121-Kilometer Tourist Highway Opens Along Qinghai Lake

With the arrival of spring greenery in May, travel around Qinghai Lake has become even more attractive. The newly opened Qinghai Lake No. 1 Highway, stretching a total of 121.3 kilometers, has added a new facility for tourists wishing to enjoy the lake, grasslands, and snow-capped mountain scenery.

Running along the southern shore of Qinghai Lake, the highway begins from Rigmon Town in Gonghe County in the east and extends to Heimahe Town in the west. Connecting the blue waters of the lake, vast grasslands, white mountains, and open sky, the route is regarded as one of the most beautiful tourist roads on the plateau.

After entering the highway from the Rigmon toll station, travelers find a wide and smooth road, clear traffic signs, and a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour. This allows tourists to travel safely and enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace.

Along the journey, the blue lake and sky appear to merge into one. Green grasslands stretch on both sides of the road, while distant snow-capped mountains and the beauty of the lake attract visitors to stop, take photos, and enjoy the view. At the roadside viewing spots, tourists can be seen enjoying nature, reflecting the harmony between people and the natural environment.

With the opening of the new highway, previous traffic bottlenecks in the southern area of Qinghai Lake have been eased. Parking areas, viewing platforms, and service facilities have been built along the road, making it easier for tourists to stop safely and enjoy the scenery. These facilities also help manage visitor flow in the main tourist areas.

A dedicated cycling lane has also been built along the section passing through the Niurzhai area. By separating bicycles from motor vehicles, the highway offers greater safety and convenience for cycling enthusiasts.

Environmental protection was given top priority during the construction of the highway. Built with a total investment of 2.951 billion yuan, the route was designed to minimize its impact on wildlife and the local ecosystem. Before construction began, studies were carried out on local vegetation and animal habitats, and the possible impact of road construction on biodiversity was assessed.

Local grass seeds were used for roadside greening. This has helped cover the slopes beside the highway with greenery while preserving the natural ecological landscape.

Based on the rich resources of the Qinghai Lake 5A-level scenic area, the highway connects six sightseeing spots around the lake. By integrating transportation and tourism, it is also expected to play an important role in promoting rural revitalization.

Service areas, charging facilities, smart navigation systems, and Qinghai Lake’s cultural symbol “Landudu” have been introduced along the route to provide information on road conditions, parking spaces, and other services. These facilities make self-driving trips on the plateau more convenient and safer.

At sunset, when sunlight falls on the surface of the lake, the water glitters like golden waves, making the highway even more enchanting. The Qinghai Lake No. 1 Highway not only solves local transport problems but also establishes itself as a new destination for experiencing the majestic natural beauty of the plateau through complete service facilities, eco-friendly planning, and high-quality management.