Haibei

The temperature difference between day and night is pronounced on the Haibei Plateau, so even in summer you should bring warm clothing.

Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province is known as the “Switzerland of the East.” Snow-capped mountains, flower fields, grasslands, Danxia landforms, and plateau lakes make up the area’s main scenery. With relatively few tourists and generally reasonable travel costs, Haibei is well suited to combining nature sightseeing with cultural visits.

• Zhuo’er Mountain: Green meadows spread across red Danxia landforms. From the top, you can look out toward the snowy peaks of Niuxin Mountain and enjoy a 360° view over Qilian County, making this a good spot for landscape photography.

• Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Fields: July is the main viewing season, when millions of acres of rapeseed flowers are in full bloom. The golden fields contrast beautifully with the snow-capped mountains in the distance.

• Qilian Mountain Grassland: Listed as one of China’s most beautiful grasslands, this area has vast open meadows where herds of cattle and sheep are commonly seen. You can enjoy the scenery on a self-drive trip or slow down for a walk.

• Qinghai Lake Cliffs: Located on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake in Gangcha County, these cliffs rise dozens of meters above the open water. At sunset, the lake turns golden. Compared with the southern shore, this area is less crowded.

• Gangshika Snow Peak: As the highest peak in the eastern Qilian Mountains, Gangshika offers views of multicolored waterfalls in summer and frozen waterfalls in winter. It is also a popular choice for travelers experiencing a snow mountain for the first time.

• Arou Grand Temple: Developed from a tent monastery, this is the largest Gelugpa monastery in the Qilian area. Grasslands stretch beyond the temple, creating a peaceful setting with few tourists and relatively little commercial activity.

• Atomic City: Located on the Jinyintan Grassland, this site once served as a research and development base for China’s “Two Bombs, One Satellite” program. A visit offers insight into this chapter of China’s modern history, along with views where grassland scenery meets cultural remains.

• Xianmi National Forest Park: This park contains Qinghai’s largest forested area. From September to October, the birch leaves turn golden, contrasting with the deep green spruce. The autumn forest scenery can also be enjoyed along the drive.

Three-Day Highlights Itinerary

• Day 1: From Flower Fields to Snow Mountains

Set out from Xining and look toward the snow mountains and flower fields from the Daban Mountain viewing platform. Then continue to the Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Fields, which are best visited in July. In the afternoon, follow National Highway G227 toward the heart of the Qilian Mountains. Arrive in Qilian County in the evening and enjoy the town’s quiet nighttime atmosphere.

• Day 2: Danxia Views and Grassland Roads

Visit Zhuo’er Mountain early in the morning, when there are fewer visitors, to photograph the sunrise and morning mist. In the afternoon, drive through Qilian Mountain Grassland and Mole Grassland, where cattle and sheep can be seen along the way. When stopping to take photos, choose a safe location. Before sunset, drive to Gangcha County, where you can admire the plateau’s starry sky at night.

• Day 3: Lakeside Scenery and Grassland Culture

In the morning, head to the viewing platform at the cliffs on Qinghai Lake’s northern shore to enjoy the clear water and peaceful lakeside. On the return journey in the afternoon, visit Jinyintan Grassland and Atomic City to learn about the area’s modern history before returning to Xining.

Tibetan Food Guide

Food in Haibei mainly consists of highland beef and mutton along with local-style noodles and other flour-based dishes. Flavors are simple, and prices are generally reasonable.

• Hand-Pulled Mutton: Made with free-range sheep raised at the foot of the Qilian Mountains, the meat has a good balance of lean and fatty portions and relatively little gamey flavor. It is commonly served with salt and pepper and slices of garlic, allowing the meat’s fresh flavor and juiciness to stand out.

• Yak Yogurt: A representative dairy product of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, this yogurt has a thick texture and a slightly sweet tang. The surface is often topped with golden milk skin and crushed barley.

• Kangpot Lamb: Prepared in a style common in northwestern China, the lamb is cooked until fragrant and slightly charred, then served with potatoes and glass noodles that soak up the meat juices. It pairs well with staple foods.

• Dog-Pissing Cake: A Qinghai intangible cultural heritage food made with highland barley flour and fragrant bean powder, then deep-fried until crisp. It is usually served with salty milk tea.

• Tibetan Earthen Hot Pot: The broth is made by simmering yak meat, wild mushrooms, and glass noodles. When dining near the snow mountains, the hot pot also provides welcome warmth.

Accommodation and Transportation

• Where to Stay: If convenience and budget are priorities, consider Babao Town in Qilian County or Menyuan County Town. Both have a good selection of restaurants and relatively complete facilities. Travelers hoping to enjoy the stars can consider a Tibetan-style stargazing homestay, but before booking, confirm the room’s insulation and heating. Avoid container accommodations or simple Mongolian yurts with inadequate insulation.
• Getting Around: The attractions in Haibei Prefecture are far apart, and public transportation is not very convenient for sightseeing. Driving yourself or hiring a car makes it easier to arrange your itinerary. National Highway G227 offers abundant scenery, but some mountain roads have many bends, so drive at a controlled speed and proceed carefully.

Plateau Travel Tips

• Clothing and Sun Protection: Temperatures vary considerably between day and night, so even in midsummer you should bring a shell jacket or lightweight down jacket. Ultraviolet rays are strong at high altitude, so prepare high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and lip balm.
• Adjusting to the Altitude: Haibei has an average elevation of about 3,000 meters. Avoid strenuous activities such as running and jumping when you first arrive, drink plenty of water, and consider carrying glucose. If you experience mild altitude sickness, rest promptly and do not blindly use supplemental oxygen on your own.
• Safety and Etiquette: Some cliff edges at places such as the Qinghai Lake cliffs have no guardrails. Keep at least one meter from the edge, and never climb over barriers for photos. Respect Tibetan customs: do not step on prayer flags or mani stones, and do not take photos inside monastery halls. Always obtain permission before photographing local herders.
• Vehicles and Fees: Do not take illegal vehicles that solicit passengers by claiming to offer “free sightseeing buses.” Follow the rules when an attraction requires visitors to use a shuttle bus. Climbing on Danxia rock walls is prohibited, and damaging the landforms may result in a fine. Some privately owned rapeseed fields charge a photography fee, so ask about the cost before entering.