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Lake Kokonor
Introducing Lake Kokonor
Lake Kokonor, also known as Qinghai Lake, is nestled high on the Tibetan Plateau. Lake Kokonor reigns as China’s largest inland saltwater lake. Its vast expanse, stretching across 4,625 square kilometers (1,785 square miles), holds a staggering 743 billion cubic meters of water within its shimmering depths.
As one of the highest-altitude lakes on Earth, its surface rests at a lofty 3,196 meters (10,485 ft) above sea level. The lake’s basin forms a gentle oval, sloping gracefully from northwest to southeast, creating a self-contained ecosystem within a breathtaking mountain landscape. Its stunning turquoise waters are surrounded by vast grasslands and snow-capped mountains, providing a haven for a rich diversity of wildlife. Migratory birds flock to its shores, the endangered Przewalski’s gazelle roams the surrounding plains, and unique fish species, such as the naked carp, thrive in its depths.
This vibrant ecosystem has long been intertwined with the spiritual beliefs of the local Tibetan communities, who revere Lake Kokonor as a sacred site. Its cultural and ecological significance draws visitors from around the world to experience its stunning vistas and remarkable biodiversity.
Lake Kokonor Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Qing Hai Hu 青海湖
• Best Time to Visit: July to August
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-2 days
• Things to Do: Photography, Silk Road History, Adventure
• Opening Hours: 08:00-18:30
• Entrance Fee: CNY 90 (Apr - Oct) / CNY 50 (Nov - Mar) for Erlangjian Scenic Area; CNY 60 (Apr - Oct) / CNY 30 (Nov - Mar) for Fairy Bay Scenic Area
• Address: Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province
What to Expect at Lake Kokonor
Were it not perched at an altitude that kisses the sky, Lake Kokonor could easily be mistaken for an ocean, its sapphire expanse mirroring the heavens above. A chameleon of the seasons, it transforms with each passing month, offering a kaleidoscope of beauty to those who seek its shores. This is a realm for the intrepid spirit, a canvas painted with breathtaking vistas and the serenity of the Tibetan plateau. Here, amidst the grandeur of nature, the soul finds solace, and the camera lens captures moments of ethereal wonder.
How to Get to Lake Kokonor
• The Lake Kokonor is located approx. 144 kilometers (89.4 miles) west of Xining.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Lake Kokonor.
Additional Travel Advice on Lake Kokonor
• Please respect the customs of the Tibetan people around the lake.
• Please take enough warm clothes even in summer as it is cold in the early morning and the late afternoon because of its high altitude.
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