[2025 Gangca Attraction] Travel Guide for Qinghai Lake The Holy Spring Bay (Cliff) (Updated May)

Located at the northwest corner of Qinghai Lake, this scenic spot might be missed if you're taking the southern route (toward Heima River or Erlangjian) around the lake. But it's absolutely worth a visit. First, the ticket price is 40 yuan per person, which includes round-trip shuttle service. The shuttle makes two stops - the first for an explanation about the Holy Spring, and the second at the Cliff itself. After visiting, you can take the shuttle back. Parking is currently free. The so-called Cliff is actually a precipice extending into the lake. Visitors can explore via constructed walkways. The views here are breathtaking - you can see the azure lake surface that looks as vast as an ocean. Behind it lies expansive grasslands with herds of cattle and sheep. If you walk to the lakeshore, you can feed seagulls or even ride yaks. You could easily spend two hours here without feeling bored. Compared to Heima River or Erlangjian, this spot offers a more authentic experience with better value for money. If I could only visit one attraction at Qinghai Lake, I would choose the Cliff without hesitation.

Qinghai Lake, China's largest saltwater lake, freezes every December and thaws in April, experiencing a five-month icebound period. As the spring breeze blows, the ice breaks, and the azure lake water reappears, unveiling the magnificent spectacle of the "lake opening." On March 20, 2025, the Spring Equinox, the "Qinghai Lake Opening Season" series of events grandly commenced at Shengquan Bay (Cliff Scenic Area) in Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. This sapphire at 36 degrees north latitude is quietly awakening from its long winter slumber. In the early spring at the cliffs of Shengquan Bay, the blue ice has not completely receded, but the roar of cracking ice can already be heard from the lake's surface. This is nature's symphony of life, a prelude to new beginnings. This spring, bid farewell to distant gazes and journey to Qinghai Lake. Beside the blue ice, listen to the crisp sound of ice cracking, experience China's clearest spring, and witness the boundless power of nature's continuous cycle of life!

Experience Xining in a new way! Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Chaka Salt Lake on a private small train, without the crowds of strangers. Check out this 4-day personalized itinerary! -------- 🚩Itinerary at a Glance: Day 1: Arrive in Xining Arrive in Xining and enjoy a 24-hour complimentary airport transfer. Check in to your hotel and enjoy free time. Day 2: Xining Exploration Ta'er Monastery -> Lajishan -> Chaka Salt Lake Immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of Ta'er Monastery, cross the magnificent Lajishan, and take a ride on the popular small train at Chaka Salt Lake for a dreamy salt lake experience. Day 3: Qinghai Lake In-Depth Tour Qinghai Lake West Ring Road -> Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay (Cliff) -> Huangyu Fish Farm -> Tsangyang Gyatso Cultural Square Travel along the west ring road of Qinghai Lake, visit the spectacular cliffs of Shengquan Bay, experience the vitality of Huangyu Fish Farm, and savor Tibetan culture at Tsangyang Gyatso Cultural Square. Day 4: Departure from Xining Your pleasant Xining trip concludes with a 24-hour airport/station transfer, ensuring your safety and comfort. See you next time!🌟 -------- Must-See Attractions: Chaka Salt Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: No. 9 Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Ulan County, Haixi Prefecture - Opening hours: 08:15–19:00, March 1 to September 29 - Duration: 2–4 hrs With its snow-white salt and mirror-like reflection of the sky, this pristine landscape offers a dreamlike experience. Ta'er Monastery ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Address: No. 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province - Opening hours: 08:00–16:30, November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 - Duration: 2–4 hrs An important Gelugpa monastery of Tibetan Buddhism, Ta'er Monastery boasts a rich religious atmosphere and breathtaking cultural treasures. Lajishan ⭐⭐⭐ - Address: Provincial Road 101, Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province - Opening hours: Open all day - Duration: 1 hr This beautiful plateau meadow, lush with greenery and blooming flowers in summer, is a great place to experience the charm of nature. -------- Packing List: 🧳 Essentials for your Xining trip! 👗 Clothing: Pack a waterproof jacket, a light down jacket, thermal underwear, and a windproof coat to cope with the changing weather on the plateau. Don't forget comfortable sneakers! 🎒 Accessories: Sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen are essential for protection against the strong plateau sun. An umbrella is also recommended for unpredictable weather changes. 📂 Documents: Ensure you have your ID card, student ID, and driver's license before departure. 💊 Medicine: Bring Rhodiola and Zhengchangsheng to prevent altitude sickness and digestive issues. Pack cold and stomach medicine, along with band-aids and antiseptic wipes, just in case. -------- If you enjoyed the scenery of Xining and the freedom of a private tour, give this post a thumbs-up 👍 and save it 🌟 for your next trip!

