Haixi Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Name: Haixi Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (海西蒙古族藏族自治州)

Location: It is located in the north of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and the west of Qinghai Lake, thus getting the name "Haixi".

Population: 561,700. There are mainly two groups of people living here, Tibetan and the Mongol, so it is called the Mongolian Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Area: 325,800 sq. km, taking up 45.17% of the all area of Qinghai Province.

Haixi is a area with many mountains such as Kunlun Mountain, Altun Mountain and Mount Tanggula surrounding the Qaidam Basin. The Qaidam Basin is located at an elevation of 2,675 m. (8,776 ft.) and the Mount Tanggula is the birthplace of Yangtze River and the gateway to Tibet. There is much sunshine all the year round but with an annual temperature of -0. 5 ─ 5. 2 ℃. The best traveling time is July and August and If you come here, please remember to bring thick clothes with you.

Natural reserves in Haixi is very abundant. Qaidam Basin is flat with fertile earth and favorable light and heat, which is good for farming or agriculture. There are about 1.74 million hectare grassland and many wild animals and plants living here. It is estimated that there are in total 39 kinds of national level A  precious animals, such as Wild yak, wild ass, white-lipped deer, snow leopard, Tibetan antelope, black-necked cranes and so on. If you come here, you can see all kinds of animals and there are even animals hunting areas for tourists enjoy the fun of hunting. Moreover, this land is also rich in minerals, water and aquatic products, which makes it a good place for tourism.

You may be wondering what to see here. well, Haixi is rich in natural landscape and cultural landscape. The most famous Kunlun Mountain is called the First Holy Mountain in China and the father of mountains and is a good place to for hiking and adventure. There are also vast grasslands and many Mongolian and Tibetan custom which attracted many people who want to experience life of the unique ethnic groups. Moreover, many tourism resources rank first both in Qinghai Province and in China. The main attractions can be listed as follows:

1. Dulan International Hunting Area: It is located in the mountain area of Mt Kunlun and there are many animals living here including some precious ones such as snow leopard, argali, white_ lipped deer. It will open every year in April, May, September and October for tourists. If you are interested, just come here at that time and enjoy the fun of hunting

2. Dachaidan Spring: If want to find a place to relax yourself when you are traveling , you can come here. With a temperature of 80 ℃ all the year round, the spring is popular for the water can cure the skin disease, arthritis and is good for people's health.

3. Talitali Ha Historical Site: It is a historical site left from the Bronze Age and has been regarded as national cultural heritage in 1957. It Covers an total area of 5,000 sq. m. and there are 11 ancient houses, 3 coffins and many objects of the ancient time such as pottery, stone and bronze and so on.

Other attractions in Haixi includes: Tianjun Mountain, Zhaqun Holy Mountain, Huoluxun Lake Scenic Spots, Jiayang Cemeteries and many other places. Haixi is a prefecture not only well known for its scenic spot but also for its cultural heritages. It is a good place for traveling and having fun. If you are going to Qinghai, don't forget to pay a visit here.