Birds seem to be the pet of almost all nature lovers. Maybe you have been enchanted by the sweet singing of birds in the dense forest. Or perhaps a feeling of adoration will fill your heart when you see birds flying freely in the sky? Then, what would you feel like when you sight flocks of wild birds spreading their wings over the broad lake? Here, on Bird Island, which is renowned as the kingdom and paradise of birds, you can savor this wondrous world yourself.

Bird Island, which lies northwest of Qinghai Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in China, is connected to the bank on one side whilst the others are surrounded by water. It encompasses two islands, one is Haixi Pi in the east, and in the west is the Haixi Shan, which is four times smaller than the former island but is where most of the birds of the lake congregate. When the spring and summer come, many birds fly from faraway mountains and deserts to breed here. In the noisiest months of April and May, their numbers can amount to ten thousand, 80% to 90% of which stop on the Haixi Shan and lay eggs there. With eggs interspersed all over the island, Haixi Shan is also called 'Egg Island'.

Then why does the island attract so many birds? Because it has a flat physiognomy and mild climate, and is close to the water, which produces rich float grasses and fishes. The environment here is also very quiet, so it is a natural space for the birds to reproduce and inhabit.

With the enticing natural scenery and so many beautiful wildfowl, Bird Island has been a must for many tourists traveling in Qinghai. The island has been listed as a national natural reserve mainly for the protection of birds here, but also provides an excellent place for the travelers and birdwatchers to visit.

Travel tips: Transportation to the island is very convenient; you can travel by a sight seeing bus from Xining Railway Station, Qinghai Province at the cost of RMB 35, or by a coach from the Xining Coach Station, 250 m. (0.16 miles) south of the railway station, at the cost of RMB 25. As to the accommodation, the island is equipped with a hotel and restaurant as well as tent hostels and other entertainment facilities in the south.