Located on the world’s highest plateau in Northwestern China, Qinghai province’s stunning landscapes and cultural attractions attract millions of tourists every year.
The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau lies at an average elevation of over 4,000 meters, and is often known as the “roof of the world.”
It features diverse landscapes, including lakes, snow-capped mountains, grasslands and deserts.
Qinghai’s capital is Xining and its most famous attraction is Qinghai Lake, the largest and most beautiful of its kind in China.
Summer’s the best time to visit the province and make the most of the bright sunshine and clear skies that offer stunning views of the vast grasslands, lush mountains and flocks of sheep.
While temperatures can vary greatly between days and nights, the weather is generally pleasant until September.
MAKE A LAKE DATE
A day’s trip from the province’s capital Xining, the stunning Qinghai Lake covers an area of 4,583 square kilometers, nearly four times the size of Hong Kong, and shimmers like an emerald green jade plate nestling between the mountains and grasslands.
PEDAL UP
The best way to explore Qinghai Lake is by cycle. There are several bicycle rental shops around the lake and bikers can enjoy views of golden seas of rapeseed flowers while and clean, fresh air.
TRY SOME SALT, BAE
Chaka Salt Lake is renowned for its optical illusion that reflects the sky on the lake’s surface. Renowned as “China’s mirror of the sky,” Chaka Salt Lake’s surface is made of naturally crystallized salt and is smooth as a mirror, reflecting the sky and white clouds.
Near the lake are numerous sculptures made from salt depicting mythological tales such as the Queen Mother of Heaven, the Seven Fairies and the legend of Genghis Khan.
TAKE A PEAK
At 5,254 meters high, Gangshika Snow Peak is the highest in the eastern side of the Qilian Mountains. Covered with snow all through the year, it’s a breathtaking sight, and just a two-hour drive from Xining.
At the foot of the mountain lies a heart-shaped lake known as the mountain’s “blue tear.”
While the peak attracts seasoned mountaineers, the area around Gangshika is an Instagram hot spot and popular among trekkers.
TREK TO A TEMPLE
Qinghai is a melting pot of cultures and home to the Han, Tibetans, Hui, Mongols, Monguors and Salars. Tibetan culture, rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, dominates the region.
The Ta’er Monastery is one of the six major temples of the Gelu school of Tibetan Buddhism in China and the birthplace of Master Tsongkhapa, often referred to as the “second Buddha.”
It houses a vast collection of murals, thangkas, butter lamps and statues and visitors can witness religious events such as spinning the prayer wheel and lighting the lamps.
EAT ODDLES OF NOODLES
A piece of interesting trivia: a 4,000-year-old bowl of noodles excavated at a site in Lajia makes Qinghai home to the earliest examples of one of the world’s most popular foods.
With this in mind, head to China Qinghai Noodles in Hainan Tibetan autonomous prefecture for some noodles hand-kneaded and stretched by skilled chefs, cooked in a rich broth made from beef bones, spices and the restaurant’s closely-guarded secret red oil.
SNACK ON YAK
Yaks are aplenty in Qinghai and their meat is exceptionally tender, flavorful and nutritionally rich.
Check out the Kesen Tribe Yak Hot Pot in Xining, which offers freshly sliced yak meat, cooked for just 15 seconds, ensuring a tender and juicy texture.
The rich, aromatic broth is made with yak fat and seasoned Sichuan-style.
TRAVEL TIPS
FLIGHTS: Hong Kong Airlines flies every Tuesday to Xining. The flight takes three-and-a-half hours and a round-trip economy fare starts from HK$2,170.
WHAT TO PACK: Qinghai’s rarefied air can trigger altitude sickness so you may need oxygen bottles. Sunscreen’s a must, and take layered clothing as it can get chilly.
GETTING AROUND: Public transport is limited, so consider renting a car and driver as many sights are a day’s trip from the city.
INFORMATION ON ATTRACTIONS
Chaka Salt Lake: Chaka Town, Wulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.Opening hours: 07.10-21.30
Getting there: A round-trip shuttle from Xining runs from July to Sept.
Tickets: 60 yuan (HK$65.8); half-price ticket: 30 yuan. Tickets for mini train, cruise and private car service are available.
Gangshika Snow Peak: Menyuan Hui Autonomous County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Getting there: Drive to Gangshika Snow Peak Scenic Area parking lot. After purchasing a ticket for 25 yuan, take the shuttle minibus to the mountain.
Ta’er Monastery: 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong County, Xining.
Opening hours: 07.30-17.30 (April 1 to Oct 31); 08.00-16.30 (Nov 1–Mar 31)
Getting there: The Ta’er Monastery bus line at Xining railway station. The 90-minute journey and costs 5 yuan.
Tickets: 80 yuan.
Qinghai Lake Cycling Tours:
Dayu Service Base for Cycling Tours Location: Dayu Tribe Folk Culture Village, Xihai Town, Haiyan County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture,
Tickets: 80 yuan a day; Cycling tour with accommodation: 1,890 yuan; Four-day cycling tour of Qinghai Lake excluding accommodation: 200 yuan.
Janise Man and Helen Zhong
