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Qinghai Lake
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Gansu-Qinghai Area

Qinghai Lake

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4.5/5
7.6k reviews
Qinghai Lake is called "Qinghai Lake" in Tibetan (meaning "blue sea"). Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, within Qinghai Province, it is formed byQilian MountainsDatong Mountain,Riyue Mountain and South Qinghai MountainFormed by fault subsidence, it is one of China's largest inland lakes and the origin of Qinghai Province's name. The lake covers a vast area, with a circumference of approx. 360 km. Its waters are boundless, azure, and ethereal. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeshore blends into expansive grasslands. Qinghai Lake boasts spectacular views and numerous attractions, making it a key destination in Qinghai. Natural environment: Qinghai Lake features a plateau continental climate with abundant sunlight and intense radiation. Winters are cold, summers are cool, warm seasons are brief, and cold seasons are prolonged. Spring brings frequent strong winds and sandstorms. Rainfall is scarce, concentrated in the warm season, with distinct wet and dry periods. This climate creates unique beauty in each season. The lake's color shifts with weather and light, sometimes displaying multiple hues in a single day. Scenery varies by season, with the ideal visiting period from April to August. July and August are particularly stunning, as vast rapeseed fields bloom along the shore, their golden yellow contrasting beautifully with the endless blue waters. In addition, when Qinghai Lake is frozen for thousands of miles in winter, you can also experience a different kind of natural grandeur. Historical legend: It is said that over 1,000 years ago, the Tang Dynasty and Tibet formed a marriage alliance, with Princess Wencheng marrying the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Before her departure, the Tang emperor gave her a sun-moon treasure mirror that could reflect images of her hometown. On the journey, the princess missed her hometown and took out the mirror, indeed seeing the long-lost Chang'an. Tears welled up in her eyes. However, she suddenly remembered her mission and resolutely threw the mirror away. Unexpectedly, when it hit the ground, a golden light flashed, and it transformed into Qinghai Lake. Attraction introduction: Some attractions have been developed around Qinghai Lake. South of the lake is the main attraction, Qinghai Lake Erlangjian scenic area, where you can take a boat tour. East of the lake lies the famousRiyue Mountain and Daotang Riveretc.; to the north there areJinyintan and the atomic cityand other attractions. In addition, when touring around Qinghai Lake, nearby attractions such as those west of the lake are usually included.Chaka Salt Lake, Hubei'sRapeseed flowers in MenyuanEtc. Ways to explore: You can visit just one side of Qinghai Lake or take a circular tour around it. Most travelers choose the south side for a simple lake view, where the grassland is lush and the scenery is stunning. For a circular tour, you can take a private charter from Xining and travel clockwise, which is also the direction local Tibetans follow for their lake pilgrimage.Gonghe · 55.2km from Haibei
Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field

Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field

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4.4/5
1.2k reviews
Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field is located in the Haomen River Valley of Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, nestled between the Qilian Mountains and the Daban Mountains, and is one of China's largest highland rapeseed flower view areas. Every July, hundreds of thousands of mu of small rapeseed flowers bloom in unison, stretching from Qingshizui in the west to Yulongtan in the east, and from Lenglongling in the north to the Daban Mountains in the south. The river valley basin, extending for dozens of km, is blanketed in golden yellow, resembling a golden ocean from afar. Menyuan is one of the main production areas of northern small rapeseed. Due to its high altitude and abundant sunshine, the rapeseed flowers bloom in a concentrated and synchronized manner, creating a magnificent continuous flower field. Unlike the scattered rapeseed fields in the water towns of the south, the flower field here is set against the natural backdrop of Gangshika Snow Peak in the Qilian Mountains, with snow-capped mountains, blue skies, and the golden flower field all in one frame, presenting a grand view unique to the highlands. The attraction features several viewing points, including Yuanshan Flower Viewing Platform, Daban Mountain Viewing Station, and Zhaobi Mountain. Among them, Yuanshan Flower Viewing Platform sits at an altitude of approx. 3,000 meters and is the highest point for overlooking the hundred-mile flower field; from the platform, visitors can take in a panoramic view of the flower field. The flowering period is concentrated in July, with mid-to-late July reaching the peak bloom, when the flowers are at their most vibrant—an ideal time for viewing and photography.Menyuan · 19.6km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Haibei

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Xining Laji Mountain & Kumbum Monastery & Zongka Laze Private Half-Day Tour
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Private Charter | Hotel Pickup & Drop-off | Ta'er Monastery + Ashigong National Geopark
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Xining Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour - Explore Three Sacred Landscapes in One Day
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Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky)
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Private group tour | Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountain day trip | Charted transfer/entrance fees included
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Qinghai Lake Chartered tour (Departing from Xining)
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Xining Kumbum Monastery + Qinghai Lake + Laji Mountain one-day tour (White clouds, blue lake and golden roof gaze at each other from afar)
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What travellers say about Haibei

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M54***5227 October 2026
4.0
Sisters! I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of Qinghai Lake! 😭 📍Address: No. 151, National Highway 109, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province I was stunned by the scenery the moment I stepped off the bus! Under the blue sky and white clouds, the lake water was crystal clear. Flocks of seagulls soared freely over the lake. 🕊️ Every snapshot looked like a professional photograph. 📸 Standing by the lake, watching the seagulls swimming on the water, and occasionally flying over to greet you, the feeling of harmony between humans and nature was incredibly healing. ✨ The weather was perfect too! ☀️ A gentle breeze, perfect sunshine, no need to worry about getting sunburned. The air was so fresh you couldn't help but take a deep breath. If you're planning a trip to Qinghai Lake, I highly recommend choosing a sunny day. Qinghai Lake under the blue sky and white clouds will definitely be a visual feast! #QinghaiLake #QinghaiTourism #NorthwestTravel #QinghaiLakeSeagulls #HealingScenery

