, and paired with special seasoning, it is full of fragrance and leaves you with an endless aftertaste. Noodles: The local noodles are very distinctive, with a chewy texture and delicious soup. One bowl of it is very satisfying. Tibetan food: The Tibetan food at a bar like Yiliqingke Tibetan Restaurant is very good. You can taste the authentic Tibetan flavor and experience the unique food culture. Snacks: Gangcha Sisters Malatang Restaurant, Guoba Spicy Bar and other snack shops are also worth a try. Various snacks will satisfy your taste buds. Accommodation Guide Fanyu Hotel: Beautiful environment, complete facilities, and considerate service, which can give you a comfortable accommodation experience. Honghu Hotel: The rooms are clean and tidy, cost-effective, convenient transportation and travel. Gangcha Damei Grassland Tourism and Holiday Ranch: Located in Quanji and Jiermeng districts, staying here allows you to get close to nature and feel the charm of the grassland. Gangcha County Shengquanwan Camping Base: Don’t miss it if you like camping. You can look up at the stars at night and enjoy a different kind of accommodation fun. In short, whether it is the natural scenery, food or accommodation, the coastal Tibetan city of Gangcha will not disappoint you. Come here to start an unforgettable trip🎉.

#2024TravelReview Fairy Bay of Qinghai Lake is like a beautiful painting embedded on the plateau. The lake is blue and connected to the sky. It is surrounded by carpet-like meadows and dotted with flowers, creating a beautiful scenery. According to legend, fairies once descended here, adding a touch of mystery and romance to this lake bay. In the early morning, the morning mist is light, like gauze or smoke, and the lake reflects the continuous mountains, presenting a dreamlike scene. At sunset, the rays of light fill the water, and the sky and the earth seem to be one, which is intoxicating. The wooden boardwalk along the lakeside winds along the way, where visitors can stroll quietly and feel the purity and spirituality of nature. Fairy Bay, with its unique beauty and legends, adds a gentle charm to Qinghai Lake and is an ideal place for spiritual retreat.

Shengquan Bay at Qinghai Lake is a natural wonder that is well worth a visit. Here is a travel guide for you: • Location and transportation: • The cliffs of Shengquan Bay at Qinghai Lake are located in the northeast of Qinghai Lake, in the territory of Quanjixiang, Gangcha County, on the north bank of Qinghai Lake. • It is 221 km from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, and 4.5 km from National Highway 315. • If you choose to drive, it is about 160 km from Chaka Salt Lake. • Opening hours: • Open all year round, from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. • Tickets and transportation: • The Shengquan Bay Ecological Experience Area (cliffs) is currently in trial operation, and tickets are free, but you need to pay CNY 20 per person for a round-trip bus ticket from the parking lot to the lake. Private cars are not allowed. • Special experience: • The cliffs are a natural landscape formed by crustal movement and lake water erosion. The vertical height of the cliff is tens of meters, in stark contrast to the blue Qinghai Lake. • You can overlook the beautiful scenery of Qinghai Lake from the cliffs and experience the magnificent scenery of the wide lake and clear water. • There are Tibetan Buddhist temples and pagodas near the cliffs, adding a sense of mystery. • In summer, you can watch the largest sacrificial activities in the lake area, as well as the naked carp and water birds of Qinghai Lake. • In winter, visitors can watch the swans dancing on the blue ice. • Dining and shopping: • There are small vendors in the scenic area offering local snacks, such as instant noodles for CNY 6, cola for CNY 3, and a large bag of yak meat for CNY 98. • Precautions: • As the Shengquan Bay Ecological Experience Area is still under construction, the tourism infrastructure needs to be improved. Visitors are advised to pay attention to safety and abide by the regulations of the scenic area. • There are many Huang fish in the cliff scenic area. Please pay attention to protecting the ecological environment while watching. • Other suggestions: • If you plan to watch the sunrise, you can choose to stay near the Shengquan Bay Scenic Area (cliffs) so that you can get up early to watch the sunrise. I hope this guide will help you better plan your trip to the cliffs of Shengquan Bay at Qinghai Lake. Have a nice trip!

📍Detailed address: National Highway 315, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Location: Shengquan Bay (Cliff), Qinghai Lake 🕙Opening hours: 08:30–20:00 1️⃣ Scenic spots on the west line of the lake: Erlangjian - Nanshan Viewing Platform - Heima River - Donggeer Viewing Platform - Garila Temple (recommended) - Cliff (recommended) - Fairy Bay - Jinyintan 2️⃣ Scenic spots on the east line of the lake: Jinyintan - Fairy Bay - Cliff - Garila Temple - Donggeer Viewing Platform - Heima River - Nanshan Viewing Platform - Erlangjian Tips: The sunset at Qinghai Lake in summer is after 20:00, so it is bright until 21:00. You can watch the sunset here and then stay in the west. It takes 20 minutes to drive from the cliff to the main accommodation area on the west line of the lake.

