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Qinghai Lake Facts
Chinese: 青海湖（qīng hǎi hú）
Size: 4,543 km2 (1,754 sq mi) (2020)
Max. Depth: 32.8 m (108 ft)
Altitude: 3,260 m (10,700 ft)
Salinity: About 12 grams per liter
Opening Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Travel Duration: 2-3 hours
Best Time to Visit: May-October especially in July-August when rapeseed flowers around the lake are in full blossom
Location: Northeastern part of Qinghai Province, China
How to Get to: About 2-2.5 hours’ drive from Xining
Activities: Sightseeing, hiking, cycling, and birdwatching
What Makes Qinghai Lake So Attractive
Natural Beauty - the Largest Lake in China
The Mongolian language called Qinghai Lake “Kokonor Lake”, which means both blue or green lake. In Classical Chinese, Qing is a “single” color, comprising two different shades of blue and green.
Qinghai Lake's scenery changes with the seasons, from a green mirror in the summer to a frozen, shimmering surface in the winter. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, and its islands and scenic spots are a draw for visitors.
Cultural Significance - Interesting Tibetan Culture & Water Culture
Qinghai Lake is home to a vibrant Tibetan culture and is known as one of the four sacred lakes in Tibetan Buddhism. The local culture is not only deeply influenced by Tibetan culture, but also has its own unique water culture, including traditional cultural practices such as the Lake Sacrifice Ceremony (祭海) and Lake Kora (转湖).
World's Highest Road Cycling Race Held at Qinghai Lake
Since 2002, the "Tour of Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race" has been held annually at Qinghai Hu during June-August. Classified as a 2.HC-level event, it is Asia's top cycling race and the highest-altitude international road cycling event in the world.
Top Attractions & Things to Do in Qinghai Lake
A tour of Qinghai Lake offers a wealth of landscapes to explore, from stunning lake views to mountains, grasslands, and herds of horses and yaks. Several popular spots around the lake include Erlangjian Scenic Area, Nanshan Observation Deck, Heimahe Town, and Fairy Bay Scenic Area.
1. Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区)：Hiking, Birdwatching, Cruising, etc.
Located on the southern shore of Qinghai Lake, Erlangjian is one of the most popular and well-equipped scenic spots. Named after its resemblance to a long, narrow dam extending into the lake, this area offers diverse activities:
Hiking
A wooden plank road along the lake allows you to take a long walk and enjoy close-up views of Qinghai Lake, with distant views of snow peaks including the Tanggula (唐古拉山脉) and Kunlun Mountains (昆仑山脉). On clear days, you can even see the giant sand dunes of Sand Island on the far shore.
You might also spot hiking enthusiasts embarking on the 360-kilometer trek around the lake, which typically takes 10 to 15 days.
Birdwatching
Qinghai Lake is a paradise for birdwatchers, particularly during the May-June migration season, attracting over 200 species, including ivory gulls, brown-headed gulls, and ruddy shelducks. Erlangjian remains one of the best birdwatching sites around the lake after the closure of Bird Island for ecological protection.
Cruising (Extra Charge)
To fully immerse yourself in the vast beauty of the lake, you can take a cruise at Erlangjian. Choose between a High-Speed Cruise (25-minute single trip, 140 RMB) or a Catamaran Cruise (50 minutes round trip, 180 RMB).
Tips: Erlangjian also offers other activities such as cycling, horseback riding, yak rides, and even hot air ballooning, allowing you to customize their experience based on their preferences and schedule.
2. Nanshan Observation Deck (南山观景台): Overlook Qinghai Lake
The Nanshan Observation Deck is about a 10-minute drive (5.6km) from Erlangjian Scenic Area. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the vast expanse of Qinghai Lake, a truly spectacular sight.
3. Heimahe Town (黑马河镇): Sunrise & Cycling
Located in the southwestern corner of Qinghai Lake, Heimahe Town is a key stop for cyclists and a transit point to Chaka Salt Lake.
Sunrise
With unobstructed views, Heimahe is an excellent spot to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Qinghai Lake. As the sun rises, the sky, lake, and mountains are bathed in shades of yellow, orange, and red. When the sky fully brightens, colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind and seagulls soar overhead, creating a magical scene.
Sunrise location: Banchan Laze (班禅拉泽), about 2 km from the town area.
