Map of Qinghai Province

Author: Wang Ruiping, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-01-01
Features: The abbreviation for Qinghai Province is Qing. Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it derives its name from Qinghai Lake within its borders. The Qinghai Plateau is the source of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, boasting majestic snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, and clear lakes. The total area of the province is 721,200 square kilometers, ranking fourth among all provinces (regions) in China. It borders Xinjiang, Gansu, Sichuan, and Tibet. As of the end of 2001, the total population of the province was 5.231 million, with a natural growth rate of 12.62‰. The province is home to 33 ethnic groups, including Han, Tibetan, Hui, Tu, Salar, Mongolian, and Khasak, among others. The population of ethnic minorities accounts for 42.77%. Qinghai Province is extremely rich in resources, being one of China's five major pastoral regions and an important base for animal husbandry. It has unique advantages for developing animal husbandry. Abundant mineral resources are buried underground, with 123 types of minerals discovered so far, 97 of which have been proven reserves. Among them, 47 types rank in the top ten nationally, including lithium, strontium, metallurgical quartzite, mirabilite, calcium carbide-grade limestone, fertilizer-grade serpentine, sodium salt, potassium salt, magnesium salt, asbestos, and glass-grade quartzite, ranking first in 11 types; bromine, boron ore, piezoelectric quartz, cast stone-grade basalt, and decorative serpentine rank second in 5 types. After more than 40 years of effort, the province has built the largest potassium fertilizer plant, aluminum electrolysis plant, metal magnesium plant, and asbestos mine in China. Qinghai is rich in solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy resources. The natural scenery of Qinghai is magnificent and enchanting, featuring the unique characteristics of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with numerous scenic spots and historical sites. The primitive, simple, rugged, and bold ethnic customs add endless charm. The Han, Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, Tu, Salar, and other more than ten ethnic groups have a long history, with distinctive customs and traditions, full of interest.