Qinghai Lake: This national tourist attraction and nature reserve is on the UN List of Important Wetlands.
In spring and summer, the rippling lake is as clear as the sky. The wetland by the lake is covered with grass and wildflowers. Under the azure skies and white clouds, sheep and horses graze in a leisurely manner.
Waterbirds fly against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks. All these make a harmonious natural painting for visitors.
The lake topped the list of the “Five Most Beautiful Lakes of China” in the selection of the most beautiful places in China sponsored by the Chinese National Geography magazine and other 34 media organizations. The pan-Qinghai Lake tourist area includes Gonghe County, Gangca County, Haiyan County, Qilian County and Menyuan County.
Transport: Take a bus at the Xining Long-distance Bus Station to the lake.
Wildlife
The lake is located at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia. Many species use Qinghai as an intermediate stop during migration. The Bird Islands have been sanctuaries of the Qinghai Lake Natural Protection Zone since 1997.
There are five native fish species: The edible naked carp, which is the most abundant in the lake, and four stoneloaches (Triplophysa stolickai, T. dorsonotata, T. scleroptera and T. siluroides). Other Yellow River fish species occurred in the lake, but they disappeared with the increasing salinity and basicity, beginning in the early Holocene.
