The Qinghai Lake also named “Kukunaoer”, which carries a Mongolian meaning that the blue sea. Located at a basin of north Qinghai province, it is both the biggest inland lake and the biggest salt water lake in China, which covers an area of 4583 square kilometers. With beautiful scenery, it has become the 5A national scenic area, attracting many foreign students who study in qualified Mandarin program in China. When it comes to December, the lake surface is freezing and the ice age lasts for six months. During this period, the ice is as thin as half a meter.
There are totally six small islands in the lake center, the largest of which is Haixin Mountain. The Bird Island is located in the west of the lake, covering an area of o.11 square kilometers. It is the reproduction and living place of more than ten species of birds such as bar-headed goose, all kinds of fishes and cormorants and so on, reaching 100 thousand in number. At present, the wild animals’ protection area was established.
The lake water resource of Qinghai Lake mainly deepens on the surface runoff and lake surface runoff supplement. There are more than 40 rivers flow into the lake such as Buha River, Bagewulan River and Daotang River. In the ancient time, Qinghai Lake was called Xi Hai or Xian Hai. The name Qing Hai was named in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Since it is located in the northeast of plateau, Qinghai Lake is surrounded by high mountains in all directions.
The north of Qinghai Lake is the magnificent Datong Mountain and the east of which is the high Rirue Mountain. The south of which is the widespread Nanshan while the west is Xiangpi Mountain. Some of the students who learn Chinese language are attracted by the boundless and indistinct grass around Qinghai Lake. With flat land and rich water as well as temperate climate, it can be the natural pasture with abundant water and grass resources.
In addition, Qinghai Lake is so charming is also because the different sceneries in various seasons. In summer and autumn, all mountains and the lakeside are decorated with green cover. The air is fresh and makes it a good place to enjoy the peaceful nature. When it comes to winter, the grass turns yellow and the land begins to become silver. The lake surface is frozen andjust like a large mirror.