Foreign Tourist Travel to Qinghai: Driving Permits, and Restricted Areas(Official Policy)

Qinghai (Qinghai Province / 青海省) is one of China’s most sensitive northwestern frontier regions, with nearly 80% of its territory classified as non-open areas, border-controlled zones, ecological core reserves, or scientific restricted regions. According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the PRC, Regulations on Foreigners’ Travel Permits, Temporary Entry Vehicle & Driver Management Rules, Qinghai Border Management Regulations, and the 2026 national digital permit reform issued by the National Immigration Administration, Qinghai applies a strict tiered system: “urban core open zones, Qinghai South (Qingnan / 青南) & Qaidam Basin (Qaidam Basin / 柴达木盆地) requiring travel permits + advance filing, mandatory temporary driving license for self-driving, and absolute prohibition for military, border, and ecological core areas.” This guide integrates official documents from Qinghai Public Security Department, Tourism Bureau, Immigration Administration, and Sanjiangyuan National Park Authority, covering Qinghai Lake (Qinghai Lake / 青海湖), Chaka Salt Lake (Chaka Salt Lake / 茶卡盐湖), Hoh Xil (Hoh Xil / 可可西里), Yushu (Yushu / 玉树), Mangnai (Mangnai / 茫崖), and Qaidam Basin (Qaidam Basin / 柴达木盆地) routes to ensure full compliance for foreign visitors.

1. Absolute Prohibited Areas in Qinghai (No Entry / No Permits Issued · Military / Border / Ecological / Scientific Zones)

(1) Xining City (Xining / 西宁)

Huangzhong District – Jinyintan Atomic City (Jinyintan Atomic City / 金银滩原子城, 221 Factory / 221厂): China’s first nuclear weapons development base, a top-level military-industrial restricted zone, no access permitted.

(2) Qinghai Lake Region (Qinghai Lake / 青海湖 · Hainan / 海南州 & Haibei / 海北州)

Haibei Prefecture – Qinghai Lake Bird Island (Bird Island / 鸟岛, Egg Island / 蛋岛, Cormorant Island / 鸬鹚岛): national ecological core reserve with electronic fencing and biometric surveillance.

Hainan Prefecture – Er’langjian West Military Buffer Zone (Erlangjian / 二郎剑): radar stations and military deployments, strictly prohibited.

(3) Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Haixi / 海西州 · Qaidam Basin / 柴达木盆地)

Golmud City (Golmud / 格尔木) – Tanggula Mountain South Buffer Zone (Tanggula Mountains / 唐古拉山, Tuotuo River / 沱沱河, Yangtze Source Monument / 长江源纪念碑): Tibetan border control corridor, no foreign access.

Chaerhan Salt Lake Industrial Core Zone (Chaerhan Salt Lake / 察尔汗盐湖): China’s largest potassium fertilizer base, core industrial restricted area.

Mangnai City (Mangnai / 茫崖) – Lenghu Astronomical Observatory (Lenghu / 冷湖, Saishiteng Mountain / 赛什腾山): national radio-quiet scientific zone.

Mars Camp Buffer Zone (Mars Camp / 火星营地): astronomical protection buffer area.

(4) Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Yushu / 玉树 · Qingnan / 青南)

Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve (Hoh Xil / 可可西里) – Suonandajie Protection Station (Suonandajie / 索南达杰) to Wudaoliang (Wudaoliang / 五道梁): Tibetan antelope migration core zone.

Soga Township (Soga / 索加乡): wilderness core area.

Yushu City (Yushu / 玉树) – Jiegu Town (Jiegu / 结古镇): military-controlled zone.

Nangqian County (Nangqian / 囊谦): Sichuan–Qinghai–Tibet border corridor.

(5) Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Huangnan / 黄南州)

Heri Town (Heri / 和日镇) electromagnetic silent zone: military-controlled restricted zone.

(6) General Prohibited Zones

Sanjiangyuan National Park (Sanjiangyuan / 三江源国家公园) core area;

G109 Highway (G109 / 青藏公路), G215, G317 controlled mountain sections;

Kunlun Mountains (Kunlun Mountains / 昆仑山) core glaciers and high-altitude wilderness;

All military bases, radar stations, ammunition depots.

2. Travel Permit Required Areas (72-Hour Advance Filing Zones)

Haibei Prefecture (Haibei / 海北州)

Haiyan County (Haiyan / 海晏), Qilian County (Qilian / 祁连), Gangcha County (Gangcha / 刚察), Menyuan County (Menyuan / 门源): Qinghai Lake outskirts and Qilian Mountains.

Hainan Prefecture (Hainan / 海南州)

Gonghe County (Gonghe / 共和) – Qinghai Lake Erlangjian (Erlangjian / 二郎剑), Chaka Salt Lake (Chaka Salt Lake / 茶卡盐湖);

Guide County (Guide / 贵德), Tongde County (Tongde / 同德), Xinghai County (Xinghai / 兴海).

