Bird Island (鸟岛) in Qinghai Lake is named for the tens of thousands of migratory birds that inhabit it. The island consists of two smaller islets: Haixi Mountain (Egg Island), located to the west, and Haixipi Island to the east. Haixipi Island, the larger of the two, has a distinctive shape resembling a camel’s hump. Its original area was only 0.11 square kilometers, but as the lake’s water level has receded, the island has expanded. The highest point on Haixipi Island rises 7.6 meters above the lake’s surface. The island is a haven for birds, with around 80,000 to 90,000 birds nesting here. Haixipi Island is especially known as the kingdom of cormorants, with nests packed together so densely that the island is also referred to as Cormorant Island.
Every year from March to April, migratory birds such as geese, ducks, cranes, and gulls arrive from the south to build nests around Qinghai Lake. During May and June, the island is bustling with activity as bird eggs cover the ground, and fledglings begin to populate the area. The air is filled with the sounds of birds, and their calls can be heard from miles away. At this time, Bird Island hosts more than 30 species of birds, totaling over 165,000 individuals. During July and August, the skies are clear, and flocks of birds soar above the lake, creating a breathtaking scene. In late September, the birds start their migration south.
To explore Bird Island, visitors need to take an electric shuttle for about 3 kilometers, followed by a 1-kilometer walk to reach two bird-watching platforms located near the islets. Some areas are now protected with glass enclosures to minimize human disturbance and safeguard the birds. From the observation platforms, you can gaze eastward across the vast, azure waters of Qinghai Lake while witnessing the mesmerizing sight of countless birds flying, landing, and taking off. It is also an excellent opportunity for photography.
The best time to visit Bird Island is from April to June when the bird population is at its peak. Outside of these months, fewer birds remain on the island, and the scenery is similar to other areas around Qinghai Lake, making it less worthwhile to visit at other times.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 120 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 16.00 |
Location and Transportation
Bird Island is located in the northwest corner of Qinghai Lake, in Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The most common way to get there is by car from Xining. Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices at the intersection of Changjiang Road and Xiguan Street in Xining. Additionally, Qinghai Transport Travel Agency in Xining offers daily bus services to Bird Island, departing at 7:00 AM and returning at 10:00 PM.
