Self-Driving in Qinghai|What It Feels Like to Be on a 3,800m High Cloud Prairie
by Hayes Evelyn.39
Jul 10, 2025
Walking on a prairie nearly 4,000 meters above sea level is a unique travel experience you can only have in China. The absence of commercial tourism here preserves its pristine nature, making our journey even more refreshing and precious.
▼What is this prairie called and where is it?
This place is called "Bakatay," and we refer to it as the "Bakatay Cloud Prairie." Located in Guide County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, it has an average altitude of 3,700 meters.
▼Why call it the "Cloud Prairie"?
First, the high altitude makes you feel like you're "in the clouds."
Second, Highway G310 ascends continuously before reaching Bakatay, and the top of this road is the Bakatay Prairie—a vast plateau platform, a natural pasture on the highlands.
Thus, calling it the "Cloud Prairie" carries a dual meaning.
▼What’s the travel experience like at Bakatay Cloud Prairie?
-A grand canyon splits through the prairie platform
Sitting leisurely on the grassland, you can overlook the entire canyon. The vastness between heaven and earth lies beneath your feet in the clouds—a feeling of pure bliss and freedom.
-In summer, the prairie blooms with flowers, perfect for photography
Strolling through the prairie in summer, vibrant flowers bloom everywhere, turning the landscape into a fairyland and a photographer’s paradise.
🚙Practical Tips for Self-Driving
📱Navigation: Set "Bakatay" as your destination
🛣️Road Conditions: Highway G310 near Bakatay is fully paved
🅿️Parking: There are rest areas along the road, and some spots allow off-road parking
⚠️Note: Prevent altitude sickness; avoid intense running or jumping
⏳Duration: Allocate 1-2 hours for exploration
▶️All photos are originally shot and produced by Mr. Some Dog & Caicai Juan'er.
▶️The above content is based on personal travel experiences; apologies for any omissions.
▶️Due to time constraints, some scenes may have changed; please verify on-site.
▶️All attractions visited by Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Some Dog are accessible by sedan.
▶️Address and location info are provided by the website; for more details, leave a comment.
🔸🔹🔸
Join Caicai Juan'er and Mr. Some Dog on a self-driving adventure to explore hidden travel gems.
Post by Hayes Evelyn.39 | Jul 10, 2025













