Qinghai is located in northwest China, with an average altitude of over 2,000 meters. Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Kumbum Monastery and Emerald Lake are its main tourist attractions. First-time visitors usually care about these questions: how to get there? How much are the tickets? Where to stay? Some areas exceed 4,000 meters above sea level, so full preparations in advance are particularly important. The plateau environment has certain physical requirements, so learn about altitude sickness before departure. This article answers transportation, attractions, accommodation, catering and other questions, and provides practical tips to help you plan your Qinghai trip.
Transport to Qinghai: How to Get There Easily
No matter which tourist attraction in Qinghai you plan to visit, the first step is to reach Xining, the transportation hub of Qinghai. Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province and also the transfer station for most tourists.
How to Get to Xining from Overseas
Xining Caojiabao International Airport has opened many international and regional routes. The routes from Xining to Hong Kong and Xining to Hong Kong via Xi’an are in stable operation. The direct flight from Xining to Bangkok has also been launched, operated by Thai Vietjet Air. Departing from Bangkok, the return flight takes off in the evening and arrives in Xining late at night. For tourists from other countries and regions, the common route is to fly to major Chinese hub cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi’an first, then transfer to Xining. There are many flights from these cities to Xining with convenient connections.
How to Get to Xining from Major Chinese Cities
By Plane
Xining Airport has direct flights to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Chongqing, Changsha, Urumqi and Kunming. Air tickets are affordable in the off-season and rise in the peak season. To save costs, avoid travel peak periods and book tickets one to two months in advance.
By Train
Xining is an important railway hub. It is convenient to get here by bullet train or ordinary train from Lanzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu and other cities. Bullet train tickets are stable and time-saving; for example, it only takes more than one hour from Lanzhou to Xining. Ordinary trains are cheaper but take longer. Taking a train to Qinghai helps you adapt to altitude changes gradually, which is helpful for preventing altitude sickness.
How to Get to Various Attractions after Arriving in Xining
Attractions in Qinghai are widely distributed. There are three main ways to get to Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Kumbum Monastery and other spots from Xining:
Group Tours
Many travel agencies offer group tours departing from Xining, including vehicles, drivers, tickets and simple guides. It is hassle-free and suitable for solo or two-person trips.
Charter a Vehicle
For three or four people, the per capita cost of chartering a car is similar to that of group tours, but with more flexible time. A 5-seat SUV costs about 700 to 900 CNY per day in the off-season and 900 to 1,200 CNY per day in the peak season. The fee includes fuel and tolls, while the driver’s accommodation and meals need to be shared separately.
Self-Driving
Road conditions in Qinghai are generally good, but the distance between some attractions is long, and gas stations and supply points are not dense. You can consider self-driving if you have plateau driving experience, and you need to download offline maps in advance.
Qinghai Lake: The Absolute Star of Qinghai Tourist Attractions
Qinghai Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in China, with a lake surface altitude of about 3,195 meters and an area of 4,583 square kilometers. The lake water shows different colors from light green to dark blue in the sun, with continuous snow-capped mountains in the distance. Every July and August, large areas of rapeseed flowers bloom by the lake, blending golden yellow and bright blue. The average temperature of the lake area is about 15°C in midsummer, making it a natural summer resort.
Qinghai Lake
Ticket Information
Tickets for Qinghai Lake are divided into peak and off-season. For Erlangjian Scenic Area, tickets are 72 CNY per person for groups and online booking in the peak season (April 1 to October 31); 40 CNY per person in the off-season (January 1 to March 31, November 1 to December 31). The cruise ship costs about 45 CNY and is unavailable in winter.
Practical Tips for Visiting Qinghai Lake
- The best time for taking photos is sunrise or evening, with soft light and the richest colors on the lake surface.
- Do not climb over herders’ fences to enter private grasslands by the lake. There are multiple free viewing platforms along the West Ring Road with equally good views.
- If time permits, it is recommended to stay one night in Heimahe Township on the west side of the lake to watch the sunrise the next day. The view here is wide, and the lake surface glows golden at sunrise.