Hey ladies, the Qingming Festival holiday is here! Want to explore the areas around Xining? Here's a 4-day itinerary for you, featuring both popular and off-the-beaten-path destinations! Qinghai Lake cliffside photo spots, Chaka Salt Lake, Qarhan Salt Lake...plus Emerald Lake and Dongtai Jinel Lake are all waiting for you! Check it out~ 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Riyue Mountain—Chaka Salt Lake Our journey begins at Riyue Mountain, where you can experience the magnificent scenery of the plateau. Then, we'll head to the popular Chaka Salt Lake. Stroll along the salt lake, admire the mirror-like reflections, and take stunning photos of the sky mirrored on the lake's surface. Day 2: Dachaidan Emerald Lake—Qarhan Salt Lake Today, we'll explore two beautiful salt lakes. First is Dachaidan Emerald Lake, where the water displays a mesmerizing emerald green hue, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairyland. Next, we'll visit Qarhan Salt Lake to witness nature's wonders and admire the unique charm of the salt lake. Day 3: Ussut Water Yadan Geopark—Dongtai Jinel Lake We'll travel to the Ussut Water Yadan Geopark to explore the peculiar Yadan landforms. Afterward, we'll arrive at Dongtai Jinel Lake, where the clear, azure water contrasts sharply with the surrounding desert landscape, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Day 4: Qinghai Lake West Loop Road—Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay (Cliff)—China Atomic City Explosion Test Site On the last day, we'll visit the beautiful Qinghai Lake and enjoy the picturesque scenery along the West Loop Road. Next, we'll head to the cliffs of Shengquan Bay at Qinghai Lake, a hidden gem and a great spot for taking photos from a unique cliffside perspective. Finally, we'll visit the China Atomic City Explosion Test Site, where science and history intertwine. This itinerary covers several popular attractions and off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing you to fully experience the magnificence and mystery of the plateau scenery. Travel tips: - Airport transportation 🚘: The Xining Airport shuttle bus is convenient and offers multiple routes to the city center. Check the schedule in advance to avoid waiting times. - Souvenir prices 💰: Xining's specialties, such as air-dried yak meat and Kunlun snow chrysanthemum, are excellent choices and reasonably priced, perfect as gifts or for personal enjoyment. - Food 🍜: Xining offers a wide variety of delicious food, including hand-grabbed mutton and spicy and sour liangpi. We recommend visiting local popular restaurants to savor authentic flavors. - March weather ⛅: Xining experiences significant temperature differences between day and night in March, so pack accordingly. Daytime temperatures are warm and comfortable, ideal for outdoor activities. Hope these tips are helpful, and have a wonderful time in Xining! ✨ Join a group tour to Xining for a hassle-free and relaxing experience! Explore all the scenic spots and don't miss a single view. Remember to follow me for more exciting discoveries. 🌈

