Qinghai Lake | The Sapphire Embedded in the 3196-Meter Plateau

Qinghai Lake, this jade on the plateau, has become a holy land in the hearts of countless travelers with its vast and boundless lake surface and refreshing scenery. Here is a carefully planned route around Qinghai Lake for you, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty of Qinghai Lake without stepping into paid scenic areas. 🚗 **Recommended Route Around Qinghai Lake**: 1. **Depart from Xining**: Start from Haihu New District, drive about 1 hour and 45 minutes, 132 kilometers, and embark on your exploration journey of Qinghai Lake. 2. **Rapeseed Flower Sea**: July is the best season for rapeseed flowers to bloom. Drive for 1 hour and 15 minutes, 74 kilometers, and immerse yourself in the golden sea of flowers. 3. **Heimahe Town**: The town is full of restaurants, making it a good place for lunch, or you can choose to prepare a simple meal in Xining and enjoy the fun of a roadside picnic. 4. **West Road Around the Lake**: Drive for 20 minutes, 17 kilometers, along this coastal road, you will be healed by the blue of Qinghai Lake and the grasslands full of cattle and sheep. 5. **Garila Monastery**: Drive for 1 hour and 10 minutes, 83 kilometers, visit this Tibetan Buddhist monastery, overlook the vast grasslands from a high place, and feel the shock of the soul. 6. **Compassionate Eye Gratitude Tower**: Drive for 25 minutes, 26 kilometers, to see the charm of this iconic building. 7. **Hargai Town**: Drive for 2 hours and 30 minutes, 152 kilometers, this Tibetan town will add a touch of authenticity to your journey. 8. **Return to Xining**: After finishing the day's journey, don't forget to arrive at the car return point half an hour in advance to ensure a smooth return. ⏰ **Time Planning**: The whole journey takes about 8 hours by car. Including sightseeing and rest time, it is recommended to reserve 11-12 hours to fully enjoy every moment of the trip. 🔍 **Travel Tips**: - **Travel Mode**: Choose to rent a car or cycle according to your itinerary. If time permits, cycling allows you to experience the scenery along the way more deeply. - **Weather Changes**: Plateau weather is changeable, please pay attention to the weather forecast before traveling and make corresponding preparations. - **Warm Measures**: Even in summer, the nights on the plateau can be cold. Bring a warm coat just in case. - **Public Hygiene**: Public toilets along the way are relatively convenient, but it is recommended to follow the principle of "entering the toilet when you see it" to avoid inconvenience during the journey. - **Scenic Spot Selection**: Some scenic spots around Qinghai Lake may charge fees. If you prefer natural exploration, you can choose to avoid these places. The beauty of Qinghai Lake does not lie in the tickets of the scenic spots, but in the vast world and the free heart. Follow this route, and you will discover the most authentic and moving side of Qinghai Lake, making its magnificent scenery an eternal memory in your heart.