Down through history, Qinghai Lake has been known variously as "West Sea" or "Fresh Sea". The lake is located on the northeastern corner of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, about 100 km west of Xining, the provincial capital of Qinghai Province. In Mongolian the lake is called Kukuruo'er, and in Tibetan, Cuowenbo, both of which means "blue sea". Because Qinghai Lake was home to the Bei and Qiang nationalities in ancient times, it was also known as "Bei Qiang Sea". During the Western Han (BCE 206 - CE 9) Dynasty, people called it "the Immortal Sea". From the Northern Wei (CE 386-533) Dynasty onward, it has been known under its present name.
The lake offers year-round pleasure. Many prefer when it is a green and lively world. The mountains and grassland wear a green blanket with herds of cattle and sheep dispersed over the grassland. The bank is connected with stretching farmlands, which is prospering with blooming rape flowers and rolling with wheat waves, sending blasts of fragrance to the lake. The water of the lake is also very limpid, which reflects the pretty green mountains in the deep like a mirror. The color changes with time and varies in different depth of the lake, which produces a sense of mystery, hence the name 'Seven-Colored Lake'. As a result of the teeming fish on the lake, the mouth of the nearby river has a yellow color to it as the fish float close to the surface. Many birds are also attracted to this beautiful lake and bountiful surroundings, resulting in this place being a kingdom for birds' watchers.
There are 23 rivers that empty into Qinghai Lake, and there are two additional, albeit quite small, lakes to the east: Gahai Lake, a saltwater lake covering an area of over 10 square kilometers; and Erhai Lake, a freshwater lake covering an area of some 4 square kilometers. Panning in a circle on the banks of Qinghai Lake on a typical summer's day, one sees the deep-green mountains in the distance that encircle a shiny green belt of grass with the bluish lake in the center. Between the mountains and the lake, the land is an open, flat prairie, a perfect pasture for the grazing of yak, camel, and sheep. One will invariably see flocks of white sheep and the tents of the herdsmen who tend them dotting the sea of grass that surrounds the lake.
When the cold winter comes, the world becomes a bit quieter and duller, but the glamour of Qinghai Lake doesn't diminish much. At this time, the leaf-yellow mountains put on a new suit of clothes as they become blanketed with new-fallen snow. The snow and ice covered surface of the lake shines brightly in the sun, adding another degree of beauty to the lake. The famous 'Icy Fish' are very easy to catch at this time because they are confined by the ice. An interesting fact is that when a hole is dug in the ice, it is easy to trick the fish out of the water.
The famous spots here are Haixin Shan (Hill of the Sea Heart), Shadao (Sand Island) and Niaodao (Bird Island), which are all islands in the lake. Each has their own wonders. Haixin Shan, also called 'Immortal Hill', has temples, lucid springs and green grassland on the island. It is said that Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty (581-618) had particularly ordained officials to raise horses here. Shadao is famous for its sand scenery, which is also a good place for swimming. Niaodao is the kingdom of birds, which can amount to more than 10 thousand in the summer.
Qinghai Lake is really a good place for travelers. Apart from embracing the heavenly beauty here, you can either stroll on the grass or ride on a yak, climb the sand hill or visiting the historic remains left on the Tang-Tubo ancient road or the Silk Road. If you are more sociable, the hospitable local people will warmly welcome you as you visit their homes and enjoy a taste of the Tibetan life. In addition, tents and various delicious foods are provided for the tourists in the pastures.
101 Scenic Spot: CNY 100 (Apr. 16 - Oct. 15);
CNY 50 (Oct. 16 - Apr. 15)
Sand Island: CNY 70 (Apr. 20 - Aug. 20);
CNY 35 (Aug. 21 - Apr. 19)
Bird Island: CNY 78
Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30
Best time to visit: Summer
Routes: There are coaches at Xining Coach Station
Tips:
Recommended sightseeing time: one to two days.
The ideal visiting season: For the general tourist: August and September (the rape fields should be in blossom at this time); For the bird watcher: May.