Haiyan Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Biggest salt water lake in China

Qinghai Lake, nestled in China's Qinghai Province, is the largest saltwater lake in East Asia, covering approximately 4,600 square kilometers. Its beauty lies in its serene, azure waters and the surrounding Tibetan Plateau's majestic landscapes. At an elevation of 3,205 meters, the lake is a vital ecological hotspot, home to diverse avian species and unique aquatic life. The lake holds cultural significance for Tibetans and the local Tibetan-Qiang people. It's a site for various religious ceremonies and festivals. However, environmental concerns, like shrinking water levels due to climate change and pollution, pose significant challenges to its preservation. Conservation efforts are underway to safeguard this remarkable natural treasure. #timetotravel #China #nature

Turquoise Eye of Qinghai Province

Tibetan plateau AKA "Roof of the World" is the highest in the world and Qinghai lake (青海湖) is the largest saltwater lake in China. 🌊Have you noticed that we're speaking in superlatives? It's not a coincidence. Qinghai lake (青海湖) definitely deserves to be be called the sea of the West due to its size, vastness, and the fact that it resembles a sea in certain aspects. It's a saline waters boasts incredible variety of wildlife at an altitude of 3205m. "On the plateau's crest, a jewel so grand, Qinghai Lake's waters stretch across the land. Azure skies embrace its tranquil face, A mirror of nature's serene embrace." 😍 Tips and tricks: If you want to visit Qinghai lake without any tour operators or rental cars you can easily get there from the Xining bus station (西宁汽车客运中心站). Several buses go to Qinghaihu (hu = lake) every day starting from 8AM. 🚌The drop off location is called 青海湖国家重点风景名胜区. That's the closest scenic area to the Xining city. One way ticket costs 60RMB. 💸The bus will wait for the passengers at the scenic area's parking lot for around 3 hours before heading back to the Xining bus station. To make sure you have a seat you can buy round way tickets at the Xining bus station. Total cost will be 120RMB per person. 🙃 #summerbreak #SpinTheWorld #qinghailake #xining #summervacation

Qinghai lake - the biggest in China

Only taking into consideration that it's the biggest, it's worth visiting. Yet I think Scenic area tickets are overpriced. There's not much to do in the area apart from taking pictures, riding a boat (3 types, start from 100yuan) and feeding seagulls. Still it's worth visiting, though it feels much much better if you drive a car in Qinghai (we took a shared taxi from Xining to Qinghai lake) and overall had pretty much headache with transportation in this province. Almost all the wild areas around are privately owned and you need to pay to enter (or, say, ride a horse, 200yuan per 3km round-trip to the lake🙄). This numerous fences and herds of tourists made it difficult for me to fully enjoy the beauty of the lake and surrounding landscapes (I just ran into the mountains 😂) . Also it was pretty hard to find a hotel accommodating foreigners (beginning of August). Only Chinese food (quite pricey) Still it was a great trip, I'd like to come back driving a car😁 #qinghai #qinghailake

The Beautiful Qinghai Lake

We couldn’t believe our eyes when we first saw Qinghai Lake. We were cycling down from the main road, through fields of grass and bright yellow rapeseed flowers when we first caught a glimpse of the blue water. For a split second, we forgot where we were and thought we had somehow made it to the sea! #mytripvlog

Salt Lake

Caka Salt Lake, situated in Qinghai, China, is a natural wonder renowned for its ethereal beauty. Spanning over 100 square kilometers, it's one of the largest saltwater lakes in the region. What sets Caka apart is its striking pink hue during certain seasons, attributed to the presence of microorganisms and high salinity. The lake's landscape is surreal, with vast salt flats extending to the horizon, forming mesmerizing hexagonal patterns. Caka Salt Lake is also ecologically significant, providing habitat for migratory birds and supporting unique flora and fauna adapted to extreme salinity. Tourists are drawn not only to its surreal landscapes but also to the cultural richness of the Tibetan and Mongolian communities in the surrounding areas, making Caka Salt Lake a destination of natural and cultural intrigue. #timetotravel #China #instatravel

A Fairy lake surrounded by snowy mountains

Chaka Salt lake is a naturally crystallized saline lake surrounded by snow capped mountains in Haixi Prefecture, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China. It is located at an altitude of approx 3000m about 300km from Xining. The combination of the white lake with reflection of the sky in the water, the distant snowy mountain range, the fresh wind makes it a magical place. I went there in May. It snowed in the evening the day I reached Chaka town while the prediction was 6-12 deg. I carried a puffer jacket for just in case and that saved my life 😄. So, take your jackets no matter which time of the year you decide to visit 🤭

