One of the most interesting species of fish is called huangyu or naked carp and is unique to this lake.

Local people are proud of this species and call it the king of the lake. Huangyu has no scales on its body and makes for delicious eating.

It is listed as an endangered species and any forms of fishing are banned. However, huangyu is raised in nearby fish farms and is available at many restaurants in the capital.

Qinghai Lake is located at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia and as a result has become an important breeding ground.

On the western side of the lake, at the tip of the peninsula is Bird Island and in April every year, more than 100,000 birds, such as albatross, seagulls, cormorants, swans and numerous other varieties arrive from southern China and Southeast Asia to build nests and lay eggs.

During breeding season, thousands of birds' eggs are seen scattered across the ground and within a few months, the adult birds lead their hatchlings up high in the sky above the lake.

The sight of hundreds of thousands of birds flying in the sky at the same time is spectacular.

2. Kumbum Monastery

Kumbum Monastery, also known as Ta'er, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery that was founded in 1379.

Located about 26 km away from Xining, the monastery is rich in fascinating arts. The famous butter sculptures, the barbolas, and the murals are considered to be a unique art of superb craftsmanship.

A visitor to this complex can feel the special charm of Tibetan Buddhism through the architecture, which is designed to enhance a worshipper's senses.

Within the complex is the Tree of Great Merit. The tree's leaves are said to bear impressions of the Buddha's face and various prayers.

3. Hoh Xil Natural Reserve

Hoh Xil (kekesili) means "Lord of 10,000 mountains" and this marvelous nature reserve is in the southwest part of Qinghai province.

There are more than 230 species of wild animals living in Hoh Xil, 20 of which are under state protection. The most famous is the Tibetan antelope, which was chosen as one of five mascots used for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

4. The Sun and Moon Mountain

Ri Yue (Sun and Moon) Mountain is one of China's most beautiful scenic spots and has been praised by scholars from ancient times.

From the top of the mountain there is a superb panorama of the lush green grasslands below that are full of trees.

The mountain's name is connected to another story about Princess Wencheng. Legend goes that when she passed the mountain she missed home very deeply so in a bid to beat her homesick blues she smashed a magic mirror, which was a gift from her father the emperor of Tang Dynasty.

She was told that the mirror would always show her hometown whenever she missed her family and friends.

5. Kunlun Mountain Pass

The Kunlun Mountain Pass sits in the middle of Asia's longest mountain range that stretches for more than 3,000 km. The mountain is honored by Taoists as the 'Father of all mountains' and is one of the centers of Chinese folklore. The pass is 160 km to the south of Golmud, and is the only path to Tibet from Qinghai and Gansu provinces.