Hainan

Temperatures vary significantly between day and night in high-altitude areas, so you should bring warm and windproof clothing even when traveling in summer.

In Qinghai, “Hainan” refers to Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, also known as Hainan Prefecture, not a tropical island. The area is home to alpine lakes, the Yellow River Canyon, and vast grasslands. Traveling from Chengdu is most convenient by rental car or chartered vehicle, and a 4–5-day trip is suitable.

• Qinghai Lake: One of China’s largest inland saltwater lakes, with expansive views where the water seems to meet the sky. You can visit Erlangjian Scenic Area, or take the West Qinghai Lake Ring Road to enjoy views of the lake from different angles.

• Longyang Gorge: Located in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, the gorge has a pronounced difference in elevation and emerald-green water. The itinerary can include the Cliff Viewpoint Area, Tulin Geological Park, and the Cliff Café. Alongside the natural canyon scenery, you can also see large-scale engineering facilities.

• Guide National Geological Park: The main attraction is the Ashigong Seven-Color Peaks, where the Danxia mountains display a range of colors and distinctive landforms. Visitor numbers are relatively low, making it a good place to slow down and explore on foot.

• Talatan Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Power Station: Rows of photovoltaic panels and solar thermal power towers spread across the mountain landscape, creating a striking visual scene. The light is relatively soft after sunrise and before sunset, making these good times for drone photography.
• Laji Mountain: At an elevation of 4,524 meters, this is a grassland pastoral area relatively close to Xining. Around the mountain pass, you can see prayer flags and distant snow-capped mountains. In autumn and winter, the sunrise and sea of clouds offer especially expansive views.

Recommended Itinerary (4 Days, 3 Nights)

• Day 1: Chengdu → Xining (Adjusting to the Altitude)

Drive from Chengdu to Xining, or fly to Xining. Xining sits at an elevation of about 2,200 meters, so it is best to focus on resting and acclimatizing on the first day. In the evening, you can eat at Mojia Street or Shuijing Alley and try local dishes such as hand-shredded lamb, niangpi, and sweet fermented grains.

• Day 2: Xining → Laji Mountain → Guide County

Leave Xining in the morning, pass through the Laji Mountain pass, and enjoy views of the alpine meadows along the way. After arriving in Guide County in the afternoon, you can visit Guide Ancient City and Yellow River Qing Wetland Park, where the Yellow River is relatively clear and has a blue-green color.

• Day 3: Guide → Longyang Gorge → Gonghe County

Head to Longyang Gorge Grand Canyon and visit the Cliff Viewpoint Area and Tulin Geological Park to observe the distinctive landforms created by the canyon and earth pillars. Continue to Gonghe County in the afternoon, enjoying views of the areas around Qinghai Lake along the way.

• Day 4: Gonghe County → Qinghai Lake (Erlangjian/West Qinghai Lake Ring Road) → Xining/Return Journey

Head to Qinghai Lake in the morning. You can take the West Qinghai Lake Ring Road or enter Erlangjian Scenic Area to experience the expansive scenery of an alpine lake. In the afternoon, return to Xining or begin your journey home directly, depending on your schedule.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: The attractions in Hainan Prefecture are far apart, so driving yourself or hiring a private vehicle is recommended. This makes it easier to stop at suitable places along the way. Travelers from Chengdu can fly to Xining and rent a car, or drive from Chengdu. The one-way distance is about 800 kilometers, and driving takes more than 10 hours. It is recommended to stop for one night in Lanzhou or Haidong.
• Accommodation:
  • Xining: You can stay in downtown Xining or near Xining Railway Station. There are many types of accommodation, and restaurants and other amenities are relatively convenient.

• Gonghe County/Heimahe: These areas are close to Qinghai Lake and convenient for watching the sunrise, but accommodation is relatively basic and prices are usually higher during the peak season.

• Guide County: Accommodation is generally better and offers good value for money, making it suitable for taking a break along the Yellow River.

Preventing Altitude Sickness and Travel Tips

• Preventing altitude sickness: The average elevation of Hainan Prefecture is above 3,000 meters. On your first day in Xining, reduce hair washing, bathing, and strenuous exercise. You can buy oxygen canisters at a pharmacy in advance and prepare glucose and motion-sickness medicine.
• What to wear: Temperatures vary widely between day and night on the plateau, so even in summer you should bring a windproof shell jacket or lightweight down jacket. The local UV rays are strong, so bring high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and lip balm.
• Travel tips:
  • Tickets for Qinghai Lake’s Erlangjian Scenic Area are relatively expensive. If you do not want to buy a ticket, you can look for local herders’ paths along the lakeside road to reach the lake. These usually cost around 20 yuan, and the views along the way are equally expansive.
  • Do not enter herders’ grasslands without permission. Ask about the price before taking photos. The quality of horn and sheep-horn products around the scenic areas varies, so take care when buying them.
  • Toilets are scarce along some sections of the route, and private toilets may charge 2 yuan. It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash in small denominations.