Chaka salt lake - winter landscape in summer

We spent about a week in Qinghai, mostly at Qinghai lake as we visited local horse racing there. I liked Chaka lake better than Qinghai lake (as I still don't understand why Qinghai lake entry tickets are so overpriced) We came to Chaka in the evening by bus from Qinghai lake and stayed in a hotel. In the early morning I walked about 3-4km to the Scenic area witnessing wildlife such as hares and ducks. At the entrance I requested information in English and there was an English speaking employee to give details which were quite helpful. The path in the area is about 5km long, there are some cafés at the beginning and special shoes and fancy dresses rental somewhere in the middle. Visiting Chaka was one of the highlights of this summer! There are 2 Scenic areas, I've been to one only (should have visited both) It's not easy to find a taxi in the area, so the English speaking employee helped to arrange it in the evening #chakasaltlake #chaka

Surrounded by SALT

Chaka Lake is a must to visit. We took a bus and a slow train to the lake . People use to walk all the way to the lake in the past. Glad we don’t have too. It is known as “Mirror of the Sky in China”. “Chaka” means “Salt Lake” in Tibetan. As the name, Chaka Lake is a famous natural crystal salt lake in Qaidam Basin, able to meet all Chinese’s need to salt for 75 years. The lake reflects wonderful images , but it depends on where and how you take your pictures. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to caption the reflection from the lake. However, we had a great time.

Sand Island of Qinghai Lake

Sand Island Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake is located in the north of Qinghai Lake, avoiding the crowded internet-famous Erlang Sword Scenic Area and Bird Island Scenic Area. The entrance of the scenic area is Sand Island Hotel, which is of the level of old-style guesthouses, big, old, quiet, and close (to Beijing). The Sand Island Scenic Area well reflects the characteristics of the northwest lakes, half is lake water, half is beach (Bosten Lake is also like this). Blue sky, clear lake, beach, and sculptures form a colorful pattern. Walking along the lakeside plank road, you can step on the lake light and sand color, but riding a horse on the sand dune is another scene.

Qinghai, the only place I have to go through the wedding dress vomiting blood recommended fish carp private travel route! At the beginning of the year, I decided to take a photo with my husband in Qinghai Lake. I really didnt disappoint. The surprise brought by Damei Qinghai is definitely not a little bit. Today, the fishermen vomit blood and share an absolutely small trip. The route is recommended by the local chartered car master, pro test, perfect! First, order dry goods 1. Chartered around 600 a day, you can also choose to rent a car, there are many chartered cars and car rentals at the high-speed rail station, very convenient. 2. If it is a day trip, you can take three points, the full content! Route: Depart from Xining, take the Beijing-Tibet Expressway---Wuyuan County and then take the 315 National Road----Xihai Town and then take the Huanhu East Road to Jinsha Bay (also known as Sand Island) ), it is along the Huanhu East Road to the original 109 National Road, and then the west road passes through the Erlangjian Scenic Area, about 200 meters away. Wild spots Specific content: If you take the Huanhu East Road from Xining, it is very beautiful. On the way, you will feel the absolute charm of Qinghai. This is also my favorite place. In fact, I have also gone to the scenic spots in Qinghai. I still like the feeling of being on the road. There are many temporary stops on the road. You can take pictures on both sides of the road and feel the most authentic scenery, but be sure to pay attention to safety. Don't stay in the middle of the road. Continue to the northeast direction. There is a place called Shadao. This is also the attraction that I highly recommend. Dont go to the ticket, you can go directly. If you dont go to Dunhuang, you dont need any regrets, directly in Qinghai. Sand Island is full of desert addiction. Need to pay attention to is that we must take care of the environment, do not leave any garbage in the desert, there is a desert here, you can also see Qinghai Lake in the distance, the sea and the sky, beautiful. The third stop is also my favorite point. Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Spot is about 200 meters. When I saw a big stone and wrote the Moge Hotel, I found a place to park and stop. Here is the legendary Wild attractions, but very large scale, no tickets, mainly the scenery is too beautiful! ! ! ! I took a lot of photos here and they are super super love. There are colored golden dragonflies here, and then taking a walk around the lake to take pictures and what is perfect. ok route is like this, all the way is beautiful, pay attention to safety, respect the local rules and then stop taking pictures! Any questions, please leave a message for me!

