[2025 Haiyan Attraction] Travel Guide for Atomic City (Updated May)

Here's a comprehensive travel guide to Qinghai Lake, covering must-try experiences, seasonal highlights, tips to avoid pitfalls, and hidden gems to help you plan the perfect trip: --- 🌊 TOP 5 Must-Do Experiences at Qinghai Lake 1. Cycling Around the Lake - Classic Route: Xihai Town → Erlangjian → Heima River (approx. 70km total) - Best Time: July–August (with blooming rapeseed fields along the way) - Truly deserves its title as "China's Most Beautiful Bicycle Path" 2. Sunrise at Secret Spots - Watch sunrise at Heima River (around 6:00 in summer) - Alternative Hidden Spot: Cliffside (navigate to "Daxiumulabuzai") 3. Stargazing Camping - Recommended Location: West Ring Road (minimal light pollution) - Gear Tips: Tripod + wide-angle lens; capture the Milky Way arch in August 4. Watching Naked Carp Migration - Time: May–July - Observation Points: Shaliu River, Quanji River (fishing prohibited! National protected species) 5. Praying at Jihai Platform - Tibetan Experience: Throwing Lungta prayer papers + hanging prayer flags - Note: Walk clockwise and avoid stepping on Mani stone piles --- 📅 Seasonal Highlights - April–May: Migratory birds (cormorants, bar-headed geese gather at Bird Island) - June–August: Golden rapeseed flower fields (along Erlangjian to Gangcha route) - November–March: Blue ice wonders + snow-covered holy lake (ice thickness over 40cm) --- ⚠️ Pitfall Avoidance Guide 1. Ticket Traps - Official Entrance: Erlangjian Scenic Area (peak season ¥90) - Free Alternative: Local herder paths (negotiate ¥10–20/person) 2. Transportation Tips - Xining→Qinghai Lake bus (¥50/person) is more cost-effective than private car (¥600/day) - Beware of "low-price day tours" with forced shopping stops 3. Altitude Sickness - Prevention: Drink Rhodiola tea 1 week in advance; carry oxygen cans (¥25/can) - Avoid: Showering or intense exercise upon arrival --- 📸 Instagram-Worthy Photo Spots | Location | Feature | Best Time | |-------|-------|-------| | Gari Monastery | Cliffside prayer flags + lake view | 2 hours before sunset | | Chaka Salt Lake | Mirror-like reflections | Before 10am | | Jinsha Bay | Desert meets lake | Side lighting (9–11am) | --- 🍜 Local Must-Try Foods - Kangguo Lamb (Lao Hejia Kangrou, Xining) - Yak Yogurt (add sugar to balance tartness) - Goujiaonai Pancake (intangible cultural heritage oil cake, available at Mojia Street) --- 🚗 Classic Itinerary Recommendation 3-Day Lake Loop Highlights D1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Daotang River → Erlangjian (overnight) D2: Heima River sunrise → Chaka Salt Lake → Gangcha (overnight) D3: Fairy Bay → Jinsha Bay → Atomic City return trip --- 💡 Fun Fact Easter Eggs - Qinghai Lake is called "Tso Ngonpo" in Tibetan, meaning "Blue Sea" - The lake is expanding! Water levels have risen over 3m since 2004 - Circling the lake ≈ marathon distance (approx. 360km) If you need customized itineraries for photography/family/self-drive trips or want the latest updates (e.g., Bird Island opening status), let me know your specific needs~

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 Haibei, Qinghai, China is a world-famous tourist resort city. Every day, thousands of tourists come here for sightseeing and vacation. There are many scenic spots in Haibei. This time I will introduce a very famous scenic spot in the local area: Qinghai Atomic City. The Atomic City, whose full name is "Qinghai Atomic City National Patriotism Education Demonstration Base", is China's first nuclear weapons research and development base. It is located in the Jinyintan Grassland, Haiyan County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, with a total area of ​​more than 1,100 square kilometers. It was built in 1958 and retired on May 15, 1995. It was listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council in 2001, designated as a national patriotism education demonstration base in November 2005, and listed as a Chinese AAAA-level tourist attraction in November 2007.