You can accommodate in the town and take the shuttle bus to watch the stunning sunrise. Here is an estimated monthly sunrise time for Heimahe Town, Qinghai, based on average sunrise times for the region.
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:30 | 08:20 | 07:48 | 07:03 | 06:24 | 06:00 |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
| 06:03 | 06:24 | 06:49 | 07:14 | 07:42 | 08:12 |
Note: The exact sunrise times can vary slightly depending on the day of the month and weather conditions.
Cycling
Heimahe is the starting point of the western route around the Qinghai Lake, offering a picturesque 70-kilometer ride to Bird Island. This section of the road is one of the most beautiful stretches of the Qinghai Lake cycling route, featuring wetlands, lake views, and diverse birdlife. Depending on fitness level, the ride typically takes 4 to 7 hours.
4. Fairy Bay Scenic Area (仙女湾景区): Flower Fields, Birds, and Lake Sacrifice Culture
Located on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake, Fairy Bay is a vital wetland with lush vegetation and abundant wildlife. It is a habitat for swans and offers an immersive cultural experience.
Flower Fields
From June to October, fields of blooming flowers, in white, yellow, orange, pink, and red, spread across Fairy Bay, creating a spectacular "sea of flowers." Walking along the wooden paths, you can enjoy close-up views of the wetlands and the beautiful lake scenery.
Birdwatching
Fairy Bay is home to numerous bird species, including the Qinghai Lake naked carp and birds such as the black-headed gull, bar-headed goose, and great cormorant. The area is also a sanctuary for swans. May to June is the best time for birdwatching at Fairy Bay.
Additionally, Qinghai Lake is a critical breeding ground for the black-necked crane, the only crane species that breeds at high altitudes. These rare cranes migrate to Qinghai Lake in late March and early April, returning south in October.
Lake Sacrifice Culture
Fairy Bay is also one of the traditional lake sacrifice sites at Qinghai Lake. You can explore cultural features such as the prayer corridor, prayer flags and lake sacrifice platform, making it a wonderful place to experience local customs and rituals.
Originally rooted in Mongolian beliefs, the Lake Sacrifice tradition gradually evolved into a shared custom among the Mongolian and Tibetan communities living around the lake. The Lake Sacrifice usually takes place on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month every year.
On this day, local farmers and herders from around the lake and surrounding areas kneel before Qinghai Lake, bowing their heads and reciting blessings. They also place treasure vases in the lake to pray for protection and peace from the lake deity.
Qinghai Lake Tickets & Prices
| Attractions | Opening Hours | Price (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Erlangjian Scenic Area | 08:30-18:00 | 90 yuan (peak season); 50 yuan (off season) |
| Nanshan Observation Deck | All day | Free admission |
| Heimahe Town | 09:00-18:00 | Free admission, 20 yuan for shuttle bus |
| Fairy Bay Scenic Area | 09:00-18:00 | 60 yuan (peak season); 30 yuan (off season) |
Note: Opening hours may differ. Please confirm the opening hours for specific days with the location.
Qinghai Lake Weather: Best Time to Visit Qinghai Lake
Located on the Tibetan Plateau, Qinghai Lake has a continental climate with abundant light and strong sunshine. There is low rainfall. It is cold in winter and cool in summer. The warm season is short, the cold season is long, and there are many winds and sandstorms in spring.
The best time to visit Qinghai Lake is between May and October, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most vibrant.
- May-June: This is a great time for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive at the lake.
- July-August: Ideal for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, this is the peak tourist season. You’ll also witness the spectacular rapeseed flower fields around the lake in full bloom. The Gesang flower (symbolizes love and happiness for the Tibetan people) blooms from June to September and can be seen in the Erlangjain Scenic Area.
- September-October: This season offers stunning fall colors, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds, making it perfect for a peaceful tour.
Where Is Qinghai Lake Located: Qinghai Lake Map
Situated in the northeastern part of Qinghai Province, on the Tibetan Plateau, in western China, Qinghai Lake is located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) west of Xining, the provincial capital. It takes about 2.5-3 hours’ drive from Xining to Qinghai Lake.