Haixi Prefecture (Haixi / 海西州)

Delingha City (Delingha / 德令哈), Ulan County (Ulan / 乌兰), Dulan County (Dulan / 都兰), Golmud City (Golmud / 格尔木), Mangnai City (Mangnai / 茫崖) open sections: Keluke Lake (Keluke Lake / 可鲁克湖), Tosu Lake (Tosu Lake / 托素湖), G315 Highway (G315 / 315国道).

Yushu Prefecture (Yushu / 玉树州)

Yushu City (Yushu / 玉树), Chenduo County (Chenduo / 称多), Zaduo County (Zaduo / 杂多), Nangqian County (Nangqian / 囊谦): Wencheng Princess Temple (Wencheng Princess Temple / 文成公主庙), Mani Stone Pile (Mani Dui / 玛尼堆).

Huangnan Prefecture (Huangnan / 黄南州)

Tongren City (Tongren / 同仁), Jianzha County (Jianzha / 尖扎), Zeku County (Zeku / 泽库), Henan County (Henan / 河南县): Kanbula National Park (Kanbula / 坎布拉国家地质公园).

Guoluo Prefecture (Guoluo / 果洛州)

Maqin County (Maqin / 玛沁), Banma (班玛), Gande (甘德), Dari (达日), Jiuzhi (久治), Madoi (玛多): Nianbao Yuze (Nianbao Yuze / 年保玉则), Yellow River Source (Huanghe Source / 黄河源).

3. Self-Driving Permits in Qinghai (Foreign Driver System)

Foreigners’ Travel Permit (Foreigners Travel Permit / 外国人旅行证)

Issued digitally via the National Immigration 12367 App (12367 APP / 国家移民局平台). Includes QR verification, passport binding, and zone-specific permissions.

Mandatory printed version required in Yushu (Yushu / 玉树) and Mangnai (Mangnai / 茫崖).

Temporary Driving Permit (Temporary Driving Permit / 临时机动车驾驶许可)

Valid for up to 3 months, requires foreign license + Chinese translation + passport + travel permit.

Foreigners are strictly prohibited from independent driving in Qingnan (Qingnan / 青南) and Qaidam Basin (Qaidam / 柴达木).

Guide + travel agency filing required for G109 (G109 / 青藏公路), G315 (G315 / 315国道), G215 (G215 / 格尔木公路).

4. Required Documents (2026 Standard)

Passport (Passport / 护照);

Chinese visa (Chinese Visa / 中国签证);

Hotel registration (Accommodation Registration / 住宿登记);

Itinerary (Travel Itinerary / 行程单);

Foreign driving license + translation;

Application forms for permits.

5. Application Centers (Qinghai Official Offices)

Xining Exit-Entry Administration (Xining / 西宁);

Gonghe Public Security Bureau (Gonghe / 共和);

Golmud Exit-Entry Bureau (Golmud / 格尔木);

Yushu Exit-Entry Bureau (Yushu / 玉树);

Mangnai Exit-Entry Bureau (Mangnai / 茫崖).

6. Travel Routes (Foreign Tourist Approved Corridors)

Qinghai Lake Route: Xining → Qinghai Lake (Qinghai Lake / 青海湖) → Chaka Salt Lake (Chaka / 茶卡) → Gangcha (Gangcha / 刚察);

Qaidam Route: Xining → Delingha (Delingha / 德令哈) → Keluke Lake (Keluke / 可鲁克湖) → Golmud (Golmud / 格尔木);

Yushu Route: Xining → Madoi (Madoi / 玛多) → Yushu (Yushu / 玉树) → Wencheng Temple (Wencheng Temple / 文成公主庙).

7. Penalties

Unauthorized entry into restricted zones: RMB 1000–5000;

Military zone intrusion: deportation + blacklist;

Photography of sensitive areas: equipment confiscation + fines;

Repeated violations: permanent entry ban to China.

Closing Statement

Qinghai (Qinghai / 青海) enforces one of China’s strictest foreign access systems. While urban centers such as Xining (Xining / 西宁) remain open, most plateau, ecological, and border regions require advance permits, travel agency filing, and mandatory escort driving. Destinations such as Qinghai Lake (Qinghai Lake / 青海湖), Chaka Salt Lake (Chaka / 茶卡盐湖), and G315 Highway (G315 / 315国道) require strict compliance with permit systems and guided travel regulations to ensure legal and safe travel across the plateau.

Qinghai Foreign Visitor Travel Permit & Self-Drive Route Quick Reference Guide (Printable Version)

Section 1: Nationwide Basic Documents for Foreign Visitors (Mandatory for All Travelers)

Table

Section 2: Foreigners Travel Permit (Required for Sensitive-Control Areas)

Application Materials

Passport original + copy, visa/entry stamp copy, accommodation registration certificate, travel agency filing form, completed “Foreigners Travel Permit Application Form” on site. Photo is taken free at the service center.

Photo Standards

2-inch white background color photo, taken within 6 months. Ears must be visible, no accessories, no uniform clothing; dark clothing recommended.

