Haidong District

Name: Haidong District (海东地区 hǎi dōng dì qū)

Location: It got its name because it is located in the east of Qinghai Lake and the northeast of Qinghai Province.

Area: 12,801 sq. km. (4,942 sq. mi.)

Population: 1,470,000 in 2008. Most people living here are ethnic groups, such as Hui, Salar, Tu and Tibetan and there are special administrative county for these special nationalities.

Brief introduction:

With a history of 6,000 years, Haidong is famous for cultural heritage and historical sites. It is featured by its numerous mountains, rivers and  other natural scenic spots. Situated at an average elevation of 2,000 m. (6,562 ft.), it is transition area from the Loess plateau to the Qinghai Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, temperature between Summer and winter varies little, with an average temperature of 3. 2℃─8. 6℃, which makes this land an ideal tourism place.

Attractions:

Haidong is abundant in natural natural scenic spots and if you come here you can not only savor the natural beauty of beautiful mountains but also experience unique fun on the rivers. Major mountains includes: Mt Daban, Riyue Mount, Laji Mountain and all the mountain are magnificent and unique, which makes this district a good place for hiking and adventure. What's more, there are more than 120 rivers here and the most famous of which is the Yellow River, which is regarded as the Chinese Spirit. If you want to raft, all the river on this land is waiting for you.

Main attraction includes:

1. Mengda Natural Reserve: Built in 1980, It is a place famous for its flourish trees, rare animals and various botany. There  is even a Haven Lake in this area though much smaller than the Haven Lake of Celestial Mountain, it is still well known for its unique characters and natural beauty. It has been regarded as the Emerald of the Qinghai-Tibetan and a national natural reservation area under the protection of the government.

2. Camel springs: It is a place you can not only see the beautiful scenic spots, but also see the local culture. If you want experience the local custom and you can come here.  There are numerous books recording the great achievement of the ancient people living here. Every year there are even festival for showing the embroidery and local culture. At that time you can also eat the delicious food to your heart content.

3. Hongshui Quan Mosque: Taking an area of 6,000 sq. m. (1.5 ac.), it is famous for its Islamic architectural style and the Natural beauty surrounding. If you are interested in Islam, the mosque is surely your good choice of sight seeing and learning.

Other attractions includes: Beach Blossom Garden, Wendu Giant Mosque, and Qinghai Provincial Forests Park, It is recommended that you take cars  from the Xining Caojiabao Airport which is 7.5 km. (4.7 mi.) away from Haidong. If you want to travel to Qinghai, Haidong is a good place for you to enjoy yourself and all the attractions are waiting for you.