During the Qingming Festival, explore the beautiful scenery of Lanzhou (Gansu), Qinghai, and Zhangye. This 8-day itinerary takes you on a journey through the Northwest Great Ring Road. Save it now! -------- 🚩Itinerary at a Glance: D1: Departure City -> Lanzhou Depart from your city and arrive in Lanzhou. A private car will pick you up from the airport or train station (no carpooling or waiting). Enjoy free time in the city. D2: Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay (Cliff) -> Qinghai Lake · Heimahe Explore the wonders of the cliffs at Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay, then head to Heimahe to experience the magnificence of Qinghai Lake. D3: Chaka Salt Lake -> Dachaidan Emerald Lake Visit the "Mirror of the Sky" at Chaka Salt Lake, then proceed to Dachaidan Emerald Lake to admire the magnificent gems of nature. D4: Dongtai Jinel Lake -> Ussute Water Yadan Geopark -> Nanbaxian Devil City Journey through the magical colors of Dongtai Jinel Lake, visit the unique landforms of Ussute Water Yadan, and finally experience the mystery of the desert at Nanbaxian Devil City. D5: Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring -> Mogao Caves Climb Mingsha Mountain, overlook the miracle of Crescent Moon Spring, and then visit the Mogao Caves to appreciate the treasures of Buddhist art spanning thousands of years. D6: Big Earth -> Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park Visit the awe-inspiring Big Earth sculpture, then head to Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park to admire nature's colorful palette. D7: Zhangye City -> Qilian Mountain Grassland -> Menyuan Rape Flower Sea -> Xining -> Lanzhou City Depart from Zhangye, traverse the vast Qilian Mountain Grassland, visit Menyuan Rape Flower Sea (during its blooming season), and finally return to Lanzhou city via Xining. D8: Lanzhou -> Return Trip End your pleasant journey and depart from Lanzhou. If you choose a one-way package, you can enjoy free time and arrange your subsequent itinerary independently. -------- Travel Essentials: 👕 Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and pants, thick coats, sun-protective clothing, and sports shoes to cope with temperature differences between day and night and UV rays. 🎩 Accessories: Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and scarves are fashionable, sun-protective, and can also block wind and sand. 💳 Documents: ID card, cash, and bank cards are essential for travel. Don't forget them! 🧴 Skincare: Sunscreen, moisturizer, and lip balm to keep your skin hydrated and prevent dryness. 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, painkillers, and band-aids. It's always good to be prepared for a worry-free trip. 🎒 Other: Water bottle, portable charger, and umbrella to meet various small needs during the trip. -------- Enjoy Lanzhou (Gansu), Qinghai, and Zhangye, and take in all the beautiful scenery. Don't forget to share your travel stories! 📸✨

Shengquan Bay at Qinghai Lake is a natural wonder that is well worth a visit. Here is a travel guide for you: • Location and transportation: • The cliffs of Shengquan Bay at Qinghai Lake are located in the northeast of Qinghai Lake, in the territory of Quanjixiang, Gangcha County, on the north bank of Qinghai Lake. • It is 221 km from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, and 4.5 km from National Highway 315. • If you choose to drive, it is about 160 km from Chaka Salt Lake. • Opening hours: • Open all year round, from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. • Tickets and transportation: • The Shengquan Bay Ecological Experience Area (cliffs) is currently in trial operation, and tickets are free, but you need to pay CNY 20 per person for a round-trip bus ticket from the parking lot to the lake. Private cars are not allowed. • Special experience: • The cliffs are a natural landscape formed by crustal movement and lake water erosion. The vertical height of the cliff is tens of meters, in stark contrast to the blue Qinghai Lake. • You can overlook the beautiful scenery of Qinghai Lake from the cliffs and experience the magnificent scenery of the wide lake and clear water. • There are Tibetan Buddhist temples and pagodas near the cliffs, adding a sense of mystery. • In summer, you can watch the largest sacrificial activities in the lake area, as well as the naked carp and water birds of Qinghai Lake. • In winter, visitors can watch the swans dancing on the blue ice. • Dining and shopping: • There are small vendors in the scenic area offering local snacks, such as instant noodles for CNY 6, cola for CNY 3, and a large bag of yak meat for CNY 98. • Precautions: • As the Shengquan Bay Ecological Experience Area is still under construction, the tourism infrastructure needs to be improved. Visitors are advised to pay attention to safety and abide by the regulations of the scenic area. • There are many Huang fish in the cliff scenic area. Please pay attention to protecting the ecological environment while watching. • Other suggestions: • If you plan to watch the sunrise, you can choose to stay near the Shengquan Bay Scenic Area (cliffs) so that you can get up early to watch the sunrise. I hope this guide will help you better plan your trip to the cliffs of Shengquan Bay at Qinghai Lake. Have a nice trip!

📍Detailed address: National Highway 315, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Location: Shengquan Bay (Cliff), Qinghai Lake 🕙Opening hours: 08:30–20:00 1️⃣ Scenic spots on the west line of the lake: Erlangjian - Nanshan Viewing Platform - Heima River - Donggeer Viewing Platform - Garila Temple (recommended) - Cliff (recommended) - Fairy Bay - Jinyintan 2️⃣ Scenic spots on the east line of the lake: Jinyintan - Fairy Bay - Cliff - Garila Temple - Donggeer Viewing Platform - Heima River - Nanshan Viewing Platform - Erlangjian Tips: The sunset at Qinghai Lake in summer is after 20:00, so it is bright until 21:00. You can watch the sunset here and then stay in the west. It takes 20 minutes to drive from the cliff to the main accommodation area on the west line of the lake.

