Haidong

Haidong has a large difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures, so it is advisable to bring a light jacket even when traveling in summer.

Located in eastern Qinghai Province, Haidong sits at an elevation of just over 2,000 meters and generally has a low risk of severe altitude sickness. The area combines Hehuang culture, Tu ethnic customs, forest landscapes, and ancient temples, making it suitable for a relaxed itinerary of around three days.

• Qutan Temple: Built by imperial decree during the Ming dynasty, this Tibetan Buddhist temple is known as the “Little Forbidden City on the Plateau.” It was completed 14 years before the Forbidden City. The temple preserves more than 400 square meters of Ming-dynasty murals, as well as the only surviving Ming-dynasty covered corridor with stepped side passages in China. Its architectural layout and historical value are both exceptional.

• Huzhu Tu Homeland Park: This park showcases Tu ethnic folk culture. Visitors can put on traditional colorful-sleeved clothing, watch Tu wedding customs performances, and take part in activities such as the Anzhao dance, gaining a more direct understanding of local traditions.

• Beishan National Forest Park: Often called “Little Jiuzhaigou of Qinghai,” the park’s main areas include Langshidang and Zhalonggou. Forests, streams, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and mountain springs are scattered throughout the scenic area. With average summer temperatures of around 20°C, it is well suited to escaping the heat and hiking in the forest.

• Ping'an Yi · Hehuang Folk Culture Experience Area: This free-entry, 4A-rated folk village brings together cultural elements from the Han, Tibetan, Hui, Salar, and Tu peoples. Gray brick buildings and traditional intangible cultural heritage streets blend together, making the area ideal for an evening stroll, admiring the architecture, and sampling local snacks once the lights come on.

• Liuwan Painted Pottery Museum: Centered on a prehistoric civilization dating back 4,600 years, the museum houses and displays nearly 20,000 pieces of painted pottery from the Majiayao, Qijia, Xindian, and other cultures. It is an important place for history enthusiasts and families taking educational trips to learn about the prehistoric civilization of the Hehuang region.

• Hongshuiquan Mosque: This national-level protected cultural heritage site in the mountains combines Han, Hui, Tibetan, Islamic, Taoist, and other architectural influences. The mosque’s 22 tiers of bracket sets are unpainted, while its Baihua screen wall features delicate carvings. The overall architectural style is distinctive and rare.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Folk Culture and Local Life
  • Morning: Depart from Xining or the airport and head to the Ping'an Yi · Hehuang Folk Culture Experience Area. Explore its flagstone lanes, sample Northwestern snacks, and ring the Peace Bell.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Huzhu Tu Homeland Park to learn about Tu pan embroidery, watch ethnic performances, and try on colorful-sleeved clothing.
  • Evening: Stay in Huzhu County town or near Beishan Forestry Farm, and have a Tu-style eight-course banquet for dinner.
• Day 2: Exploring Beishan Forest
  • Morning: Drive yourself or hire a car to Beishan National Forest Park. Choose a hiking route in Langshidang or Zhalonggou, and enjoy views of Shenlongtan Waterfall and alpine meadows along the way.
  • Afternoon: If time allows, drive part of the Zhanian or Gangqing ecological highway. The two roads offer autumn colors from late September to mid-October, while summer is dominated by lush green scenery. There are suitable places to stop and enjoy the views along the way.
  • Evening: Stay at a forest-themed guesthouse near Beishan, where you can sit around a stove to brew tea or admire the starry sky.
• Day 3: Ancient Temples and Prehistoric Civilization
  • Morning: Visit Qutan Temple in Ledu District. It is advisable to hire a guide to learn about the Ming imperial architecture and murals. Photography is prohibited inside the halls.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Liuwan Painted Pottery Museum on the way to learn about prehistoric painted pottery culture. Alternatively, head to Hongshuiquan Mosque to admire the ancient mountain architecture before returning.

Local Foods You Should Try in Haidong

• Kangguo Lamb: Chunks of lamb are braised and stir-fried in a kangguo, a traditional heated cooking pan, with specially prepared seasonings. The outside is fragrant and slightly crisp, while the inside remains tender, making it suitable for sharing.

• Hand-Pulled Lamb: Local fat-tailed lamb is boiled in water and served with salt or seasoned salt. The meat is tender, with a good balance of lean and fatty portions and relatively little gaminess.

• Highland Barley Liangpi: This dish is bright yellow and glossy with a translucent texture. Served with chili oil, sesame paste, and vinegar, it has a refreshing sweet-and-spicy flavor that helps balance out rich foods.

• Sweet Fermented Highland Barley: Made by fermenting highland barley, this traditional local snack is cool and sweet with a light fragrance of alcohol.

• Ga Mianpian: These dough pieces are pinched by hand and can be served in soup or stir-fried. They are a common staple in the local diet.

• Gou Jiaoniao: This Qinghai-style thin pancake is fried in rapeseed oil and topped with chopped scallions and salt. It is fragrant, crisp, and slightly crunchy when you bite into it.

Accommodation and Travel Tips

• Where to Stay:
  • Budget and convenience: Budget inns near Ping'an Yi or in central Huzhu offer convenient access to transportation, dining, and accommodation.
  • Setting and experience: You can choose a forest-themed guesthouse inside Beishan National Forest Park, such as Tianqingshe. Some rooms come with large meadows and floor-to-ceiling windows, offering views of the surrounding forest as soon as you open the curtains. They are suitable for vacations or family trips.
  • Comfort: Hotels in Ledu’s commercial district generally have better facilities and are suitable for travelers taking a break during a self-drive trip or those with higher accommodation expectations.
• Getting Around:
  • Haidong is relatively close to Xining Caojiabao Airport, and it is also convenient to take a high-speed train to “Haidong Station” or “Ping'an Station.”
  • Beishan, Qutan Temple, Huzhu, and the other attractions are far apart and spread out, so driving yourself or hiring a car is more suitable. This also allows you to stop flexibly to enjoy scenery along the way.

Travel Notes

• Temperature changes and clothing: The area has a marked difference between day and night temperatures. Bring a windproof jacket or light coat even in summer. When viewing autumn scenery from September to October, prepare a thick down jacket.
• Sun protection and moisturizing: Plateau UV rays are strong, so bring sunglasses, a hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Lip balm and skincare products are also recommended to help keep your skin moisturized.
• Respect local customs: Hui, Tu, Salar, and other ethnic communities live throughout Haidong. When entering a mosque or an ethnic religious temple, follow local etiquette, keep quiet, and do not step on thresholds. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the halls.
• Preventing altitude sickness: Haidong generally lies between 2,000 and 2,400 meters above sea level, and most people do not experience severe altitude sickness. Avoid strenuous running when you first arrive, and consider avoiding washing your hair or taking a shower on the first night to reduce the risk of catching a chill.