Haidong Travel Guide

Chinese Name: 海东 (hǎi dōng)
Population: 1,780,000
Area: 13,200 square kilometers (5,097 square miles)
Location: in the northeast of Qinghai Province, northwest China
Administrative Division: 2 counties (Ping'an, Ledu); 4 autonomous counties (Minhe Hui and Tu Autonomous County, Huzhu Tu Autonomous County, Hualong Hui Autonomous County, Xunhua Salar Autonomous County)
Area Code: 0972
Zip Code: 810699
GDP (2018): CNY 45.15 billion (USD 6.82 billion)
Nationalities: Han, Hui, Tibetan,Tu, Salar, Mongolian

Haidong Prefecture is situated in northeastern Qinghai Province, neighboring Gansu to the east. The capital city of the province, Xining, is bordered by Haidong to the west. Haidong, located to the east of Qinghai Lake, has a long and brilliant history. Human beings lived here as early as the Neolithic period and many cultural sites were excavated. Also, visitors can have a glimpse into a variety of folk cultures from the traditional Anzhao Dance and embroidery of the Tu nationality in Huzhu County to the Salar wedding in Xunhua County and the traditional song festival of Tu nationality in Minhe County. In the traditional song festival, tens of thousands of singers dress in traditional clothes and gather in Qilisi Canyon on the 6th day of the sixth lunar month. They sing all night without any musical instruments. At the same time, Haidong boasts lush and green forests and many historical scenic spots such as monasteries and Panchen Lama’s former residence.

At  in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County,  it is the most representative scenic area in Haidong area and the Heavenly Lake is its core scenic spot. The whole scenic area covers over 9,300 hectares (22,981 acres) and its average altitude is higher than 2,500 meters (8,202 feet). Stone peaks, gifted by nature, seem to have sprung from the ground into many different shapes.

Located 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of Ledu County, it is a building complex first constructed in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is a famous Tibetan Buddhist temple in Qinhai Province, but it bears more features of the Han Buddhism and its layout is similar to the Forbidden City in Beijing. The temple is famous for its cache of rare cultural relics, grand architecture and exquisite murals. 

 Other Scenic Spots: Beishan National Forest Park, Liuwan Site

Huzhu Tu Autonomous County

Haidong, Qinghai

Xining Caojiabao Airport is about 7.5 kilometers (4.7 miles) from Ping'an County of Haidong. Buses to its administrative counties are available from the Xining Long-Distance Bus Station in 1, Jianguo Lu in front of the Xining Railway Station. Along the expressway, Ping'an County can be reached from Xining in about twenty minutes.

Enjoying a semi-dry continental climate, this place features arid and cold weather at high altitudes, lot of sunshine and great temperature differences during the day. Haidong weather has an annual average temperature of 3.2-8.6℃ (37.8-47.5℉). Its northern mountainous area is colder and valleys along the Yellow River and the Huangshui River are warmer. The majority of rainfall occurs from July to September. May to September is the golden season to visit Haidong, especially in cool July and August when most places in China are extremely hot. Several local festivals and ceremonies are usually held during this period.

Tibetans in Haidong

 History: According to archeological discoveries, this area was proved to be inhabited by human settlers. Before the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), nomads of the Qiang lived here. In the early Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD), the troop of the court defeated the Huns in the west of the Yellow River, and a fortress was established in the city to protect against the invasion of nomad groups.

 Physical Features: The region is located in the transition area between the Loess Plateau and Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Medium and low mountains, hills and valleys constitute the main types of landform here. Offshoots of the Qilian Mountains stretch northwest and southeast through the region, together with the Datong River, the Huangshui River and the Yellow River.  

 Special Local Products: barley wine, Tibetan carpet

 Local Highlights: Nadun Meet of the Tu ethnic minority usually lasts over two months from the mid seventh lunar month to the Ninth in order to celebrate the good harvest and make wishes for the future. Hua'er Hui (Folk Song Fair) in Qili Temple (Formerly Cili Temple) will attract people from near and far to participate in the song fair in the sixth day of the sixth lunar month.