青海 · Roof of the World · Sky Mirror · Source of Asia's Great Rivers
China's last great wilderness — where crystalline plateau lakes, sacred Tibetan monasteries, nomadic yak herders, and the headwaters of three of Asia's mightiest rivers converge in a landscape 3,000 metres above the clouds.
Click any section to expand — maps, weather, sights, activities & travel resources for each destination.
Practical tips for planning your Qinghai journey — altitude, permits, access and more.
Xining Caojiabao Airport (XNN) has flights from Beijing (~2.5h), Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou and Xi'an. High-speed rail links Xining to Lanzhou (~1h), Xi'an (~3.5h) and Beijing (~7h).
The iconic Qinghai-Tibet Railway departs Xining to Lhasa (~21h), crossing the world's highest plateau with an altitude peak of 5,072m.
Taxis and DiDi work well in Xining. For Qinghai Lake and surrounding areas, hire a car or join a guided tour — public buses are infrequent and unreliable.
For remote areas (Yushu, Sanjiangyuan, Maduo), a 4WD vehicle with a local driver is essential. Many roads are impassable October–May at high altitude.
Qinghai's average altitude exceeds 3,000m — altitude sickness (AMS) is a real risk. Spend 1–2 days acclimatizing in Xining (2,275m) before travelling higher.
Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, shortness of breath. Ascend slowly, drink water, avoid alcohol for 48h, and ask a doctor about Diamox if needed.
Most of Qinghai is accessible without special permits for foreign visitors. Sanjiangyuan National Park, parts of Yushu, and border areas require advance permits via authorised operators.
Standard China tourist visa required. Visa-free policy applies to 38+ countries (30 days). Tibet requires a separate Tibet Travel Permit — arrange through a licensed Tibet travel agency.
Budget travel: ¥150–250/day. Mid-range: ¥350–600/day. Remote tours (Sanjiangyuan, Yushu) cost significantly more due to 4WD and guide requirements.
WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. Cash (RMB) is essential in remote areas — ATMs are scarce outside Xining and Golmud. Stock up before remote journeys.
High-altitude continental climate: long cold winters (Nov–Mar, −25°C at altitude), short cool summers (Jun–Sep, 15–25°C in Xining). Rainfall concentrated June–August.
UV radiation is intense year-round — high-SPF sunscreen, quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are essential. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer.
4G/5G works well in Xining and main towns; coverage is patchy in remote plateau areas. Tourist SIM cards available at Xining Airport. Download a VPN before entering China.
Western apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked. WeChat is essential for maps, payments and translation.
At Tibetan Buddhist monasteries: remove shoes before entering prayer halls, walk clockwise around stupas and Mani walls, dress modestly, and ask before photographing monks.
At Hui Muslim sites: modest dress required, no alcohol nearby. Learn "Tashi Delek" (auspicious blessings) — a little Tibetan goes a long way with local communities.
Recommended websites, guides and tools for planning your Qinghai journey.