Qinghai
Qinghai is a featured travel region of China with 20 highlighted destinations. This guide is being expanded with practical visitor information, travel tips, maps, FAQs, and more.
Quick Facts
- Region type: Province
- Destinations covered: 20
- Country: China
Top destinations in Qinghai
Qinghai Lake
Chaka Salt Lake
Ta'er Monastery / Kumbum Monastery
Xining
Dongguan Mosque
Sanjiangyuan National Park
Kanbula National Forest Park
Qilian Mountains
Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Fields
Guide National Geopark
Hoh Xil
Tongren / Rebkong
Longwu Monastery
Riyue Mountain
Bird Island Qinghai Lake
Emerald Lake Dachaidan
A'nyemaqen Mountain
Gonghe Desert Area
Nianbaoyuze Area
Xining People's Park
Best Time to Visit
Qinghai sits on a high-altitude plateau with cool temperatures even in summer and harsh winters that close many roads. June through September is the best window, when Qinghai Lake's surrounding rapeseed fields bloom bright yellow in July and Chaka Salt Lake's still waters create striking mirror reflections. Outside this range, cold and reduced access limit travel.
How to Reach / Travel Access
Xining Caojiabao International Airport connects Qinghai to major Chinese cities. High-speed rail links Xining to Lanzhou in about an hour, and the historic Qinghai-Tibet Railway continues from Xining onward to Lhasa, making the city a key staging point for travelers heading into the Tibetan plateau as well as those visiting Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake.
Travel Tips
Xining sits above 2,200 meters, with Qinghai Lake and surrounding areas even higher, so allow time to acclimatize and avoid overexertion in the first day or two. Pack warm layers even for summer travel, since plateau temperatures drop quickly after sunset. Sun protection is important at altitude, where UV exposure is stronger than at sea level.
Region Map
This section is being updated and will be available shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the rapeseed flowers bloom around Qinghai Lake?
Peak bloom is typically mid-July, when the golden fields surrounding the lake contrast strikingly with the deep blue water, drawing photographers during this brief summer window.
Is altitude sickness a concern in Qinghai?
Yes, Xining and Qinghai Lake sit at significant elevation, so travelers should acclimatize gradually, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity or alcohol in the first day or two after arrival.
Can I travel from Qinghai to Tibet by train?
Yes, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway runs from Xining to Lhasa, offering a scenic overland route across the plateau, though travelers still need a Tibet Travel Permit arranged in advance.
What makes Chaka Salt Lake's mirror effect happen?
A thin layer of water sitting on the flat salt crust reflects the sky almost perfectly on calm days, creating the striking mirror illusion the lake is known for, best seen in summer.