Only in Qinghai do you realize that the scenery can truly leave you speechless

🏔️ Qinghai Lake Loop Guide! Ride horses and herd sheep in the place closest to heaven 🐎

✨ A glance that lasts a lifetime! The plateau sapphire is breathtakingly beautiful
June to August is the most beautiful season at Qinghai Lake, where golden flower fields meet azure waters—a fairyland on earth

🚗 Transportation Tips
📍 Address: Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province
▪️ Charter a car or drive from Xining (about 2.5 hours)
▪️ Recommended 2-3 days for the loop tour (clockwise direction)

🌼 Must-Visit Spots
1️⃣ Erlangjian Scenic Area
The official entrance to Qinghai Lake! Take a boat tour (¥120/person)
📸 Pro Tip: At the end of the scenic boardwalk is a prayer flag square—colorful flags against the lake make for stunning photos

2️⃣ Heima River Sunrise
The best spot for sunrise! The lake at dawn looks like a spilled palette
💡 Arrive at the viewing platform by 5 AM to secure a spot

3️⃣ West Loop Road
The most picturesque stretch of Qinghai Lake! Rapeseed fields + herder tents = wallpaper-worthy shots
🐎 Try horseback riding (around ¥50/ride)

🥘 Food Recommendations
▪️ Yak yogurt: Thick and tangy with a golden milk skin
▪️ Hand-grabbed lamb: Freshly slaughtered lamb with no gamey taste
▪️ Tsampa: Barley flour + butter tea, a must-have highland staple

⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls
1. Bargain at private lakeside photo spots (usually ¥5-10)
2. Sunscreen! The high altitude means intense UV rays (I used half a bottle of Anessa in one day)
3. Book July peak-season accommodations at least two weeks in advance