How to get to Qinghai Lake from Xining: a complete guide to transportation methods
As the largest inland saltwater lake in China, Qinghai Lake attracts a large number of tourists every year. There are various modes of transportation from Xining to Qinghai Lake. This article will give you a detailed introduction to the advantages, disadvantages, time-consuming and cost of various modes of transportation to help you plan the best itinerary.
1. Hot topics and content on the entire network in the past 10 days

| Ranking | hot topics | heat index | Related areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qinghai Lake Cycling Guide | 9.2 | Qinghai Province |
| 2 | Things to note when traveling to plateau | 8.7 | Qinghai-Tibet Plateau |
| 3 | Summer travel to the Northwest becomes more popular | 8.5 | Gansu/Qinghai |
| 4 | Qinghai Lake rape flower viewing season | 8.3 | Qinghai Lake |
| 5 | Plateau adaptability of new energy vehicles | 7.9 | western region |
2. Comparison of transportation modes from Xining to Qinghai Lake
| Transportation | Departure point | Time consuming | cost | Suitable for the crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist bus | Xining Bus Station | 2.5 hours | 60-80 yuan | independent traveler |
| Self drive/rental car | Xining urban area | 2 hours | 300-500 yuan/day | family/group |
| Chartered car service | Hotel pick up and drop off | 2 hours | 400-800 yuan | high-end tourists |
| Train+Bus | Xining Station | 3.5 hours | 50-70 yuan | Travelers on a budget |
| riding | Xining urban area | 1-2 days | 100-200 yuan | outdoor enthusiast |
3. Detailed transportation guide
1. Tourist bus
Xining Bus Station has multiple tourist buses that go directly to Qinghai Lake every day. The departure time is from 7:30 in the morning to 14:00 in the afternoon, and the bus interval is about 1 hour. It is recommended to purchase tickets 1 day in advance, and earlier reservations are required during peak seasons. The bus usually stops at Erlangjian Scenic Area in Qinghai Lake, and the journey is about 150 kilometers.
2. Self-driving route
Two self-driving routes are recommended:
• Xining-Huangyuan-Riyue Mountain-Daotanghe-Qinghai Lake (about 150 kilometers, good road condition)
• Xining-Datong-Menyuan-Qilian-Qinghai Lake (route around the lake, about 300 kilometers)
Note: There are few gas stations around Qinghai Lake. It is recommended to fill up in Xining. July-August is the peak tourist season, and traffic jams may occur.
3. Car charter service
Charter prices vary according to different models:
| car model | average daily price | passenger capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 5 seater car | 400-600 yuan | 4 people |
| 7-seater business car | 600-800 yuan | 6 people |
| 15-seater minibus | 1000-1500 yuan | 14 people |
4. Practical tips
1. Prevention of altitude sickness: Qinghai Lake is about 3,200 meters above sea level. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs such as Rhodiola rosea in advance.
2. Best time to travel: June to September is the peak tourist season for Qinghai Lake, and rapeseed flowers bloom most spectacularly in July.
3. Ticket information: Tickets for Erlangjian Scenic Area are 90 yuan in peak season and 50 yuan in off-season.
4. Accommodation suggestions: Accommodation conditions around Qinghai Lake are limited, and reservations need to be made 2 weeks in advance during peak seasons.
5. Environmental protection reminder: Qinghai Lake is an ecological reserve, please do not throw away garbage at will.
5. Recommended itinerary
One day tour itinerary:
07:30 Depart from Xining → 10:00 Arrive at Qinghai Lake → 12:00 Lunch (Qinghai Lake fish feast) → 14:00 Cycling or boating → 16:00 Return to Xining
Two-day tour itinerary:
Day 1: Xining → Qinghai Lake → Heima River (overnight)
Day 2: Sunrise at Heima River → Chaka Salt Lake → Return to Xining
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, the stunning views of Qinghai Lake are worth looking forward to. It is recommended to choose the most suitable transportation plan based on your own situation and travel plan to start your journey to plateau lakes.
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