Qinghai

Written by Anthony
Last update April 25, 2026

The China Journey - China -

Explore Qinghai, a land of diverse cultures, from Kunlun heritage to Tibetan, Hui, and Tu traditions. Discover its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and festivals.

About Qinghai

Qinghai Province, located in the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau in western China, covers an area of 722,300 square kilometers.

Its capital city is Xining, and the province is home to a population of approximately 5.93 million.

Qinghai shares borders with Gansu to the northeast, Xinjiang to the northwest, Tibet to the southwest, and Sichuan to the southeast.

Known for its diverse ethnic groups, including Han, Tibetan, Hui, and Mongolian, the province is characterized by its high-altitude plains and mountains, with a continental plateau climate.

Qinghai Lake, the largest saline lake in China, is one of the highest lakes in the world.

The province has a rich history, with ancient cultures and the Silk Road passing through it.

Qinghai is also an important ecological zone and a major dairy and pastoral region in China.

If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Qinghai Travel Guide.

Category	Detail	Category	Detail
Chinese Name	Qinghai Province	Location	Northeast part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China
Foreign Name	Qinghai Province	Area	722,300 km²
Nickname	Xihai	Climate	Plateau continental climate
Administrative Code	630000	Population	5.93 million (2024 estimated resident population)
Administrative Level	Province	Government Location	12 Xidajie, Chengzhong District, Xining, Qinghai
Belongs To	People’s Republic of China	Famous Attractions	Qinghai Lake, Ta’er Temple, Chaka Salt Lake, Amdo Tsong
Capital	Xining	Airports	Xining Caojiabao International, Golmud, Delingha
Climate	Plateau continental climate	Train Stations	Xining, Golmud, Delingha
Population	5.93 million (2024)	License Plates	Qing A – Qing H
Famous Attractions	Qinghai Lake, Ta’er Temple, Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland, Amdo Tsong Scenic Area	GDP (2024)	395.079 billion yuan
Airports	Xining Caojiabao International, Golmud, Delingha	Languages	Mandarin, Tibetan, Mongolian, Salar
Train Stations	Xining Station, Golmud Station, Delingha Station	Universities	Qinghai University, Qinghai Normal University, Qinghai Minzu University
License Plate Codes	Qing A – Qing H	Government Website	www.qinghai.gov.cn
GDP	3950.79 billion yuan (2024)	Per Capita GDP	66,568 yuan (2024)
Per Capita Income	30,117 yuan (2024)	Ethnic Groups	Han, Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, etc.

Qinghai Administrative Divisions Overview

Qinghai Province’s administrative structure follows a “two cores and six wings” framework, reflecting the region’s plateau characteristics and ethnic autonomy.

Covering an area of 722,300 square kilometers, the province consists of two prefecture-level cities (Xining and Haidong) and six autonomous prefectures, each predominantly Tibetan.

Among these, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is the only one of its kind in the country.

The province also includes seven autonomous counties and 28 ethnic townships, forming a complete ethnic autonomy system from autonomous prefectures to grassroots.

With a focus on ethnic self-governance, Qinghai is known for its rich cultural diversity.

Its administrative adjustments, including county-level city upgrades, have boosted local economic vitality, especially in cities like Xining, which is the only city in the Tibetan Plateau with a population exceeding one million.

Cities in Qinghai (Ranked By GDP)

Scenery in Qinghai

Qinghai Province has seen rapid growth in tourism, with 53 million visitors and a total tourism revenue of 51.6 billion yuan in 2024, marking a year-over-year increase of over 20%.

The summer season, particularly July and August, saw significant growth, with popular spots such as Chaka Salt Lake and Qinghai Lake witnessing a 29% rise in visitors.

The province’s tourism products, including ecological and red tourism, have been widely embraced, with over 580 million people participating in 597 cultural heritage activities.

Qinghai’s tourism combines natural beauty with cultural richness, with attractions like the Sanjiangyuan National Park and the diverse religious and ethnic heritage.

Qinghai’s infrastructure, supported by a growing smart tourism platform and strong policy backing, has become a key eco-tourism destination.

Food in Qinghai

Qinghai’s culinary culture is defined by its high-altitude ingredients and ethnic diversity, blending both bold and delicate flavors.

The staple foods are barley, yak, and Tibetan sheep, with traditional dishes like tsampa, yak butter tea, and yogurt.

Ethnic influences such as Tibetan butter tsampa, Hui lamb, and Salat ethnic fermented bread shape the region’s cuisine, with chili and Sichuan pepper used for flavoring.

Seasonal variations include hearty stews and noodles in winter, and cool foods like yogurt in summer.

The pastoral diet features dairy products and dried meats, while farmers enjoy barley-based dishes.

