China Guide
The Northwest
Qinghai
Qinghai province is for the most part a huge, empty wilderness with a population of just 4.5 million. Geographically and culturally a part of the Tibetan plateau, its primary point of interest is as an access point into Tibet – by plane from Xining, or by road or train from Golmud. Indeed, Qinghai is in many respects a part of Tibet: in addition to the substantial Tibetan minority who live here, there's the splendid Ta'er Si, one of the four great Tibetan lamaseries, just outside Xining. The other significant attraction is the enormous Qinghai Hu, China's biggest lake, which offers opportunities for hikes and birdwatching.