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.