Accommodation Reference
There are many tent hotels and ordinary inns by Qinghai Lake, with prices ranging from 200 to 500 CNY per night in the peak season. The conditions are average, and many do not have independent bathrooms. For better accommodation, you can stay in Gangcha County or Xihai Town, with similar prices but better facilities. The temperature difference between morning and evening by the lake is huge, so bring a thick coat even in summer.
Chaka Salt Lake: How to Visit the Mirror of the Sky
Chaka Salt Lake is known as the “Mirror of the Sky”. The lake surface is like a huge mirror reflecting the sky and distant mountains. It is the first choice for many photography enthusiasts. Chaka Salt Lake is about 3,059 meters above sea level, so pay attention to your pace when walking on the plateau.
Tickets and Minor Transportation
Tickets for Chaka Salt Lake are divided into peak and off-season. The in-scenic area track train is 50 CNY per person one way, the sightseeing battery car is 5 CNY per person one way, and shoe cover rental is 10 CNY a pair (deposit 50 CNY). Admission is free in winter (December 1 to February 28 of the next year), and you can enter the park with a valid ID card reservation. There is a half-price preferential policy in spring (March 1 to April 30), with full-price tickets at 30 CNY per person, allowing multiple entries within 48 hours with the ticket.
Photography and Visiting Suggestions
- The light is best before 9 a.m. and after 4 or 5 p.m., with a calm lake surface and the clearest reflections.
- Wear brightly colored clothes; red and yellow are more photogenic.
- Be sure to wear shoe covers when taking photos in the lake, as salt lake water irritates the skin.
Accommodation and Transportation
Chaka Salt Lake is about 300 kilometers from Xining, taking about four hours by car. Most tourists choose a one-day tour departing from Xining and return on the same day. If you want to take photos of sunset or starry sky, you can stay in Chaka Town, which has many hotels and homestays.
Chaka Salt Lake
Kumbum Monastery: The Treasure House of Tibetan Buddhist Art in Qinghai
Kumbum Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the most famous religious attraction in Qinghai. The murals, applique tapestry and butter sculptures in the temple are known as the “Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery”, with high ornamental value.
Ticket Information
Tickets for Kumbum Monastery are divided into peak and off-season: 70 CNY per person in the peak season (April 1 to October 31), 40 CNY per person in the off-season (November 1 to March 31). During the winter and spring tourism season (usually December to March of the next year), Qinghai launches scenic area preferential policies, and Kumbum Monastery tickets once dropped to 10 CNY. Pay attention to official information before traveling.
Practical Suggestions for Visiting Kumbum Monastery
- You do not need to buy a ticket if you only wander outside without entering the Buddhist scripture halls or main halls, but you can only see the “Three Wonders”of the temple with a purchased ticket.
- More than ten courtyards and main halls in the temple are open to tourists. It is recommended to hire a guide to learn about religious knowledge and historical stories.
- Dress appropriately when entering the temple. Do not wear hats or sunglasses, do not point at Buddha statues with your fingers, and turn prayer wheels clockwise. Photography is not allowed in many halls of the temple.
How to Get There
Kumbum Monastery is about 25 kilometers southwest of Xining urban area, taking half an hour by car. You can take a direct bus from Xining Railway Station at an affordable price. Many people take Kumbum Monastery as the first stop of their Qinghai trip because it is closest to Xining and has a low altitude (about 2,700 meters), suitable for adapting to the plateau environment first.
Emerald Lake and Chaerhan Salt Lake: Lesser-Known but Stunning Qinghai Tourist Attractions
In addition to Chaka Salt Lake, there are two lesser-known salt lakes in Qinghai: Da Qaidam Emerald Lake and Chaerhan Salt Lake.
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is near Da Qaidam Town, and the lake water is emerald green due to mineral elements. Tickets are 50 CNY per person in the peak season (May to October) and 25 CNY per person in the off-season; the round-trip train is 60 CNY per person, allowing you to get on and off at will. Opening hours are 8:00 to 18:00. It is recommended to arrive around 9 a.m. to avoid strong afternoon light and crowds. There are fewer tourists here than in Chaka, so you do not need to queue for photos. You can stay in Da Qaidam Town for accommodation.
