Haidong City Travel

Haidong, Qinghai — birthplace of Hehuang culture, gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Experience Tu ethnic customs, explore the treasure trove of Tibetan Buddhist art, and discover the ecological wonders of the plateau.

2000+
Years of Cultural History
2
4A-Level Scenic Areas
3000+
Altitude (meters)
30+
Minority Population (%)

Haidong City Three-Day Two-Night Essence Tour

Experience Tu ethnic customs, explore Buddhist art, enjoy the heavenly lake scenery

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Huzhu, Ledu, Xunhua
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Plateau Travelers
Budget per Person
¥800-¥1200
01
Tu Ethnic Customs
Huzhu Beishan · Tu Ethnic Park · Highland Barley Winery
Highlights

Head to Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, visit Huzhu Beishan National Forest Park, experience Tu ethnic folk customs, and tour the traditional highland barley wine brewing process.

Attractions
Huzhu Tu Ethnic Custom Park
A cultural park showcasing Tu architecture, costumes, song and dance, and wedding customs. Visitors can experience traditional folk activities such as "Wheel Swing".
Huzhu Beishan National Forest Park
A primeval forest at the transition zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, known as the "Plateau Emerald" with distinct scenery in each season.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Huzhu Rainbow Tribe Homestay
  • Haidong Hot Spring Holiday Hotel
  • Ping'an District Business Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Tu Embroidery Bun
  • Dog-Pee Oilcake
  • Huzhu Eight-Brow Pork
Travel Tips
  • Respect Tu taboos (e.g., do not step on thresholds)
  • Apply sunscreen on the plateau
  • Highland barley wine has strong aftereffects, consume moderately
02
Temple Exploration
Qutan Temple · Liuwan Painted Pottery · Hehuang Culture
Highlights

Morning visit to the Ming Dynasty Tibetan Buddhist temple Qutan Temple, afternoon exploration of the Liuwan Painted Pottery Site Museum to learn about Hehuang cultural origins.

Attractions
Qutan Temple
A Ming Dynasty imperial Tibetan Buddhist temple, known as the "Little Forbidden City on the Plateau", with well-preserved Ming Dynasty murals and architectural complexes.
Liuwan Painted Pottery Site
A site from the late Neolithic Age to the early Bronze Age, yielding a large number of exquisite painted pottery pieces that showcase the prehistoric civilization of the Hehuang region.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Ledu District to Qutan Temple approx 28 km
  • Chartered car or self-driving recommended
  • Drive carefully on winding mountain roads
Ticket Information
  • Qutan Temple: 50 RMB
  • Liuwan Site: 30 RMB
  • Guided Tour: 80 RMB/group
Travel Tips
  • Observe no-photography rules inside the temple
  • Painted pottery site closed on Mondays
  • Ledu District altitude approx 2000m, move slowly
03
Heavenly Lake Wonderland
Mengda Heavenly Lake · Salar Ethnic Customs
Highlights

Full day tour of Mengda Heavenly Lake Nature Reserve in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, exploring the plateau lake and primeval forest, experiencing Salar folk culture.

Attractions
Mengda Heavenly Lake
A natural lake on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, surrounded by primeval forests. Known as the "Plateau Xishuangbanna" with rich biodiversity.
Camel Spring
Legendary birthplace of the Salar people. The spring water is clear and sweet, with a Salar folk culture exhibition hall built nearby.
Practical Info
Hiking Route
  • Scenic Gate → Heavenly Lake (approx 1.5 hr hike)
  • Horse riding available (approx 100 RMB)
Notes
  • Altitude 2500-3000m, avoid strenuous activity
  • Protect the ecological environment, do not litter
  • Respect Salar halal dietary customs
Tickets & Transport
  • Entrance ticket: 65 RMB
  • Scenic area shuttle: 30 RMB
  • Xunhua County is approx 90 km from downtown Haidong

Must-Try Foods in Haidong City

Hand-Grab Lamb

A traditional Qinghai delicacy made with plateau free-range sheep, boiled in plain water and eaten by hand. The meat is tender without gamey taste.

Dog-Pee Oilcake

A Haidong specialty pastry named for the action of pouring oil along the pan edge during preparation. Thin, crispy and fragrant, often eaten with milk tea.

Liangpi (Cold Noodle Jelly)

A Northwest specialty snack. Chewy and smooth noodles topped with mustard, vinegar and chili oil. Sour and spicy, a refreshing summer treat.

Butter Tsampa

A traditional Tibetan staple made by kneading roasted highland barley flour with butter tea. High calorie content suitable for the plateau environment.

Haidong City Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool climate, most beautiful grassland
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Colorful foliage, excellent photography season
  • Note: Some scenic areas closed in winter
Must-Try Foods
  • Hand-Grab Lamb
  • Dog-Pee Oilcake
  • Liangpi
  • Butter Tsampa
  • Qinghai Yogurt
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx 200 RMB
  • Accommodation: 120-250 RMB/night
  • Meals: 40-80 RMB/day
  • Transport: 150-300 RMB
  • Total: 800-1200 RMB
Plateau Travel Tips
  • Avoid bathing and strenuous exercise on the first day
  • Prepare sunscreen and sunglasses (strong UV)
  • Large temperature difference, bring warm clothing
  • Descend to lower altitude promptly if altitude sickness occurs