Named after Qinghai Lake, the largest inland salt - water lake in China, Qinghai Province is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in western China. Qinghai covers an area of 720,000 square kilometers (about 278,000 square miles), which makes it the fourth largest province in China. Its total population is some 5 million, among which Han, Tibetan, Tu, Hui, Salar and Mongolian minority ethnic groups are represented. Visitors are not only fascinated by the traditional festivities of different minority ethnic groups, but also by their unique cultures and folk traditions. Xining is its capital.
When to Go
Qinghai's climate is characterized by short cool summers and long freezing winters. Due to drastic temperature fluctuations from day to night, summer may be the best time to visit Qinghai because this is when the road to Tibet, via Golmud is open and its climate is friendliest to its visitors.
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What to See
Snow-covered mountains, icy peaks, deserts, vast pastures and sparkling lakes mesmerize its visitors, while flocks of rare birds and animals dot this unique and colorful natural landscape. Two of Qinghai's biggest highlights, Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), which is considered one of the six great monasteries of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism and vast Qinghai Lake, attract nature lovers who enjoy camping, hiking and bird-watching as well as people who have a fascination with Buddhism. The 'Small Imperial Palace in Qinghai'---Qutan Monastery, snow - capped A'Nyemaqen Mountain and the 'Highland Xishuangbanna' Mengda Nature Reserve are also well-known all over the world. Culturally speaking, 'Repkong Art' displays the creative talents of the Qinghai people through painting.
Boasting a remote, ancient and mysterious land, Qinghai - a paradise for adventurers, welcomes you!
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Travelers' Voices on Qinghai Province
1.
Nov. 21,2009 23:45 Reply
Mr.Connors(USA) said:
I am interested in visiting the ancient airport in Qinghai province. Are there regular guided tours availible?
Also what is the local folklore concerning the site?
2.
Nov. 11,2009 10:50 Reply
Mr.stetkewicz said:
why is the climat so very cold in qinghai,china?
Nov. 15,2009 00:51
Mr.Manny replied:
Because it is in depth of inland China, warm air can hardly reach there. It is situated in plateau with high altitude. So, it is cold.
3.
Oct. 28,2009 06:02 Reply
Mr.Jin(Beijing) said:
What plateau does Qinghai province sits in?
Nov. 15,2009 00:49
Mr.Sandy replied:
Qingzang (Qinghai-Tibet) Plateau.
4.
Oct. 23,2009 21:27 Reply
Mr.Wilson Ow(65) said:
Dear Ms. Wu
I would like to attend the Tibetan Costume Exhibition. Where and when will this exhibition be held?
Please advise.
Thank you and best Regards,
Wilson Ow Please reply to: email:
5.
Sep. 23,2009 21:34 Reply
Ms.lozner(canada) said:
I am very interested in going to Qinghai Province and onwards, I am travelling alone, would this be recommended?
Sep. 23,2009 23:17
Mr.Hank replied:
If you are an experienced travlers and know some Chinese, I think you could go there alone. Otherwise, please find partners with you~
6.
Aug. 8,2009 09:04 Reply
Ms.Wu(Singapore) said:
Hi Ms Hoo, thanks for your advice! As we will be arriving in Xining pretty early around noon time and intend to leave the next day for the late afternoon/early evening Xining-Lhasa train, we have quite some free time. We did think about going overland some part of the way to Lhasa but because we were worried about the accomodations and also we weren't sure if it was really worth the effort. How were your accomodations 2 days along the highway? Were they pretty bad?
7.
Aug. 5,2009 11:21 Reply
Ms.Wu(Singapore) said:
Hi I'll arrive in Xining sometime around noon in 2nd week of Oct and we'll be leaving the next day about late afternoon to catch the train to Lhasa..what do you suggest we do in this short period? We would rather see more scenic sites than temples or monasteries..Is Qinghai lake still worth a visit during this period with no rape flowers nor many birds?
Aug. 7,2009 13:00
Ms.Hoo KY(Singapore) replied:
Hi Ms Wu,
I just returned from a trip to Xining-Golmud-Lhasa two weeks ago. Rape seed flowers were in full bloom along the way to Qinghai Hu. Although the pics turn out well, I didn't enjoy the secenary that much as the effect of high altitude became more profound as we got nearer to the lake (3200M). In my opinion, there's really nothing to see if flowers or birds are not there - and you are right that neither will be there by Oct. Furthermore it takes a good whole day to reach Qinghai Hu by bus from Xining and the same length of time back (I suppose you are traveling to Lhasa by train from Xining, so time will be really tight).
Having said all these, the main aim for us to stop overnight in Qinghai Hu was to acclamatise to the highlands so that we can much much better adapt to Lhasa (3600M). Hence we moved on to catch the train from Golmud instead. In total we spent 2 days on national Highway 109 (from Xining to Golmud, via Qinghai Hu Caka Salt Lake Qaidam Basin). The sceneries were worth the effort (a.k.a. suffering)
My advise is: get a good rest in Xining, don't strain yourself out as Tibet is physically demanding. If you really want to visit Qinghai Hu, do make another trip back just to see Qinghai. It's a wonderful place!
8.
Aug. 3,2009 15:19 Reply
Mr.Yavonne(USA) said:
I will be in Qingdao September 1st through October 3rd I am wondering if there is anything we need to worry about like weather, sickness, ect.
Aug. 3,2009 22:54
Mr.laura(cn) replied:
Early Sep. is still hot, you may take your summer dresses, but late sep. is a little cold, one or two long-sleeved shirts are needed. What's more, the temperature varies large between night and day. So both cloth for summer and autumer are needed. Have a good time!
9.
Jul. 27,2009 20:09 Reply
Mrs.Yvonne(Malaysia) said:
What are the available transports to go QingHai from Shandong? How many hours it take to go? Thanks.
Aug. 2,2009 22:09
Mr.Shan replied:
As I know, there is a train running from Qingdao of Shandong to Xining of Qinghai everyday. It tales about 32 hours on the way.
Or, you could firstly go to Beijing from Qingdao by train (about 5 hours)and then go to Xining by train or by air. For the train and flight infor, please refer to http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-flights/
10.
Jul. 21,2009 15:23 Reply
Mr.Finn(Germany) said:
Does anyone know if there are any Uyghurs in Qinghai?
Jul. 22,2009 04:16
Mr.Sandy replied:
ALmost all Uyghurs lives in Xinjiang and most are in south of Tianshan Mountains.