Sharing a name with Qinghai Lake, Qinghai Province is filled with snow-capped mountains, flower-filled meadows and glistening lakes. With a fascinating mix of minority cultures, including Tibetan, Han, Hui and Salar, the folk traditions and blended culinary arts provide a rich and varied experience.
Things to do in Qinghai
Dating back to 1392, Qutan Temple sits just outside Ledu County, featuring a collection of Ming-style structures that mimic the Forbidden City in Beijing. Roam the hallways and courtyards to discover a wealth of cultural relics and larger-than-life frescoes.
Spanning 150,000 square kilometres of wetlands, majestic mountains, thundering waterfalls and rushing rivers, Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve protects the headwaters of the Yellow, Yangtze and Mekong rivers. You can hike the reserve while keeping an eye out for Tibetan gazelles, yaks and antelopes.
In the north-east part of the province, Huzhu Tu Ethnic Tourist Area welcomes visitors to embrace the culture, art and food of China’s Tu Ethnic group. Known for dancing and singing, the group sponsors folk festivals throughout the year, including the popular Hua’er Concert.
Drive 15 minutes outside of Zining to Kumbum Monastery, which spreads across the mountain slopes. Showcasing Han and Tibetan architecture in 9,300 rooms and 52 halls, it contains exquisite art forms, such as butter sculptures, murals and barbola fruits and flowers. Inside the Great Hall of the Golden Roof, make your way to the silver tower to view embedded jewels, 10 layers of pure white Hada silk and 5,000 golden Buddha figures.
Getting around Qinghai
The major airport of Qinghai Province is Xining Caojiabao International Airport, which lies about 30 kilometres from Zining. Trains and buses connect to certain cities or you can hire a driver to visit remote areas.