What is the altitude of Qinghai Lake? Revealing the geographical secrets of China’s largest saltwater lake
Qinghai Lake, as the largest inland saltwater lake in China, is not only a shining pearl on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, but also a holy place that countless travelers and geography enthusiasts yearn for. In recent years, with the rise of eco-tourism, Qinghai Lake's altitude, ecological environment and surrounding attractions have become hot topics. This article will combine the hot content of the entire network in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the altitude and related data of Qinghai Lake, and attach structured information.
1. Qinghai Lake altitude and basic data

Qinghai Lake is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with an average altitude of about 3,196 meters. The lake's altitude will fluctuate slightly due to season and precipitation. The following is the core geographical data of Qinghai Lake:
| data item | numerical value |
|---|---|
| average altitude | 3196 meters |
| Lake area | About 4543 square kilometers (2023 data) |
| maximum water depth | 32.8 meters |
| lake salinity | About 12.5‰ (a saltwater lake) |
2. Topics related to Qinghai Lake that are hotly discussed on the Internet
In the past 10 days, discussions about Qinghai Lake have mainly focused on the following aspects:
| hot topics | Popularity index (proportion of the entire network) |
|---|---|
| Qinghai Lake Cycling Guide | 35% |
| Precautions for altitude sickness | 28% |
| Bird migration observation (black-necked crane, etc.) | 20% |
| The best time to take photos of the rapeseed flower sea | 17% |
3. The impact of Qinghai Lake’s altitude on travel
Since Qinghai Lake is over 3,000 meters above sea level, tourists should pay attention to the following:
1.altitude sickness: About 15% of tourists will experience mild headache or fatigue. It is recommended to take Rhodiola rosea 1-2 days in advance and avoid strenuous exercise after arrival.
2.Climate characteristics: The temperature difference between day and night can reach 20℃. In summer, it is about 15-20℃ during the day and may drop below 0℃ at night.
3.Sun protection requirements: The intensity of ultraviolet rays is 2-3 times that of plain areas, so SPF50+ sunscreen is required.
4. Elevation comparison of scenic spots around Qinghai Lake
| Attraction name | Altitude (meters) | Distance from lake |
|---|---|---|
| Riyueshan | 3520 | 40 kilometers |
| Chaka Salt Lake | 3059 | 150 kilometers |
| Qilian Mountain Grassland | 2800-4000 | 200 kilometers |
5. Latest ecological protection trends
According to the latest data from the Qinghai Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment in July:
1. The water level of Qinghai Lake has risen for 18 consecutive years, with a cumulative increase of 3.47 meters, and the lake area has expanded by 325 square kilometers.
2. The population of Przewalski's gazelle has recovered from less than 300 to more than 3,000, becoming a model of ecological restoration.
3. Implement a drone flight restriction policy from 2024 to protect bird habitats.
Conclusion
Qinghai Lake's altitude of 3,196 meters gives it a unique plateau lake landscape and requires tourists to be fully prepared. Whether it’s for the golden sea of rapeseed flowers in July or the wonders of blue ice in winter, understanding these geographical data can make your journey safer and more enjoyable. Visitors planning to visit are advised to pay attention to real-time weather and official announcements to ensure the best travel experience.
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