When most Chinese cities begin to suffer through the dog days (the hottest days of the year in Chinese lunar calendar), the following places are enjoying agreeable temperatures and picturesque scenery. Don't hesitate, just pack up and enjoy a cool getaway.

   Qinghai Lake, Qinghai

 

Qinghai Lake

Covering an area of 4,583 sq km, Qinghai Lake is the largest inland lake and the largest salt-water lake in China. It lies 4,500 meters above the sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, surrounded by four mountain ranges. Qinghai Lake is known for its fascinating color changes, depending on the angle, time of day, and season it is viewed from. The colors range from light green, blue, green, and grey, to orange and yellow. As one of the top five most beautiful lakes in China, this lake attracts millions of ornithologists, botanists and travelers to see migrating birds and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Travel Tips:

Admission: 100 yuan in season (Apr.15-Oct.15); 50 yuan out of season (Oct.16- Apr.14)

Getting there: You can take a mini-bus from the long-distance coach station south of Xining Railway Station. The ticket price is 35 yuan per person.