Qinghai Lake and Bird Islands
Qinghai Lake Facts
Qinghai Lake Overview
Located 150 km west of Xining, a must-stop on China Silk Road tours, Qinghai Lake is the largest lake in China. It is a salt lake at 3,196 m (10,485 feet) above sea level in a depression of the Tibetan Plateau. Nearly 30 rivers and streams empty into Qinghai Hu. The perimeter of the lake totals more than 360 kilometers. It often remains frozen for three months continuously in winter.
Sandwiched between Hainan and Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures in northeastern Qinghai, Qinghai Lake is at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia. Many species use it as an intermediate stop during migration.Top Places to See around Qinghai Lake
Erlangjian Scenic Area
This is Qinghai Lake's most famous and well-developed tourist spot. A long wooden walkway goes out into the lake, where you can touch the water and feel how big Qinghai Lake is. From the shore, the blue of the water blends perfectly with the sky, like a painting come to life. The lake shows off all kinds of blue: light near the edges, deep in the center. There’s a charming white lighthouse on the shore that makes for a perfect photo, letting you capture yourself, the lake, and the lighthouse all in one shot.Bird Islands
At the northeast end of Qinghai Lake are the "Bird Islands" (Cormorant Island and Egg Island), which have been bird sanctuaries of the Qinghai Lake Natural Protection Zone since 1997. Every March and April, when the ice starts to melt, over 20 kinds of migrating birds fly to the Bird Islands to breed. During these months, flocks of birds cover the whole sky over the islands, and bird eggs can be found everywhere. You can hear the warbles of birds from miles away.Haixin Mountain
Haixin Mountain, also known as Lake Heart Island, is located in the southern eccentric position of Qinghai Lake, about 30 kilometers from the southern shore. It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating attractions of the scenic area. Surprisingly, on this isolated island surrounded by saltwater, there are precious freshwater springs. On clear days, when viewed from high ground, Haixin Mountain resembles a white lotus floating on snowy waves, presenting a spectacular sight.Sand Island
Sand Island is located on the northern shore of Qinghai Salt Lake. Originally a peninsula in the lake, it has gradually formed the current dune group due to long-term wind transport and lake erosion. Here, the dunes can reach up to 30 meters high and stretch for several kilometers, like a small desert embedded beside the blue waves. Visitors can sink their toes into velvety grains or thrill down steep slopes while sandboarding.
>> Recommended 3-day Xining highlights tour with Qinghai Lake
Best Things to Do at Qinghai Lake
Hike or Cycle around the Huanhu West Road
Huanhu West Road is recognized as the prettiest part around Qinghai Lake, with rolling grasslands on one side and the holy lake's shimmering waters on the other. It’s an ideal destination in China for photographers. Whether hiking, cycling, or driving, you'll want to make frequent stops to capture the breathtaking landscapes. There are also some lesser-known viewing platforms along the route - less crowded with stunning views, where nature does all the work for your camera.Appreciate Sunrise Views at Heimahe
Catching the sunrise at Qinghai Lake is a must on any Xining tour. Heimahe, the starting point of Huanhu West Road, is the best place to see the sunrise over the lake. In the morning, when sunlight first hits Qinghai Hu, the water sparkles with golden light, looking like it's glowing. Stay nearby overnight and wake up early to get a good view—you'll never forget watching the sun come up here.Go Birdwatching
Qinghai Lake in China is a famous migratory bird habitat and one of the best places for winter birding in China. Birdwatching is a great pleasure when traveling there. From the observation deck, you can see various birds playing freely between the sky and the lake. Some soar through the air, leaving white trails across the sky; others chase each other on the water, creating silvery ripples; some try to catch fish in Qinghai Lake, while some bask lazily in the sun on shore.Take a Cruise Ship on Qinghai Lake
Qinghai Lake Scenic Area also offers cruise services. Boarding the Qinghai Hu ship, you'll witness the lake water gradually transition from emerald green near the shore to deep, mysterious, velvety sapphire blue—so beautiful it takes your breath away. Standing on deck, immerse yourself in infinite blue—the water's crystal clarity blurs boundaries between lake and sky, with clouds seeming to float both above and below. Keep bread handy to delight in feeding the graceful waterbirds that accompany your journey.Visit Tibetan Villages and Experience Tibetan Culture
The Tibetan villages by the lake keep their old traditions, where the architecture, clothing, and handicrafts all radiate strong ethnic charm. During your Qinghai Lake and Xining travel, don't hesitate to pay a visit to the Tibetan villages, taste the Tibetan cuisine like fragrant butter tea, uniquely-textured barley wine, and nutritious tsampa. Besides, you'll also get the opportunity to enjoy the Tibetan singing and dance performances. If you are interested in Tibetan Buddhism in China, never miss Ta'er Monastery.
