Qinghai_Lake

So called "Bird Island" actually contains two small islands close to the bank of Qinghai Lake. They are famous for the hundreds of thousands of birds inhabits in these 560 km²including cormorants, bar-headed goose(anser indicus), white swans, sea gulls, brown-headed gulls(Larus brunnicephalus) and etc. Most birds here are migratory, who are here for the mild summer and will fly to Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand or Indonesia for winter. To them, Qinghai Lake is a wonderful wetland with comfortable climate and nice habitat to take care of their newborn babies.

Chaka Salt Lake is a natural salty lake surrounded by snow mountains and was once an important salt production place of China. Nicknamed "the mirror of sky", it is famous for its endless surface that can reflect everything just like a mirror. The water is shallow with high density of salt. People can walk on the lake and tread on its salty bed. Mirage also appears at Chaka Salt Lake from time to time. When it happens, flocks of cows and sheep, or houses and mountains will appear on the lake, which seems as if they are swimming on it, creating a dreamy picture.

Erlangjian is the most famous scenic area and one of the best spot to enjoy the peaceful view in Qinghai Lake. It is also the most crowded scenic area where all tourist groups visit. The gate is on the highway and is 6 km from the lake. To reach the lake, you will have to take a green car inside of the scenic area. > Tips: At Qinghai Lake, most places where you can touch the lake water are under private control of the locals. Another way to get to the shore without going to Erlangjian Scenic Area is to find a small road to the lake and pay the local 20 RMB for entrance.

In the zoo, visitors will be able to observe fierce wild animals such as tiger, wolf, lion, bear and other fierce birds in a windowed car. On the tourist pathway, visitors may see wild animals native to Tibetan Plateau, such as Tibetan antelopes and kiangs freely live in the nature. There is also a garden specifically designed for Tibetan Mastiff. There are also animals such as zebra, leopard, and kangaroos in the zoo.

Traditionally, this cycle is done in a clockwise direction because the Buddhists believe that is the most righteous way to pursue wisdom and virtue in a pilgrim. Therefore, this guide will write the route in a complete cycle in clockwise direction. However, you may design your own characteristic routes. The cycling route contains four roads from each side of the lake: Huanhu East Road in the east, Highway 109 (G109) in the south, Huanhu West Road in the west, and Highway 315(G315) in the north. Huanhu West Road is also called Provincial Highway 206 (S206).