Erlangjian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区), located on the southern side of Qinghai Lake, is one of the main attractions in the region. The scenic area is divided into two primary zones: a spacious square and street area adjacent to the road, and a narrow, sword-shaped peninsula that extends several kilometers into the lake. The peninsula’s unique shape inspired the name “Erlangjian,” meaning “Erlang’s Sword.” This area offers various entertainment options for visitors.
Visitors typically start their exploration at the entrance, walking along the square and the lakeside promenade to admire the beautiful scenery and traditional Tibetan architecture. This initial tour allows guests to soak in the serene atmosphere of Qinghai Lake, taking in the stunning blue waters and surrounding landscapes.
The square features two charming Tibetan-style streets adorned with prayer flags and sculptures. Along these streets, visitors can find souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, and cultural venues such as a folk museum, specimen hall, and Tibetan tribal exhibits, all showcasing the rich heritage of the Tibetan culture.
As you stroll towards the lake, a wooden boardwalk guides you along the water’s edge, where you’ll encounter statues of the Fuwa (the Olympic mascots) and Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West. In the lake, remnants of a torpedo base can be seen, a site that once housed the 151 Torpedo Base after the founding of the People’s Republic of China. This historical significance has also led to the area being referred to as the “151 Scenic Area.”
At the western end of the boardwalk lies the cruise ship dock, where visitors can embark on a boat tour of the lake. There are two types of vessels available: a medium-sized, high-speed boat that seats approximately 90 people and offers a 20-minute tour, transporting guests to the end of Erlangjian Peninsula; and a larger cruise ship that provides a more luxurious experience. This larger vessel can accommodate a longer 50-minute tour of the lake, complete with amenities such as a café, restaurant, and VIP lounge.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | 90 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0974-8519826 0086-0974-7553555 |
Location and Transportation
Erlangjian Scenic Area is located in the Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, specifically within the scenic area along National Highway 109 in Gonghe County.
Travelers can reach the scenic area easily from Xining, the provincial capital. There are nine daily bus departures from the Ba Yi Road Passenger Station in Xining at 7:30, 8:00, 8:15, 8:30, 8:45, 9:00, 9:15, 9:30, and 16:00, although the frequency may decrease during the off-peak season. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours, with ticket prices around 40 yuan.
