Things to do in Qinghai

It was a bit windy that day, but this place is outof this world. And the train trip from Xinning makes it even more unique. The train rides along the shores of Qinghei Lake. Vast lands with mostly grass, lambs and yaks. The high mountains always in the background. Chaka Salt Lake is visually very impressive, a dream for any photographer. It is never really clear if it is salt or if you are lost in an Arctic region. The whole place is like a mirage. In retrospect, the whole trip feels like a day dream.

Stepping into this space brimming with Tibetan culture, I was speechless at the beauty of the Thangka paintings covering the walls—the colors were simply breathtaking! Taking the time to appreciate the religious aesthetics hidden in the details, the landscapes, figures, and various patterns, it was truly visually stunning! I highly recommend that everyone visiting Xining make a point of visiting this place.

I hadn't originally planned to go, but I spent an extra day in Xining. Aside from being far from the city center, it was quite nice. I took bus 909 directly from Xining Station. At the entrance, I shared a guided tour with other tourists; there were quite a few unlicensed guides in the square. Their explanations were alright. At the butter sculpture museum, I encountered a little white cat and learned how to identify Master Tsongkhapa.

I went on October 29th. The weather was great these past few days, warmer and not too cold, with no strong winds. It was the off-season, so there were very few people, and the reflections were beautiful. The scenery was also lovely. The Lotus Terrace was dry, so I didn't fly my drone (you can fly it after registering on the bus). The Green Apple Green salt lake was truly vibrant green! It's definitely worth a visit; the experience was excellent. They say it's the second largest salt lake in the world, with a "thousand-foot salt bridge" (the return bus will let you off for 10 minutes to take pictures).

Buy tickets for the 9:00 AM bus from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake. You can buy tickets through the Xining Bus Station's WeChat mini-program! The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a service station for restroom use. Arrive around 11:30 AM. (There will be grasslands along the way; you can see them from the window.) The tour guide will assist with buying tickets on the bus, or you can buy them at the ticket center. Upon arrival, take a fast cruise to the island, then either the cruise ship to the island or a small train or bus to the lake. On the island, you can play in the sand and see seagulls and yaks. Plan your itinerary carefully; less than 4 hours for sightseeing will feel rushed.

This group tour experience was much better than I expected. The guides didn't just read from a script; they told historical stories in a conversational style. The itinerary was well-paced with no forced shopping. If you want a hassle-free trip, this tour is worth considering.

I think no one could resist a lake like this. Emerald Lake isn't greatly affected by the weather; it was cloudy when we went, but we still managed to capture beautiful green and blue hues in our photos. Personally, I think the observation deck is definitely worth a visit (it costs 25 yuan per person). Whether or not to take the sightseeing bus is up to you; if you have enough time, you can skip it, but because I was in a rush, I opted for it, and the experience was excellent.

The park is quite large, but you can walk around the whole thing. Those who aren't very fit can take the shuttle bus. The animals have plenty of space to roam, and I didn't feel any sense of confinement among them; they all seemed to be living naturally. However, the park's signage is really poor. I hope they can improve it to make it clearer and more concise.

I'd been to the Devil City in Dunhuang before, so I specifically wanted to see the Water Yadan landform. The scenic area shuttle bus goes all the way to the innermost part, then stops at various checkpoints. I walked along the lake for a while, and the weather was nice, so overall it was a good experience! The main problem is that it's too far from Golmud, which is inconvenient for tourists without a car!

Riyue Mountain, formerly known as Chiling, is a significant stop on the Qinghai-Gansu journey, more than just scenic scenery; it's a natural boundary between heaven and history. At an altitude of over 3,500 meters, standing at the mountain pass, one can simultaneously witness two completely different landscapes: to the east, the fertile fields and villages of the Hehuang Valley; to the west, the vast and desolate grasslands and pastoral areas. The Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meet here, creating a truly wondrous sight. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng, passing through this place, shattered the Sun and Moon Mirror, resolutely embarking on her westward journey to marry a Tibetan king, hence the name Riyue Mountain (Sun and Moon Mountain). The Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion stand on opposite peaks, their murals and stone tablets silently recounting this story spanning a thousand years. The statue of Princess Wencheng stands solemnly, and prayer flags flutter in the wind, creating a truly atmospheric scene. Be aware that the mountain is windy and cold; a warm coat is essential. If you're traveling the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, I highly recommend making a special stop to feel the wind blowing through the mountain passes and to understand the rich stories hidden in this land.