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Qinghai Lake
No. 10 of Best Things to Do in Gansu-Qinghai Area

Qinghai Lake

8
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 · 34.6 km from downtown
Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area

8
4.3/5
6.5k reviews
Erlangjian Scenic Area is Qinghai Lake's main attraction. It is located on the south shore of the lake and is home to a shopping center, restaurants, and hotels. The visitor site consists of two areas, the first of which is located near the entrance and provides a range of commercial facilities and a harbor for tourist boats. The other area is a narrow peninsula that stretches out over 10 km into the lake. Taking a boat trip on the lake is one of Erlangjian's most popular activities.Gonghe · 34.7 km from downtown
Qinghai Lake Heima River
No. 10 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Qinghai

Qinghai Lake Heima River

5.9
4.6/5
57 reviews
Qinghai Lake Heima River is located in Qinghai Province, China, and is a tourist destination with beautiful natural scenery. The altitude here is over 3,000m, and the lakeshore is open and flat, with vast grasslands and pastures stretching out behind it. In midsummer, the sunrise usually occurs around 6:00 AM. As the sun slowly rises from the end of the lake, the water is dyed golden red. Prayer flags flutter in the morning breeze along the shore, and occasionally, water birds like bar-headed geese skim across the surface. Many people stay overnight specifically to wait for these few minutes of morning light over the lake. It is also an important stop for cycling around the lake, and the West Lake Road heading north from here stretches along the lakeshore, which is considered by many cycling enthusiasts to be a section with outstanding lake views on the route around the lake.Here, visitors can enjoy the magnificent lake and mountain scenery and experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.Gonghe · 90.5 km from downtown
Longyangxia Scenic Spot
No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Qinghai

Longyangxia Scenic Spot

5.4
4.5/5
157 reviews
Tulin geological park is located 13 km northwest of Longyangxia town, stretching over 50 km. Formed by geological movements 23 million years ago, it is one of the world's typical tertiary stratum differentiated earth forests, perfect for enjoying sunrise, sunset, and starry skies. Take instagrammable photos with the "walking on mars" experience in the tulin attraction! Travel guide: Walk a 1.5 km loop along the boardwalk - visit fushan, see mani stones, observe the retreat courtyard, divine camel questioning buddha, ten thousand buddhas worship, and sinkholes - climb to fushan wisdom peak or take the fulu passage - visit the glass walkway (approx. 1.5 hour experience). Longyang lake scenic area is an artificial lake on the main stream of the Yellow River with a storage capacity of 383 km². It never freezes on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Visitors can take a boat to admire the dam and tour Longyang Lake. The scenic area offers facilities such as off-road motorcycles, Xinhua bookstore cultural creative book bar, Tianyoude cultural experience hall, and Longyangxia scenic spot cultural creative store. Travel guide: Enter the park and take photos with the square pigeons and big apricot tree - ride shared bicycles to the off-road motorcycle and karting venue - experience off-road motorcycles and karting - visit Tianyoude highland barley wine cultural experience hall - go to the dock to take a boat to view Longyangxia hydropower station - take photos by the lake - visit the scenic spot cultural creative store and Xinhua bookstore cultural creative book bar. Cliff scenic area - An ancient and precipitous canyon in the upper reaches of the Yellow River with a 600m drop. The attraction features an approx. 8km hiking trail built along the canyon cliffs, offering views of unique rock formations, outdoor hiking opportunities, and golden eagle spotting during their diving hunts. Travel guide: Visit the blue sheep service area for golden eagle watching and canyon views → admire the emerald Yellow River and unique rock formations along the way → try the cliff swing → check in at the golden eagle service area → visit the Haizi west peninsula cliff café (approx. 2.5 hr tour). Cruise exploration area - This is the first major canyon after the Yellow River flows through the Qinghai grasslands, forming a magnificent canyon system stretching 33km. The narrowest section measures only 60m wide, where the emerald Yellow River carves through towering cliffs, creating a landscape of deep ravines, peculiar rock formations, and sheer precipices. Renowned as the most spectacular canyon in the entire Yellow River basin, it showcases unique features of wonder, seclusion, depth, diversity, danger, and mystery. Take a cruise into the canyon's depths to explore the ancient Yellow River basin.Gonghe · 31.6 km from downtown
Qinghai Lake Huanhu West Road

