Cycling Around Qinghai Lake

Start from Xihai Town and ride clockwise around the lake, about 360 km over four days, with rest days in Xining before and after.

Based on the popular four-day lake cycling route, with one rest day at each end. On day one, acclimatize to the altitude in Xining. On day two, ride from Xihai Town to Erlangjian; on day three, ride to Heima River; on day four, take the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha. On day five, ride back to Xihai Town along the north shore, then return to Xining by vehicle. Expect 70 to 120 km per day, which requires a reasonable level of fitness. You can rent a bike or join a supported tour group.

Riding is possible from June to September. Afternoon winds and showers are common, so start early.

Day by day

Day 1 · Rest and Acclimatize in Xining

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

About 40 minutes from the airport to the city. Walk around the Dongguan area in the afternoon; no cycling today.

Check your bike, helmet, sunscreen and rain gear.

Stay: Xining City Center

Day 2 · Xihai Town to Erlangjian by Bike

Qinghai Lake（China Atomic City Memorial、Daotang River、Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area）

Take a vehicle from Xining to Xihai Town to pick up your bike, about 1.5 hours. Then ride about 80 km via the Daotang River to Erlangjian.

Leaving Xihai Town involves about 30 km of gentle uphill. Pace yourself.

Stay: Around Erlangjian Scenic Area

Day 3 · South Shore Ride to Heima River

Qinghai Lake（Qinghai Lake 151 Scenic Area）

Ride about 70 km from Erlangjian along the south shore to Heima River. The road is flat.

Traffic is heavy and the road narrow on the south shore. Ride single file on the right.

Stay: Heimahe Township

Day 4 · Sunrise, Then Ride the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha

Qinghai Lake（Heimahe Sunrise、Gangcha Naked Carp Migration (Shaliu River)）

After watching the sunrise, ride about 120 km along the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha. This is the longest day.

Leaving Heima River starts with gentle slopes, with a steep section about 32 km in. Carry enough supplies.

Stay: Gangcha County Town

Day 5 · Ride Back to Xihai Town Along the North Shore

Qinghai Lake（Qinghai Lake Rapeseed Fields、Jinyintan Grassland）

Ride about 90 km from Gangcha back to Xihai Town via the Ganzi River, with a long descent in the second half. After returning the bike, take a vehicle back to Xining.

Control your speed on the long descent; crosswinds can be strong.

Stay: Xining City Center

Day 6 · Ta'er Temple and Leaving Xining

Xining（Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery）

A taxi from the city to Ta'er Temple takes about 40 minutes. In the afternoon, return to Xining Station or the airport.