What to see for first-time travelers to Qinghai?
For first-timers, the biggest draw is undoubtedly the sapphire-blue Qinghai Lake, known as China’s largest lake, which features a shimmering water surface set against snowy mountain ranges, and the lakeshore is laced by beautiful cycling trails, thick with rape flowers across the surrounding grasslands. Another highlight is the breathtaking Chaka Salt Lake, the Chinese version of “Mirror of the Sky,” offering a stunning reflection when the weather is fine. Not to mention a lot of lesser-known salt lakes like Xiaochaidan Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake, and East Taigener Lake, like emerald and deep-blue gems inlaid on the vast expanse.
Apart from spectacular natural wonders, don’t miss enjoying an ethnic culture-loaded break in Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum Monastery), Dongguan Mosque, and Qinghai Tibetan Cultural Museum in Xining.
If you want to travel further, consider combining it with the neighboring Gansu to discover more Silk Road cultural heritage, like the historical Chinese Buddhist grottoes in the Mogao Caves and the west end of China’s Great Wall, Jiayuguan Pass, or ride the Qinghai-Tibet train on the world’s highest railway to Lhasa to embrace the closest place to heaven.
How many days are needed to cover Qinghai’s highlights?
3-4 days are suggested to schedule a Qinghai trip to explore its two most beautiful lakes, Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salk Lake, as well as take in historical sights in its capital Xining, such as Ta'er Monastery, Qinghai Tibetan Cultural Museum, and Dongguan Mosque.
5-7 days are suitable for extending your trip to the nearby Gansu, feeling the ancient Silk Road soul by admiring its hauntingly gorgeous sculptures and murals and riding a camel across the whistling sand dunes in Dunhuang, and being attracted by multi-colored Danxia landforms in Zhangye. It’s also possible to add mysterious Lhasa to your journey, exploring the sacred Potala Palace and iconic Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
8 days or more are perfect for a deeper exploration in Qinghai rather than just skimming the surface, and why not pack all the highlights above in your Gansu-Qinghai-Tibet tour package? A curated private journey can be crafted according to your interests and needs completely!
When is the best time to visit Qinghai?
Generally, the best time for your Qinghai tours is from late June to early September, when you’ll encounter the most comfortable weather and absolutely beautiful natural scenery. Especially in July, tens of thousands of acres of rape flowers in Menyuan County are in full bloom around Qinghai Lake, like a golden ocean rolling when the gentle breeze blows; cattle and sheep graze leisurely across the fertile, lush green grasslands, while the clear-white Chaka Salt Lake creates the clearest reflections like a magic mirror. However, this is also a peak season when travel costs soar up, and sometimes vehicular queuing is possible on the road.
For those who want to avoid large crowds, visit between April and mid-June when the grasslands are beginning to turn green again, with wildflowers quietly sprouting; mid-September to October can also be a good option, though it is not snow-free yet. As for November to March, it is not recommended, as the lakes are frozen, forming a complete ice kingdom.
How can I travel from Xining to Lhasa, Tibet?
If you wish to extend your Qinghai trip to Tibet, the best way is to take a direct train from Xining to Lhasa, allowing you to not only indulge in diverse geographical oddities and discover the land’s true character but also adjust to the altitude gradually. About 5 trains depart from Xining to Lhasa daily, with a duration of around 20-22 hours, equipped with hard and more comfortable soft sleepers. Generally, the late train is much more recommended, which means you can capture more dramatic scenery during the next daytime, such as snow-covered mountains bathed in the sunrise, and the vast, wild and barren uninhabited area of Hoh Xil.
If your time is tight, a flight of 2 hours can be a better option; while a road trip from Xining, taking over 30 hours, is a challenging yet popular way to get to Lhasa for those adventurers who want to explore more untouched beauty along the way.
► Please Note: All the ways above to Tibet require you to obtain a Tibet Travel Permit in advance, which is typically applied for through a licensed travel agency like us.
Useful Travel Tips for Qinghai Tours:
1. Clothing: Due to the large temperature difference between day and night, layering clothing is highly suggested for good thermal regulation and comfort. Even in summer months (July - August), pack jackets, trousers, and thin sweaters, while down jackets along with a scarf and gloves are necessary in other cooler times.
2. High-altitude Sickness Prevention: As most sights in Qinghai are at high altitudes, use acetazolamide or Rhodiola rosea before departure, and prepare energy drinks or snacks and oxygen cans. Please avoid alcohol or caffeine, and don’t overstrain, allowing yourself to adjust to the altitude gradually.
3. Respect the Local Customs: When visiting temples or monasteries, remove your hat or sunglasses. Avoid pointing at monks or touching Buddhist scriptures, statues, and instruments. It is taboo to touch local people’s heads, especially children’s. You may encounter a lot of Mani stones on the way, a form of prayer for local Buddhists; it is okay to add some, but don’t remove any or step on them.
