Complete Guide to Cycling Around Qinghai Lake

Seven Days and Six Nights In-Depth Tour of Qinghai (Budget 10,000 RMB) Trip Highlights: Cycling around Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake "Mirror of the Sky," galloping on Qilian Grassland, Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea, Ta'er Monastery Tibetan Buddhist Culture Suitable For: Photography enthusiasts, nature lovers, cultural experiencers Budget Allocation: Transportation: 3,000 RMB (airfare/train tickets + local car rental) Accommodation: 2,000 RMB (comfortable hotels/unique homestays) Meals: 1,500 RMB (local specialty cuisine) Tickets and Activities: 2,000 RMB (scenic area tickets, cycling, horseback riding, etc.) Others: 1,500 RMB (souvenirs, snacks, etc.) Itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Xining, acclimate to the plateau environment Morning: Arrive at Xining Caojiapu Airport, take the airport shuttle or taxi to the city hotel. Afternoon: Rest and adapt to the high altitude; visit Dongguan Mosque or Qinghai Provincial Museum. Evening: Taste Xining specialties such as hand-pulled mutton, yogurt, and sweet fermented barley. Accommodation: Hotel in Xining city Day 2: Xining - Ta'er Monastery - Qinghai Lake (Cycling Experience) Morning: Visit Ta'er Monastery, one of the six major Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, to experience the rich religious atmosphere. Afternoon: Drive to Qinghai Lake, enjoy the plateau scenery along the way, and upon arrival, experience cycling around Qinghai Lake (about 2 hours). Evening: Stay at a hotel or homestay near Qinghai Lake and enjoy the starry sky. Accommodation: Hotel/homestay near Qinghai Lake Day 3: Qinghai Lake Sunrise - Chaka Salt Lake - Heimahe Early Morning: Watch the sunrise at Qinghai Lake and feel the grandeur of nature. Morning: Head to Chaka Salt Lake, the "Mirror of the Sky," to capture dreamy reflections. Afternoon: Drive to Heimahe, enjoying the grassland scenery en route. Evening: Stay at a hotel in Heimahe and savor local specialties. Accommodation: Hotel in Heimahe Day 4: Heimahe - Qilian Grassland - Zhuo'er Mountain - Qilian County Morning: Visit Qilian Grassland, experience horseback riding or hiking, and feel the vastness of the grassland. Afternoon: Climb Zhuo'er Mountain to overlook the panorama of Qilian County, admiring the magnificent scenery of snow-capped mountains, forests, and grasslands. Evening: Stay at a hotel in Qilian County and enjoy local specialties. Accommodation: Hotel in Qilian County Day 5: Qilian County - Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea - Xining Morning: Visit Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea (best viewing period July to August), admire the golden sea of flowers against the blue sky and white clouds. Afternoon: Return to Xining, enjoying the plateau scenery along the way. Evening: Stay at a hotel in Xining city, free activities. Accommodation: Hotel in Xining city Day 6: Xining - Kanbula National Geopark - Xining Morning: Visit Kanbula National Geopark to appreciate Danxia landforms, forests, lakes, and other natural landscapes. Afternoon: Return to Xining, free activities, souvenir shopping available. Evening: Taste Xining specialties. Accommodation: Hotel in Xining city Day 7: Departure from Xining Morning: According to flight/train schedule, head to the airport/train station, concluding a pleasant Qinghai trip. Travel Tips: Altitude Sickness: Avoid strenuous exercise upon arrival, drink plenty of water, and rest adequately. Sun Protection and Warmth: Qinghai has strong UV rays and large temperature differences between day and night; take measures for sun protection and warmth. Respect Customs: Respect local ethnic customs and religious beliefs. Eco-friendly Travel: Protect the plateau ecological environment, do not litter. Optional Upgrades: Qinghai Lake Boat Tour: Experience the vastness of Qinghai Lake up close. Desert Camping: Camp in the desert at Jinsha Bay and enjoy the starry sky. Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over Chaka Salt Lake to overlook the "Mirror of the Sky." You can adjust the itinerary and budget according to your own situation. Wish you a pleasant journey!