Bird Island in Qinghai Lake

Bird Island in Qinghai Lake

Attractions Overview

Featuring Buddhist architecture and Taoist architecture styles it is renowned by its name 'A Bright Pearl on the Southern Path of the Silk Road.

Chinese Name: 湖鸟岛
English Name: Bird Island in Qinghai Lake
Type: Qinghai Scenic Area, Qinghai famous spots & Natural attractions
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 1-3 hours
Opening Hours:8:00-18:00
Location:In the northeast of Qinghai, 280KM away from the provincial capital Xining city

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Why is Bird Island So Special?

The Bird Island in Qinghai Lake ranks the top among the eight birds natural resorts. It is consisted of two parts. As a result of the mild climate in spring, summer and fall, most of the migratory birds such as bareheaded goose, brown-headed gull, cormorant, sea gull flock from Southeast Asia, India, Burma or South China to Qinghai Lake and breed here in late May.

Where is Bird Island

Bird Island, which lies northwest of Qinghai Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in China, is connected to the bank on one side whilst the others are surrounded by water.

Attraction Introduction

Birds seem to be pets for almost all nature lovers. Perhaps you have been captivated by their sweet songs in the thick forest. Or will a feeling of worship fill your heart when you see birds flying freely in the sky? So, how do you feel when you see groups of wild birds spreading their wings and flying on the broad lake? Here, on bird island, which is famous for its bird kingdom and paradise, you can taste this wonderful world for yourself.

Bird Island consists of two islands, one is Hercynian in the east and the other is Haixishan in the west. It is four times smaller than the previous islands, but it is the place where most birds gather in the lake. When spring and summer come, many birds fly here to breed from distant mountains and deserts. In the noisiest months of April and May, their number may reach 10,000, 80% to 90% of which stop in the western sea to lay eggs. Eggs are scattered all over the island. Hercynian Mountain is also called “Egg Island”.

Then why does the island attract so many birds? Because it has flat landforms and mild climate, and is close to water, it produces abundant floating grass and fish. The environment here is also very quiet, so it is a natural space for birds to breed and inhabit.

Best Travel Time

May to July is the best season for bird watching, and November to February of the following year is the best season for viewing big swans.

Tickets: The peak season is 115 yuan from May to October and 75 yuan from November to April.

How to Get to Bird Island

1. Take a bus from Xining Central Bus Station near Xining Railway Station to the island. The bus leaves at 7:45am and the bus fare is CNY 66.
2. During May and June, there are regular buses from Xining Bayilu Bus Station to the Bird Island. The buses leave around 8:00, 8:30, 9:30 and 16:00.

Useful Travel Tips

Entrance Fee	Apr. 20 – Aug. 20: CNY 100 Aug. 21 – Apr. 19: CNY 60 Note: CNY 15 is charged for the eco-sightseeing bus.
Recommended Time for a Visit	2h

The Bird Island is equipped with a hotel and restaurant as well as tent hostels and other entertainment facilities in the south.