Qinghai Lake Loop with Chaka and Guide

A leisurely loop of Qinghai Lake, with day trips to Chaka Salt Lake and the Yellow River at Guide.

A version with plenty of time: acclimatize in Xining for a day, stay one night each in Erlangjian and Heima River on the south shore, then head from Heima River to Chaka and stay one night in Chaka town. From there, take the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha. On day six, return to Xining along the north shore. On the final day, visit the clear Yellow River and the Danxia landforms at Guide. Driving distances are short each day, making it suitable for travelers with older family members or those who want to take their time with photography.

July and August bring crowds to Chaka and Heima River, so book rooms in advance.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Xining and Explore Dongguan Old Street

Xining（Dongguan Great Mosque、Mojia Street & Shuijing Lane、Ma Bufang Mansion）

About 40 minutes from the airport to the city. In the afternoon, walk to the Great Mosque and the snack street.

Stay: Xining City Center

Day 2 · Ta'er Temple, Riyue Mountain and on to Erlangjian

Xining（Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery） → Qinghai Lake（Riyue Mountain (Sun and Moon Mountain)、Daotang River、Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area）

About 40 minutes from Xining to Ta'er Temple, then via Riyue Mountain and the Daotang River to Erlangjian, about 2.5 hours.

Some halls at Ta'er Temple prohibit photography.

Stay: Around Erlangjian Scenic Area

Day 3 · Unhurried South Shore Drive to Heima River

Qinghai Lake（Qinghai Lake 151 Scenic Area）

Drive about 70 km from Erlangjian along the south shore to Heima River, with stops at 151 and the lakeshore.

Watch the sunset from the lakeshore in the evening, then get up early for sunrise the next day.

Stay: Heimahe Township

Day 4 · Sunrise, Then Over Xiangpi Mountain to Chaka

Qinghai Lake（Heimahe Sunrise） → Chaka Salt Lake（Xiangpi Mountain Pass、Chaka Salt Lake、Chaka Salt Lake Sightseeing Train & Salt Sculptures）

Drive from Heima River over Xiangpi Mountain to Chaka Salt Lake, about 1.5 hours. Spend the afternoon at the salt lake.

The glare off the salt lake is strong; bring sunglasses and water-resistant shoe covers.

Stay: Chaka Town

Day 5 · Chaka to Gangcha by the West Lake Ring Road

Chaka Salt Lake（Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area） → Qinghai Lake（Xiannü Bay、Gangcha Naked Carp Migration (Shaliu River)）

From Chaka, go via Heima River and the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha, about 250 km, roughly 4 hours.

Fill up on fuel before setting out on the West Lake Ring Road.

Stay: Gangcha County Town

Day 6 · North Shore Flowers, Atomic City and Back to Xining

Qinghai Lake（Qinghai Lake Rapeseed Fields、Jinyintan Grassland、China Atomic City Memorial）

From Gangcha, follow the north shore to Xihai Town, about 90 km, then return to Xining in about 1.5 hours.

Stay: Xining City Center

Day 7 · Day Trip to the Yellow River at Guide, Then Depart

Guide（Guide National Geopark (Ashigong Danxia)、Yellow River Qing National Wetland Park、Guide Ancient City & Yuhuang Pavilion）

Cross Laji Mountain from Xining to Guide, about 2 hours. Return in the afternoon and head straight to the airport.

Allow at least 3 hours for the return trip; a late-evening flight is recommended.