Xining to Qinghai Lake: 3 Ways to Travel by Car, Bus & Train

Distance from Xining to Qinghai Lake: About 150 Kilometers (93 miles)

The distance from Xining to Qinghai Lake is about 150 kilometers (93 miles), and you can choose from three main transportation options: private car, shuttle bus, or train.

Scenery along the Way from Xining to Qinghai Lake

Lajishan Pass (拉脊山口): Situated at an altitude of 3,820 meters, it is part of a branch of the Riyue Mountain range, located on the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains. It is a crucial pass leading to southern Qinghai, known for its steep terrain, year-round snow cover, and breathtaking scenery.

Riyue Mountain (日月山): A part of the Qilian Mountain range, this mountain stretches for 90 kilometers and serves as a natural dam on the eastern side of Qinghai Lake. With an average altitude of around 4,000 meters and a peak reaching 4,877 meters, it is a strategic gateway between inland China and Tibet.

Daotang River (倒淌河): Originating on the western slopes of Riyue Mountain, this river sits at an elevation of about 3,300 meters and flows for roughly 40 kilometers. Unlike most rivers that flow from west to east, it flows east to west into Qinghai Lake, which gives it its name, meaning "Reversed Flowing River."

1. Xining to Qinghai Lake by Car – The Easiest Way

• Time Required: About 2-2.5 hours
• Price: Included in the tour fee
• Departure: Hotel
• Arrival: Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区)

To fully enjoy your journey and avoid wasting energy on cumbersome procedures, we recommend choosing a professional international travel agency like Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to arrange your trip from Xining to Qinghai Lake.

We will take care of all transportation, accommodation, and entrance tickets for attractions in Qinghai. Based on real-time road conditions, we will select the best route. The drive from your hotel will take approximately 2-2.5 hours, covering about 150 kilometers (93 miles).

You will first visit the stunning fields of rapeseed flowers. The best time to see the rapeseed flowers around Qinghai Lake is from early July to mid-August. This period coincides with China’s summer vacation, making it a peak travel season.

If you wish to avoid the crowds, you can plan your Qinghai trip from May to October. Don’t worry about missing the rapeseed flowers; in recent years, local farmers have adopted a staggered planting method to extend the blooming period. You can see the rapeseed flowers from around the Dragon Boat Festival until the end of the National Day holiday.

Finally, you will arrive at the Erlangjian Scenic Area, also known as Base 151, one of the most important attractions at Qinghai Lake. Erlangjian is a narrow, sword-shaped peninsula that extends several kilometers into the lake, giving the area its name. This spot combines natural beauty with local cultural activities, making it a shining jewel of Qinghai Lake.

Along the way, you'll see an endless blue sky dotted with white clouds, under which stretches vast grasslands adorned with blooming rapeseed flowers, creating a picturesque scene. In the distance, mountains glimmer under the sunlight, adding to the enchanting beauty. Occasionally, you’ll spot herds of cattle and sheep grazing peacefully on the grasslands, bringing life and vitality to the entire landscape!

2. Xining to Qinghai Lake Bus – Only One Shuttle Bus a Day

• Time Required: About 2.5 hours
• Price: ¥60 per adult (¥30 per child) for a one-way ticket
• Departure: Xining Bus Station (西宁汽车站)
• Arrival: Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区)
• Departure time: 09:00
• Return Time: 15:00

There is a direct shuttle bus from Xining to Qinghai Lake, with the departure point at the Xining Bus Station, located next to the Xining Railway Station. The bus departs at 9:00 AM, and there is only one bus per day. The return trip is scheduled for 3:00 PM the same day, with a travel time of approximately 2.5 hours. Prices are ¥ 60/adult one-way and ¥ 30/child one-way.

Note: The above times are for reference only; please check the actual schedule for your travel date.