Chaerhan Salt Lake
Chaerhan Salt Lake is near Golmud City, located in the southern Qaidam Basin. Adult tickets for the scenic area are 40 CNY per person, and the sightseeing bus is 60 CNY per person (mandatory). Seniors over 60 years old are free of charge with ID cards, and children are free according to height. There is a famous “Ten-Thousand-Zhang Salt Bridge”in the scenic area, a road paved with salt. Due to its remote location, there are fewer tourists and the scenery is more primitive. You usually need to charter a car or join a special group tour to go here. A round-trip charter from Golmud urban area costs about 300 CNY, and you can carpool to reduce costs.
How to Choose Accommodation for Qinghai Tourist Attractions
Qinghai tourist attractions are widely distributed, and accommodation is mainly concentrated in these places: Xining urban area, by Qinghai Lake, Chaka Town, Da Qaidam Town and Golmud City.
Xining Urban Area
As the provincial capital, Xining has a wide range of hotel options. Economy chain hotels cost about 100 to 200 CNY per night, three-star hotels 200 to 300 CNY, and five-star hotels 500 to 600 CNY. The advantage of staying in the urban area is convenient dining and close to transportation hubs.
Around Scenic Areas
Accommodation conditions by Qinghai Lake, Chaka Town and Da Qaidam Town are not as good as in cities, and prices rise in the peak season. Ordinary inns or hotels cost 300 to 500 CNY in the peak season and may only cost more than 100 CNY in the off-season. Tent hotels are distinctive but low in comfort, cold at night and poor in sound insulation. During the winter and spring tourism season, some star-rated hotels launch a 20% discount on room rates; pay attention in advance to save expenses. It is recommended to book more than two weeks in advance in the peak season.
Money-Saving Tips
If you want to save accommodation costs, you can choose a one-day tour departing from Xining and stay in Xining on the same day, with cheaper room rates and more options. The disadvantage is long travel time and tight visiting hours.
Catering Costs for Qinghai Tourist Attractions
The diet in Qinghai mainly consists of beef, mutton and pasta, with a salty and spicy taste. A bowl of beef noodles in an ordinary restaurant costs more than ten CNY, a plate of hand-grabbed mutton (half a jin) 50 to 60 CNY, and vegetable dishes 20 to 30 CNY. Three meals a day cost about 80 to 120 CNY per person per day.
Recommended Specialties
- Yak Yogurt: Qinghai yak yogurt is very thick with a layer of yellow milk skin on the surface. It tastes delicious with white sugar, costing a few CNY a bowl.
- Kangguo Mutton: Mutton braised in an iron pot with potatoes and onions, enough for two to three people.
- Sweet Fermented Highland Barley: Sweet soup fermented from highland barley, refreshing and relieving greasiness, costing a few CNY a bowl.
About Drinking Water
The water quality is hard in many parts of Qinghai, and there may be scale after boiling. It is recommended to drink bottled water. A 500ml bottle of mineral water in supermarkets costs 1 to 2 CNY, and the price is higher in scenic areas.
Ticket Budget Reference for Qinghai Tourist Attractions
The ticket prices of several major Qinghai tourist attractions are listed below (reference prices):
- Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area: 72 CNY in peak season, 40 CNY in off-season.
- Chaka Salt Lake: tickets divided into peak and off-season, 60 CNY in peak season, 30 CNY in off-season, track train 50 CNY one way (optional).
- Kumbum Monastery: 70 CNY in peak season, 40 CNY in off-season.
- Emerald Lake: 50 CNY in peak season, 25 CNY in off-season, train 60 CNY round trip (optional).
- Chaerhan Salt Lake: 40 CNY for tickets, 60 CNY for sightseeing bus (mandatory).
Some scenic areas offer discounts for seniors over 60 years old and students; please bring relevant certificates. During the winter and spring tourism season, multiple scenic areas launch half-price or even free ticket policies; pay attention to official information before departure.
Group Tours or Charter Services: How to Choose Travel Methods for Qinghai Tourist Attractions
For those unfamiliar with Qinghai’s road conditions and attraction distribution, group tours or chartered vehicles are the most hassle-free choices.
Small Group Tours
Many travel agencies such as China Dragon Travel offer small groups departing from Xining, usually including vehicle fare, driver, fuel costs and tolls, and some also include tickets and accommodation. It costs several hundred CNY per person per day in the peak season. The advantage is hassle-free, no need to make your own strategy, and the driver is familiar with road conditions and photo spots.
