[2025 Gangca Attraction] Travel Guide for Bird Island of Qinghai Lake (Updated Mar)

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.

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! 💕

【Introduction】: Qinghai Lake Scenic Area in Qinghai Province is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, northwest of Xining City, and south of Gangcha County. It is 136 kilometers away from Xining City. Erlangjian Scenic Area is located on the south bank of Qinghai Lake. With its unique geographical location in Qinghai Lake, and its ecological natural resources mainly consisting of grasslands, beaches, and animals, Erlangjian has become a pearl of the Qinghai Lake tourist area. 🕘【Opening Hours】: Open all year round, 24 hours a day 💴【Ticket Prices】: Prices are adjusted according to peak and off-peak seasons ⛺【Activities】: Bird Island, Erlangjian, Fairy Bay, Golden Sand Bay, watching Huangyu fish migration at the fishery 🚌【Transportation Guide】: Charter a car or drive by yourself 👉【Itinerary】: Visit Chaka Salt Lake nearby, stay overnight in Chaka Town or Heimahe Town 🧡【Preparation】: Prepare for sun protection and stay hydrated

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