Qinghai
Lauren Dolishny
Geographical Features and Characteristics
- Capital is Xining in eastern Qinghai
- Qinghai Hu is biggest lake in China
- Average elevation 9,900 ft
- Lowest point 8,700 ft
- The Yellow river and Yangtze river
The Location of Qinghai
- Province is the 4th largest in China
Demographics
- Majority Han
- Minorities include: Tibetians and Mongols
- Popuation is 5.2 milion
Weather Climate and Seasons
- Precipitation less than 4 inches per year (summer)
- Winter is dry, cold, and windy
- Summer is short and warm
- Plentiful sunshine for plant growth
Qinghai Hu
- Qinghai Hu means "blue lake"
- Saltwater lake in northeastern Qinghai
- Largest lake in China
Major Industries and Products
- Coal
- Petroleum
- Horse Breeding
Economy
- Agriculture, (wheat, barley, and Irish potatoes)
- Forestry, (spruce, birch, Chinese pine, and Chinese juniper)
- herding cattle, yaks, horses, and sheep, (major source of wealth)
- Oil and natural gas
Cultural Differences
- Rural lifestyle influenced by traditional culture
- Mongols and Tibetans: one son was expected to enter a lamasery
- Qinghai lake, natural setting and abundant bird life
- Annual multistage bicycle road race
Cultural Festival
History
- Qinghai long considered part of Tibet
- Made a province in 1928
- The Ta'er Monastery, famous historical sites
- Traders met near Qinghai lake to exchange locally bred horses for tea
Ta'er Monastery
Tourist Sites
- Ta'er Monastery
- Qinghai Lake