How to Get to Qinghai Lake
The easiest way to get to Qinghai Lake is from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. Here’s how you can make the trip:
Xining to Qinghai Lake
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By Private Car: The drive from Xining to Qinghai Lake takes around 2-2.5 hours, covering approximately 150 kilometers. This is the most flexible option, allowing you to stop at scenic viewpoints along the way. Travel with AOT >>
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By Bus: There are direct buses from Xining to Qinghai Lake, departing from Xining Bus Station. The trip takes about 2.5 hours and is a budget-friendly option.
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By Train: There are no direct trains to Qinghai Lake, but you can take a train from Xining to Haiyan County, which is located near the northern shore of the lake. From there, you can take a taxi or local transport to the scenic areas. Need at least 2 hours.
Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake
Since you’re already at Qinghai Lake, you definitely shouldn't miss Chaka Salt Lake, known as the "Mirror of the Sky." Located about 150 kilometers from Qinghai Lake, both are must-visit Attractions in Qinghai.
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By Private Car: Driving from Qinghai Lake to Chaka Town takes about 2.5 hours over the 150-kilometer journey. This is the most convenient option, allowing for flexibility to stop and explore along the way. Travel with AOT >>
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By Bus: Buses from Xining Bus Station travel to Chaka Town, with a stop at the Erlangjian Scenic Area. You can wait at the scenic area entrance. The journey takes around 3 hours. Note that Chaka Town is still 4 kilometers from the lake, and there’s no public transportation, so you’ll need to take a taxi.
How to Plan a Qinghai Lake Tour
Usually, travelers would spend 1 day exploring around Qinghai Lake. Since Qinghai Lake is located between Xining city and Chaka Salt Lake, it is a good idea to explore all three areas together.
To capture the highlight attractions of Qinghai, it is recommended to spend 3 to 4 days, including a one-day tour of Qinghai Lake. The following itinerary is provided for your reference:
Day 1: Arrival in Xining
Arrive in Xining and visit Ta'er Monastery to explore its rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. In the evening, enjoy free time sampling local snacks at the night market.
Day 2: Xining - Qinghai Lake - Chaka Town
Drive about 2-3 hours to Qinghai Lake, visiting the Erlangjian Scenic Area. Optional activities include a boat cruise, horse riding, or cycling. In the afternoon, drive about 2.5 hours to Chaka Town and stay overnight.
Day 3: Chaka Town - Chaka Salt Lake – Xining Departure
Visit the famous Chaka Salt Lake. Here you will visit the "Mirror of the Sky" Scenic Area, a stunning destination known for its breathtaking reflections, and take the sightseeing train to explore the salt flats. After exploring Chaka Lake, you’ll drive back to Xining, covering approximately 300 km over 3.5 to 4 hours.
Tips: Qinghai is closely linked with Gansu Province and other destinations on the ancient Silk Road route. It is a good idea to cover the highlights of Qinghai Province for 3-4 days, then extend your trip to Zhangye, Jiayuguan, and Dunhuang for 3-8 days. The following itinerary is provided for your reference:
Tips: Alternatively, you can extend your Silk Road adventure with 5-10 days' Xinjiang explore. The following travel package take you to Urumqi, Turpan and Kashgar in Xinjiang:
Tips for Traveling to Qinghai Lake
- Prepare for the Altitude: Qinghai Lake sits at an altitude of over 3,200 meters. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and give your body time to adjust to the altitude.
- Bring Essentials: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and layers for the changing weather. Also, bring snacks and water, as facilities around the lake can be limited.
- Respect Local Culture: Qinghai is home to Tibetan and other ethnic minorities. Be respectful of their customs and religious practices during your visit.
- Long-distance driving: The journey between scenic spots is long, so prepare motion sickness medication.
Tour Qinghai Lake with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)
Qinghai Lake is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration. Whether you're cycling around the lake, enjoying a peaceful hike, or marveling at the stunning sunset, Qinghai Lake offers an unforgettable experience. Plan your tour of Qinghai Lake today, and discover one of China’s most spectacular natural treasures!
For a seamless experience, consider traveling to Qinghai Lake with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT). AOT specializes in crafting personalized itineraries that include all the best spots around Qinghai Lake. With expert guides and tailored services, you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and rich culture, while we handle all the logistics.
From transportation and accommodation to guided tours of the lake and nearby attractions, AOT ensures a stress-free and memorable journey. Whether you’re an adventurer looking to explore or simply seeking relaxation, AOT has the perfect Qinghai Lake tour for you.
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