(photo from internet)

Full Name: Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Population: 360,000

Area: 325,800 square kilometers (125,792 square miles)

Nationalities: Tibetan, Mongol, Han

Administrative Division: 3 Districts (Lenghu, Dachaidan, Mangya); 3 Counties (Wulan, Dulan, Tianjun); 2 County-Level Cities (Delingha, Golmud)

(photo from internet)

Location: Haixi Mongol and the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture are located in the western portion of Qinghai Province, in the northern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The prefecture neighbors Gansu in the north and Xinjiang in the west. Government offices are located in Delingha City, 514 kilometers (319 miles) from the capital city of Qinghai, Xining.  

History: Haixi Prefecture was once inhabited by the Qiang, a minority group from northwestern China. It was ruled by the Tubo Kingdom throughout the Tang Dynasty (618-907), with the Yuan Gvernment (1271-1368) taking partial control of the area during the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Physical Features: The Qaidam Basin, which lies in the midst of the Kunlun Mountains, Aeoin Mountains and Qilian Mountains, is one of the main landforms within this prefecture. The land rises into a plateau at the north foot of the Tanggula Mountains, and much of the rest of the land is distributed between the Alps, rolling hills, the Gobi Desert, plains, and lakes.

Climate: Haixi has a climate that is typical of continental plateau regions. Because of this, it is dry throughout the year and has indistinct seasons. Winter is chilly and long, and summer cool but short. Most of the area's precipitation falls between May and September.

When to Go: May thru September.

Local Highlights: The Nadam Fair is held each year in prairie of Qingshuihe in Golmud City.

Special Local Products: Thangka Paintings, Folk Embroidery, Fritillary Bulbs, Licorice Root

(photo from internet)

Attractions:

Dulan International Game Land: Covering an area of over 44,000 hectares (170 square miles), these game lands feature two structured hunts. The game land is opened to the public every year between April and May and September thru October.

Headwaters of Yangtze River: The Yangtze River's water source lies close by Geladandong Peak and Tuotuo River.

Qarhan Salt Lake: This is the largest saltwater lake in China. The 32 kilometers (20 miles) long "Wan Zhang Salt Bridge" is the most famous attraction of the lake.

Qaidam Basin: The Qaidam Basin is one of the most renowned land formations in the Ya-dang area. Numerous saltwater lakes make the area an even more attractive destination. Visitors should not miss the scenery at the Lenghu Administrative Committee area.

Travel Tips:

1. Golmud Airport is 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of the downtown district of Golmud City. Flights connect with Xining, Xian, Jinan, and Qingdao. Trains provide the most convenient mode of transportation from Golmud to Xining (a trip that takes more than 10 hours – or 20 hours if driving).  

2. Taxis provide the primary source of transportation within Golmud.