Tired of urban chaos? Qinghai, in northwest China, offers a sanctuary of unspoiled natural beauty and rich ethnic culture. As part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it boasts China’s largest inland lake, otherworldly salt flats, snow-capped mountains, and vibrant Tibetan, Hui, and Mongolian communities. For foreign travelers, Qinghai’s allure lies in its raw landscapes and authentic cultural experiences—no over-commercialization, just pure connection with nature and locals. This condensed guide highlights the best of Qinghai, from must-see spots to practical travel advice.
Unmissable Attractions: Nature & Culture
Qinghai’s attractions span vast distances but each delivers unique charm. Focus on these core sites to make the most of your trip.
1. Qinghai Lake: The Plateau’s Sapphire
Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake (3,196m altitude, 360km circumference), is the heart of Qinghai tourism. Its color shifts with seasons—azure in summer, crystal-blue when frozen in winter.
July-August is peak season: Golden rapeseed fields blanket the shores, contrasting vividly with the lake and snow-capped Qilian Mountains. Rent a bike to cycle part of the lake (well-marked routes with rest stops) or wander past Tibetan yurts, where herdsmen welcome you with butter tea. In winter (Nov-Feb), the frozen lake becomes a playground for ice skating, and flocks of whooper swans arrive, turning the landscape into a serene winter wonderland.
2. Chaka Salt Lake: The “Mirror of the Sky”
A global Instagram sensation, Chaka Salt Lake (3,059m altitude) lives up to its nickname. When the water is calm, it reflects the sky so perfectly that visitors appear to “walk on clouds.”
Best photo times: 9-10 AM or 4-6 PM on sunny days—soft light enhances the mirror effect. Wear bright clothing (red, yellow) for striking contrasts against white salt flats. Take the vintage small train to the lake’s center for unobstructed views, or try harvesting natural salt crystals as souvenirs. Note: Wear shoe covers (available at the gate) to protect feet from rough salt; pack strong sunscreen—UV radiation is intense.
Chaka Salt Lake
3. Qilian Mountains Grassland: Pastoral Poetry
One of China’s top grasslands (over 3,000m altitude), Qilian offers the iconic “wind-swept grass revealing cattle and sheep” scene. Summer (June-August) brings lush green meadows dotted with wildflowers, while distant snow-capped peaks add drama.
Ride a horse with local Tibetan guides to explore the grassland, or visit a family yurt for homemade yogurt and highland barley wine. Nearby Zhuoer Mountain, with its red Danxia rocks, provides panoramic views of the grassland and Qilian County. Keep an eye out for Tibetan antelopes and marmots—this is their natural habitat.
4. Taer Monastery: Tibetan Buddhism’s Treasure
Founded in 1560, Taer Monastery (Xining’s Huangzhong District) is one of Tibetan Buddhism’s six major Gelugpa monasteries. Its name means “Monastery of the Pagoda”—a golden-roofed pagoda honoring Buddha Shakyamuni stands at its core.
Don’t miss the “Three Wonders”: Murals (vibrant Buddhist stories), appliqué embroideries (silk artworks), and butter sculptures (intricate figures made from yak butter, displayed annually on the 15th day of the first lunar month). Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); remove hats and avoid photos inside halls (some areas allow it for a small fee). Hire a guide to understand the monastery’s history—their insights bring the art and architecture to life.
5. Dongtai Jinaier Lake: Qinghai’s “Maldives”
A recent favorite, Dongtai Jinaier Lake (2,681m altitude) boasts stunning Tiffany-blue water, thanks to high lithium and boron content. Its white salt beaches and clear water mimic tropical islands, making it a top photo spot.
Note: The lake is underdeveloped—no restaurants or hotels nearby. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen. Rinse feet after wading (minerals can irritate skin). Visit en route to Da Qaidam; hire a chartered car (the only practical transport here).
Dongtai Jinaier Lake
Itinerary Planning: 3-4 Days & 7-8 Days
Qinghai’s vastness demands careful planning. Choose a route based on your time.
1. 3-4 Day Short Trip (Core Highlights)
Route: Xining → Taer Monastery → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Xining
- Day 1: Arrive in Xining (2,261m altitude). Rest to avoid altitude sickness. Afternoon: Visit Taer Monastery (1hr drive from Xining). Evening: Dine on hand-grasped mutton at Yixin Restaurant.
- Day 2: Drive to Qinghai Lake (2hrs). Spend the day cycling, walking, or visiting Bird Island (May-July for migratory birds). Stay at a lakeside homestay; watch the sunset over the lake.
- Day 3: Head to Chaka Salt Lake (2.5hrs). Explore for 2-3hrs, then return to Xining (3hrs). Evening: Browse Mojia Street for snacks like niang pi (cold noodles).
