Qinghai Province

Qinghai Province, situated in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, covers an area of 720,000 sq. km, with a population of nearly 5 million including Han, Tibetan, Hui, Mogolinas, Tu, Salar, etc. 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, and Kunlun Mountains is situated in the middle of Qinghai. 95% of province is pastureland. Both Yangtze River and Yellow River are originated from Qinghai. It is much cooler in summer due to the high altitude so that it is the best season to travel here during summer time. The province has a sparse population, 4.04 million in total.
The civilized history of Qinghai can be tracked to 2100 years ago during Han Dynasty. 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). Afterwards in 4 A.D, the local government was officially founded at the prefecture level. The city Xining was established in Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), meanwhile the judicial system was reinforced. With the development of the region, trade expanded dramatically as it played key role on the trade en route to Tibet from inland China.
There are wonderful sites in Qinghai that are worth visiting including Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque, Qinghai Lake, Mengyuang Rapeseeds Farm etc. It is getting more popular for the China tours on the ancient Silk Road.
Qinghai cuisine are mostly cooked with beef, yak, lamb etc.