--- ### **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.

Qinghai Lake is the most famous attraction in Qinghai Province, China, attracting thousands of tourists every day. Here is a simple travel guide to Qinghai Lake. Guide Overview: Best Travel Time: May to October May to June: Bird Island is filled with migratory birds, offering a rich bird-watching experience. July to August: The best time to visit, with the blue lake and golden flower fields creating a stunning contrast. September to October: The grasslands turn yellow, the lake becomes tranquil and deep, offering a unique autumn charm. Classic 2-Day Itinerary: Day 1: Xining → Ta'er Monastery → Riyue Mountain → Daotang River → Erlangjian → Qinghai Lake Day 2: Chaka Salt Lake → West Lake Road → Gangcha → Jinyintan Grassland → Atomic City → Return to Xining Transportation: By Plane: Fly to Xining Caojiabao International Airport, then take other transportation to Qinghai Lake. By Train: Arrive at Xining Station, then take a car to the lake. Self-Drive/Car Rental: A more convenient and flexible option, allowing you to stop and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Tips: Prepare sun protection and moisturizing measures, including high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hats, and umbrellas. The temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so bring warm clothing and wear comfortable shoes. Avoid strenuous exercise in high-altitude areas, drink plenty of water, rest often, and bring medication for altitude sickness and other common medicines. The lakeside is private property, fenced with barbed wire. Please communicate with the local herders and get their permission before entering.

