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Qinghai Lake
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Gansu-Qinghai Area

Qinghai Lake

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4.5/5
7.6k reviews
Qinghai Lake is called "Qinghai Lake" in Tibetan (meaning "blue sea"). Located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, within Qinghai Province, it is formed byQilian MountainsDatong Mountain,Riyue Mountain and South Qinghai MountainFormed by fault subsidence, it is one of China's largest inland lakes and the origin of Qinghai Province's name. The lake covers a vast area, with a circumference of approx. 360 km. Its waters are boundless, azure, and ethereal. Surrounded by mountains, the lakeshore blends into expansive grasslands. Qinghai Lake boasts spectacular views and numerous attractions, making it a key destination in Qinghai. Natural environment: Qinghai Lake features a plateau continental climate with abundant sunlight and intense radiation. Winters are cold, summers are cool, warm seasons are brief, and cold seasons are prolonged. Spring brings frequent strong winds and sandstorms. Rainfall is scarce, concentrated in the warm season, with distinct wet and dry periods. This climate creates unique beauty in each season. The lake's color shifts with weather and light, sometimes displaying multiple hues in a single day. Scenery varies by season, with the ideal visiting period from April to August. July and August are particularly stunning, as vast rapeseed fields bloom along the shore, their golden yellow contrasting beautifully with the endless blue waters. In addition, when Qinghai Lake is frozen for thousands of miles in winter, you can also experience a different kind of natural grandeur. Historical legend: It is said that over 1,000 years ago, the Tang Dynasty and Tibet formed a marriage alliance, with Princess Wencheng marrying the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Before her departure, the Tang emperor gave her a sun-moon treasure mirror that could reflect images of her hometown. On the journey, the princess missed her hometown and took out the mirror, indeed seeing the long-lost Chang'an. Tears welled up in her eyes. However, she suddenly remembered her mission and resolutely threw the mirror away. Unexpectedly, when it hit the ground, a golden light flashed, and it transformed into Qinghai Lake. Attraction introduction: Some attractions have been developed around Qinghai Lake. South of the lake is the main attraction, Qinghai Lake Erlangjian scenic area, where you can take a boat tour. East of the lake lies the famousRiyue Mountain and Daotang Riveretc.; to the north there areJinyintan and the atomic cityand other attractions. In addition, when touring around Qinghai Lake, nearby attractions such as those west of the lake are usually included.Chaka Salt Lake, Hubei'sRapeseed flowers in MenyuanEtc. Ways to explore: You can visit just one side of Qinghai Lake or take a circular tour around it. Most travelers choose the south side for a simple lake view, where the grassland is lush and the scenery is stunning. For a circular tour, you can take a private charter from Xining and travel clockwise, which is also the direction local Tibetans follow for their lake pilgrimage.Gonghe · 34.6km from downtown
Longyangxia Ecological Tourism Resort

Longyangxia Ecological Tourism Resort

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4.5/5
158 reviews
The Earth Forest Geological Park is located 13 km northwest of Longyangxia Town, stretching over 50 km. Formed by tectonic movements 23 million years ago, it is one of the world's typical Tertiary stratum-differentiated earth forests, ideal for admiring sunrise, sunset, and starry skies. Don't miss the "Mars walk" photo spot in the attraction! Travel guide: Hike the loop trail (1.5 km in total) to visit Fushan, see Mani stones, observe the meditation retreat, witness the "Camel asking Buddha" and "Ten thousand Buddhas worship" sights, and explore the sinkhole. Then, ascend to Fushan's Wisdom Summit or take the Fortune Path—and cap it off with the glass walkway (approx. 1.5 hr of exploration). Longyangxia Scenic Spot is an artificial lake on the main stream of the Yellow River with a storage capacity of 383 km². It never freezes over on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Visitors can take a boat to admire the dam and tour Longyang Lake. The attraction features supporting facilities such as off-road motorcycles, a Xinhua Bookstore cultural creative book bar, a Tianyoude cultural experience hall, and a Longyangxia Scenic Spot cultural creative store. Travel guide: Check in at the plaza with pigeons and the big apricot tree upon entering the park—ride shared bicycles to the off-road motorcycle and karting venue—experience off-road motorcycles and karting—visit the Tianyoude highland barley wine cultural experience hall—head to the dock to take a boat and view the Longyangxia Hydropower Station—enjoy lakeside activities and photo opportunities—explore the attraction's cultural creative store and Xinhua Bookstore cultural creative book bar Cliff scenic area is an ancient and precipitous gorge in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, with a drop of 600 m. The attraction features an approximately 8 km-long hiking trail built along the cliff, offering views of peculiar rocks in the canyon, outdoor hiking, and opportunities for nature photography to observe golden eagles diving for prey. Travel guide: Visit the bharal service area to see golden eagles and the gorge entrance, admire the emerald Yellow River—view peculiar rocks along the way—swing on the cliff swing—check in at the golden eagle service area—visit the Haizi West Peninsula cliff café (approx. 2.5 hrs of exploration). Cruise exploration area. This is the first grand canyon after the Yellow River flows through the Qinghai grassland, and also the most magnificent canyon group on the Yellow River. Stretching 33 km in total, the narrowest part of the canyon is only 60 m. The emerald Yellow River rushes down, carving out a steep and spectacular alpine canyon. Inside the canyon, gullies crisscross, strange peaks and perilous rocks stand, and cliffs tower thousands of meters high. Its ruggedness is unparalleled in the entire Yellow River basin, showcasing features of "uniqueness, serenity, depth, peculiarity, danger, and mystery." Take a cruise into the depths of the canyon to explore the ancient Yellow River basin.Gonghe · 31.6km from downtown