3. Xining to Qinghai Lake Train - Train First, then Car

• Time Required: About 2 hours
• Price: ¥23 per adult for a one-way ticket
• Departure: Xining Railway Station (西宁站)
• Arrival: Haiyan Railway Station (海晏站)
• Route: Qinghai – Haiyan – Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区)

Currently, there are no trains that stop at Qinghai Lake, but 3 trains—C891, C895, and 7581—make stops in Haiyan Railway Station, which is located on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake. That takes about 1 hour. From there, you can take a taxi to the final destination, Qinghai Lake, which requires an extra hour for the 80 kilometers’ drive.

The journey can be a bit complex. First, you'll need to make your way from your hotel to Xining Railway Station. Then, take a train to Haiyan Railway Station. From Haiyan, you can catch a taxi to Qinghai Lake.

Overall, the entire trip takes approximately 2 hours, not accounting for transfer times and waiting for trains.

Get to Chaka Salt Lake from Xining & Qinghai Lake

Xining to Chaka Salt Lake

The distance from Xining to Chaka Salt Lake is close to 300 kilometers. You can get to Chaka Lake from Xining by private car, train and bus.

• Xining to Chaka Salt Lake by Car: About 3.5-4 hours’ drive
• Xining to Chaka Salt Lake by Train: About 4.5 hours (Jul-Sept only)
• Xining to Chaka Salt Lake by Bus: About 4.5 hours

Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake

Chaka Lake is located at the 150 km southwest of Qinghai Lake. Many visitors choose to explore Chaka Salt Lake after visiting Qinghai Lake.

• Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake by Car: About 2.5 hours’ drive
• Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake by Bus: About 3 hours

Tips for Getting to Qinghai Lake from Xining

Traveling from Xining to Qinghai Lake can be an exciting adventure, but it's important to be well-prepared for the journey. To ensure a smooth trip, we've compiled some tips that will help you navigate the route effectively.

1. The route will pass through uninhabited areas, so prepare snacks and food.
2. Public restrooms may be more basic than you expect, so bring wet wipes and tissue.
3. The journey is long, so prepare motion sickness medication and sunscreen.
4. Be prepared for the possibility of no mobile signal and bring cash.
5. Self-drive tours or car rentals are not recommended due to Qinghai’s restrictions for international travelers on certain attractions and accommodation options.
6. It’s best to work with a professional travel agency like Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for assistance with ticketing, itinerary planning, transportation, and accommodation to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

How to Plan a Xining to Qinghai Lake Tour

Most travelers spend 1 day exploring Qinghai Lake. Since it’s located between Xining and Chaka Salt Lake, it’s ideal to visit all three spots together. To fully experience the best of Qinghai, a 3 to 4-day trip is recommended, with one day dedicated to Qinghai Lake. Here's a suggested itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Xining

Arrive in Xining and visit Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery) to explore its rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. In the evening, enjoy free time at Xining’s night market, where you can sample local snacks.

Day 2: Xining – Qinghai Lake – Chaka Town

Drive 2-2.5 hours to Qinghai Lake and visit the Erlangjian Scenic Area. You can enjoy optional activities like a boat cruise, horseback riding, or cycling along the lakeshore. In the afternoon, drive around 2.5 hours to Chaka Town and stay overnight.

Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake – Return to Xining

Visit the stunning Chaka Salt Lake, also known as the "Mirror of the Sky", famous for its reflective views. Take the sightseeing train to explore the salt flats. Afterward, drive back to Xining, a journey of approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Recommended Tours:

3 Days Qinghai Tour: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake & Ta’er Monastery

Travel from Xining to Qinghai Lake with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT)

Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) to discover the natural beauty of Qinghai Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake in China and one of the best spots to see rapeseed flowers in Qinghai.

As you journey from Xining to Qinghai Lake, you'll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery - majestic mountains, expansive grasslands, vibrant flower fields, and herds of sheep and cattle. The landscapes of Northwestern China will captivate you long before you even reach your destination.