Book a private car with driver for Qinghai (青海) — airport transfers, sightseeing days and multi-day tours.
About Qinghai
Qinghai is the rooftop of eastern Asia — the vast sapphire Qinghai Lake, the mirror-white Chaka Salt Lake, the rainbow cliffs of Kanbula, and the great Gelugpa monastery of Kumbum. Most sights are spread across the high plateau, and a private car with a driver who knows the altitude roads makes all the difference.
Top Attractions in Qinghai
Qinghai Lake (Koko Nor)
China’s largest lake (4,400km²) at 3,200m. Ride horses on the golden grassland shore, see the July rape-seed flower fields, and cycle or drive the 360km lake circuit.
Chaka Salt Lake
The "Sky Mirror" — a shallow salt lake where the clouds reflect perfectly. Best at sunrise or sunset; a photography icon. 150km west of Xining.
Kanbula National Forest
Spectacular red Danxia sandstone pillars rising from the Yellow River valley — sometimes called "China’s Colorado." Half-day from Xining.
Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er)
One of the six great Gelugpa monasteries, birthplace of Tsongkhapa. Famous for its butter sculpture and yak-butter lamps. 30km south of Xining.
Qinghai Lake Cycling Route
The classic 4-day, 360km ride around the lake with support vehicle. We provide a backup car carrying luggage, water and spare bikes.
Starry Sky & Remote Plateau Villages
Dark-sky nights over the plateau, Tibetan villages, and the road to Menyuan’s golden flower sea (July). Quiet and deeply atmospheric.
Suggested Qinghai Itineraries
4-Day Qinghai Lake & Chaka
Xining → Kumbum → Riyue Mountain → Qinghai Lake (Erlangjian) → black horse ranch ride → Chaka Salt Lake sunset → return via Kanbula.
6-Day Qinghai Grand Loop
Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka → Dulan → Chaidamu Basin → Dunhuang-side desert → Kanbula → Xining. Combines lake, salt and desert.
4-Day Cycling with Support
Xining → lake start → 4-day pedal with support vehicle → return to Xining. Bike rental included; moderate fitness needed.
Best Time to Visit Qinghai
Best Jun–Sep. Jul–Aug: rape-seed flowers, warmest days (15–25°C). Sep: golden grass, crisp air. Apr–May and Oct: fewer crowds but cold nights. Winter lake partially freezes — magical but −15°C.
Qinghai Travel Tips
- Altitude: Xining is 2,200m; Qinghai Lake shore is 3,200m. Ascend gradually, drink water, avoid alcohol the first night. Drivers carry oxygen.
- Sun & wind: High plateau = intense UV and strong winds. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a windproof layer are essential year-round.
- Food: Qinghai yogurt (a local specialty), hand-pulled noodles, Tibetan butter tea and tsampa.
- Driving: Distances are long but roads are good. Typical day: 200–300km with scenic stops.
What's Included
Included
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional driver
- Hotel / airport / HSR pickup
- All fuel, tolls, parking
- Driver waiting time at attractions
- Bottled water
- 24/7 English coordinator (WhatsApp/WeChat)
Not Included
- Entrance fees
- Meals & beverages
- Tour guide / interpreter
- Gratuities (optional)
- Personal expenses & travel insurance
Qinghai Car Service Rates
Reference prices. Final price confirmed within 2 hours after booking request — no payment now.
| Vehicle | Seats | 40 | 95 | 120 | 520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VW Passat / Camry | 4 | $40 | $95 | $120 | $520 |
| Audi A6L / Mercedes E | 4 | $55 | $130 | $155 | $650 |
| Buick GL8 Business Van | 6 | $55 | $130 | $150 | $620 |
| Toyota Prado 4WD | 4 | $65 | $155 | $185 | $760 |
| Mercedes V-Class | 7 | $70 | $165 | $195 | $820 |
| 14-seat Minivan | 14 | $80 | $175 | $210 | $900 |
