Qinghai Lake is located in northern Qinghai Province, in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is China's largest inland lake and 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 of about 360 kilometers, and a water storage capacity of 105 billion cubic meters. The Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve became Qinghai Province's first 5A-level tourist attraction in 2010. Its scenic features are distinctive. As one of the areas with the richest biodiversity on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it is known as the "Kingdom of Birds," with 288 species of birds. It is also the only habitat of the critically endangered Przewalski's gazelle and possesses unique fish resources such as the Qinghai Lake naked carp.
Historical Culture
The establishment of administrative divisions in the Qinghai Lake area began in the Han Dynasty. From the first to the second year of the Shenjue era of Emperor Xuan of Han, the Western Han army advanced westward to the vicinity of Qinghai Lake. In the fourth year of the Yuanshi era of Emperor Ping of Han, Wang Mang established Xihai Commandery at Sanjiao City in present-day Haiyan County. In the first year of the Long'an era of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Xianbei Tufa Wugu entered the Huangshui River basin and established the Southern Liang state, and the Xianbei Yifu tribe migrated to the Qinghai Lake area. In the first year of the Datong era of the Western Wei Dynasty, Tuyuhun King Kualü built Fuqi City 7.5 kilometers west of Qinghai Lake and established his capital there in 540 AD. During the Tang Dynasty, Tuyuhun was its vassal state, and later the Qinghai Lake area came under the rule of the Tibetan regime. In the nineteenth year of the Kaiyuan era of Tang, the boundary was demarcated at Chiling. In the seventh year of the Tianbao era of Tang, the Shenwei Army was established north of Qinghai Lake, and a city was also built on Longju Island in Qinghai Lake. During the Song Dynasty, the Hehuang Tibetan Jiaosilu local regime appeared in eastern Qinghai, and most of Qinghai Lake belonged to Jiaosilu and submitted to the Song Dynasty. Qinghai Lake is also a "holy lake" for Tibetan Buddhist believers, and religious activities such as "sea worship" and "lake circumambulation" have a long history.
Main Attractions
Erlangjian Scenic Area
Erlangjian Scenic Area is one of the core scenic areas of Qinghai Lake, with beautiful shorelines and abundant tourist facilities. There is a peninsula extending into the lake within the scenic area, shaped like a long sword, hence the name. Tourists can observe the water of Qinghai Lake up close here, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and also learn some ecological knowledge and historical culture about Qinghai Lake.
Fairy Bay Scenic Area
Fairy Bay Scenic Area is located in the northern part of Qinghai Lake and is a beautiful wetland. A large number of water birds inhabit this area, making it an excellent place for birdwatching. In specific seasons, large fields of flowers can also be seen, and the scenery is very charming. The scenic area has some birdwatching platforms and walking boardwalks, making it convenient for tourists to observe and visit.
Bird Island
Bird Island is one of the most famous attractions of Qinghai Lake, named because tens of thousands of migratory birds inhabit the island. Every spring and summer, various birds fly here from all over the world to breed and multiply, forming a spectacular scene of bird flocks. Tourists can enjoy many kinds of birds here, such as bar-headed geese, brown-headed gulls, and fish gulls, and feel the wonder of nature and the vitality of life. However, in order to protect the birds' habitat, some areas of Bird Island are now restricted to tourists, and visitors need to observe in designated birdwatching areas.
Food
Qinghai Lake Naked Carp
Qinghai Lake naked carp is a fish unique to Qinghai Lake, with delicious meat. Because the naked carp is a protected animal, fishing and eating it are now prohibited, but tourists can learn about its important role in the ecosystem of Qinghai Lake.
Hand-Grabbed Mutton
This is a traditional dish in the Qinghai region, made by selecting local high-quality mutton and cooking it simply. When eating, it can be paired with seasonings such as pepper salt. The mutton is tender and juicy, with a rich taste.
Qinghai Yogurt
Qinghai yogurt has a rich texture and is sweet and sour. It uses traditional production techniques and retains the original flavor of yogurt. It is one of the specialty snacks favored by tourists.