🔶If you are traveling along the Northwest Loop, don't miss the Qinghai Lake Cliff!❗️ 🔶You can directly navigate to the Qinghai Lake Cliff Scenic Area, which has a parking lot, so you don't need to park outside. 🔶Fairy Bay: This is a wetland, and it's unknown if fairies live here. The lake water here is yellowish, but it still looks beautiful from the bridge. 🔶Shengquan Bay: This is a favorite spot for children. After taking the ferry to the lakeside, you can feed the seagulls. We didn't see any Huang fish when we visited, but you can ride a yak for photos, walk with lambs, and take photos with deer. Children had so much fun playing by the lake that they didn't want to leave. The view from the cliff is indeed beautiful. You can see the turquoise lake, where the water meets the sky, with rippling waves. 🔶Donggeer: This is an observation deck where we saw many seagulls and Huang fish swimming together. The scenery is also stunning. The lake water is bright blue and clear, and it looks beautiful in the sunset glow. We took our favorite photos of the trip here. 🔶If you want to take photos on the cliff, keep walking to the right, go up the boardwalk, and at the highest point, you'll see a small section of railing that is empty, allowing only one person to pass through. It seems to be intentionally left by the scenic area. After going down, walk a bit further, and you'll find the classic photo spot. 🔶Qinghai Lake Cliff Scenic Area: Tickets are CNY 20. It is one of the newly opened and still under construction scenic areas in 2024, and also one of the popular spots. The cliff is perfect for 📸 photos. The shuttle bus and the road to the scenic area are average, and the facilities need improvement. 🔶Activities: 🔺After getting off the sightseeing bus, there are activities like horseback riding, yak riding, and holding a baby yak. We tried yak riding, and photos cost CNY 20 per person, while a simple walk costs CNY 30 per person. If there are many people, you can negotiate a group price. 🔺Feeding seagulls: A favorite activity for children, it's free. Please bring bread in advance. Flocks of seagulls fly back and forth, and feeding them by the shore is simple and fun. 🔺Hiking: There is a boardwalk with good quality wood, and it's not high, so it's not tiring to climb. It is built along the cliff by the coastline, allowing you to take photos and enjoy the scenery while climbing. 🔺There are prayer flags, rest stops, and photo spots halfway up the mountain. 🔺Near the top of the mountain, you may encounter free-range yaks, which you can observe up close.

📍The first stop of the 2024 Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop journey is Qinghai Lake. Perhaps because I have seen too many lakes, or maybe because it is not as magnificent as the real ocean, Qinghai Lake did not initially bring me great shock. 🍡However, I have to say, Qinghai Lake is particularly large. We drove along the lakeside for nearly 200 kilometers, and the scenery along the way truly amazed me. Under the blue sky and white clouds, patches of blooming rapeseed flowers occasionally appeared, dazzling like a golden ocean; at other times, there were grasslands with herds of cattle and sheep, full of vitality and energy. The most surprising thing is that there is even a desert by Qinghai Lake, a unique landscape that makes one marvel at the wonders of nature. 🌅Along the way, there were surprises and emotions. Qinghai Lake, with its unique charm, inadvertently left a deep impression on my heart. Qinghai Lake Sacred Spring Bay (Cliff)

Visit Qinghai Lake, only go to the cliffs! On October 8th, travel off-peak with friends and fly directly to Xining to start the journey of 'Viewing Poplar Forests along the Qinghai-Gansu Line'. Just 100 meters out of the airport terminal, there's the Shenzhou car rental pickup point, which is really convenient. The cost of renting a Tank 300 is only 166 yuan per day, how cool is that? Stay at the Intercontinental Hotel near the train station, with a price of 300+ yuan, the value for money is undeniable. After breakfast the next day, head straight to the cliffs of Qinghai Lake. It's a drive of over 3 hours from the hotel, with the altitude gradually increasing along the way. Once you reach the cliffs, the altitude is 3100 meters, and as long as you don't run around, it feels okay. The 20 yuan ticket includes the scenic area shuttle, which is such a great deal! The key is that there are few people and the scenery is beautiful. All the pictures are original, with no filters. You tell me if it's worth it. After leaving the cliffs, drive to Delingha, a distance of 290 kilometers, with the highest altitude along the way nearly 4000 meters. Friends who suffer from altitude sickness can replenish their energy with glucose and chocolate.