Xining and Qinghai Lake Clockwise Loop Drive

Acclimatize in Xining for a day, then drive clockwise around the lake: sunrise on the south shore, the West Lake Ring Road, and the north shore's flower fields and Atomic City.

The most popular clockwise loop. Spend a day in low-altitude Xining to acclimatize, then visit Ta'er Temple on the way up to the lake and stay in Heima River. On day three, follow the West Lake Ring Road, which has the best lake views, to Gangcha to see Fairy Bay and Huangyu fish. On day four, follow the north shore past the rapeseed fields, Jinyin Beach and Atomic City before returning to Xining. Each day involves 3 to 4 hours of driving, making it suitable for first-time visitors to Qinghai.

Rapeseed flowers peak in mid-to-late July. Huangyu fish spawn from June to August.

Day by day

Day 1 · Arrive in Xining's Old Town and Acclimatize

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

About 40 minutes from the airport to the city center. Walk around Dongguan and Mojia Street; take a taxi of about 15 minutes to the museum.

The provincial museum is closed on Mondays. Dress respectfully when visiting mosques.

Stay: Xining City Center

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

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

About 40 minutes from Xining to Ta'er Temple, then via Riyue Mountain and Erlangjian to Heima River. About 260 km for the day.

Erlangjian tickets must be booked online. Visit in the evening, when crowds are thinner and the light is better.

Stay: Heimahe Township

Day 3 · Sunrise and the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha

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

Drive north from Heima River along the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha, about 120 km, with frequent stops for photos.

Fuel stations are scarce on the West Lake Ring Road, so fill up before setting out. Feeding Huangyu fish is prohibited.

Stay: Gangcha County Town

Day 4 · 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 to make your evening flight.