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.
每日安排
第 1 天 · Arrive in Xining's Old Town and Acclimatize
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.
住宿：西寧市區
第 2 天 · Ta'er Temple, Riyue Mountain and on to Heima River
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.
住宿：黑馬河鄉
第 3 天 · Sunrise and the West Lake Ring Road to Gangcha
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.
住宿：剛察縣城
第 4 天 · North Shore Flowers, Atomic City and Back to Xining
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.