Qinghai Lake Huanhu West Road

4.8
4.5/5
100 reviews
Qinghai Lake Huanhu West Road is located on the west side of Qinghai Lake. It generally refers to the road from Heimahe Township to Shinaihai. This road is close to the lake, and the surrounding grasslands and hills are beautiful, so it is also a favorite road section for cyclists. In addition to being close to the lake, Huanhu West Road is also a good place to watch the sunrise of Qinghai Lake. Open the window in the early morning and see a red sun rising from the blue lake. The scenery is very beautiful.Gonghe · >100 km from downtown
Qinghai Daotang River Scenic Area

Qinghai Daotang River Scenic Area

4.4
3.1/5
147 reviews
Daotang River originates in the Chahan Grassland at the western foot of Riyue Mountain and flows west to Qinghai Lake. According to the Tibetan people, it was formed by the tears of Princess Wencheng. When Princess Wencheng was on her way to marry into the Tubo Kingdom, she missed her hometown, threw away her Sun and Moon Mirror, which became Riyue Mountain, and her sorrowful tears converged into this westward-flowing river. Daotang River is a smaller branch of the Qinghai Lake water system. The river winds and turns, and its water is crystal clear, looking as charming as a bright ribbon draped across the grassland. More than 200 million years ago, the Qinghai Plateau was an ocean. Later, due to intense crustal movement, the plateau gradually rose. However, at the beginning, the water of Qinghai Lake flowed eastward from Riyue Mountain. But as Riyue Mountain grew higher and higher, Qinghai Lake became a completely closed lake, and the river that originally flowed eastward had to change direction and flow westward. Qinghai Daotang River Scenic Area is located next to the Daotang River. It is a small area enclosed beside the Daotang River, where visitors can dress in Tibetan attire, ride yaks, take photos, and more.Gonghe · 34 km from downtown
Longyang Grand Canyon Cliff Sightseeing

Longyang Grand Canyon Cliff Sightseeing

4.3
4.7/5
19 reviews
The Longyang Grand Canyon Attraction is located between the Longyangxia Hydropower Station and the Laxiwa Hydropower Station, with a total length of 33 kilometers. The rocks on both sides are sedimentary rocks. Mother Nature has carved the rock strata and mountains with her uncanny creativity. It is a magnificent canyon group on the Yellow River. The valley is full of gullies, strange peaks and rocks, steep cliffs and towering sky gates, forming a landscape that is strange, secluded, deep, unusual, dangerous and dense.Gonghe · 34.6 km from downtown
Xiangpi Mountain

Xiangpi Mountain

4.2
4.2/5
132 reviews
Rubber Mountain is located between Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, with an altitude of 4451 meters. It is part of the Qinghai Nanshan Mountains. When tourists go from Qinghai Lake to Chaka Salt Lake, not long after leaving Heimahe Township, they can see the rolling rubber foothills standing high in front, like a huge barrier. There is also a little-known interesting story about the origin of the name of Rubber Mountain. When National Highway 109 was under construction, workers built roadbeds at Rubber Mountain Pass. They found that the soil of Rubber Mountain was very soft and it was very difficult to solidify, so they named the mountain. for Rubber Mountain. Tourists will not play alone on Rubber Mountain, nor will they go to climb the mountain. Usually, when going to Chaka Salt Lake from Qinghai Lake, you will pass the mountain pass of Rubber Mountain, which is very suitable for taking pictures. Looking around, you can see the beautiful alpine pastures, the sheep grazing leisurely, and the prayer flags fluttering next to them, which are very beautiful under the sunlight.Gonghe · >100 km from downtown
Qinghai Lake National Key Scenic Area - Ga'rila Temple

