Haibei Administrative Divisions

Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (海北藏族自治州) is located in the northern part of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), which is why it is named “Haibei” meaning “north of the lake”. As one of the closest autonomous prefectures to Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, Haibei serves as an important gateway for exploring the Qinghai Lake region, Qilian Mountains (祁连山), and the northern plateau landscapes.

The prefecture covers an area of approximately 34,000 square kilometers and has a concentrated administrative structure consisting of 4 counties. The prefectural government is located in Xihai Town (西海镇), Haiyan County (海晏县). Haibei currently administers around 30 township-level divisions and 214 administrative villages.

Known as a miniature representation of “Beautiful Qinghai” (大美青海), Haibei combines the ecological resources of Qinghai Lake and the Qilian Mountains, creating a unique tourism landscape featuring snow mountains, grasslands, lakes, wetlands, forests, ethnic villages, and historical heritage. Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, and Han cultures have interacted here for centuries, forming a distinctive plateau cultural environment.

The administrative structure of Haibei can be summarized as the “Four Counties Around Qinghai Lake and Qilian Mountains” pattern. Each county has developed its own tourism identity, from flower seas and snow peaks to alpine grasslands and revolutionary heritage sites.

Menyuan Hui Autonomous County (门源回族自治县): Flower Sea and Snow Mountain Destination

Menyuan Hui Autonomous County is located in the eastern part of Haibei and is one of Qinghai’s most famous summer tourism destinations. The county is widely known for the spectacular Menyuan Hundred-Mile Rapeseed Flower Sea (门源百里油菜花海), which creates a stunning landscape of golden flowers against snow-covered mountains during July.

The county is also home to Gangshika Snow Peak (岗什卡雪峰), the highest peak in the eastern Qilian Mountains with an elevation of 5,254.5 meters. It is an important destination for mountaineering, hiking, and winter outdoor activities. Other attractions include Xianmi National Forest Park (仙米国家森林公园) and ancient cultural sites such as Ganglong Grottoes (岗龙石窟).

Menyuan is suitable for year-round tourism, offering flower photography in summer, colorful forests in autumn, and snow sports in winter.

Qilian County (祁连县): The “Oriental Switzerland” of the Plateau

Qilian County lies deep in the Qilian Mountains and is one of the most scenic mountain destinations in Qinghai. It is famous for its magnificent grasslands, snow peaks, forests, and Tibetan cultural landscapes.

The county contains the national 5A-level scenic area Amdo Dongso Scenic Area (阿咪东索景区) and the iconic Zhuo’er Mountain (卓尔山), often called the “Oriental Switzerland” because of its colorful Danxia landforms, green valleys, snow mountains, and pastoral scenery.

The “Northern Qilian No.9 Highway” (北驾祁连·9号公路) connects many major scenic spots in the region and has been recognized as one of China’s most beautiful self-driving routes. Qilian is particularly suitable for road trips, photography tours, hiking, and ecological tourism.

Gangcha County (刚察县): Qinghai Lake Ecological Tourism Center

Gangcha County is located on the northern shore of Qinghai Lake and is one of the core destinations for exploring the western and northern sections of the Qinghai Lake area.

The county focuses on ecological tourism and wildlife protection. Qinghai Lake Shengquan Bay Ecological Experience Area (青海湖圣泉湾生态体验区) provides opportunities to observe wetlands, birds, and plateau ecosystems. The Przewalski’s Gazelle Science Education Base (普氏原羚科普研学基地) is an important destination for wildlife research and educational tourism.

The county is also an important stop along the Qinghai Lake western route, especially the scenic Huanhu West Road (环湖西路), which offers some of the most beautiful lakeside landscapes in Qinghai.

Haiyan County (海晏县): Red Heritage and Qinghai Lake Panorama

Haiyan County is the political center of Haibei Prefecture and the location of the prefectural government. Xihai Town (西海镇), the county seat, is both an administrative center and a historically significant area.

The county is famous for China Atomic City (中国原子城), the former site of China’s first atomic and hydrogen bomb research base. Located near Jinyintan Grassland (金银滩草原), it is now an important patriotic education and red tourism destination.

Another highlight is Qinghai Lake Tongbao Mountain (青海湖同宝山), which provides an excellent panoramic viewpoint overlooking Qinghai Lake. Haiyan also features Jinyintan Grassland, Bao’hu Mountain hot springs, and traditional plateau pastoral landscapes.

Administrative Division Table of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Note: The above administrative divisions are compiled according to publicly available government information. Township arrangements may be adjusted according to official announcements. Xihai Town (西海镇) is the seat of Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and an important center combining administrative functions with red cultural heritage.