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Featured Day tours in Gonghe

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Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky)
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Private group tour | Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountain day trip | Charted transfer/entrance fees included
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Duration: 11 hrs
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Qinghai Lake Chartered tour (Departing from Xining)
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Duration: 3 hrs
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Xining Kumbum Monastery + Qinghai Lake + Laji Mountain one-day tour (White clouds, blue lake and golden roof gaze at each other from afar)
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Duration: 9 hrs
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One-day tour from Xining to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake: Encounter the sapphire of the plateau, stroll on the sky mirror
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One-day tour from Xining to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake: Azure waves of Qinghai Lake, the sky mirror of Chaka
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Depart from Xining: Laji Mountain, Qinghai Lake & Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour with Private Car & Tickets Included
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Featured Culture & history in Gonghe

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English guided tour service in Xining
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Duration: 8 hrs
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All of Qinghai | English-speaking guide | Business accompaniment | Multilingual
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Xining Laji Mountain + Kumbum Monastery + Zongkala Tse Half-Day Tour - Visit Three Iconic Landmarks in Half a Day
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Depart from Xining: Kumbum Monastery Half-Day Tour with Private Car Service & Tickets Included
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Private pick-up&drop-off service including | Qinghai one-day tour: Ta'er Monastery + Tibetan Culture Museum + 618-meter Tibetan cultural Thangka
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Duration: 8.6 hrs
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What travellers say about Gonghe

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薛定谔的鳄梨18 October 2026
5.0
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.

Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area

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M54***5227 October 2026
4.0
Sisters! I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of Qinghai Lake! 😭 📍Address: No. 151, National Highway 109, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province I was stunned by the scenery the moment I stepped off the bus! Under the blue sky and white clouds, the lake water was crystal clear. Flocks of seagulls soared freely over the lake. 🕊️ Every snapshot looked like a professional photograph. 📸 Standing by the lake, watching the seagulls swimming on the water, and occasionally flying over to greet you, the feeling of harmony between humans and nature was incredibly healing. ✨ The weather was perfect too! ☀️ A gentle breeze, perfect sunshine, no need to worry about getting sunburned. The air was so fresh you couldn't help but take a deep breath. If you're planning a trip to Qinghai Lake, I highly recommend choosing a sunny day. Qinghai Lake under the blue sky and white clouds will definitely be a visual feast! #QinghaiLake #QinghaiTourism #NorthwestTravel #QinghaiLakeSeagulls #HealingScenery

Qinghai Lake

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爱旅行的熊搭子20 April 2025
5.0
Heimahe is a scenic spot beside Qinghai Lake, with magnificent sunrises and sunsets, bright starry sky, rich Tibetan folk customs, and convenient transportation and accommodation. It is a good place for sightseeing, photography and experience.

Qinghai Lake Heima River

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Anonymous user29 October 2026
4.0
The canyon scenery is so-so. I recommend getting a panoramic view from the mountain near the entrance of the scenic area. The reservoir in the distance is even more beautiful. The tour route is well-designed. I suggest walking along the boardwalk to the coffee shop first, taking a picture, and then taking the bus back to the exit. There are too few toilets inside, and the coffee is also just so-so!

Longyangxia Ecological Tourism Resort

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非你不渴14 September 2021
5.0
The beautiful Qinghai Lake is the most worthwhile place to visit. Although you may only visit it once in your life, it will definitely make you unforgettable. You must go there when you are young and can do whatever you want. Yes.

Qinghai Lake Huanhu West Road

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吴立珍6 December 2020
4.0
Daotang River is a seasonal river that relies on snowmelt and rainwater, and is the smallest branch of the Qinghai Lake system. The river is winding and clear, like a bright silk floating on the grassland. Here you can ride horses, visit the Tibetan folk culture exhibition hall, watch the oriental magic dog Snow Tibetan Mastiff, and try on ethnic costumes to take photos.

Qinghai Daotang River Scenic Area

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威威19835 September 2026
5.0
I made a last-minute decision to visit Longyangxia Scenic Area, and it turned out to be a delightful surprise. The weather was fantastic today; although a bit sunny, the view of the emerald green lake in the valley from the boardwalk was truly breathtaking. I didn't see any blue sheep in the scenic area, but there were many golden eagles, frequently flying over the canyon. I also saw the Longyangxia Dam. It was a great experience, and I highly recommend it.

Longyang Grand Canyon Cliff Sightseeing

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Yilin1916 November 2024
5.0
Qinghai Lake Dongger Observation Deck is located on the east bank of Qinghai Lake. It is the only observation platform on the edge of Qinghai Lake and the closest observation deck to Qinghai Lake. Qinghai Lake is the largest plateau inland saltwater lake in China and one of the highest lakes in the world. It is located in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is worth visiting and will leave you with lasting memories!

Dongger Viewing Platform at Qinghai Lake

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E22***587 May 2022
4.0
Rubber Mountain is a scenic spot on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop Tour. It is probably on the way from Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake. It has an altitude of 3,817 meters, which is the highest point on this route. Therefore, you must stay calm and do not run too fast to prevent altitude sickness. The scenery here is relatively natural. It is nice to take pictures, take a walk and have a rest.

Xiangpi Mountain

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Frequently asked questions

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky), Private group tour | Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountain day trip | Charted transfer/entrance fees included, and Qinghai Lake Chartered tour (Departing from Xining). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 4 November 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Gonghe is around EUR 41.7 – EUR 114.35. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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