Haidong

Haidong has a large temperature difference between day and night, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket even in summer.

Haidong in Qinghai is often overlooked by travelers, but it combines plateau forest scenery with the folk culture of the Hehuang region. It is often called the “Little Jiangnan” of China’s great northwest. Compared with the Qinghai Lake area, sightseeing here is more relaxed, and overall costs are relatively friendly.

• Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park: A 5A-rated scenic area where visitors can watch Tu ethnic wedding custom performances, Anzhao dance, and the Wheel Swing, and learn up close about Tu culture and the daily traditions of ethnic minority communities.

• Beishan National Forest Park: Known as “Qinghai’s Little Jiuzhaigou,” it features a mix of forests, alpine meadows, streams, and waterfalls. It is good for escaping the summer heat, while autumn brings colorful layers of changing forest.

• Ping’an Yi · Hehuang Folk Culture Experience Area: A free 4A-rated scenic area that showcases diverse architectural styles of Han, Tibetan, Hui, Salar, Tu, and other groups. Gray-brick walls and dark-tiled roofs blend with lively street life, and the nighttime lighting is also worth staying for.

• Qutan Temple: Known as the “Little Forbidden City on the Plateau,” it is one of the best-preserved Ming-dynasty architectural complexes in northwest China. Han and Tibetan architectural elements are blended here, and both the murals and historic buildings have significant historical value.

• Liuwan Painted Pottery Museum: One of China’s larger museums dedicated to painted pottery, with a large collection of Neolithic painted pottery. It offers a systematic look at prehistoric civilization from about 4,600 years ago and is suitable for educational family visits.

• Mengda Heavenly Lake: Located in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, this clear emerald-green lake is surrounded by mountains and has a peaceful environment. It is suitable for hiking and escaping the summer heat.

Classic 3–4 Day Itinerary

• Day 1 (Folk Culture Experience): After arriving in Haidong, first visit Ping’an Yi · Hehuang Folk Culture Experience Area to walk through the old streets and try local snacks. In the evening, enjoy the nighttime lights. Stay overnight in Ping’an District or Ledu District.
• Day 2 (Tu Culture and Forest Trails): In the morning, go to Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park to watch folk performances and experience Panxiu embroidery, an intangible cultural heritage craft. In the afternoon, drive to Langshidang or Zhalonggou in Beishan National Forest Park and hike along the forest trails to enjoy the fresh mountain environment. Stay overnight in Huzhu County town or at a guesthouse near Beishan.
• Day 3 (Slow History and Culture Tour): In the morning, visit Qutan Temple and experience the solemn, quiet atmosphere of Ming-dynasty architecture. In the afternoon, go to Liuwan Painted Pottery Museum to learn about the development of prehistoric civilization. For dinner, try Ledu kang pot lamb.
• Day 4 (Natural Scenery and Yellow River Charm): If you have enough time, you can go to Xunhua County to visit Mengda Heavenly Lake and enjoy the tranquility of a mountain lake. You can also visit Lajia National Archaeological Site Park to explore the site known as the “Pompeii of the East,” then return.

Must-Try Haidong Specialties

• Gou Jiao Niao: A local fried flatbread made with clear oil. It has an even golden color and a crisp, fragrant texture, making it a very regional-style wheat dish.

• Highland Barley Niangpi: Chewy in texture and served with sour-spicy seasoning and mustard. It tastes refreshing and is especially suitable for summer.

• Chilled Tianpei: Made by fermenting highland barley or naked oats, it has a grain aroma and natural sweetness. Served chilled, it is even more suitable as a summer drink.

• Tu Ethnic Eight-Plate Banquet: An important banquet in Tu hospitality customs. The dishes are varied, including specialty meats and wheat-based foods, offering a concentrated taste of ethnic minority flavors.

• Kang Pot Lamb: A Ledu specialty. The lamb is tender with a relatively mild gamey flavor, pan-roasted in a kang pot with potatoes, green peppers, and other vegetables for a rich aroma.

• Ga Mian Pian: A traditional Qinghai noodle dish made with hand-torn dough pieces, beef or lamb broth, and seasonal greens. It has a clean, refreshing taste and is good for warming the stomach.

Accommodation and Transport Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • Budget: Choose simple inns near Ping’an Yi or in Huzhu’s urban area. Prices are relatively friendly, and dining nearby is convenient.
  • Nature-focused: Forest cabin guesthouses near Beishan Forest Park are relatively quiet and suit travelers who prefer natural surroundings.
  • Convenient: Hotels in Ledu’s commercial area have more complete facilities, with dining, accommodation, and transport all relatively convenient.
• Getting Around: Haidong’s attractions are fairly far apart, so self-driving or hiring a car with a driver is more convenient. It also makes it easier to stop at good viewpoints along the way. If departing from Xining, you can take a high-speed train to Haidong Railway Station or Ping’an Railway Station, then rent a car or take a taxi to the scenic areas.

Travel Reminders and Notes

• Temperature Difference and Sun Protection: The temperature difference between day and night is clear in plateau areas. Even in summer, it is recommended to bring a hardshell jacket or light coat. UV rays are strong, so prepare sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen in advance.
• Respect Local Customs: Haidong is home to several ethnic minorities, including the Tu and Salar peoples. When entering temples, keep quiet, do not step on thresholds, and respect local religious beliefs and daily customs.
• Preventing Altitude Sickness: Haidong’s overall elevation is lower than areas such as Qinghai Lake and Golmud, and most visitors do not experience serious altitude sickness. Still, on the first day after arrival, it is best to avoid strenuous exercise and adjust at a slow pace.
• Road Conditions: When driving to Beishan or Xunhua, some mountain roads have many bends and cliffside sections. Slow down, drive carefully, and do not stop on bends to take photos.