Qinghai Lake Winter Blue Ice
Stay in Erlangjian while the lake is frozen, and see the ice lake on the south shore, 151 and the Heima River ice.
A winter route: the lake usually freezes from December to February, with blue ice concentrated on the south and west shores. Stay two nights in Erlangjian, which has good facilities and many businesses open in winter. Day one is the Erlangjian ice lake; day two heads west to 151 and Heima River; the final day passes Jinsha Bay and Atomic City on the east shore before returning to Xining. The drives are short, but be prepared for the cold and slippery roads.
Ice activities are limited to designated areas. Roads may be icy, so bring snow chains.
Day by day
Day 1 · Over Riyue Mountain to the Erlangjian Ice Lake
Qinghai Lake（Riyue Mountain (Sun and Moon Mountain)、Daotang River、Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area）
From Xining, drive over Riyue Mountain via Huangyuan to Erlangjian, about 2.5 hours. Roads may be icy in winter.
Book Erlangjian tickets online in advance. Ice activities follow the scenic area's arrangements.
Stay: Around Erlangjian Scenic Area
Day 2 · South Shore Ice and Heima River
Qinghai Lake（Qinghai Lake 151 Scenic Area、Heimahe Sunrise）
Drive west along the south shore to 151 and Heima River, about 70 km, then return to Erlangjian in the evening.
Temperatures often drop below -10°C. Bring spare batteries for your camera and phone.
Stay: Around Erlangjian Scenic Area
Day 3 · Jinsha Bay and Atomic City on the East Shore, Back to Xining
Qinghai Lake（Jinsha Bay、China Atomic City Memorial）
From Erlangjian, head north via the Daotang River to Jinsha Bay and Xihai Town, then return to Xining in about 3 hours.
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