🔶If you are traveling along the Northwest Loop, don't miss the Qinghai Lake Cliff!❗️ 🔶You can directly navigate to the Qinghai Lake Cliff Scenic Area, which has a parking lot, so you don't need to park outside. 🔶Fairy Bay: This is a wetland, and it's unknown if fairies live here. The lake water here is yellowish, but it still looks beautiful from the bridge. 🔶Shengquan Bay: This is a favorite spot for children. After taking the ferry to the lakeside, you can feed the seagulls. We didn't see any Huang fish when we visited, but you can ride a yak for photos, walk with lambs, and take photos with deer. Children had so much fun playing by the lake that they didn't want to leave. The view from the cliff is indeed beautiful. You can see the turquoise lake, where the water meets the sky, with rippling waves. 🔶Donggeer: This is an observation deck where we saw many seagulls and Huang fish swimming together. The scenery is also stunning. The lake water is bright blue and clear, and it looks beautiful in the sunset glow. We took our favorite photos of the trip here. 🔶If you want to take photos on the cliff, keep walking to the right, go up the boardwalk, and at the highest point, you'll see a small section of railing that is empty, allowing only one person to pass through. It seems to be intentionally left by the scenic area. After going down, walk a bit further, and you'll find the classic photo spot. 🔶Qinghai Lake Cliff Scenic Area: Tickets are CNY 20. It is one of the newly opened and still under construction scenic areas in 2024, and also one of the popular spots. The cliff is perfect for 📸 photos. The shuttle bus and the road to the scenic area are average, and the facilities need improvement. 🔶Activities: 🔺After getting off the sightseeing bus, there are activities like horseback riding, yak riding, and holding a baby yak. We tried yak riding, and photos cost CNY 20 per person, while a simple walk costs CNY 30 per person. If there are many people, you can negotiate a group price. 🔺Feeding seagulls: A favorite activity for children, it's free. Please bring bread in advance. Flocks of seagulls fly back and forth, and feeding them by the shore is simple and fun. 🔺Hiking: There is a boardwalk with good quality wood, and it's not high, so it's not tiring to climb. It is built along the cliff by the coastline, allowing you to take photos and enjoy the scenery while climbing. 🔺There are prayer flags, rest stops, and photo spots halfway up the mountain. 🔺Near the top of the mountain, you may encounter free-range yaks, which you can observe up close.

📍The first stop of the 2024 Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop journey is Qinghai Lake. Perhaps because I have seen too many lakes, or maybe because it is not as magnificent as the real ocean, Qinghai Lake did not initially bring me great shock. 🍡However, I have to say, Qinghai Lake is particularly large. We drove along the lakeside for nearly 200 kilometers, and the scenery along the way truly amazed me. Under the blue sky and white clouds, patches of blooming rapeseed flowers occasionally appeared, dazzling like a golden ocean; at other times, there were grasslands with herds of cattle and sheep, full of vitality and energy. The most surprising thing is that there is even a desert by Qinghai Lake, a unique landscape that makes one marvel at the wonders of nature. 🌅Along the way, there were surprises and emotions. Qinghai Lake, with its unique charm, inadvertently left a deep impression on my heart. Qinghai Lake Sacred Spring Bay (Cliff)

The Fairy Bay Scenic Area was originally an unplanned spot on the Qinghai-Gansu loop, but we ended up here by chance, which can be considered fate. Located on the north shore of Qinghai Lake, it is said that many swans come here to rest in autumn and winter. This place can actually be considered a wetland park, where you can see schools of Huang fish, which look very similar to yellow catfish. If you come in the summer, you can go drifting. Although it's not very thrilling, I personally feel it's worth experiencing, and children also love it. ✅Travel Tips: In July, there are rapeseed flowers along the road, small animals everywhere, and spectacular flocks of sheep. After buying tickets at the scenic area, you can take an electric car to the lakeside, where there is a lakeside boardwalk facing the Sea Sacrifice Platform. Actually, you don't have to buy a car ticket; it's not far to walk. The scenic area service is good. We mentioned wanting to go drifting, and the electric car staff took us all the way to the drifting starting point. After drifting, they also took us to the scenic area entrance. ✅Recommended playtime: 2 hours ✅Food and accommodation recommendations: You can stay in Gangcha County, which is very close to the scenic area. We recommend the Gangcha Haibo Holiday Hotel where we stayed; the front desk service is very good. 📍Fairy Bay Scenic Area Address: Fairy Bay Scenic Area, Gangcha County, Haibei, Qinghai Province 🎫Tickets: 60 yuan, car ticket: 10 yuan round trip, drifting 30 yuan 🚴Transportation: Self-driving

