Qinghai is a large, sparsely populated Chinese province spread across the high-altitude Tibetan Plateau. It's a place of strong Tibetan and Mongol cultural traditions. Amne Machin, a 6,282m-high peak that's part of the Kunlun Mountains, is a holy site for Buddhist pilgrims. Qinghai's important Buddhist monasteries include Wutong, whose monks are renowned producers of thangka, religious paintings on cotton or silk.

Top Attractions:

1. Qinghai Lake: Explore Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China and one of the most beautiful lakes on the Tibetan Plateau. Enjoy breathtaking views of the lake's azure waters, visit Bird Island to observe migratory birds, and explore the surrounding grasslands and wetlands.
2. Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Temple): Visit Kumbum Monastery, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery located near Qinghai Lake. Explore its ancient halls, temples, and stupas, and admire its exquisite Tibetan architecture and religious artwork.
3. Chaka Salt Lake: Discover the otherworldly beauty of Chaka Salt Lake, known for its vast salt flats and stunning reflections of the sky. Take scenic photos, walk on the salt crust, and learn about salt mining and production in the area.
4. Qinghai-Tibet Railway: Experience one of the world's highest railway journeys on the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, which passes through breathtaking landscapes, including high mountain passes, vast grasslands, and deep river valleys. Enjoy panoramic views from the train and witness the engineering marvels of the railway.
5. Zall Mountain (Zall National Forest Park): Hike or take a cable car ride to the summit of Zall Mountain, the highest peak in the eastern part of Qinghai Province. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and forests, and explore the park's scenic hiking trails.
6. Qinghai Provincial Museum: Explore the Qinghai Provincial Museum in Xining to learn about the history, culture, and natural heritage of Qinghai Province. Discover exhibits on Tibetan culture, minority ethnic groups, and the unique flora and fauna of the region.
7. Tongren (Rebkong): Visit Tongren County, known for its vibrant Tibetan culture and traditional arts. Explore Tibetan monasteries, attend colorful festivals and ceremonies, and admire the intricate thangka paintings and sculptures created by local artisans.

Things to Do:

1. Trekking and Hiking: Explore Qinghai's rugged terrain and pristine wilderness through trekking and hiking adventures. Discover hidden valleys, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks in the surrounding mountains, and experience the tranquility of the Tibetan Plateau.
2. Nomadic Culture Experience: Stay with Tibetan nomadic families in their traditional yak hair tents on the grasslands. Learn about nomadic life, help herd yaks, and participate in traditional activities such as butter tea making and yak butter sculpture carving.
3. Visit Tibetan Villages: Explore remote Tibetan villages such as Langmusi, Xiahe, and Tongren to experience traditional Tibetan lifestyle and hospitality. Visit ancient monasteries, interact with local residents, and learn about their customs, traditions, and spiritual practices.
4. Wildlife Watching: Discover Qinghai's unique wildlife by observing wild yaks, Tibetan antelopes, wild asses, and rare bird species in their natural habitats. Visit nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries such as the Qilian Mountains National Nature Reserve and Kekexili Nature Reserve.
5. Photography Tours: Capture the stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and wildlife of Qinghai through photography. Explore scenic viewpoints, ancient monasteries, and Tibetan villages, and capture the beauty and diversity of the Tibetan Plateau in your photographs.
6. Attend Festivals and Celebrations: Experience the rich cultural heritage of Qinghai by attending local festivals and celebrations. Witness colorful Tibetan Buddhist ceremonies, horse racing events, and traditional dances performed by local Tibetan and minority ethnic groups.
7. Stargazing: Enjoy clear night skies and stargazing opportunities in Qinghai's remote areas. Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Milky Way and observe constellations, shooting stars, and celestial phenomena in the high-altitude environment of the Tibetan Plateau.