Qinghai Lake 🌊 I. Must-Try Cuisine at Qinghai Lake 1. Hand-Grabbed Mutton • A traditional dish of the nomads around Qinghai Lake, featuring tender meat seasoned with pepper salt or mashed garlic. Recommended to try at a nomad's home or a local halal restaurant. 2. Tsampa (Roasted Barley Flour) • A staple food of Tibetans, made from roasted barley flour and yak butter. It has a unique taste and can be paired with butter tea or yogurt. 3. Qinghai Yogurt • Characterized by a layer of yellow cream on top, it has a rich, sweet, and sour taste. Commonly sold at roadside stalls or nomad homes. 4. Ga Mian Pian (Small Dough Pieces Soup) • A soup with hand-torn dough pieces in a flavorful broth. Commonly found in local halal restaurants. 5. Yak Jerky • A high-protein snack, perfect for travel. It's recommended to buy it outside the scenic area for better prices. 6. Tian Pei (Sweet Fermented Barley) • A sweet, fermented barley drink that is cool and refreshing. Commonly found at roadside stalls during summer. II. Must-Visit Attractions at Qinghai Lake 1. Qinghai Lake Main Scenic Area (Erlangjian) • Highlights: Panoramic lake views, horse riding, yak riding for photos, and boat tours. • Tickets: Peak season (April–October) CNY 90, off-season CNY 50. 2. Bird Island (Seasonally Open) • Best time to visit: April–June, when tens of thousands of migratory birds (bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls) inhabit the island. • Note: Due to ecological protection, visitor numbers may be limited in recent years. Please confirm the opening status before your trip. 3. Sand Island (Currently Closed) • Originally a spectacle where desert and lake met, it is currently under ecological restoration and not open to tourists. 4. Heimahe Township • Sunrise viewing spot: The most beautiful sunrise spot at Qinghai Lake, where lakeside prayer flags are illuminated by the morning glow. 5. Chaka Salt Lake (Sky Mirror) • Distance: About 80 km southwest of Qinghai Lake. It is recommended to hire a car or drive there. • Tips: Wear bright-colored clothes for photos on sunny days and bring slippers to prevent salt particles from hurting your feet. 6. Jinyintan Grassland • History: The place that inspired Wang Luobin to compose the song "In That Distant Place." Wildflowers bloom across the grassland in summer. 7. Riyue Mountain (Sun and Moon Mountain) • Culture: Princess Wencheng passed through here on her way to Tibet. The prayer flags, Sun Pavilion, and Moon Pavilion on the mountaintop are great photo spots. III. Accommodation Recommendations • Heimahe Township: A hub for lakeside inns, convenient for watching the sunrise. Reservations are required in advance during peak season (CNY 300–600/night). • West Ring Road: Boutique lakeside guesthouses in a quiet environment, some offering tent camping experiences (approx. CNY 200–400). • Gangcha County: Offers better facilities, suitable for self-drive or car rental travelers, with relatively affordable prices. • Chaka Town: A good option for accommodation after visiting Chaka Salt Lake, with relatively good conditions. IV. Transportation Guide 1. How to Reach Qinghai Lake • From Xining: Take a bus from Xining Bus Station to Erlangjian Scenic Area (approx. 3 hours, CNY 40–50). • Car rental/self-drive: About 2.5 hours' drive from Xining. The ring road around the lake is about 360 km, allowing for stops for photos along the way. 2. Transportation Around the Lake • Cycling: The famous route of the Tour of Qinghai Lake international cycling race. Bicycles can be rented by the lake (approx. CNY 50–80/day). • Local transportation: There are no direct buses between scenic areas. It is recommended to hire a car (approx. CNY 500–800/day) or share a ride. V. Practical Tips 1. Altitude Sickness • Qinghai Lake is at an altitude of about 3,200 meters. Avoid strenuous exercise and bring rhodiola or oxygen tanks. 2. Sun Protection and Warm Clothing • The UV radiation is extremely strong. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so bring a thick coat even in summer. 3. Environmental Awareness • Do not litter, protect bird habitats, and do not enter nomad pastures without permission. 4. Respect Local Customs • In Tibetan areas, avoid pointing at Buddha statues and circumambulate prayer flags and mani piles clockwise. 5. Food and Drink • Some restaurants have strong flavors. You can request less salt and less chili in advance. Those with sensitive stomachs should avoid drinking unboiled water. 6. Best Time to Travel • July–August: Rapeseed flowers are in full bloom, but there are more tourists. • September–October: The autumn scenery is serene, suitable for avoiding crowds. Suggested Itinerary • Classic 3-Day Tour: Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Dao Tang River → Erlangjian → Overnight stay at Heimahe Day 2: Heimahe sunrise → Chaka Salt Lake → West Ring Road → Gangcha County Day 3: Gangcha → Jinyintan Grassland → Atomic City → Return to Xining The purity and magnificence of Qinghai Lake need to be experienced firsthand. Whether it's the challenge of cycling around the lake or camping under the starry sky, it will be an unforgettable memory. Check the weather and scenic area announcements before your trip and embark on your journey to the holy lake on the plateau! 🌄🚴♂️

Cycling around Qinghai Lake is one of the most popular cycling routes in China. Here's a detailed cycling guide: 1. Best Time to Cycle - Recommended time: June to September, with mild weather and the most beautiful scenery. - Note: July-August is the peak tourist season, and accommodations and transportation may be limited. 2. Cycling Route - Starting point: Xining City - Loop route: Xining → Huangyuan → Riyue Mountain → Dao Tang River → Qinghai Lake (loop around the lake) → Xining - Total distance: Approx. 360 km, usually completed in 4-5 days. 3. Itinerary - Day 1: Xining → Huangyuan → Riyue Mountain → Dao Tang River (approx. 100 km) - Day 2: Dao Tang River → Jiangxi Valley → Heima River (approx. 70 km) - Day 3: Heima River → Shinaihai → Bird Island → Gangcha (approx. 120 km) - Day 4: Gangcha → Hargai → Xihai Town → Huangyuan → Xining (approx. 70 km) 4. Equipment Preparation - Bicycle: Mountain bikes or road bikes are recommended. You can rent bikes in Xining. - Cycling gear: Helmet, gloves, cycling apparel, sunglasses, sunscreen, repair tools, spare inner tubes, rain gear, etc. 5. Accommodation and Dining - Accommodation: Hostels, inns, and hotels are available along the way. Reservations are recommended during peak season. - Dining: Tibetan and Sichuan cuisine are the main options. It is recommended to bring your own snacks and water.