Haibei

Hai北 Prefecture has a large difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, so even in summer you should bring warm and windproof clothing.

Located at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, Haibei Prefecture is home to snow-capped mountains, grasslands, flower fields, lakes, and cultural attractions. The following guide covers sights, itineraries, food, accommodation, and practical tips for traveling at high altitude to help you plan your trip.

• Zhuo'er Mountain: Located in Babao Town, Qilian County, it is often called the “Switzerland of the East.” Its reddish Danxia landforms contrast with green grasslands, facing the sacred mountain of the Tibetan region, Niuxin Mountain. The mountaintop has relatively gentle wooden boardwalks suitable for light hiking, with wide-ranging views.

• Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Fields: The viewing season peaks from mid- to late July each year. Around 600,000 mu of rapeseed flowers spread across the Haomen Basin, forming a landscape together with the snow-capped mountains in the distance. You can go to Yuanshan Viewing Platform or Qingshizui Town for a panoramic view of the flower fields.

• Gangshika Snow Peak: Located in the eastern section of the Qilian Mountains, it is the highest peak in this section of the range and a filming location for the movie The Climbers. Even without climbing, you can visit Colorful Waterfall and Lianxin Lake at the foot of the mountain and enjoy the scenery of snow-capped mountains reflected against the lake. Admission to the scenic area is free, but you need to take a shuttle bus.

• Binggou Forest Sea: About 12 kilometers from Qilian County town, this scenic area is free to enter. With average summer temperatures of around 20°C, it is suitable for light hiking along streams through spruce forests. You can also stay at the newly opened Amidongso Camping Base and admire the starry sky at night.

• Qinghai Lake Cliffs: Located in Quanji Township, Gangcha County, this spot allows you to avoid the relatively concentrated crowds on the southern shore of Qinghai Lake. Cliffs dozens of meters high face the lake directly. At sunset, the water takes on a golden sheen, while prayer flags nearby flutter in the wind, making this a good place to enjoy the open landscape of Qinghai Lake’s northern shore.

• Xianmi National Forest Park: This is one of the largest forest areas in Qinghai. From late September to mid-October, the birch forests turn golden yellow while the spruces remain deep green. The forest area is generally free to enter; only Juyang Valley charges a fee of 20 yuan. It is suitable for self-driving tours and light hiking.

• Atomic City Memorial Hall: Located in the Jinyintan Grassland area, it mainly introduces the development of China’s “Two Bombs, One Satellite” program. Some former factory sites are open to the public, making it a suitable place to learn about the area’s important revolutionary history.

Recommended Three-Day Express Itinerary

• Day 1 Flower Fields and Snow Mountains, Heading to Qilian: Leave Xining early in the morning and take National Highway G227 toward Menyuan. Stop at Dabanshan Viewing Platform along the way to look out over the snow-capped mountains and flower fields. In the afternoon, arrive at the foot of Gangshika Snow Peak and visit Colorful Waterfall, then head to Qilian County town for accommodation before evening.
• Day 2 Danxia Landscapes and Grassland Scenery: Go to Zhuo'er Mountain in the morning, take the sightseeing bus up the mountain, and then follow the wooden boardwalk to Xixia Beacon Tower for views over the reddish Danxia landforms and the snow-capped peak of Niuxin Mountain. In the afternoon, pass through Qilian Grassland and Mole Grassland, arriving in Gangcha County before evening. When the weather is clear, you can observe the high-altitude stars at night.
• Day 3 Qinghai Lake’s Northern Shore and Cultural Attractions: Visit the Qinghai Lake Cliffs and take in the open scenery along the lake’s northern shore. On the way back, pass through Jinyintan Grassland and visit the Atomic City Memorial Hall, then return to Xining.

Must-Try Tibetan-Region Foods

• Kangpot Lamb: The lamb has a roasted aroma, while the flatbread absorbs the juices, making it a good staple to pair with Northwestern flavors.

• Clear-Water Hand-Pulled Lamb: Made with locally raised sheep, it is usually eaten with salt and pepper as a dip, allowing the natural flavor of the lamb to come through.

• Yak Yogurt: It has a thick milk skin, a dense texture, and a sweet-and-sour flavor. It can be eaten with barley cakes or sweet fermented barley.

• Gangcha Huang Fish: The flesh is tender. Huang fish are protected aquatic animals, so they should only be sampled at legal restaurants, and wild Huang fish should not be chased or fed.

Accommodation by Budget and Style

• Good Value: Qilian Ruifeng Jing in Qilian County town and Haocheng Hotel in Menyuan have relatively complete facilities, with convenient access to nearby dining and supplies.
• Comfortable Stay: The rooms at Qilian Honghu Hotel and Minmetals Guomao have better facilities and are suitable for travelers with higher expectations for accommodation and sleeping conditions.
• Stargazing Camping: Amidongso Binggou Forest Sea Camping Base offers starry-sky rooms and space capsules. Some room types have roof skylights, allowing you to view the night sky indoors, making them suitable for an outdoor-style stay.

• Accommodation Reminder: Along the shores of Qinghai Lake, especially around Heima River, some container-style guesthouses have poor insulation. Nighttime temperatures are low, which may worsen altitude sickness. When choosing accommodation, it is recommended to prioritize regular hotels with brick-and-concrete construction in town.

High-Altitude Travel Tips

• Prevent Altitude Sickness: Haibei Prefecture has an average elevation of around 3,000 meters. Avoid strenuous running and jumping when you first arrive, drink enough water, and consider bringing oral glucose solution. On the first day, try not to wash your hair or take a shower, as getting chilled may trigger altitude sickness.
• Pack Suitable Clothing: The local temperature difference between day and night is significant, so you should bring a waterproof outdoor jacket or lightweight down jacket even in midsummer. Layered clothing is recommended, including a quick-drying base layer, fleece layer, and windproof outer layer. Sun protection should include high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Respect Local Customs: Do not trample on herders’ grasslands or climb over barriers. Ask permission before photographing herders, cattle, or sheep. When passing prayer wheels or walking inside temples, move clockwise and do not point casually at Buddhist statues.
• Drive Safely: Cattle and sheep often cross grassland roads, so slow down while driving. Some areas have no mobile signal, so download offline maps before setting out. Drone use throughout Qinghai Lake requires strict advance reporting; drones must not be flown without permission.