Haixin Mountain in Gonghe County, Hainan

Haixin Mountain (海心山), historically known as Longju Island (龙驹岛), lies in the southern-central area of Qinghai Lake. The island is formed from granite and appears milky white when viewed from a distance. Covering approximately 1.2 square kilometers, it is home to Lianhua Nunnery (莲花庵, also known as Fuyunlun Nunnery), a secluded retreat associated with Tibetan Buddhism. The island also preserves the remains of the Tang Dynasty-era Yinglong City and is connected with the ancient legend of “Haixin Mountain Raising the Dragon Colts.” It lies within the core zone of the Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve, so ordinary visitors are prohibited from landing on the island and can only admire it from designated viewpoints along the lakeshore.

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Guide

June–September: The best period for viewing Haixin Mountain, when Qinghai Lake is broad and deep blue, with high visibility on clear days and a distinct island silhouette visible from the shore. October offers crisp autumn weather and clear skies. From November to April, the lake may freeze, but visitors are still prohibited from walking onto the ice or attempting to reach the island.

Daily Viewing

Lakeshore viewpoints along the Qinghai Lake Ring Road are generally accessible throughout the day. On clear mornings and in the late afternoon, the light is particularly transparent and creates the best conditions for viewing Haixin Mountain from a distance. When fog develops, the island may disappear completely into the mist above the lake.

Transportation

By car: Follow the Qinghai Lake Ring Road. Lakeshore areas near Jiangxigou (江西沟) and Erlangjian (二郎剑) provide opportunities to view the island from afar. Use designated parking areas along the ring road rather than stopping on the roadway.

By public transport: Take local transportation to towns along the Qinghai Lake route and then use a taxi to reach suitable lakeshore viewing points.

Inside the scenic area: Haixin Mountain can only be viewed from the lakeshore. There are no tourist boats to the island, and landing on the island is prohibited.

🏔️ Key Attractions

1. Distant Views of Haixin Mountain

On a clear day, the milky-white island appears to float above the deep blue waters of Qinghai Lake. It is associated with the poetic description “a patch of white snow floating upon green waves,” making Haixin Mountain a distinctive long-distance photography subject along the Qinghai Lake circuit.

2. Historical and Cultural Heritage

The island preserves remnants of Yinglong City, reportedly constructed by the Tang Dynasty general Geshu Han (哥舒翰). Lianhua Nunnery is traditionally regarded as a secluded place for Buddhist practice, with resident nuns associated with religious retreat on the island.

3. The Legend of Longju Island

According to local legend, fine horses were once raised here, eventually producing extraordinary steeds known as “Dragon Colts” (龙驹). This story gave the island its historical name, Longju Island, and remains one of the well-known legends associated with Qinghai Lake.

Recommended visiting time: about 0.5 hour, mainly as a scenic distant-viewing stop during a Qinghai Lake road trip.

Accommodation and Food

Accommodation: Choose a guesthouse around Qinghai Lake, or return to Gonghe County or Xihai Town (西海镇) for accommodation.

Food: Local choices include hand-pulled lamb, yak meat, and traditional aged yogurt. Supplies around the lakeshore are limited, so bringing drinking water is recommended.

Travel Tips

1. Viewing Haixin Mountain from the lakeshore is free, and there are no tourist landing services. The island lies within the core protected zone, and ordinary visitors are strictly prohibited from landing; there are no public tourist boats, and walking across the ice or driving onto the island is forbidden. Violations may result in intervention by reserve management authorities. Only approved scientific researchers and official personnel may enter the island under authorized arrangements.
2. When taking photographs along the Qinghai Lake Ring Road, always stop in a designated parking area and never remain in the traffic lanes.
3. Winds around the high-altitude lake can be strong, while day-to-night temperature differences are significant. Bring windproof clothing and use adequate sun protection.
4. Weather conditions around Qinghai Lake can change rapidly. During rain, heavy cloud, or dense fog, Haixin Mountain may become completely invisible.
5. Help protect the fragile Qinghai Lake ecosystem by taking all rubbish with you.