Tickets：
Combination ticket 99 yuan/person (including Erlangjian and Fairy Bay). Island landing ticket 230 yuan/person (including Bird Island ticket and boat ride). The scenic area may also offer other amusement projects, such as boat rides and hot air balloons, which require additional payment.
You can search for the official public account "Qinghai Lake Scenic Area" on WeChat to obtain the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours：
Qinghai Lake Scenic Area is open all day throughout the year, but the opening hours of each attraction within the scenic area are different.
Erlangjian Scenic Area: 08:30 - 18:00
Fairy Bay Scenic Area: 08:30 - 19:00
Bird Island: 09:00 - 16:00
For reference only; please refer to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Routes：
One-day tour route: You can choose to depart from Xining, take a tourist special line directly to Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake, tour the scenic area, then enjoy the scenery along the lakeshore, and return to Xining.
Two-day tour route: On the first day, after arriving at Qinghai Lake, first visit Erlangjian Scenic Area, stay overnight by the lake, and enjoy the sunset and starry sky over Qinghai Lake. On the second day, go to Fairy Bay Scenic Area or Bird Island Scenic Area, then go to Heimahe to watch the sunrise, and then return to Xining.
Multi-day tour route: If time is sufficient, you can choose to cycle or drive around Qinghai Lake, slowly enjoy the scenery along the way, and also visit surrounding attractions such as Chaka Salt Lake.
Transportation：
Departing from Xining: You can take Bus No. 101, which departs from Xining Railway Station, passes through Huangyuan and Riyue Mountain, and finally arrives at the entrance of Qinghai Lake Scenic Area. The whole journey takes about 3 hours, and the fare is about 25 yuan. You can also choose the tourist special bus from Xining Railway Station directly to Qinghai Lake, which uses the expressway for the entire journey and takes about 2.5 hours to reach the entrance of Qinghai Lake Scenic Area, with a fare of about 30 yuan. If you want to tour deeper around Qinghai Lake, such as going to Heimahe and Bird Island, you can transfer to local buses or charter a car at the entrance of Qinghai Lake Scenic Area.
Departing from other cities: Usually you need to first arrive in Xining, and then transfer to the above bus lines. For example, if departing from Lanzhou, you can take a high-speed rail to Xining, and then transfer to Bus No. 101 or the tourist special bus. Some cities have direct long-distance buses to Qinghai Lake, but there are few schedules. The long-distance bus from Xi'an takes about 8 - 10 hours, and the fare is about 150 yuan.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Erlangjian Scenic Area: The core scenic area of Qinghai Lake, with beautiful shorelines and abundant tourist facilities. Visitors can observe the lake water up close and learn about ecological knowledge and historical culture.
Bird Island: Famous for its spectacular bird flocks and an excellent place to observe migratory birds. Every spring and summer, various birds breed and multiply here.
Fairy Bay Scenic Area: A beautiful wetland inhabited by a large number of water birds. In specific seasons there are large fields of flowers, and there are birdwatching platforms and walking boardwalks.
Travel Suggestions：
Learn about the weather conditions in the scenic area in advance and prepare suitable clothing. The temperature difference between day and night in the Qinghai Lake area is relatively large. Even in summer, warm clothing should be prepared.
If you want to watch the sunrise or sunset, remember to arrive at the viewing location in advance and choose a suitable position.
When touring the scenic area, pay attention to protecting the environment and do not litter.
Respect local religious beliefs and customs, especially when participating in religious activities such as "sea worship" and "lake circumambulation."
Precautions：
Choose regular scenic areas for sightseeing. Entering the core area of Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve is prohibited. To view landscapes such as blue ice, please enter in an orderly manner through the entrances of the scenic areas, and avoid entering the lake area through non-regular paths such as grazing roads and grasslands.
The ice thickness around the lakeshore is uneven, and some areas have thinner ice. In strong wind weather, the ice surface is prone to cracking and drifting, so extra care should be taken when walking or engaging in activities on the ice. Motor vehicles are prohibited from driving onto the ice surface for activities.
Be sure to watch children accompanying you to prevent accidents.
The Qinghai Lake area is at a relatively high altitude, and some tourists may experience altitude sickness. Prepare medicines and related items for preventing altitude sickness in advance.