Cultural rituals and festive foods, such as Tsampa offerings during religious ceremonies and special foods during ethnic festivals, highlight Qinghai’s rich culinary heritage.

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Qinghai Overview

Qinghai’s intangible cultural heritage protection emphasizes the coexistence of diverse ethnic cultures, with a four-tier system encompassing national, provincial, municipal, and county levels.

As of 2025, there are 3,016 representative intangible cultural heritage projects, including 88 national-level items, 335 provincial-level, 888 municipal-level, and 1,705 county-level.

The number of heritage inheritors continues to grow, with 4,245 inheritors across all levels.

Qinghai has implemented a three-dimensional protection model combining cultural ecological protection zones, heritage workshops, and digital preservation.

Significant funding has been allocated to support these efforts, and regulations like the “Qinghai Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Law” further institutionalize heritage preservation.

The integration of intangible heritage with modern industries has transformed traditional skills into a thriving economy, contributing to the local and international cultural landscape.

National ICH in Qinghai

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FAQs About Qinghai

What is Qinghai known for?

Qinghai is known for its central location on the Tibetan Plateau, the source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Lancang rivers. It is famous for its high-altitude lakes like Qinghai Lake, snow-capped mountains, and rich multi-ethnic cultures, particularly Tibetan Buddhism, traditional arts, and unique food cultures like Tibetan butter tea and tsampa.

Can foreigners visit Qinghai?

Most of Qinghai is open to foreign tourists, including popular attractions such as Xining, Qinghai Lake, and Ta’er Monastery. However, some remote areas, like Yushu and Golog, require a special Foreigners’ Travel Permit, which can be arranged through a travel agency.

What is the religion of Qinghai?

Qinghai is a multi-religious region, with Tibetan Buddhism being the predominant religion, followed by Islam, Taoism, and indigenous beliefs such as Bon. Important religious sites include Ta’er Monastery and Dongguan Mosque.

What language is spoken in Qinghai?

The official languages in Qinghai are Mandarin Chinese and Tibetan. The province is home to various ethnic groups, so other languages like Arabic and Persian are spoken by the Hui and Salar peoples, and Mongolian is used by the Mongol ethnic group.

What is the best time to visit Qinghai?

The best time to visit Qinghai is during the summer months of July and August, when the climate is cool and pleasant, with average temperatures between 15-25°C. Spring and autumn are great for photography, though they can be windy, while winter is cold and quiet, offering unique snow landscapes.

What is the elevation of Qinghai China?

Qinghai has an average elevation of over 3,000 meters, with the highest peak being Mount Bukadaban at 6,851 meters. Tourists should be cautious of altitude sickness and acclimatize gradually.

What is the climate in Qinghai?

Qinghai has a high-altitude continental climate with dry conditions and large temperature differences between day and night. Summers are cool, while winters are cold, with January temperatures averaging between -10°C to -15°C. Rainfall is concentrated from June to September, and the province has strong UV radiation year-round.

Why is Qinghai Lake salty?

Qinghai Lake is a closed basin, with no outlet. Minerals flow into the lake through runoff but cannot escape, causing a concentration of salt due to long-term evaporation. The lake has a salinity of about 1.2% and is home to fish like the Qinghai Lake naked carp.

Anthony

I’m Anthony, the founder and editor of The China Journey. I create practical, experience-based guides covering travel, food, and culture across China, with a focus on helping international travelers make clear planning decisions.

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FAQs

Qinghai

Table of Contents

About Qinghai

Qinghai Administrative Divisions Overview

Cities in Qinghai (Ranked By GDP)

Xining

Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Haidong

Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Scenery in Qinghai

Food in Qinghai

Intangible Cultural Heritage in Qinghai Overview

National ICH in Qinghai

Xianzi Dance (Yushu Yiwu)

Tuzu Wutu Dance

Huangnan Tibetan Opera

Hehuang Shadow Play

Yushu Horse Racing Festival

Tibetan Thangka Painting

Tu People Embroidery

Ta'er Monastery Butter Sculpture

Regong Art

Huangyuan Lantern Festival

Huangzhong Pile Embroidery

Gui'nan Tibetan Embroidery

Jiaya Tibetan Carpet Weaving

Tibetan Black Pottery Craft

Tibetan Knife Making

Regong June Festival

Qinghai Lake Worship Ceremony

Huangzhong Qianhu Ying High Platform

Nine-Bend Yellow River Lantern Custom

Tibetan Clothing

China Province Basic Info

FAQs About Qinghai

What is Qinghai known for?

Can foreigners visit Qinghai?

What is the religion of Qinghai?

What language is spoken in Qinghai?

What is the best time to visit Qinghai?

What is the elevation of Qinghai China?

What is the climate in Qinghai?

Why is Qinghai Lake salty?

Anthony

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