Hainan (Qinghai) Administrative Divisions

Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (海南藏族自治州) is located in the southeastern part of Qinghai Province (青海省), south of Qinghai Lake (青海湖), and is named after its geographical position “south of the lake.” Known as the “Gateway between Qinghai and Tibet” (海藏通衢), Hainan Prefecture is an important cultural and ecological region on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The prefecture covers an area of approximately 44,500 square kilometers and is composed of five counties. The prefectural government is located in Gonghe County (共和县). The overall administrative structure features “five counties and thirty-six townships,” with 36 township-level administrative units and more than 400 administrative villages.

The geographical characteristics of Hainan Prefecture can be summarized as “agriculture in the east, pastoral areas in the west, rivers in the south, and lakes in the north.” The northern area is dominated by the magnificent landscape of Qinghai Lake, the central and southern areas are shaped by the Yellow River valleys and plateau grasslands, while Tibetan cultural traditions are deeply integrated into local villages, monasteries, and pastoral life.

Each county has developed different tourism characteristics based on its natural environment, history, and ethnic culture.

Gonghe County (共和县): The Political and Tourism Center of Hainan Prefecture

Gonghe County is the political, economic, and cultural center of Hainan Prefecture and the location of the prefectural government. It is the only county in Hainan that connects both the southern shore of Qinghai Lake and the Yellow River valley region, creating a diverse tourism pattern combining lakes, grasslands, valleys, and historical sites.

The northern part of Gonghe features Qinghai Lake scenery, including Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area (青海湖二郎剑景区), Daotang River (倒淌河), and Fuxi City Ruins (伏俟城遗址). The southern area is famous for Longyang Gorge (龙羊峡) and the Longyang Gorge Hydropower Station, where the Yellow River forms a spectacular turquoise reservoir surrounded by canyon landscapes.

The county is the best starting point for exploring Hainan Prefecture and is suitable for travelers interested in lake landscapes, Tibetan culture, and plateau road trips.

Guide County (贵德县): The “Highland Jiangnan” of Qinghai

Guide County is famous for the saying “The Yellow River is clear in Guide” (天下黄河贵德清). Compared with other parts of Hainan Prefecture, Guide has a relatively mild climate and lower elevation, earning it the reputation of “Highland Jiangnan” (高原小江南).

Its major tourism resources include the Yellow River Clear Wetland Park (黄河清湿地公园), Guide National Geopark (贵德国家地质公园), especially the Ashigong Colorful Peak Cluster (阿什贡七彩峰丛), and the historic Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁).

The county combines clear Yellow River scenery, colorful Danxia landforms, hot springs, ancient architecture, and agricultural landscapes, making it one of the most culturally rich destinations in eastern Qinghai.

Guinan County (贵南县): Original Grasslands and Tibetan Culture

Guinan County is located south of the Yellow River and is known for its broad grasslands, traditional Tibetan communities, and relatively undeveloped natural landscapes.

The county preserves strong Tibetan cultural traditions. Important cultural attractions include Tashu Monastery (塔秀寺) and Lucang Monastery (鲁仓寺), which represent the religious heritage of the region.

Guinan is suitable for travelers seeking quieter plateau experiences, including grassland scenery, Tibetan villages, pastoral culture, and traditional Buddhist architecture.

Tongde County (同德县): Yellow River Landscape and Ancient Monasteries

Tongde County is characterized by its unique geography surrounded by the Yellow River and its distinctive plateau landforms. The area contains geological traces from ancient marine environments and offers impressive highland scenery.

The county’s cultural tourism resources are mainly represented by Shizang Monastery (石藏寺) and Lajia Monastery (拉加寺), both important Tibetan Buddhist sites with long histories.

Tongde is ideal for travelers interested in religious culture, plateau landscapes, and less-visited destinations away from major tourist routes.

Xinghai County (兴海县): The Three-River Source Ecological Region

Xinghai County is located in an important ecological area connected with the Sanjiangyuan National Nature Reserve (三江源国家自然保护区). It features vast grasslands, mountain landscapes, and rich plateau biodiversity.

The county is famous for Saizong Mountain (赛宗山), a sacred mountain in Tibetan Buddhism, and Saizong Monastery (赛宗寺). Visitors can experience high-altitude grasslands, Tibetan religious culture, and the natural environment of the Three Rivers Source region.

Xinghai is particularly attractive for travelers interested in ecological tourism, wildlife observation, and authentic Tibetan plateau scenery.

Administrative Division Table of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Note: Administrative divisions may be adjusted according to official government announcements. The prefectural government of Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is located in Qabucha Town, Gonghe County (共和县恰卜恰镇).