"More than just the lake: The wind of Erlangjian blows across the grasslands and stars"

Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area is located on the southern shore of Qinghai Lake and is one of the core scenic spots of Qinghai Lake. Here is a travel guide: Transportation Guide • Self-driving: About 2.5 hours from Xining, navigate to "Erlangjian Scenic Area East Gate." • Bus: Take the Qinghai Lake special line from Xining Xinning Road Bus Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus at the terminal. • Car rental: Shared rides from youth hostels cost about 150 RMB per person. Ticket Information Tickets are 90 RMB; seniors over 60 enter free. The small train inside the scenic area costs 120 RMB round trip. Must-try Activities • Boat tour: Take a high-speed cruise, ticket price 150 RMB per person, to experience speed and excitement on the lake. • Hot air balloon: Prices range from 300-500 RMB; from mid-air, you can overlook the blue of Qinghai Lake, the green grasslands, and the yellow rapeseed flowers. • Tibetan cultural village experience: Learn to make tsampa and paint thangka for free, wear Tibetan costumes for photos, and remember to spin the prayer wheel clockwise when taking pictures. Photo and Check-in Spots • Sea Worship Platform: Hang prayer flags and touch the bronze yak sculpture for good luck. Arrive one hour before sunrise, wear a red or white long dress, use a wide-angle lens to shoot upwards with golden sunlight and prayer flags in the background for excellent effect. • White Pagoda Viewing Platform: Go around to the hillside behind the white pagoda; after 4 PM, shoot downward to capture the lake’s reflection and prayer flag matrix. At this time, the lake surface glows golden, and the snow mountain outlines are clear. • Rapeseed Flower Field: During the blooming season in July and August, the main flower area is on the south side of the scenic area. Wear a light-colored long dress, pair with a straw bag and Tibetan silver hairpin, squat and shoot from a low angle to create a layered effect with the sea of flowers and lake water. Food Recommendations • Kang Pot Mutton: Mutton, potatoes, and vermicelli stewed until tender. The Kang Pot Mutton at the herder’s guesthouse is worth trying, about 50 RMB per person. • Qinghai Old Yogurt: Thick enough to hold a spoon, with a milk skin on top, sprinkled with sugar for a sweet and sour taste. The old lady selling it at the scenic area entrance offers the most authentic, 5 RMB per bowl. • Butter Tea: Savory and rich, the best is freshly brewed in the cultural village.