Qinghai
China's largest inland saltwater lake, the 'mirror of the sky', and grasslands below the Qilian range — all in one province.
Qinghai is one of the destinations we cover in China. Best season: June to September (rapeseed peaks in July). Altitude: Xining 2,200 m / Qinghai Lake 3,196 m / Chaka 3,100 m. China Custom Tours (chinacustomtours.hk) runs private tailor-made trips in Qinghai with a dedicated vehicle and guide, and no shopping stops.
- Best season
- June to September (rapeseed peaks in July)
- Temperature
- Summer 15–24°C, nights down to 5°C
- Altitude
- Xining 2,200 m / Qinghai Lake 3,196 m / Chaka 3,100 m
- Published routes
- 4
Qinghai
Qinghai sits on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau at an average of over 3,000 m — one of China's least densely populated provinces. It holds alpine lakes, salt flats, snow-fed grasslands, Tibetan monasteries and the upper Yellow River. High altitude means cool summers, which makes it a favourite escape for Hong Kong and Taiwan travellers. Xining has an international airport and high-speed rail.
| Best season | June to September (rapeseed peaks in July) |
|---|---|
| Temperature | Summer 15–24°C, nights down to 5°C |
| Altitude | Xining 2,200 m / Qinghai Lake 3,196 m / Chaka 3,100 m |
Last updated 2026-10-13 · maintained by the China Custom Tours editorial desk
The places at the heart of these itineraries.
The provincial capital, gateway city, home to Kumbum Monastery.
China's largest inland saltwater lake; the west ring road is the key stretch.
The salt-lake 'mirror of the sky', best at dawn and dusk.
Grasslands on the south slope of the Qilian range, with Zhuo'er Hill.
The hundred-li rapeseed fields, blooming in July.
Gateway to the Qaidam Basin and Dachaidan Emerald Lake.
Every one of these can be rebuilt around your dates.
Short tripQinghai Lake & Chaka Salt Lake
The shortest and gentlest Qinghai route: an alpine lake, a salt flat and a Tibetan monastery in five days.
Most popularQinghai–Gansu Grand Loop
Two provinces, six landscapes in one loop — the route our Hong Kong and Taiwan guests ask for most, and the one we know best.
GrasslandQilian Grasslands & Menyuan
Grasslands at 15–20°C in midsummer, with rapeseed fields running to the horizon. The cool-weather version of Qinghai.
CultureXining, Kumbum & Qinghai Lake
Four days: one great Tibetan monastery and one vast alpine lake. Perfect for a long weekend.
Qinghai travel questions.
When is the best time to visit Qinghai?
June to September. July has the fullest rapeseed bloom but the most people; June and September have good weather with fewer crowds and are what we recommend most.
Will I get altitude sickness?
Qinghai Lake and Chaka sit around 3,100–3,200 m; some people get a mild headache or trouble sleeping. We keep the first two days gentle and carry oxygen in the vehicle.
How do I get there from Hong Kong or Taiwan?
From Hong Kong you can fly directly to Xining or connect via Xi'an or Chengdu. From Taiwan most routes connect via Shanghai, Chengdu or Xiamen. Xining also has a high-speed rail station with links to Lanzhou and Xi'an.
Want to go to Qinghai?
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