Located in the eastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Qinghai Province derives its name from Qinghai Lake – the largest inland saltwater lake in China. On a map, the province resembles a rabbit, with Qinghai Lake as its bright, gleaming eye. With an average altitude exceeding 3,000 meters, Qinghai connects Tibet, Xinjiang, and China’s inland regions, serving as a vital geographic and cultural bridge.
To the east, the Qilian Mountains stretch into the province, while the west is guarded by the snow-capped Kunlun Mountains. Qinghai is a land of contrasts – home to the resource-rich Qaidam Basin, the majestic Tanggula Mountains, rolling highland hills, and vast, fertile grasslands. It uniquely encompasses three major landforms: the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, inland arid basins, and the Loess Plateau, as well as three distinct climate zones: monsoonal continental, arid inland, and plateau climate.
Most Popular Qinghai Attractions
Top Destinations in Qinghai Province
Best Time to Visit Qinghai
Qinghai, located on the high-altitude Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, experiences a continental plateau climate characterized by cool summers, cold winters, and distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are relatively short and dry. Summers in Qinghai are refreshingly cool, with large temperature differences between day and night, and strong ultraviolet radiation – so sun protection is essential when outdoors. Winters can be extremely cold, with average lows dropping to around -20°C, though urban indoor spaces are typically well-heated.
The best time to visit Qinghai is during the summer months. Around mid-May, the grasslands begin to turn green and migratory birds return to Qinghai Lake. By July, the province is at its most pleasant—cool, breezy, and vibrant. It’s also the peak time to witness the golden sea of blooming rapeseed flowers along the shores of Qinghai Lake, making for truly unforgettable scenery.
Qinghai Local Food
