Qinghai Lake Rapeseed Flower Travel Guide｜Encounter the Golden Sea of Flowers

⓵ Best Travel Time and Itinerary Planning Rapeseed Flower Peak Season: Mid-July to Mid-August (Thousands of acres of flowers bloom around the lake, creating a stunning contrast with the deep blue water) Recommended Itinerary (3-day classic lake circuit tour): Day 1: Xining → Riyue Mountain → Erlangjian Scenic Area (Entrance fee 100 RMB) → Overnight by the lake (recommended hotels in the Erlangjian area) Day 2: Cycling on the west side of the lake (13-16 km near the lake) → Photo shooting in rapeseed flower fields; 5-10 RMB entrance fee for herders’ fields → Sunrise viewing at Heima River Day 3: Bird Island (best for bird watching in May) → Sand Island → Return to Xining ⓶ Budget (per person/3 days) Tickets | Erlangjian 100 RMB + Rapeseed Flower Field 10 RMB ≈ 110 RMB Accommodation | Budget inns 200-350 RMB/night (e.g., Geri Hotel) Lakeview hotels 500-800 RMB/night (e.g., Cloud Hotel) Meals | 60-80 RMB/day per person (Tibetan cuisine + Northwest flavors) Transportation | Car rental around the lake about 500 RMB/day (carpooling with 4 people is more cost-effective) Total | 1200-1800 RMB (varies depending on accommodation and transportation choices) ⓷ Accommodation Recommendations: Lie down to watch the lake, fall asleep with flowers Erlangjian Scenic Area: First choice for convenience Xīn Líng Shù Life Artist Inn: Tibetan-style design + lake view, from 465 RMB, offers oxygen tanks and Tibetan breakfast 【Geri Hotel】Best value, lake view from the window, from 335 RMB West side of the lake for starry sky lovers - Gesang Flower Station: Direct access from pasture to lakeside, stargazing at night, Tibetan costume rental for photos - Heima River: Base for sunrise chasers - Zhaxideji Inn: Walking distance to the lake, catch the “golden molten lake surface” spectacle at dawn Tips📣 Rooms are tight in peak season! Book at least 15 days in advance. Most highland hotels have no air conditioning but provide electric blankets. ⓸ Taste of Qinghai Lake: Highland Food List - Must-try specialties: ✦ Kangguo Lamb: Potatoes and onions at the bottom, fragrant roasted lamb, about 50 RMB per person ✦ Yak Yogurt: Golden milk skin on top, sweet and sour thick texture, 5 RMB/bowl (freshly made in Tibetan tents) ✦ Earth Hot Pot: Bone broth with pickled cabbage base, topped with yak meat, 98 RMB/pot, a must for warming up - Snack surprises: ✧ Highland Barley Wine (sip lightly to prevent altitude sickness) ✧ “Dog Urine” Oil Cake (a fun-named crispy thin pancake) > ⚠️ Warning: Fishing of Qinghai Lake Huangyu fish is banned. Selling roadside is illegal. Refuse to buy to protect the ecology! ⓹ Photo Guide: Rapeseed Flower Sea Shooting Tips 📸 **Outfit Formula by Scene** | Rapeseed Flower Field | ✅ White long dress + straw hat (pure and fresh look) ❌ Avoid yellow tones (clashes with flower sea) | | Chaka Salt Lake | ✅ Bright red long dress (perfect reflection) | ✅ Royal blue shawl (adds layering) | Qinghai Lake Shore | ✅ Light blue/beige cotton-linen long dress (matches lake water) | ✅ Barefoot in water + looking back candid shots | | Roadside Blockbusters | ✅ Denim short jacket + Martin boots | ✅ Jumping or walking dynamic shots | 🎨 Props Highlights - Ethnic-style shawl: Rose red is most photogenic! Available locally for 30-50 RMB - Swing check-in: Lakeside swing (free, queue to shoot) > 🌅 Golden Hours: > 30 minutes before sunrise (Heima River) → warm soft light > 1 hour before sunset (west side of the lake) → oil painting texture ⓺ Key Tips: Avoid Pitfalls and Safety 1. Cold and Sun Protection: - Large temperature difference day and night, bring a windbreaker + sweater (even summer nights can be 3-6℃) - Strong UV! Sunglasses + SPF50 sunscreen + wide-brim hat are essential 2. Transportation Advice: - No direct flights from Xining to Qinghai Lake, car rental/self-driving is best (road conditions are smooth) 3. Cultural Respect: - Do not step on herders’ prayer flags, ask permission before entering rapeseed fields The blue of Qinghai Lake is the palette spilled by the gods; The yellow of rapeseed flowers is the earth’s love letter to the sun. Pack your bags and let the golden waves of flowers and the blue lake water become the most vivid memory of this summer.