Things to do in Minhe

Qili Flower Sea is the best in Qinghai. It is a world of dahlias, flowers of various colors blooming, and endless verbena. The scenery is absolutely beautiful. It's just that the weather is not good. It's a bit chilly under the drizzle.

The Lajia Site, located in Lajia Village, Guantang Town, Minhe Hui and Tu Autonomous County, Haidong City, Qinghai Province, was discovered to have been destroyed by an earthquake and flood 4,000 years ago. It is the only large-scale disaster site discovered in China to date. The site still contains remains of a mother protecting her child and turning back to rescue her relatives, thus earning it the nickname "Oriental Pompeii." The Lajia Site is a large prehistoric settlement site in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, primarily inhabited by the Qijia culture. Discovered in 1981, the site underwent nine years of archaeological excavation from 1999 to 2007, uncovering important remains of the Qijia culture, including settlement dwellings, high-level tombs, moats, small squares, and altars, yielding many groundbreaking new discoveries. From 2013 to 2019, the site underwent its second phase of fieldwork. More than 450 sites were discovered, including house foundations, moats, pottery kilns, sacrificial pits, tombs, large gullies, ash pits, and ash ditches. Over 2,000 artifacts related to production and daily life were unearthed, primarily from the Majiayao, Qijia, Xindian, and Han-Jin cultures. On June 25, 2001, the Lajia site was designated as a fifth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council of the People's Republic of China. Key Discoveries: 1) A large jade knife, 35 cm long, 15 cm wide, and 0.5 cm thick, has a round hole and is broken at the second hole. Since ancient times odd numbers were considered auspicious, it is inferred that this jade knife had at least three holes, meaning the shortest piece was at least 70 cm long; 2) The Yellow River Chime King, 91 cm long, 61 cm wide, and 4 cm thick, is rectangular with a carved perforation for hanging and a symbolic blade. It was made in imitation of a rectangular stone knife from the same period, unlike the traditional bow-shaped or L-shaped chimes. Based on the discoveries at the Lajia site, the shape of the stone chime should be related to production tools, originating from the stone knives of the Qijia culture; 3) In 2002, an inverted pottery bowl was discovered on the ground of house F20 in the eastern area of ​​the Lajia site, containing noodle-like remains, the shape of which is basically the same as modern ramen. This is the earliest known physical evidence of noodles. Researchers took samples from the sediment, which is about 6 cm thick, every 1 cm, extracting samples from six locations: three from the location of the noodle-like objects and three from the soil layer beneath them. Through phytolith analysis, starch analysis, and biomarker compound analysis, it was determined that the noodles were mainly composed of millet, with a small amount of sorghum, which is consistent with the agricultural characteristics of the Qijia culture at the Lajia site inferred by archaeobotanists based on plant seeds.

Summer vacation had just ended, so few visitors were present. The exhibits explained that the Lajia Ruins are a unique, prehistoric site of a major disaster, frozen in time. They posed several questions: 1. What caused the disaster to be frozen in time? 2. What is the relationship between the Lajia Ruins and Dayu's flood control efforts? These questions were answered by viewing the ruins and observing the archaeological research.

Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park is fabulous. One of the top three things I have done on this tour. I used Trip.com to get out to the park and that was very easy. Shuttle buses are necessary to get between the various vantage points. I would come for longer next time and do the zip line. I got an 8am bus from Xiaoxihu Subway Station and it leaves the Park at 12pm to return back to the city.

Shapotou truly exceeded my expectations! Our guide, Xiao Zhou, explained things in a clear, concise, and engaging way, making it incredibly entertaining. He even sang Ningxia folk songs and performed traditional folk ballads. The unique landscape where the Tengger Desert meets the Yellow River is a sight rarely seen elsewhere. The desert dune buggy ride is a must-do – thrilling and exhilarating as you navigate the undulating dunes. The Yellow River zipline spans the river, with the rushing water below and the wind rushing past your ears – a truly immersive experience. Camel riding deep into the desert, watching the sunset paint the sands gold, creates an unforgettable atmosphere. There are many activities to choose from, from thrilling to relaxing, and the service is prompt and orderly. Whether you want to let loose and have fun or simply enjoy the scenery, this is the place for you. Don't miss it when you visit Zhongwei!

