Bird Island

Cormorant Island, Qinghai Lake   Bird Island Photos

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.

Birds seem to be the pet of almost all nature lovers. Maybe you have been enchanted by their sweet singing in the dense forest. Or perhaps a feeling of adoration will fill your heart when you see birds flying freely in the sky? Then, what would you feel like when you sight flocks of wild birds spreading their wings over the broad lake? Here, on Bird Island, which is renowned as the kingdom and paradise of birds, you can savor this wondrous world yourself.

The Bird Island encompasses two islands, one is Haixi Pi in the east, and in the west is the Haixi Shan, which is four times smaller than the former island but is where most of the birds of the lake congregate. When the spring and summer come, many birds fly from faraway mountains and deserts to breed here. In the noisiest months of April and May, their numbers can amount to ten thousand, 80% to 90% of which stop on the Haixi Shan and lay eggs there. With eggs interspersed all over the island, Haixi Shan is also called 'Egg Island'.

Then why does the island attract so many birds? Because it has a flat physiognomy and mild climate, and is close to the water, which produces rich float grasses and fishes. The environment here is also very quiet, so it is a natural space for the birds to reproduce and inhabit.

Cormorants inhabit on this island

Qinghai Lake

With the enticing natural scenery and so many beautiful wildfowl, Bird Island has been a must for many visitors traveling in Qinghai. It has been listed as a national natural reserve mainly for the protection of birds here, but also provides an excellent place for the travelers to visit.
  The Bird Island is equipped with a hotel and restaurant as well as tent hostels and other entertainment facilities in the south.

Grassland around Qinghai Lake

Enchanting Scenery around 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.
 

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