In the midwinter, the largest inland saltwater lake in our country, known as the 'Plateau Sapphire', Qinghai Lake is frozen and dressed in silver, becoming a unique landscape of Qinghai Lake in winter. Every year from mid-November, the temperature in the Qinghai Lake area drops below 0°C, and the temperature is the lowest in January of the following year, forming a stable ice cap on the entire lake. The average annual ice sealing period is 108-116 days, the shortest is 76 days, and the longest is 138 days. The ice thickness is generally 40 cm, and the maximum ice thickness is 90 cm. Due to the violent gale, cracks and gullies will appear on the lake surface, and the lake surface will also form a unique texture effect under the action of the wind. Looking down from the air, it is like a masterpiece of nature's earth art.

🚗🚗🚗Travel Route: Day1: Caojiabao Airport→Ta'er Monastery→Riyue Mountain Day2: Qinghai Lake Erlang Sword Scenic Area→Chaka Salt Lake→Gangcha Fan Domain Tibetan City Linka Hotel Day3: Binggou Forest Sea→Zhuoer Mountain Day4: Qilian Grassland→Gangshika Snow Peak→Gangshika Rainbow Icefall→Caojiabao Airport Transportation: 4 days to walk the small loop is enough, we see the scenery during the day, rush the road from 7-11 pm, the road conditions in Qinghai are quite good, but most of them are two-way two-lane, many large vehicles, sometimes need to overtake. After dark, 80% of the road sections have no street lights, all rely on car headlights for lighting. Fortunately, both of our cars have a driving age of over 15 years, and we have some experience in off-road and night driving. It is not recommended for babies with a driving age of less than 10 years. In addition, it is recommended to use turbocharged vehicles in the plateau area, because the oxygen is thin, the naturally aspirated engine will be underpowered, and the performance of climbing and overtaking is not good. Mid-September weather: around 4-15, the daytime temperature is around 12, the temperature is similar to the early winter in Shenzhen, storm jacket, knitwear, and thin down jacket, jeans, storm pants Environment: The average altitude of Qinghai Province is above 3000, and the altitude of the passing points is Ta'er Monastery 2600-Riyue Mountain 3520-Qinghai Lake 3200-Chaka Salt Lake 3061-Zhuoer Mountain 3100-Gangshika Rainbow Ice Glacier Waterfall 4100-Qilian Grassland 3200, you must do what you can when you are active on the plateau, do not do vigorous exercise, do not run and jump, if you have chest tightness, headache, you must speak up in time. Religion: Qinghai is the main settlement of Tibetans, Mongolians, and Hui people. All temples can be photographed outside, but not inside. Some exhibition halls can, pay attention to on-site prompts. Tibetan compatriots can peek at the long heads, do not stare or confront, and the prayer wheels are pushed in a clockwise direction. In short, maintain national unity, full of courtesy, I have the world haha. Travel is the experience of life, not the punch card of sightseeing. Come, let me show you the highlights of each scenic spot. Ta'er Monastery: One person, three unique, eight towers One person (the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism), three unique (butter flowers, murals, pile embroidery), eight towers (record the important events of Buddha's life). Riyue Mountain: Princess, mirror, dividing line Princess (the last stop of Princess Wencheng's marriage to Tibet in the Tang Dynasty), mirror (the origin of Riyue Mountain, the mirror in Princess Wencheng's arms was broken into two pieces), dividing line (it is the dividing line between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the dividing line between farming and nomadic). Qinghai Lake: Saltwater lake, Huang fish, Cangyang Gyatso Saltwater lake (the largest inland saltwater lake), Huang fish (the Huang fish of Qinghai Lake from June to October every year, desperately return to the freshwater river to spawn), Cangyang Gyatso (the end point of the sixth Dalai Lama in the world, one version is 23 years old He died of illness by Qinghai Lake, and another version disappeared by Qinghai Lake and died in his hometown at the age of 62). Chaka Salt Lake: The smallest, salt sculpture, mirror of the sky The smallest (Chaka Salt Lake is the smallest of the four major salt lakes in the Qaidam Basin), salt sculpture (there are large outdoor salt sculptures next to the salt lake, which is very shocking), the mirror of the sky (because the white salt is the bottom and the water surface is the mirror, it can perfectly reflect the snow mountain white cloud). Zhuoer Mountain: Queen, lover Queen (because the mountain is a Danxia landform showing bright red, Zhuoer Mountain is also called the Red Queen), lover (the Qilian Mountain Mountain God Ami Dongso-Niu Xinshan across the river from Zhuoer Mountain, it is said to be the original form of the Dragon God Princess of Zhuoer Mountain Lover, because of parental opposition, the princess finally turned into Zhuoer Mountain to wait for her lover). Gangshika Snow Peak: Icefall, Snow Peak Icefall (After snowing, icefalls will form on the slope. Due to the different colors of the gravel on the mountain, different colors will be presented. Unfortunately, it cannot be seen in September, probably after November), Snow Peak (It is said to be one of the filming locations of 'The Climber', at an altitude of 3806 meters. You can clearly see the looming snow cap).

