Haixi

In Haixi in October, the temperature difference between morning and evening is clear, so pack warm clothing.

Haixi Prefecture in Qinghai covers a vast area, with salt lakes, yardang landforms, Gobi desert, and snow-capped mountains spread across the region. It is one of the most scenery-packed and physically demanding sections of the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. October brings good autumn colors and relatively fewer visitors, but the day-night temperature difference is large, so keeping warm is important.

5-Day Haixi Grand Loop Itinerary

• Day 1: Depart from Xining and travel via Qinghai Lake to Delingha. The whole route is about 500 km and takes around 5.5 hours by car. In the afternoon, you can watch the sunset along Qinghai Lake, then arrive in Delingha in the evening to rest. The local elevation is about 2,980 meters, so watch for altitude sickness.

• Day 2: Travel from Delingha to Qarhan Salt Lake. Visit the salt lake in the morning, then drive to Dachaidan in the afternoon. In the evening, visit Emerald Lake and enjoy the view of the sunset and snow-capped mountains in the same frame.
• Day 3: Travel from Dachaidan to the Water Yardang, passing the U-shaped road on National Highway 315 along the way. Arrive at the Water Yardang in the afternoon to watch the sunset, then stay overnight in Lenghu Town and experience the starry sky of the no-man’s-land.
• Day 4: Travel from Lenghu Town to Heidushan, then on to Mangya Emerald Lake. Visit Heidushan in the morning, head to Mangya Emerald Lake in the afternoon, photograph reflections by the lake at dusk, and stay overnight in Huatugou Town.
• Day 5: Travel from Mangya to Aiken Spring. In the morning, use a drone to photograph Aiken Spring. Afterward, return according to your flight or train schedule, or head to Golmud for a rest.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport: Haixi Prefecture is wide and sparsely populated, and attractions are often hundreds of kilometers apart. Self-driving or hiring a private car is recommended. An off-road vehicle or SUV is preferable. Some road sections to places such as Hala Lake and Eboliang are in poor condition, and sedans have a risk of tire blowouts.
• Accommodation recommendations:
  • Delingha: The capital of Haixi Prefecture, with relatively complete accommodation options, including chain hotels and distinctive guesthouses. Overall, it offers good value for money.

• Dachaidan Town: Close to Emerald Lake. During the peak season from June to September, rooms are in short supply and prices are high, so booking in advance is recommended.

• Lenghu Town and Huatugou Town: Accommodation is relatively basic, mainly guesthouses and simple inns. Suitable for travelers planning to watch the stars and experience the no-man’s-land.

Haixi Local Foods

• Kangguo Lamb: Haixi lamb has only a mild gamey taste and is tender. It is stir-fried in a kang pot with potatoes and green peppers, making it one of the area’s representative dishes.

• Yak Hot Pot: Plateau yak meat is firm, and the broth is rich in flavor. It is suitable for cold mornings and evenings, helping replenish energy and keep out the cold.

• Qinghai Traditional Yogurt: The yogurt is topped with a golden layer of milk skin and has a rich, smooth taste. It is good for balancing greasy flavors.

• Roast Lamb Leg: Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it is good for sharing among a group.

Travel Notes

• Preventing altitude sickness: Haixi’s average elevation is about 3,000 meters. On the first day after arrival, avoid washing your hair, taking a shower, or doing strenuous exercise. You can prepare oxygen canisters and ibuprofen in advance.
• Sun protection and moisturizing: UV rays are strong on the plateau, and reflections from lake surfaces increase the risk of sunburn. Use SPF50+ sunscreen, and wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. The air is very dry, so also bring lip balm, nasal spray, and moisturizer.
• Road conditions and signal: Some sections are in no-man’s-land, where mobile signal may be unavailable. Be sure to download offline maps before departure. Speed limits on national highways are strictly enforced, so drive at the required speed.
• Protect the landforms: When visiting salt lakes and yardang landforms, do not climb over fences to enter the water, and do not step on fragile surfaces such as salt crusts and earth forests. Brine is corrosive and can cause injury after contact.
• Supplies: Keep enough bottled water, snacks, and dry food in the car. Gas stations and restaurants are limited along the route, so fill up promptly whenever you pass a regular gas station.