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Qinghai Lake · Complete Guide for a Scenic Loop

Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure
Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure
Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure
Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure
Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure
Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure
Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure
Qinghai Lake, China travel, family adventure

Qinghai Lake (青海湖), lauded as "China's Most Beautiful Lake" by Chinese National Geography, is a must-visit destination. It's also named one of the "55 Places to Go in Your Lifetime."

Qinghai Lake Loop: The loop around Qinghai Lake (青海湖) is approximately 360 km (224 miles).

🌸 July-August: The rapeseed flowers bloom beautifully. 

🦜 May-June: The season for migratory birds, making it a bird paradise. 

🌞 I've visited twice and recommend July (May wasn't as enjoyable).

Qinghai Lake Fishery: The stretch from entering Qinghai Lake to Erlangjian (二郎剑) is, in my opinion, the most beautiful part of the lake.

📸 The route is filled with rapeseed flowers, the lake, yaks, and horses, making for stunning photos.

✨ Highlights: Lake water, rapeseed flowers, horse riding, yak riding, cattle, and sheep.

Erlangjian Scenic Area: This area offers comprehensive facilities. You can walk along the boardwalk to the lake or take a boat/jet ski ride.

🚤 It's the best place to experience boat rides and various activities.

🌟 Highlights: Carriage rides, horse riding, highland alpacas, Buddhist pagodas, water bikes, hot air balloons, and boat rides.

 🎟️ Entrance fee: 90 CNY (approximately $12 USD) per person, speedboat 100 CNY (approximately $14 USD), boat 140 CNY (approximately $20 USD), luxury boat 180 CNY (approximately $25 USD), photo props about 20 CNY (approximately $3 USD).

🖼️ The South Mountain Viewing Pavilion is opposite the scenic area on the South Mountain. It offers a panoramic view of Qinghai Lake and a great view of Erlangjian.

🏨 There are many accommodation options near Erlangjian, offering good conditions but at higher prices.

Heimahe Township (黑马河乡): The starting point of the western lake road to Bird Island, this 70 km (43 miles) stretch is also known as the most beautiful part of Qinghai Lake.

🌅 The best place to watch the sunrise over the holy lake. You can take a sightseeing bus at 6 AM to the sunrise point, Banchan Lazé (班禅拉泽) (bus fee 20 CNY or approximately $3 USD), or choose to walk.

🏡 The town offers many accommodation options at reasonable prices.

Bird Island Scenic Area: Named for the tens of thousands of migratory birds that inhabit it.

🐦 Even if you don't enter the scenic area, you can enjoy various bird species along both sides of the Buha River (布哈河) road.

🌟 Best time to see birds is late April to early June; best time to see swans is late November to early March.

🎟️ Entrance fee: 120 CNY (approximately $17 USD) per person.

Gangcha (刚察): About 40 km (25 miles) from Bird Island.

🌼 From Haergai (哈尔盖) towards Gangcha, there's a scenic viewpoint for rapeseed flowers, which is stunning.

🌟 Attractions: Huangyu Family (湟鱼家园), Cangyang Gyatso Cultural Square (仓央嘉措文化广场), Fan Yin Wind and Rain Linca (梵音风雨林卡), and Five Great Prayer Flags (五大经幡片).

Fairy Bay Scenic Area: About 10 km (6 miles) from Gangcha, this lakeside wetland is perfect for viewing lake scenery along the boardwalk.

🌟 Highlights: Architectural landmark "Sansheng La Ze" (三牲拉则), wooden boardwalk, prayer wheels, Lovers' Cliff, Ethnic Harmony Tower, and understanding "Sansheng La Ze" taboo sea culture.

🚍 There's a shuttle bus to the cliff scenic area for 20 CNY (approximately $3 USD).

🎟️ Entrance fee: 60 CNY (approximately $9 USD).

Sand Island: Features large sand dune landscapes. It hosts the International Sand Sculpture Art Festival every July.

🎟️ Entrance fee: 70 CNY (approximately $10 USD) (temporarily closed).

Jinsha Bay Scenic Area: A desert area perfect for viewing sand dunes and sunsets.

🌟 Highlights: Desert motorcycles, sand sliding, and camel riding.

🎟️ Entrance fee: Free.

Haixin Mountain: Not open to the public.

🕌 Haixin Mountain Temple (莲花庵) and a 30-meter high statue of Padmasambhava (莲花生大士金像).

Estimated Costs for the Trip:

  • Tickets: Approximately 300 CNY (approximately $42 USD) per person for various attractions.
  • Accommodation: 200-600 CNY (approximately $28-$85 USD) per night.
  • Food and drinks: 150 CNY (approximately $21 USD) per day.

Total Estimated Cost: 650-1050 CNY (approximately $90-$150 USD) per day

Note: Costs may vary depending on meals, transportation, and other expenses.

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