Qinghai is a province of China, and is named after the Qinghai Lake, the largest saltwater lake in China. It has Gansu on the northeastern border, Xinjiang Autonomous Region on the northwest, Sichuan on the northeast and Tibet Autonomous Region on the southwest. It is situated on the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau. The Yellow River originates in the middle of the province. Qinghai became a province of China, very recently in the year 1928. Earlier it was a part of the Tibet. The capital of Qinghai is Xining.

Qinghai is about 3000 meters above sea level. The average temperature is approximately -5 to 8ºC. However, in the month of January temperatures come down to -18ºC at times. In July, the temperatures range from 5-21ºC. Qinghai area is also prone to heavy winds and sandstorms in the months of February, March and April.

The population of Qinghai is a unique fusion of cultures, religions and ethnicity. The main groups include the Kazaks, Mongols and the Hui. The Hans account for the majority of the population. Qinghai is divided into one prefecture-level city, Haidong Prefecture and six autonomous prefectures.

The world’s highest highway runs through Qinghai to Lhasa, making Qinghai a special place to visit in China. The Lanqing Railway is the major route of transportation both in and out of the province. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway through Golmud is another important route of transportation. There are six national highways which run through the province. The Xining Caojiabu Airport serves Beijing, Lanzhou, Golmud and Delingha.

The major sight seeing places in Qinghai include:

• Ta’er Monastery
• Qinghai Lake
• The Qutan Temple
• Kumbum Monastrey
• Great Mosque of Xining
• North Mountain Temple