- Day 4: Morning: Visit Xining’s Dongguan Mosque (China’s largest Hui mosque) or Qinghai Provincial Museum. Afternoon: Depart.
2. 7-8 Day In-Depth Trip (Extended Exploration)
Route: Xining → Taer Monastery → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Delingha → Dongtai Jinaier → Da Qaidam → Qilian Grassland → Xining
- Days 1-3: Follow the short trip itinerary (Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka).
- Day 4: Drive to Delingha (3hrs). Visit Keluke-Tosu Lakes, a wetland with rare birds. Stay in Delingha.
- Day 5: Travel to Dongtai Jinaier Lake (4hrs) and Da Qaidam Emerald Lake (1.5hrs). Emerald Lake’s green waters offer a contrast to Chaka’s blue. Stay in Da Qaidam.
- Day 6: Drive to Qilian Grassland (6hrs). Enjoy a bonfire dinner with Tibetans.
- Day 7: Hike Zhuoer Mountain, then return to Xining (4hrs).
- Day 8: Shop for souvenirs (Tibetan carpets, highland barley products) and depart.
Local Cuisine: Taste of Qinghai
Qinghai’s food blends Tibetan, Hui, and Mongolian flavors—hearty, flavorful, and perfect for the plateau climate.
1. Hand-Grasped Meat (Shouzhua Rou)
The signature dish: Fresh yak or Tibetan sheep meat, boiled and served with salt/garlic. No strong odor—just tender, juicy flavor. Try it at Xining’s Mazhong Food Court.
2. Butter Tea (Suyou Cha)
A Tibetan staple: Butter, tea, and salt whipped together. It warms the body and eases altitude sickness. Start with small sips—some find the taste acquired. Sweet versions are available for beginners.
3. Small Noodles (Gai Mian Pian)
Qinghai’s comfort food: Thin noodle pieces boiled with mutton, vegetables, and tofu. Chewy and filling—find it at street stalls for a cheap, delicious meal.
4. Cold Noodles (Niang Pi)
A refreshing snack: Steamed flour noodles tossed with vinegar, chili oil, and cucumber. Ideal for hot days—Mojia Street has the best vendors.
5. Sweet Fermented Grains (Tian Pei)
A dessert made from fermented highland barley. Slightly sweet with a hint of wine. Eat it cold or hot—great for breakfast with noodles.
Practical Travel Tips
Qinghai’s plateau environment requires preparation. Follow these tips for a safe trip.
1. Altitude Sickness Prevention
Most visitors adjust to Xining’s 2,261m altitude, but higher spots (3,000m+) may cause dizziness or fatigue. Prevent: Take Rhodiola 1 week before arrival; avoid strenuous exercise first 2 days; drink 3-4L water daily; skip alcohol/coffee. Treat: Rest, use oxygen (available at hotels/attractions), or take glucose supplements. Severe symptoms? Go to Xining’s hospital immediately.
2. Transport
- Air: Xining Caojiapu Airport (IATA: XNN) has international connections via Beijing/Shanghai. Domestic flights link to major cities.
- Train: Xining is the start of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Trains to Lhasa or Lanzhou offer scenic views.
- Local: Rent a car (with driver recommended—many roads are remote) or join a group tour. Long-distance buses connect cities, but schedules are limited.
3. Accommodation
- Xining: Choose hotels near the railway station (convenient) or Mojia Street (food). Options: Sofitel Xining (luxury) or Home Inn (budget).
- Qinghai Lake: Lakeside homestays (e.g., Erlangjian Scenic Area) offer lake views but basic facilities. Book in advance (July-August).
- Qilian Grassland: Tibetan yurts provide authentic experiences—ask for heating in winter.
4. Weather & Clothing
Qinghai has extreme temperature swings: 10°C (morning) to 25°C (afternoon) in summer. Pack: Waterproof jacket, warm sweater, long-sleeve shirts, hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses, and lip balm (dry air). Even in summer, bring a down jacket for high-altitude areas.
5. Cultural Etiquette
- Buddhist monasteries: No hats, loud talking, or touching statues. Ask permission before photographing monks.
- Tibetan areas: Do not step on prayer flags or mani stones. Accept butter tea with both hands.
- Hui communities: Dress modestly at mosques. Avoid eating pork in Muslim areas.
- Photography: Ask locals before taking their photos—most will agree if you smile and explain.
Conclusion
Qinghai is more than a destination—it’s an experience. Whether you’re cycling along Qinghai Lake, gazing at Chaka’s mirror-like surface, or sharing a meal with Tibetans.