Qinghai Lake Cycling
Qinghai Lake is one of China's top cycling paradises, with breathtaking landscapes, smooth roads, and a perfectly balanced challenge. Accommodations along the route are well-equipped. Riders typically begin in Xihai Town, completing the loop in 4-7 customizable days. Here is a 4-day classic cycling route.
Note: Since 2002, the Tour of Qinghai Lake Cycling Race has been launched every summer in July and August, which has received the full support from the International Cycling Union. This has become an important event of the season in this region.
Qinghai Lake Cycling Tips
- Take a quick look at the map of Qinghai Lake in China before you go and stick to the main road—it’s safer and simpler.
- Qinghai Lake sits at a high altitude, so bring altitude-sickness meds. If you’re not used to it, spend a couple of days in Xining to adjust.
- The sun is intense up here. Pack sunglasses and proper sun protection.
- The weather changes fast, so dress in layers and keep a raincoat in your bag.
- Plan to ride only in daylight—night cycling isn’t a good idea.
- Be respectful of local customs.
- If sheep or cattle wander across the road, just slow down and let them pass—they’re the real locals.
>> See more Xining travel tips
>> Recommended 10-day Qinghai & Gansu expedition with Qinghai LakeQinghai Lake Weather and Best Time to Visit
Qinghai Lake, a highlight along the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, is beautiful no matter when you go, but June to August is the best time to visit. The weather sits around 12–25°C, and the lakeside turns bright gold with rapeseed flowers—blue sky, white clouds, and that huge blue lake all in one frame.
April and May are also lovely, with daytime temps around 5–15°C. It’s cooler, but perfect if you enjoy birdwatching and quieter scenery. If you prefer fewer crowds, try September to October. The lake area starts showing autumn colors, and the weather stays comfortable, usually 10–20°C during the day. From November to March, Qinghai Lake is covered in ice and snow—good for anyone who loves snow and winter activities. Just one tip: the weather here changes fast, so always check the forecast before heading out.
>> Read more about Xining’s climate and weather
Qinghai Lake Hotels
Since Qinghai Lake is quite far from Xining, it’s better to stay near the lake so you can fully appreciate its beauty. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses around. The Qinghai Lake Viewing Hotel is a nice pick—right by the lake with big windows facing the water, Tibetan-style decorations, and its own restaurant.
Along the Huanhu West Road, you’ll also find tent camps and local family stays, great for getting closer to the scenery and local culture. If sunrise is your goal, stay in Heimahe. It’s the best spot for it, with lots of simple but well-located lake-view guesthouses and camps.
How to Get to Qinghai Lake
Most trips to Qinghai Lake start in Xining. You can fly into Xining Caojiabao Airport or take the train to Xining Station from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and other cities in China. Then, heading out from Xining to Qinghai Lake.How to Go to Qinghai Lake from Xining
You can head to the Xining Coach Terminal and take the direct tourist bus to the Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake. It’s about 60 RMB one way, and the earliest buses leave around 8:40–9:00. You can also book tickets in advance through the station’s WeChat mini-program.
If you’re traveling with friends, renting a car is super convenient. A full car is around 600–800 RMB, and if you join a shared ride, it’s about 100–150 RMB each.
Tour Qinghai Lake with ETC
Looking for an easier way to explore Qinghai Lake in China? Easy Tour China is here to help. With over 20 years of experience in tailor-made China tours, we can customize a Xining tour with Qinghai Lake that fits your pace and style—you just enjoy the lake, and we’ll handle the details. Or you can join one of our small group China tour packages that include Xining.
More Attractions in Xining