Gongcha Prairie China's northwestern region, there are too many vast expanses of grassland. Guanshan grassland, Maqu grassland, Ganjia grassland, etc., but I want to introduce to you a grassland that you certainly don't know - just check the grassland. Driving off-road Jeep, came to the Gangcha grassland in Qinghai Province, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and the northern shore of Qinghai Lake. Here the green grass is boundless, the vast and innocent grassland is covered with golden tulle, the distant mountains are shrouded in a silence, the infinite road is green and the sheep is grazing, and the horse is full of green oil. One piece, this is the most beautiful grassland in the northwest. Half of the is overcast, half is sunny on the day of the trip, the dean I really have a good luck, just looking at the grassland days, "half is a dark cloud, half is the sun", light and shadow collide, there is one The feeling of "yin and yang cuts fainting" gives a powerful visual and spiritual shock, and the beauty is heartbreaking. Like a rose flower in the bottom of my heart, this is the first shock that the ingenious grassland brought me. Just inspect the grassland, the fertile land is thousands of miles, green and dripping. The sheep are free and free to run on this green grass. Niu Er is head down, grazing intently, leisurely and enjoyable. The green grass, let the dean, I am happy, lingering. In the "Folk Song and Ballad", the famous saying "The sky is green, the wild, the wind blows the grass and sees the cattle and sheep", the dean I saw today in real life.

In the Fairy Bay, greet a grand lakeside sunset Xiaguang covered the lake, the lake is not shocked. The clouds in the sky present a variety of colors, golden, flaming, and white... The layers are distinct and interactive, and in just ten minutes, the stunning beauty of light and shadow is staged! However, in the endless deep blue sea of Qinghai, such beautiful scenery will be staged in almost every rainless evening. Without comparison, there is no harm. Think about the environment we live in today. There is no blue sky and white clouds, and there is no fear of smog. There is no happiness in the life of a fish gull living in Qinghai Lake.

How beautiful is Fairy Bay? is like a paradise on the plateau, no pollution, no trace of industrialization, no one... tall and pure white sacrifice platform, beautiful totem, 990 steps extending into Qinghai Lake, the most beautiful but at dusk . Fairy Bay is just such a place that can bring spirituality to people cloud reflection is also very good-looking. Little Red House is the place to eat. Is it the feeling of Nordic?

You know, Tsangyang Gyatso, who wrote so many love poems, finally met his girl in Fairy Bay, and then disappeared here, so beautiful. There are several large and small Mani stone piles in the fairy lake. The Tibetan people in order to preserve and carry forward the Buddhist classics.

Speaking of Fairy Bay, this is the most amazing place in the trip. My initial understanding of it is about religious and ritual activities. Just talk about the Tibetan tradition of the Tibetans. The sea sacrifice held by Tibetan herders is not only a folk activity with a strong religious color, but also a cultural phenomenon, which contains many folk customs and philosophies about nature reflecting people and nature. Long-term coexistence, a desire for harmonious balance. The Tibetan peoples sea sacrifice activities on Qinghai Lake have lasted for thousands of years. The local people prayed for the sea to pray for the gods and animals to pray for good weather.

The main gathering of egg islands here are bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls and fish gulls. Why do you want to call Egg Island here, is it because there are more eggs? The guide explained to us that this is not because the egg is called the egg island, but because it is a hatching breeding ground for birds. Whenever in April or May, the eggs here are densely packed, and one nest is holding a nest, and the number of birds can reach tens of thousands. Therefore, it is called Egg Island. Unfortunately, we didnt come at the time. We didnt see the legendary tens of thousands of eggs. We simply entered the promenade of Egg Island and watched photographs from all of us, from another. Experience the beauty of Qinghai Lake from the angle