Qinghai

Qinghai takes its name from Qinghai Lake. It is the source of the Yangtze River, Yellow River and Lancang River, and is known as the "China Water Tower" and "Source of Great Rivers". Qinghai Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in China, with swathes of rapeseed flowers stretching for thousands of acres around the lake complementing the brilliant blue waters; Chaka Salt Lake is hailed as the "Mirror of the Sky", its smooth glass-like surface reflecting the blue sky and white clouds.

Kumbum Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, and its butter sculptures, murals and embroidery art are renowned as the "Three Artistic Masterpieces"; the Qilian Mountain grasslands are vast and majestic, while the Danxia landform scenery at Zhu'er Mountain is enchanting and serene; Kekexili is a World Natural Heritage Site, where Tibetan antelopes roam freely. The Tour of Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race has introduced this sacred plateau destination to the world.