Qinghai Lake National Key Scenic Area - Ga'rila Temple

3.8
4.0/5
28 reviews
Gonghe · >100 km from downtown
Erlangjian Cruise

Erlangjian Cruise

3.7
4.5/5
65 reviews
The Erlangjian Cruise is located in the Erlangjian Scenic Area, the main scenic area of ​​Qinghai Lake. It is an important item for visiting the Erlangjian Scenic Area. It is very pleasant to take a cruise into the vast blue Qinghai Lake, watch the clear lake water around, and see seabirds flying in the sky.Gonghe · 35.3 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Gonghe

Featured Day tours in Gonghe

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Xining Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour - Explore Three Sacred Landscapes in One Day
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4.8/5
· 14 reviews· 186 booked
Duration: 14.9 hrs
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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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4.7/5
· 26 reviews· 213 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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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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3.5/5
· 2 reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 11 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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4.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 9 hrs
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1-day private tour of Qinghai lake (departing from Xining)
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8 hrs
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Qinghai Lake Chartered tour (Departing from Xining)
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· 2 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
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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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What travellers say about Gonghe

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suyuOctober 5, 2026
5.0
Erlangjian is the main scenic area of ​​Qinghai Lake, shaped like a long sword entering the lake. Visitors can take a cruise to explore the heart of the lake and also get a close look at the ruins of a torpedo launching test base. The facilities are well-developed, making it suitable for first-time visitors, but prices are high during peak season due to crowds.

Qinghai Lake

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乌巴帕特里克October 5, 2026
4.0
The scenery is beautiful, but the overall value for money is average; the boat tour is a one-way ticket. The signage for transportation is unclear and confusing. Other scenery around Qinghai Lake is also very good; unless absolutely necessary, you can skip this scenic area. The surrounding viewing platforms offer spectacular views.

Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area

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爱旅行的熊搭子April 20, 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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good猫宁(旅行版)July 10, 2026
5.0
A special trip to Longyang Gorge was a delight, far exceeding my expectations! While the Yellow River is known for its silt-laden waters, here I found a tranquil, emerald-green lake. The 33-kilometer-long gorge is majestic and expansive, with an eight-kilometer-long suspended walkway offering breathtaking views. With luck, you might spot argali sheep on the cliffs or golden eagles soaring overhead. The natural scenery is both wild and soothing. A boat trip across Longyang Lake is breathtaking, with the sunset painting the water a shimmering golden light. The adjacent Earth Forest Geological Park, with its millennia-old weathered landforms, features reddish-brown earth pillars under the setting sun, creating a truly atmospheric experience – a natural geological museum. There's also the first dam on the Yellow River, a magnificent and awe-inspiring engineering feat. It offers stunning scenery and insights into hydroelectric history, making it suitable for educational trips, road trips, and family outings. The scenic area boasts excellent facilities, well-maintained trails, clean restrooms, tidy boats, and patient staff. The package ticket is a great deal, and the average summer temperature of around 20 degrees Celsius provides a cool respite from the heat. Unlike other popular tourist destinations, it's not crowded or noisy. With its unique and unparalleled scenery, Longyang Gorge is a must-see when visiting Qinghai!

Longyangxia Scenic Spot

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非你不渴September 14, 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December 6, 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1983September 5, 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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E22***58May 7, 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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槭树叶子July 8, 2021
5.0
It should be said that the most beautiful place in the entire Qinghai Lake is here, quiet and ethereal. Monks are shooting on the basketball court, birds are flying over the wetlands in the distance, and cattle and sheep are grazing under the blue sky and white clouds. Mani piles, prayer flags, and mauve-colored courtyard walls reflect a sense of laziness.

Qinghai Lake National Key Scenic Area - Ga'rila Temple

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小十一毛的爸爸June 12, 2025
5.0
You can enter the scenic area by swiping your ID card. First visit Qinghai Lake, you can bring some corn, steamed buns, etc. to feed the birds, and then walk all the way to the square to check your ticket and take the boat. The boat ride takes about 20 minutes, the speed is not fast, and it costs 140 round trip (you take a small train back)

Erlangjian Cruise

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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) Day Tour - Explore Three Sacred Landscapes in One Day, Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky), and Private group tour | Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountain day trip | Charted transfer/entrance fees included. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 14, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Gonghe is around USD 42 – USD 213.8. 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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