There is a place in the northeastern part of Qinghai Lake called Shadao. I havent been to Dunhuang Mingsha Mountain before I came here to have an addiction in the desert, but the prayer flags on the roadside are different here. There is no direct shuttle bus available, you may need to charter or drive by car, and it will be enough to spend two or three hours here. The locals who often ride horses will come over and ask if you want to go horse riding. The price is not high at the time, I dont know what the current price is. There are still a lot of sand play projects, sand motorbikes, sand slides, and we are busy shooting, and have not enjoyed it. Set up a tent to prepare for the sunset, the temperature is getting lower and lower, the wind is getting bigger and bigger, if you open your mouth, you may eat a bite of sand, even the gap in the tripod is filled with fine sand, come back to clean up For a long time. The setting sun was not as stunning as we expected, and after a little exposure, I quickly hid behind the clouds.

After entering the Shadao Scenic Area, the car will pass through several small inner lakes, such as the Crescent Lake and the Sun Lake. I haven't arrived in Qinghai Lake yet. I have seen the beauty of the desert and the lake. Shadao is located in the northeastern part of Qinghai Lake. It is the largest island in the lake. It is like a crescent-shaped sand island scenic spot. It is a large sand dune in the national key scenic spot of Qinghai Lake. It is formed by the accumulation of sand and sand, just like a new moon floating in the new dunes on the water surface, which is a great spectacle in the lake.

Do you think these check-in photos at Kumbum Monastery are good?

Walking in the Kumbum Monastery with more than 600 years of history, touching the scattered temples on the Lotus Mountain, appreciating the art of ancient architecture, and feeling the peace in the strong light and shadow. The lifelike butter flowers, vivid murals and colorful embroidery make up the 'Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery Art', which are amazing and stoppable. Kumbum Monastery has a history of more than 600 years and covers an area of more than 600 acres. The temple buildings are distributed on the slopes of Lotus Mountain, with the temples scattered high and low, reflecting each other. The Dajinwa Temple in the center of the temple, with green walls and golden tiles, is brilliant and is the main building of the temple. The Buddha statues in the temple are vivid and beautiful, and they are sacred. The lifelike butter flowers, colorful murals and colorful embroidery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Kumbum Monastery Art'. The temple also contains many Buddhist scriptures and academic classics in history, literature, philosophy, medicine, and legislation. Travel tips: 1. Kumbum Monastery is located in Xining, you can take bus 306 directly, open from 08:00-17:30. 2. Pay attention to dress requirements, you must wear long gowns and long skirts to enter. 3. There are many places in the temple where photography is prohibited, pay attention to the warning signs. 4. Try not to take pictures of local people or monks who are prostrating or turning scriptures. Recommended check-in locations: 1. The city gate at the ticket check-in. 2. The 'Kumbum Monastery' sign in front of the right hand side of the white tower when you come in, as well as the turning cylinder and three towers further down the slope. 3. There are many pigeons here, you need to compose the picture in advance and wait for the pigeons to fly over, which really requires some luck and patience. 4. After entering along the main road, there are many red walls, white walls and stacked ancient buildings, which are very photogenic under the light and shadow.

Visiting Kumbum Monastery

#mytripvlog An incredible tour of Qinghai Province began at Xining’s Kumbum Monastery!

Kumbum Monastery

The monastery in Xining is swarming with worshipping monks, amongst beautiful temples, full of colour and life! The surrounding town is quiet and peaceful, and the entry into the monastery is quick and easy. You can spend hours wondering around this beautiful site, it really feels like you're in another country. I would always highly recommend visiting this amazing place, to see a direct contrast between Chinese ans Tibetan inspired architecture. Arrive early to ensure a quiet experience. You can see the gold guilded temple, colourful flags, amongst countless statues of religious figures. It really is a remarkable place. #culturalattractions

Welcome to Qinghai, China’s fourth largest province and home to towering mountains, stunning waterscapes and a variety of folk cultures.⠀ ⠀ We started our adventure in Xining (西宁), the capital city of the province on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau - and a city that played a key role in trade and cultural exchange after opening the Silk Road. And one of the most famous historical places to visit near Xining is Ta’er Monastery (otherwise known as Kumbum Monastery).⠀ ⠀ With 400 years of history, this monastery is a religious activity center that still houses practising monks within the complex that comprises of Buddhist halls, large courtyards, multiple stupas and more. ⠀ ⠀ 📍Kumbum Monastery, near Xining, Qinghai Province, China #leaveyourmark