Custom Charter
If there are three or four people, chartering an SUV or 7-seat business car is very suitable. A 5-seat SUV costs about 700 to 900 CNY per day in the off-season and 900 to 1,200 CNY per day in the peak season. The fee includes fuel and tolls, while the driver’s accommodation and meals need to be shared separately. The route is completely up to you, and you can stay at the attraction as long as you want. After sharing among a group, the per capita cost may be lower than group tours.
Practical Money-Saving Tips for Qinghai Tourist Attractions
- Travel in Off-Season: Tickets, accommodation and charter costs are lower in the off-season than in the peak season. Some scenic areas offer free or half-price discounts in the winter and spring tourism season. Although the weather is colder, there are fewer tourists and the scenery has winter characteristics.
- Book in Advance: Air tickets and accommodation are more cost-effective the earlier you book. Book hotels at least one month in advance in the peak season.
- Carpool or Join Group Tours: If you are alone or with one companion, do not charter a car alone. Join group tours or find travel companions in Xining to share costs.
- Bring Your Own Dry Food: Food and water in scenic areas are expensive; you can buy snacks and water in Xining supermarkets in advance and put them in the car.
- Do Not Buy Unnecessary Specialties: The authenticity of Tibetan silver, dzi beads and other items sold by the roadside is hard to distinguish with inflated prices; it is recommended to only look but not buy.
Pre-Trip Preparation for Qinghai Tourist Attractions
The average altitude of Qinghai is 2,000 to 3,000 meters, and some attractions exceed 4,000 meters. Preparation in advance is necessary.
- Medicines: Rhodiola rosea, ibuprofen (for headache relief), glucose oral liquid, motion sickness medicine, gastrointestinal medicine. These are available in Xining pharmacies.
- Clothing: Even in summer, the temperature difference between day and night in Qinghai is huge. Wear short sleeves with sun protection clothing during the day, and fleece or thin down jacket at night. Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are necessities. Wear comfortable and non-slip sports shoes or hiking shoes.
- Others: thermos cup (good for drinking hot water on the plateau), power bank (long drives between attractions), ID card, a small amount of cash (mobile payment may not work in remote areas with poor signal).
Notes for Plateau Travel in Qinghai
When traveling in Qinghai, pay attention to the following points:
- Avoid Strenuous Exercise: Do not run, jump or carry heavy objects in the first day or two after arriving at the plateau. You can stay and adapt in areas with an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 meters first, then go to higher altitude areas.
- Sun Protection: The ultraviolet radiation on the plateau is very strong. Wear sunglasses, hats and high-factor sunscreen. Physical sun protection (long-sleeved clothes, ice sleeves) is more effective than sunscreen.
- Keep Warm: The temperature difference between day and night in Qinghai is large; wear a coat in the morning and evening to keep warm. The temperature drops rapidly after sunset.
- Pay Attention to Altitude Sickness: Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, nausea, insomnia, etc. If you have difficulty breathing or confusion, you must immediately descend and seek medical treatment.
- Purchase Insurance: The cost of medical evacuation in high-altitude areas is high. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance including plateau disease rescue and emergency medical protection.
China Dragon Travel has long been engaged in carpool and charter business in Qinghai, and is familiar with the best visiting time, road conditions and accommodation resources of various Qinghai tourist attractions. It can help tourists book cars and rooms in advance to avoid difficulties during the peak season.
Practical Reference for Qinghai Tourist Attractions
The above content covers transportation, accommodation prices, catering costs, ticket information and plateau notes for Qinghai tourist attractions. Tourists can plan their own trips according to this information. If you still have questions about charter or group tours, you can contact China Dragon Travel. The travel agency can provide specific suggestions according to tourists’ time and budget, assist in arranging vehicles, accommodation and itinerary details, making the trip to Qinghai smoother. Qinghai has a vast territory and long distances between attractions. It is recommended to plan the stay time and accommodation location in advance to avoid affecting the visiting experience due to rushing. At the same time, the plateau weather changes rapidly, so prepare enough warm clothes even when traveling in summer. Hope this guide is helpful to you. Wish you a smooth trip in Qinghai.
