Haibei Travel Guide

Located in the northeast of Qinghai Province, China, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture perches between Qinghai Lake and Qilian Mountains, sharing a boundary with Gansu Province in the northeast. With a total area of 34,700 km², it has a population of 300,000 composing of Han, Hui and Tibetan people and its capital is Xihai Town.
 

History

In ancient times, Haibei was inhabited by Qiang people who were the ancestors of Tibetans. In Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD), the central government set up Xihai County to administrate the area. In following dynasties, the area was the frontier between Tuyuhun (a group of Tibetan) and central court. Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture was set up in 1953.
 

Attractions

Haibei derives its name from its location in north Lake Qinghaihu. Shadao Island in eastern Qinghai Lake is a well known attraction in southern Haibei. Jinyintan Grassland in west of Qinghai Lake is a typical Tibetan pasturing area. Every year in mid-June, the rape flower sea in Menyuan County attracts many visitors for its beautiful scenery. Xihai Town is called Atomic City because where the first A-bomb and H-bomb in China were born here. Xianmi National Forest Park is the source of many inland rivers, also the largest virgin forest zone of Qinghai Province.
 

Transportation

Haibei is 100 km from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. Visitors can take a flight or train to Xining and head for Haibei by train or bus. There are buses from Xining Long Distance Bus Station to the counties in Haibei.

Xining to Menyuan: 7:45, 8:45, 9:30, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 13:30.
Xining to Qilian: 8:15 am, 9:30 am, 10:15 am, and 10:45 am.
Xining to Gangcha: 7:45 am and 8:30am

Taxi and motorbike are the main ways to get around the city. You’d better rent a car to the tourist attractions but remember to negotiate on the price before getting on.
 

Weather and Climate

Haibei has a continental plateau climate with a long chilly winter and short cool summer. The annual average temperature is -0.3��-0.7�� (31.5°F-33.3°F). Average temperature in January is -15��(5°F) with the extreme lowest of -37��(-34.6°F), while the highest temperature is in July and the average is 11��(51.8°F).
 

Food and Restaurants

Local food and snacks include Raft Meatball, Ghee Zamba, Sheep’s Tendon Dishes and Qinghai Steamed Carp, etc.

Guyan Restaurant
Address: Haiyan Road, Xihai Township
Phone: 0970 8642246

Rest House in Tuole Pasture
Address: inside Tuole Pasture in Qilian County
Phone: 0970 8672505
 

Shopping

Special local products: Tibetan knives and silver wares, Qilian Jade, musk, snow lotus, deer antler. The handmade fabric made by Tibetan wool is good souvenir. Shopping area is concentrated at Gangcha Road.
 

Accommodation

Haibei Hotel
Address: No.17 Yintan Road, Haiyan County

Gold Silver Beach Collectors Style Court
Address: Yuanzi Road, Xihai Town, Haiyan County

Qinghai Lake Grassland Hotel
Address: Erlangjian Scenic Zone, Qinghai Lake, Haiyan County
 

Travel Tips

1. July to September is the best time to travel to Haibei.
2. The post office is at Xihai Jie in Xihai Town.
3. Prepare some medicines to guard against cold and altitude sickness.