When visiting Xining, it's not just about seeing Qinghai's lakes and mountains; I also dedicated some quiet time to the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum. This national first-class museum is divided into north and south sections. The south section showcases a wide range of folk customs, while the north section focuses on Tibetan medicine, quietly housing the millennia-old civilization of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Taking the elevator directly to the fourth floor, I immediately encountered the museum's crown jewel—"A Grand View of Chinese Tibetan Culture and Art Painting." This 618-meter-long giant Thangka is the world's longest hand-painted Thangka, certified by Guinness World Records. It took 27 years to complete, involving over 400 painters from five provinces and regions, using natural mineral pigments ground from gold, silver, turquoise, and coral. The scroll slowly unfolds, revealing not only Buddhist stories but also the tales of Songtsen Gampo and Princess Wencheng, astronomy and calendrical calculations, Tibetan medicine, and the wedding customs and daily life of the plateau people—like a flowing encyclopedia of Tibet, every stroke a testament to craftsmanship. Walking slowly along the curved exhibition corridor, my gaze lingered on the intricate and delicate paintings, leaving me only with awe. Descending to the folk customs exhibition hall, one is immediately struck by the delightful surprises. The peacock costumes of Alipulan are particularly eye-catching, adorned with layers of turquoise, amber, and coral, magnificent and dignified—treasures passed down through generations. Various Tibetan robes, handmade carpets, Tibetan calligraphy, and Tibetan artifacts are displayed in orderly fashion, their patterns reflecting the diverse lifestyles and nomadic stories of the plateau. Ancient scriptures and scrolls are neatly arranged, the Tibetan script elegant and graceful, embodying the faith and cultural heritage passed down through generations. Moving to the North Hall, one enters the world of Tibetan medicine, free to visit, a truly unique experience. The hall displays Thangka paintings accompanying the Four Medical Classics, each illustration explaining the human body, embryos, herbs, and treatments; ancient surgical instruments and thousands of plateau medicinal herb specimens are arranged systematically. It turns out that Tibetan medicine is not a mysterious legend, but the wisdom of life discovered by the ancients on the plateau. Tibetan medicinal bathing therapy is a precious treasure listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Throughout the exhibition halls, there is no noise. Listening to the explanations, I finally understood that the civilization of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has never been isolated. Along the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road and the Tea Horse Road, various ethnic cultures met, blended, and nourished each other. The Thangka paintings, medical practices, and clothing we see are all marks left by this exchange and coexistence. After leisurely exploring the two museums, the setting sun cast its golden rays upon the Tibetan-style buildings. Rather than a rushed tour of scenic spots, here I truly understood the profound and gentle essence of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The plateau is not just about wind and wilderness; it also possesses a vibrant cultural power hidden in ink, textiles, and herbs. ✨Visitor Tips - Location: Xining Chengbei District Biological Park. The South Hall requires an entrance fee, while the North Hall is free. The two halls are separate and require walking between them. - Recommended order: South Hall, fourth floor, Grand Painting Exhibition → Continuing down to the Folk Customs and History Exhibition Halls, then to the North Hall to see the Tibetan Medicine Exhibition Area. - We recommend hiring a guide. Many of the stories behind the Thangka paintings and ancient books can only be understood with an explanation. - Civilized viewing: Do not touch the exhibits, view the long scrolls quietly, and do not use flash when taking photos.

As the birthplace and memorial monastery of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, this historical and cultural site, over 600 years old, is a must-see. Photography of the stupa at the entrance is permitted, but not of the Buddha statues inside. The monastery currently houses over 1000 monks and more than a dozen Living Buddhas. While the throngs of worshippers are bustling, the atmosphere is peaceful and serene (perhaps the burning of large incense sticks is not part of the ritual). Many areas allow you to light lamps for blessings (20 yuan per person, depending on your conscience), and there are places to exchange change for prayers. Best of all, there are Chinese-language guided tours, and the guides are very professional; I learned more about Tibetan Buddhism than I did during my previous trip to Lhasa!

A trip to Qinghai will definitely include Qinghai Lake in the itinerary. The lake is vast, with a loop of over 300 kilometers. There's an annual cycling race around the lake, so the ecological environment and water quality are well-preserved. The officially developed area is Erlangjian, where there are many accommodations. The cliffs and Fairy Bay are on the opposite side. Heimahe is famous for its sunrise views. While passing by, I saw many new guesthouses still under construction; the accommodations there were previously quite basic. Due to weather conditions, our original itinerary for the lake loop was changed. We'll save the cliffs for another time. It's relatively close to Xining. The weather improved slightly when we arrived at Erlangjian. I took a peek at the lake from the viewing platform.

Buy tickets for the 9:00 AM bus from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake. You can buy tickets through the Xining Bus Station's WeChat mini-program! The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a service station for restroom use. Arrive around 11:30 AM. (There will be grasslands along the way; you can see them from the window.) The tour guide will assist with buying tickets on the bus, or you can buy them at the ticket center. Upon arrival, take a fast cruise to the island, then either the cruise ship to the island or a small train or bus to the lake. On the island, you can play in the sand and see seagulls and yaks. Plan your itinerary carefully; less than 4 hours for sightseeing will feel rushed.