Qinghai Lake is located in the northern part of Qinghai Province, in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is China's largest inland saltwater lake, with a water area of 4,650.08 square kilometers, a lake surface elevation of 3,196 meters, a maximum east-west length of 106 kilometers, a maximum north-south width of 63 kilometers, a shoreline length of approximately 360 kilometers, and a water storage capacity of 105 billion cubic meters. The Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve became the first 5A-level tourist attraction in Qinghai Province in 2010. The scenic area is characterized by being one of the most biodiverse regions on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, known as the "Kingdom of Birds" with 288 bird species. It is also the only habitat for the critically endangered Przewalski's gazelle and home to unique fish resources such as the Qinghai Lake naked carp.
History and Culture
The establishment of administrative divisions in the Qinghai Lake area began in the Han Dynasty. From the 1st to 2nd year of Shenjue in the reign of Emperor Xuandi of Han, Western Han troops advanced westward to the vicinity of Qinghai Lake. In the 4th year of Yuanshi in the reign of Emperor Pingdi of Han, Wang Mang established Xihaizhou County at the Sanjiao City in present-day Haiyan County. In the 1st year of Long'an in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Xianbei chieftain Tufa Wugu entered the Huangshui River basin and founded the Nantang Kingdom, with the Xianbei Yifu tribe relocating to the Qinghai Lake area. In the 1st year of Datong in the Western Wei Dynasty, the Tuyuhun King Kuari built Fusi City 7.5 kilometers west of Qinghai Lake and made it his capital in 540 AD. During the Tang Dynasty, Tuyuhun became a vassal state, and the Qinghai Lake area came under the rule of the Tubo regime. In the 19th year of Kaiyuan in the Tang Dynasty, Chiling was designated as the boundary, and in the 7th year of Tianbao, the Shenwei Army was stationed north of Qinghai Lake, with a city built on Longju Island in Qinghai Lake. During the Song Dynasty, the Hehuang Tubo Gusiluo local regime emerged in eastern Qinghai, with most of Qinghai Lake under Gusiluo's rule and suzerainty to the Song Dynasty. Qinghai Lake is also a "holy lake" for Tibetan Buddhist believers, with long-standing religious activities such as "sea worship" and "lake circumambulation."
Main Attractions
Erlangjian Scenic Area
Erlangjian Scenic Area is one of the core areas of Qinghai Lake, featuring beautiful shorelines and rich tourism facilities. The scenic area includes a peninsula extending into the lake, shaped like a long sword, hence its name. Visitors can closely observe the lake water, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and learn about the ecological knowledge and history of Qinghai Lake.
Fairy Bay Scenic Area
Located in the northern part of Qinghai Lake, Fairy Bay Scenic Area is a beautiful wetland habitat for numerous waterbirds, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. During specific seasons, vast flower seas add to the charming scenery. The area is equipped with bird-watching platforms and walking trails for convenient sightseeing.
Bird Island
Bird Island is one of the most famous attractions in Qinghai Lake, named for the thousands of migratory birds that inhabit it. Every spring and summer, various bird species arrive from around the world to breed, creating a spectacular bird colony. Visitors can observe multiple species such as bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls, and black-headed gulls, experiencing the magic of nature and the vitality of life. However, to protect bird habitats, some areas of the island are restricted, and visitors must observe from designated bird-watching zones.
Local Cuisine
Qinghai Lake Huangyu Fish
As a unique fish species in Qinghai Lake, Huangyu Fish is known for its delicious meat. Due to being a protected species, fishing and consumption are now prohibited, but visitors can learn about its ecological significance in the Qinghai Lake ecosystem.
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
A traditional dish in Qinghai, hand-grabbed mutton is made from high-quality local lamb cooked simply. Served with salt and pepper, the tender and juicy mutton offers a rich, mellow flavor.
Qinghai Yogurt
Qinghai yogurt is known for its rich texture and sweet-sour taste. Prepared using traditional craftsmanship, it retains the original flavor of yogurt, making it a popular specialty among visitors.
Admission Tickets
Erlangjian Scenic Area: ¥90/person (peak season), ¥50/person (off-season)
Fairy Bay Scenic Area: ¥60/person (peak season), ¥30/person (off-season)
Bird Island: ¥100/person (peak season), ¥60/person (off-season)
For reference only; subject to actual pricing at the scenic area. Additional fees may apply for optional activities such as boat tours or hot air balloon rides. Children, seniors, and students may enjoy free or half-price tickets with valid identification.
Opening Hours
Qinghai Lake Scenic Area is open 24/7 year-round, but opening hours vary by attraction:
Erlangjian Scenic Area: 08:30–18:00
Fairy Bay Scenic Area: 08:30–19:00
Bird Island: 09:00–16:00
For reference only; subject to actual opening hours at the scenic area.
Recommended Itineraries
One-day itinerary: Depart from Xining and take a tourist special line directly to Erlangjian Scenic Area. After visiting, enjoy the lakeshore scenery and return to Xining.
Two-day itinerary: On day 1, arrive at Qinghai Lake and visit Erlangjian Scenic Area, then stay overnight by the lake to watch the sunset and stars. On day 2, visit Fairy Bay or Bird Island, then watch the sunrise at Heimahe before returning to Xining.
Multi-day itinerary: For ample time, choose to cycle or drive around Qinghai Lake to slowly appreciate the along-the-way scenery, and visit nearby attractions like Chaka Salt Lake.
Transportation
- From Xining: Take bus route 101 from Xining Railway Station, passing through Huangyuan and Riyue Mountain, to the scenic area entrance (approx. 3 hours, ¥25). Alternatively, take a direct tourist shuttle from Xining Railway Station (highway route, approx. 2.5 hours, ¥30). To explore areas like Heimahe or Bird Island, transfer to local buses or chartered vehicles at the scenic area entrance.
- From other cities: Typically requires arriving in Xining first, then transferring to the above bus routes. For example, take a high-speed train from Lanzhou to Xining, then transfer to bus route 101 or the tourist shuttle. Some cities offer long-distance buses to Qinghai Lake (e.g., Xi'an: approx. 8–10 hours, ¥150), but schedules are limited.
Must-See Attractions
- Erlangjian Scenic Area: A core area with beautiful shorelines and tourism facilities for close-up lake views and cultural/ecological insights.
- Bird Island: Famous for spectacular bird colonies, ideal for migratory bird watching in spring and summer.
- Fairy Bay Scenic Area: A picturesque wetland with waterbirds and seasonal flower seas, equipped with observation platforms and trails.
Travel Tips
- Check the weather in advance and prepare appropriate clothing; Qinghai Lake has large daily temperature variations, requiring warm layers even in summer.
- Arrive early at sunrise/sunset viewing spots to secure good positions.
- Protect the environment by not littering during visits.
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially during "sea worship" or "lake circumambulation" rituals.
Notes
- Visit only authorized scenic areas; entry to core zones of the Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve is prohibited. For blue ice viewing, enter through official entrances to avoid unauthorized paths via pastures or grasslands.
- Ice thickness varies along the shoreline, with some areas being thin; exercise caution when walking on ice, and motor vehicles are forbidden on ice surfaces, especially during windy conditions.
- Keep a close eye on children to prevent accidents.
- Due to the high altitude, some visitors may experience altitude sickness; prepare anti-altitude sickness medications and related supplies in advance.