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Geography
Situated in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau covers an area of
720,000 sq. km, Flanked by two big mountain ranges—Qilian in the north,
Tanggula in the south, 4/5 of this highland averages 3,000 meters above
sea level. In its middle, stands another big mountain spur----the
Kunlun. 95% of province is pastureland. What makes the physical feature
of the region unique is that two major Chinese waters, the Yangtze and
the Yellow Rivers all originate here: one from the southwest slop of
main peak of Tanggula; one from northern slope of Bayanhar. This feature
has earned the province a name as the source of the rivers. Clad in snow
in winter and cool in summer and with 17.2
ºC (62.96
ºF) as its average
monthly temperature in July, the area is an ideal summer resort. The
province has a sparse population, 4.04 million in total. The inhabitants
are made up of different ethnic group: the Han, the Tibetan, The Hui,
The Monoglian, the Tu and the Sala.
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Qinghai Location |
Qinghai History
The Qinghai province has a long history. A military fortress known as
Xipingting was built the former site of the city Xining by a hero
general Huo Qubing in the second year of reign of Wu Di of Han
Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220), dating from 2100 years ago. During this period, officials
from central govement came and got settle down in the region to
exercise the rule of Han Court. In the 4th year A.D, the local
government was officially founded at the prefecture level, Late, in
Sui Dynasty (581- 608) two more added. The city Xining began appear in Ming
Dynasty (1368-1644), meanwhile the judicial system was reinforced. With
the development of the region, trade expanded dramatically. The capital
city
of Qinghai -
Xining had only a population 40,000 in
early 1950's. Now it has become a newly-emerging industrial
site in the northwest part of China and political, economic and cultural
center of the Qinghai province. Qinghai's population has reached 4.88
million after 2005.
Ta'er Temple, Qinghai
Qinghai Cuisine:
The delicacies in Qinghai cuisine are largely related to the special
native products of the region. For example, the bear's paw, the
Chinese caterpillar fungus, the ox and sheep tendon are often used as
ingredients. The Xining Restaurant is the most famous restaurant
specializing in local flavors. It is believed that there are over 80
dishes which are highly appreciated by foreign tourists.
Native Products of Qinghai:
The province is well-know for animal-husbandry and abounds in natural
resources. The Xining wool, the yak hide, the otter hide, the leather
products, the pilose antler, and the wooden fabric enjoy a brisk market
both at home and abroad. In addition, the region grows quite a variety
of cash crops and Chinese herbs. These include fritillary, lyceum
Chinese, the Chinese caterpillar fungus, Chinese giant beans as well as
rhubarb, musk, honey and so on.
Tourist Attractions of Qinghai Province
The big Mosque
Located in the east part of Xining, this mosque was built in the reign
of Emperor Hong Wu of Ming Dynasty (C.1380 A.D) in a style of typical
Chinese architecture. The service attended by the Moslems is held here
every Friday. Each year, the Corban takes place in the mosque, too. It
can hold 10.000 people to pray at one time.
Beichansi Temple
Standing along the slop of the Beishan Mountain in Xining, to the north
of the Huangshui River, the Temple is regarded as the centre of China's
native religion--- the Taoism. With the construction dating back to the
Han Dynasty, it is made up of 18 caves and nine grottoes which are
linked up by the plank roads, bridges and corridors. In the temple, the
sculpture of Lao zi, the founder of Taoism, and that of the eight
immortals plus the elegantly painted murals provide the most imposing
sight.
The Taer Lamasery
The Taer Lamasery lies in the southwest suburbs 25 km away from Xining.
It was built in the 39th year of the reign of Emperor Jia Jing of the
Ming Dynasty (1560 A.D). As the temple is the birthplace of Tsong Khaps,
the founder of the Yellow sect of Lamaism, it displays splendour of the
exquisite design of architecture. It is now one of China's six biggest
Lamaseries and consists of a number of magnificent buildings: the Great
Temple of Golden Tile, the Lesser Temple of Golden Tile, the Great
Meditation Hall, the Eight Stupas, the Longevity Temple and the
Nine-Room Hall, to name but a few. The butter sculptures, murals and
appliqués are known as its unique "three wonders" of art. Special
ceremonies take place on January 15th, April 15th, June 7th and November
23rd according to the lunar calendar, distinguished for the display of
the butter sculptures and the dance of the Dharma King.
The Qinghai Lake
The Qinghai Lake, the largest inland salty lake in China, covers an area
of 4,573 sq. km. It stands at 3,200 metres above the sea level. Like
most of the highland lakes in the world, the Qinghai Lake is famous for
its vast areas, charming views, and the tranquil atmosphere. The fertile
pasturelands around the lake with flocks of sheep and cattle grazing
leisurely and the herdsman's yurts dotted here and there together with
the reflection in the lake of the distant snow covered mountain offer an
inspiring sight. The biggest attraction, however, is the world famous
island of birds which lies in the northwest of the lake. On this small
island, tens of thousands of birds, mostly the wild geese, brown-crested
gulls, gulls, cormorants, swans and wild ducks make the place their
nestling and breeding ground. Every May the island, less than 1 sq. km.
in size, is covered with bird's eggs all over. Then comes summer when
the little ones break through the shells. The island becomes a world of
new born full of vigour and vitality.
The Qutan Monastery
Located south of 20 km. Ledu County the Qutan Monastery was built in
1387 (20th year of reign of Emperor Hong Wu of the Ming Dynasty) and
completed six years later. To mark the occasion of its completion, the
emperor gave an inscribed board to it which bear 3 characters reading
Quransi. More buildings were added afterwards. Because of the unique
style, the monastery earns a name, the Small Forbidden City. It covers
an area of 1, 4 hectares and boasts four big halls as well as a bell
tower, a drum tower and a pavilion with a stone stele in it. A total of
360 square metres of mural is well preserved in the monastery, featuring
the legends and stories of Buddhism.
The Liuwan Graveyard
17 km. east of the Ledu County is the site of the Liuwan Graveyard.
Built 3, 500-4,500 years ago, the Graveyard used to be a public burial
ground in the primitive society period. With the opening up of 1,700
individual graves, the Liuwan Graveyard is one of the biggest and best
kept graveyards ever excavated so far in China. The excavated tombs
represent different types of culture such as the Majiayao culture (a
late Neolithic Culture), The Xindian Culture (a bronze culture of late
primitive society) and so on. The findings include stones wares, bone
wares, ornaments and coloured pottery wares, totalling 40,000 pieces
altogether. They provide clues for the study of the development of
agriculture and handicrafts at that time. A pottery basin painted with
dancing figures is considered a state treasure.
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