Qinghai Lake, also known as “Cuo Wen Bu,” meaning the “blue sea” in Tibetan, is the largest inland lake as well as the largest saltwater lake in China. It is known as “China’s Most Beautiful Lake” and the “Sapphire on the Plateau.” It sits in northwestern Qinghai Province, amongst Qilian Mountain, Datong Mountain, and Riyue Mountain.
Fast Facts about Qinghai Lake
- Location: Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai
- Hours: all day
- Tickets: CNY 100 for Erlangjian Scenic Area
- Size: Over 4,500 square kilometers (1,737 square miles)
- Altitude: 3,196 meters (10,486 feet)
- Recommended Visit Time: two to three days
- Best Time of the Year: May till October
- Suited to: nature and outdoor lovers, anyone interested in Tibetan culture
Qinghai Lake Overview
Qinghai Lake sees its best time of the year in July and August when the average daily temperature is about 15 °C (59 °F). At this time, hundreds of acres of rapeseed flowers around the lake are in bloom. Mountain pastures are coated in colorful wildflowers, dotted with cattle and sheep.
Qinghai Lake is an essential stop in any Qinghai tour. Many cyclists have made the pilgrimage here and ranked it “China’s Top Eight Most Beautiful Cycling Paradise.” It is also a popular destination for wildlife lovers and bird watchers.
Qinghai Lake holds great historical and cultural value as well. The famous ancient Silk Road passes by its north bank, enabling the cultural exchange between China and the West since the Han Dynasty. The lake has nourished many Tibetan cultures for centuries. On your Silk Road tour, you can visit local villages, taste delicious Tibetan food, and learn about their customs and beliefs.
What to See and Do at Qinghai Lake
1. Explore the Erlangjian Scenic Area
Erlangjian is the only official scenic area of Qinghai Salt Lake and one of the best places to watch the sunrise. It is located on the northeast bank of Qinghai Lake, named after the sword of the legendary Erlang God who killed demons here. There are sightseeing towers, viewing platforms, walking plank roads and other facilities. You can participate in water activities and enjoy the surrounding views.
2. Stop in Heima River Town
Heima River is one of the largest rivers that join Qinghai Lake and one of the best places to observe local birds and wildlife. It is on the south bank of Qinghai Lake and is named after the legend of the Heima (black horse) God. The river flows through a vast valley. On its banks, there are many plants such as canola and plateau rhododendron.
There are several aquatic organisms such as fish, shrimps, and crabs in the river. The wildlife at Qinghai Lake also includes Tibetan antelope, bison, and wild donkeys. Over 100 species of birds inhabit the plateau like white cranes, black-necked cranes, and migratory birds.
3. Take in the View of Qinghai Lake
There are several ways to spend some time with the great lake. You may choose to hike around it and discover some unique plants and animal species. Or you might take a boat tour over the clear water. Qinghai Lake is a world-famous destination among cyclists as well.
4. Visit Tibetan Villages and Taste Local Foods
There are a number of local villages near Qinghai Lake. Tasting their local delicacies will surely be a highlight of your Qinghai trip. Qingke wine is a barley wine and a favorite of Tibetan people. It warms you up after being in the cold and fills your senses with aroma and flavors. If you’re not a fan of alcohol, try butter tea instead. It tastes thick and creamy while refilling your energy.
Mutton is commonly seen on the dinner table in Tibet. One of the ways to prepare it is to boil large chunks in an iron pot over the fire. They are boiled overtime together with condiments till they are tender. Locals also like to have mutton with noodles.
Finally, for dessert, Tibetan yogurt is a popular choice among visitors for being the most distinctive dairy product in Qinghai. It involves heating milk or yak milk to about 80 ° C (176 °F). It is then put into a clay pot with a small amount of yogurt bacteria to ferment overnight. Tibetan yogurt comes out tasting rich and sweet.
Cycling around Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake has become one of the most popular spots in China for cycling enthusiasts, because of the gorgeous view and challenges posed by altitude and length. The altitude makes the cycling process strenuous. The total distance around Qinghai Lake is about 360 kilometers (224 miles). The complete journey usually takes 4-6 days.
Cyclists need to monitor their health closely in order to avoid any altitude sickness. If you wish to challenge yourself and take on this challenge, there are plenty of local cycling tours and groups you can sign up for. Summer is the busiest season for Qinghai Lake, as all the yellow rape flowers and wildflowers are in full bloom. The Tour of Qinghai Lake professional bicycle racing event is held every year in July.
Of course, you may just watch the race or only cycle for part of the journey. For families with children, there are electric bikes that you can rent around the lake.
Best Time to Visit Qinghai Lake
The best time to travel to Qinghai Lake is between May and October when the weather is nice. In spring, the surrounding is covered in greens and wildflowers. And in autumn, changing the colors of the foliage is another sight to see. The months of July and August are the best for witnessing the sea of yellow rape flowers around the lake. If you’re interested in birdwatching, visit Qinghai Lake from May to July.
How to Get to Qinghai Lake
By Flight: Fly into Xining Caojiabao Airport from major cities in China. Then you can take an airport bus or a taxi to Xining city center.
By Train: Take a train to Heima River Railway Station, which is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) away from Qinghai Lake. From there, take a taxi or a local bus to the lake.
By Bus: To travel from Xining to Qinghai Lake, you can take a train as mentioned before, or you can take a bus from Bayi Bus Terminal. The bus leaves at 8 am and returns at 4 pm. The fee for a single trip is CNY 40 per person. The bus stops at the Erlangjian Scenic Area.
By Private Car: The easiest way to reach Qinghai Lake is by hiring a private car and driving along the G109 National Highway. It’ll take about 3.5 hours.
Attractions Nearby Qinghai Lake
- Riyue Mountain sits in the southeast of Qinghai Lake. It’s popular among hikers for an amazing view of the lake from above.
- Ta’er Monastery is one of the most significant Tibetan monasteries in China. It’s about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Qinghai Lake and is famous for its beautiful architecture and valuable collections of Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.
- Chaka Salt Lake is about 25 kilometers (15 miles) west of Qinghai Lake. A spectacular optical illusion happens between noon and 4 pm, when the lake reflects the sky and clouds, making it hard to tell where the horizon is.
