Qinghai 青海 — Roof of the World's Edge
Qinghai sits on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, averaging over 3,000 meters elevation. The province is named after Qinghai Lake (青海湖, "Blue Sea Lake") — China's largest inland lake. Qinghai offers vast grasslands, Tibetan monasteries, salt lakes, and a road trip experience unlike anywhere else in China. It's often combined with Gansu as part of a Silk Road + Tibetan Plateau loop.
Qinghai Lake 青海湖
China's largest lake (4,500 km²) at 3,200 meters elevation. The lake is intensely blue and changes color throughout the day with the light. In July, fields of yellow rapeseed flowers (油菜花) bloom along the shore, creating a famous photographic scene. Cycling the 360 km perimeter takes 3-4 days; driving takes a full day. Tibetan nomad camps dot the shore.
Free access (some areas charge 20-50 RMB). Open: All day. Best time: July-August (flowers) or September (fewer crowds). Access: Drive from Xining (2.5 hours).
Chaka Salt Lake 茶卡盐湖
Known as "China's Mirror of the Sky" (天空之镜), this salt lake reflects the sky like a giant mirror on calm days. Walking into the shallow water creates stunning reflection photographs. The white salt ground and blue sky create a surreal landscape. Rent waterproof boots or go barefoot.
Admission: 60 RMB. Open: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Located 300 km from Xining (4 hours drive). Best: Early morning on a clear day.
Ta'er Monastery 塔尔寺
One of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism's Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect. Birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school. The monastery features butter sculptures (酥油花), murals, and embroidered banners — known as the "Three Wonders."
Admission: 70 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Located 25 km from Xining in Huangzhong County. Bus from Xining.
Xining 西宁 — Provincial Capital
Xining (elevation 2,200m) is the main gateway to Qinghai. It's a pleasant, relaxed city and the perfect place to acclimatize before heading to higher elevations. The Qinghai Provincial Museum houses artifacts from the Silk Road and Tibetan culture. The Dongguan Mosque (东关大寺) is one of China's largest mosques, serving the local Hui Muslim community.
Kumbum Monastery (Same as Ta'er)
See above. Often visited as a day trip from Xining.
Qilian Mountains 祁连山
Grasslands and snow-capped peaks south of Zhangye. The road through the mountains offers stunning scenery with grassy plains, forests, and glaciers. Best visited in summer (June-August).
Practical Information
Classic Route: Xining → Qinghai Lake (day trip or 1 night) → Chaka Salt Lake → Qilian Mountains → Zhangye (in Gansu) = 4-5 days.
Airport: Xining Caojiabao (XNN). Flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu.
Altitude: Xining is 2,200m. Qinghai Lake is 3,200m. Chaka is 3,060m. Acclimatize in Xining first.
Climate: Qinghai has a highland climate — cool summers (15-25°C), cold winters. UV radiation is intense — use sunscreen. Temperature drops rapidly at night.
Best Time: July-August for the best scenery. Spring can be windy. Winter is harsh.
Road Trip: Renting a car or hiring a driver is the best way to explore Qinghai. Roads are generally good but check weather conditions.