Qinghai is an inland province located in north western China. The majority of the province sits at a high altitude, leaving the area graced with beautiful plateau landscapes, mountain ranges and piercing canyons. The province is also home to the the highest salt lake in the world and largest lake in China, as well as being the source of both the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Home to an abundantly rich and diverse ethnic minority population, a visit to this province guarantees mouth-watering cuisine and encounters with remote communities.
Xining
Xining is the provincial capital of Qinghai. The city is a true melting-pot of culture: the Dongguan Mosque faithfully reflects the religious beliefs of the Muslim people, whilst the Kumbum Monastery on the outskirts of the city is an important Tibetan Buddhist temple. As with any multi-cultural city, the food is blissfully fused: be sure to munch-down on mutton spareribs and local yogurt.
Golmud
Located in west-central Qinghai Province in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the area is home to some unique and spectacular scenery. Chaerhan Salt Lake contrasts blinding-white salt with emerald green water, the Kunlun Mountain Pass offers mountain vistas, and the Yadan Geopark showcases pillars of sandstone.
Qinghai Lake
Surrounded by mountains and grassland, Qinghai Lake is huge. The lake’s scenery changes with the seasons: autumn sees the lake surrounded by shimmering yellow canola flowers, whilst winter sees the lake covered in a sky-reflecting sheet of ice. Chaka Salt Lake is located on the west side of Qinghai Lake in Chaka Town: this is the place for selfie-buffs. The high salt content of this section crystallizes to form a memorizing reflective surface (China’s own Sala de Uyuni!).
Haixizhou
The Emerald Lake is the undoubtable draw card of the area: the name provides all the description you need. If you have a drone, bring it! The Dachaidan Snow Mountain Hot Spring is also a great place to relax and rewind after a hard day of photo snapping.
Qilian
Surely one of the world’s most pristine natural environments, the area is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and jaw-dropping scenery. Zhuo’er Mountain showcases the Qilian Mountains in all their wonder, with rolling meadows (think seas of blooming canola) and Danxia-type landforms in abundance.
Golog
Homeland to Tibetan minorities, the area is of significant religious importance to the locals. Nian Bao Yu Ze leaves nothing wanting for a true Tibetan-plateau experience.