Qinghai Lake

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nature-volunteer10 October 2026
5.0
I was fortunate enough to encounter autumn snow in Qilian County, and the mountains of Zhuoer Mountain were blanketed in silver. Shepherds grazed their sheep on the mountaintop meadows, and the view from the observation deck was exceptionally magnificent. Transportation: Take a bus from Xining to Qilian County, then a taxi to Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area. During the off-season, the scenic area shuttle bus is not running; you can ask the driver to take you directly to the visitor center. There are sightseeing buses within the scenic area that go directly to the summit platform. Dining: Limited options during the off-season; you'll need to find your own food. Delivery services are limited and do not deliver to guesthouses near the scenic area. Seeing the snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, and Danxia landforms made the trip worthwhile!

Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area

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boy***ao5 July 2025
5.0
From Zhangye, go directly to Zhuoer Mountain via Erga Highway via Sunan. The first picture is the scene of the road construction. In fact, the whole mountain collapsed. No wonder it took so long to repair. The road is not difficult to drive, but there are falling rocks along the way. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can see the snow-capped mountains. The entire Qilian Mountains, except Zhuoer Mountain, seem to be immersed in white snow, which is quite amazing. Finally, we went to Menyuan, took a few photos of rapeseed flowers, and then stayed in Xining. After walking for 16 hours a day, I was really tired.

Qilian Mountain Grassland

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Anonymous user22 August 2026
5.0
The cliff should be a fantastic attraction. We went on a sunny day, and the lake water was a vibrant blue. The sunlight reflecting off it created different colors depending on the direction from which it shone. Later, some clouds appeared, so we quickly left. However, as we walked, we noticed sunlight shining through the clouds, creating a Tyndall effect that actually made the lake even more beautiful – definitely worth the trip!

Shengquan Bay Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake

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M25***997 July 2026
5.0
This place is incredibly expensive, and the 20 RMB shuttle bus is such a great deal; I'd probably pay around 40 RMB myself. On the way up, you can see snow-capped mountains from around the world and their corresponding altitudes. The ride takes about 15 to 25 minutes. Once you're up, you'll see 3-4 interconnected lakes, but there are 7-8 in total. The first 2-3 lakes have a very deep blue color, and the later lakes gradually change to a grayish-yellow hue. I recommend bringing a drone to capture distant views of the lakes, mountains, sky, clouds, grasslands, etc. If it's cold, the scenic area provides a small heated room to wait for the shuttle. Overall, it's excellent value, beautiful scenery, and the service is excellent.

Mt. Gangshika Scenic Area

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Viviengan24 August 2026
4.0
Unfortunately, the flowers had faded and there was no one around, but that actually allowed the scenery to be fully appreciated. It was wonderful. I think even without people, the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and blue skies were in their purest and most natural state.

Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field

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吴立珍5 December 2020
4.0
Binggou Forest Sea is an important scenic spot in Qilian Mountains and the essence of the natural primitive scenic area. The scenic area is densely covered with primitive forests, snow-capped mountains, forests, shrubs, grasslands, and winding mountain roads that shuttle through the mountains, giving it a Swiss feeling.

Binggou Linhai Scenic Area

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M47***6621 May 2026
5.0
The scenic area wasn't crowded. It's a quick drive from Gangcha County after exiting the highway. The area isn't large, but the infrastructure is good, and there are shuttle buses. The lake is fantastic, the altar for worshipping the sea is large, and the grasslands are expansive, suitable for camping. The stream flowing into the lake offers the spectacular sight of naked carp migrating. Charging stations are very convenient.

Qinghai Lake Fairy Bay

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喜欢猫的虎27 September 2022
5.0
"In that faraway place, there is a good girl... I would like to wander on the grassland and follow her..." Many people can hum this familiar tune. It is said that Mr. Wang Luobin met the beautiful girl Zhuoma on the Jinyintan grassland and created this widely circulated song. This place was once a little-known mysterious restricted area. It gave birth to the first atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb of New China and was China's first nuclear weapons research and development base. The western part of the Jinyintan grassland is adjacent to Qinghai Lake, and the northeast is surrounded by Qilian Mountains. It has an average altitude of 3,200m and is divided into Jintan and Yintan. A small river flows through it. On the grass beach on the north bank, a kind of golden and fragrant small flower called Jinlumei blooms, so it is called Jintan; on the grass beach on the south bank, it is dominated by the silver-white Yinlumei, which is called Yintan. Every summer, wild flowers bloom, and Jinhua white flowers bloom into patches, like golden and silver grass beaches, so the Jinyintan grassland got its name.

Jinyintan Grasslands

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When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include [Seasonal exclusive · Snow mountain flower sea] Xining round-trip Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field + Gangshika snow peak 1-day tour, Lanzhou private charter: available in Chinese/English/Russian/Korean/Japanese/Italian/Thai, and Xining premium family-friendly private charter 1-day tour: Qinghai lake Erlangjian scenic area ~ Wenjia ranch experience. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 4 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Haibei is around GBP 31.74 – GBP 247.58. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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