The Jinyintan Grasslands (金银滩草原), located in the Qinghai Province, is a vast expanse of natural beauty spanning approximately 1,100 square kilometers. The grasslands are bordered by Baoshan Mountain and Qinghai Lake to the west, surrounded by towering mountains in the north and east, and share their southern edge with Sanjiaocheng in Haiyan County. Sanjiaocheng is the site of Xihai Jun, an ancient city established during the Western Han Dynasty. The area is crisscrossed by the Mapi River and Halijin River, which bring life to this picturesque landscape.
Jinyintan, which translates to “Gold and Silver Grasslands,” derives its name from the striking wildflowers that bloom during the summer months. On the northern bank, the grasslands are adorned with golden Potentilla flowers, giving it the name “Jintan” or “Gold Beach.” On the southern bank, a sea of white Potentilla flowers flourishes, creating the “Yintan” or “Silver Beach.” Each summer, the grasslands come alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating vast golden and silver fields, a breathtaking sight that has become synonymous with the region’s beauty.
The prime season to visit the Jinyintan Grasslands is during July, August, and September, when the area is at its most magnificent. The vast green pastures are carpeted with colorful flowers, and the air is filled with the melodious songs of birds, especially skylarks. Visitors can witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing peacefully, their white and black forms dotted across the vibrant landscape. Tibetan herders, dressed in traditional attire, ride horses through the grasslands, adding to the pastoral charm. In the distance, rolling mountains rise against the horizon, and eagles occasionally soar overhead. Scattered throughout the landscape, traditional Mongolian yurts appear like white lotuses in the sea of green.
The Jinyintan Grasslands are not only known for their natural beauty but also for their historical significance. This area is famously known as the birthplace of the renowned Chinese folk song “In That Faraway Place.” Additionally, it holds a place in modern Chinese history as the once-secret location where China developed its first atomic and hydrogen bombs. Jinyintan was China’s first nuclear weapons research base, making it a place of both cultural and scientific importance.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0970-8645228 |
Location and Transportation
The Jinyintan Grasslands are located in Haiyan County, within the Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province, China. The grasslands are approximately 100 kilometers east of Xining, the provincial capital, and 28 kilometers north of Qinghai Lake.
Traveling from Xining to Haiyan County takes around two hours by car or bus. Buses are available every hour from the Xining Long-Distance Bus Station, with tickets costing about 15 yuan per person, making transportation to the grasslands both convenient and affordable.