Riyue Mountain as frozen Winter Dreamland

Most posts show Qinghai province during summer but also the late winter creates a beautiful countryside. While the lakes are frozen, you can enjoy still the monasteries, temples and mountains partially covered in snow. Riyue Mountain is beautiful during late winter days with a mixture of snow and awakening nature. Almost no tourists will come this way but you can do small hiking tour from top to top of each grass hill. Put your warm clothes on and don’t forget sun protection then you will be ready to spend some good time there without having many other people there. #winter #mountaintop #mountainhike

Sun and Moon Mountain-Nyima Dawa La (Tibetan)

1. Riyue Mountain Address - Huangyuan County, Xining, Qinghai Provinve, China Highlights - Princess Wencheng statue , Temple, Museum Rating - 4star The legendary story behind this geographic travel spot is the relationship between Han-Chinese princess Wencheng and Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo from 7th century. On her way to marry the king, the queen looked into a magic mirror with a sun-moon design to see her future family. But unfortunately, she only sees herself in the mirror. Out of agony, she breaks the mirror and the Daotang River flowing in unusual east to west direction, originates from her tears. #thisischina

If you can't visit Sun Moon Lake, you can go to Sun Moon Mountain

Mingyue Mountain, a peak full of poetry and romance, is located in Yichun City, Jiangxi Province. Its name, just like its scenery, is filled with gentleness and beauty. Once you ascend Mingyue Mountain, you will be stunned by the scenery before you. The lush forests and babbling streams make you feel as though you are in a landscape painting. And the most unforgettable feature is the hot springs that cover the mountain. The springs are crystal clear and steaming, offering a sense of warmth and blessing from nature. At Mingyue Mountain, you can fully enjoy the gifts of nature. Whether you're bathing in the hot springs or strolling along the mountain paths, you will feel relaxed and joyful in both body and mind. At night, when the bright moon hangs high, casting its silver glow, the entire mountain is shrouded in a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. Mingyue Mountain, a peak full of poetry and romance, awaits you to discover its beauty, to feel its gentleness and loveliness.

Captured the photo of a lifetime in the great Northwest|||Took a chartered tour around the great Northwest

|||Took a chartered tour around the great Northwest. D1: Xining-Riyue Mountain-Qinghai Lake-Chaka D2: Chaka Sky No.1-Jade Lake-Qaidam Basin-Dachaidan D3: U-shaped Highway-Dongtaijinoer Lake-Water Yadan-Yadan Devil City-Dachaidan D4: Dachaidan-Silk Road Heritage City-Dunhuang Museum-Dunhuang D5: Dunhuang-Mogao Caves-Mingsha Mountain Crescent Lake (encountered a sandstorm)-Dunhuang D6: Dunhuang-Unbounded-Son of the Earth-Zhangye Danxia Geopark-Zhangye D7: Zhangye-Qilian Mountain Grassland-Distant view of Gangshika Snow Peak -Xining 💚【Off-season Tickets】: 1️⃣Riyue Mountain Princess Wencheng Temple 30 yuan 2️⃣Qinghai Lake 20/90 (including sightseeing car) 3️⃣Chaka Sky Mirror closed during off-season Sky No.1 30, sightseeing car 60. 4️⃣Jade Lake 25, no sightseeing car during off-season 5️⃣Water Yadan free with ID card/sightseeing car 60 6️⃣Silk Road Heritage City 60, sightseeing car 15 7️⃣Mogao Caves 140 8️⃣Crescent Lake 55, sightseeing car 20 9️⃣Zhangye Danxia 93 (including sightseeing car) 💙【A few notes】: 1️⃣Both the salt lake and Qinghai Lake are icy surfaces, not very pretty this season. 2️⃣Encountered a sandstorm on the day going to Mingsha Mountain, missed the sunset. 3️⃣Other: The weather is quite dry, windy, remember to keep warm. Sunglasses, hats, hand warmers, masks, sunscreen, facial masks, hand cream, body lotion, lip balm, thermos. 💜Off-season【hotels and food】are very cheap. 🚙Found a local guide who took us around for the whole trip, had a good experience. 💛Overall, this trip was quite tiring. 😶‍🌫️