Permit Format & Usage Rules

• Digital permit stored in “National Immigration Administration 12367 App / Mini Program”
• QR code is the official verification method
• Remote regions such as Yushu (玉树), Mangya (茫崖), Guoluo (果洛) require printed paper copy
• Screenshot versions are invalid
• Must be applied in person; biometric data (face + fingerprints) collected on site
• Free of charge
• Valid for 3 months, restricted to approved areas only

Official Application Centers (By Route)

• Qinghai Provincial Public Security Exit-Entry Administration (Xining, Chengdong District): province-wide service center
• Gonghe County Exit-Entry Office (共和县): Qinghai Lake (青海湖), Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖), Hainan region
• Golmud Exit-Entry Office (格尔木市): Haixi (海西), Qaidam Basin (柴达木) region
• Yushu Exit-Entry Office (玉树市): Southern Qinghai (青南) region
• Delingha Exit-Entry Office (德令哈市): Eastern Haixi region

Working Hours

Weekdays 09:00–12:00 / 14:30–17:30; closed on weekends and public holidays

Section 3: Temporary Motor Vehicle Driving Permit (Self-Drive Use Across Qinghai)

Application Materials

Passport original + copy, visa copy, foreign driving license + certified Chinese translation, accommodation registration certificate, completed application form, 2 × 1-inch white background photos. Medical certificate required for large vehicles.

Photo Standards

1-inch white background color photo within 6 months. Ears visible, no accessories, no uniform; glasses allowed if normally worn. On-site free photo service available.

Permit Format & Usage Rules

• Physical card format showing nationality, driving category, validity, issuing authority seal
• Must be presented together with foreign driving license, Chinese translation, and passport
• Mandatory 30-minute Chinese road traffic safety training (no exam)
• Fee: 10 RMB processing fee
• Valid up to 3 months (aligned with visa duration); extension up to 1 year possible
• Strictly non-transferable

Official Application Centers

• Xining Vehicle Administration Office (西宁市车管所, Chengdong District): province-wide service center
• Haidong Vehicle Administration Office (海东市车管所): eastern Qinghai routes
• Golmud Vehicle Administration Office (格尔木市车管所): Haixi & Qaidam region
• Yushu Vehicle Administration Office (玉树市车管所): southern plateau region

Section 4: Regional Access Classification (Restricted / Permit Required / Open Areas)

Absolute No-Entry Zones (Strictly Prohibited)

Violations may lead to fines, deportation, or entry bans.

• Xining (西宁市): Jinyintan Atomic City (221 Factory / 金银滩原子城) entire area
• Haibei Prefecture (海北州): Qinghai Lake Bird Island core area (Qinghai Lake Bird Island / 青海湖鸟岛)
• Hainan Prefecture (海南州): Military-controlled area west of Erlangjian Scenic Zone (青海湖二郎剑)
• Haixi Prefecture (海西州): South of Tanggula Town in Golmud (格尔木唐古拉山镇以南), Tuotuo River (沱沱河), Changjiang Source Monument buffer zone; Qarhan Salt Lake industrial core area; Mangya Lenghu Observatory; Qaidam Mars Camp western buffer zone
• Yushu Prefecture (玉树州): Kekexili (可可西里) core zone, Suoge Township (索加乡), Golmud-Yushu military border areas
• Huangnan Prefecture (黄南州): Hoh Xil electromagnetic restricted zone (和日镇电磁静默区)
• General: All military zones, radar stations, outposts, Kunlun unopen glacier areas, Three-Rivers-Source National Park core zone (三江源国家公园)

Areas Requiring Foreigners Travel Permit + Travel Agency Filing

• Haibei Prefecture (海北州): Haiyan (海晏县), Qilian (祁连县), Gangcha (刚察县), Menyuan (门源回族自治县)
• Hainan Prefecture (海南州): Gonghe (共和县), Guide (贵德县), Tongde (同德县), Xinghai (兴海县)
• Haixi Prefecture (海西州): Delingha (德令哈), Wulan (乌兰), Dulan (都兰), Golmud urban + outer zones, Mangya open sections
• Yushu Prefecture (玉树州): Yushu open areas, Chindu (称多县), Zadoi (杂多县), Nangqian (囊谦县)
• Huangnan Prefecture (黄南州): Tongren (同仁市), Jainca (尖扎县), Zeku (泽库县), Henan Mongol Autonomous County (河南蒙古族自治县)
• Guoluo Prefecture (果洛州): Maqin (玛沁县), Banma (班玛县), Gande (甘德县), Dari (达日县), Jiuzhi (久治县), Madoi (玛多县)

Fully Open Areas (No Permit Required)

• Xining urban districts (Xining City: Chengdong, Chengzhong, Chengxi, Chengbei / 西宁市主城区)
• Haidong urban districts (Haidong City: Ledu, Ping’an / 海东市主城区)

Section 5: Popular Travel & Self-Drive Routes Permit Checklist

Table

Section 6: FAQ & Violation Penalties

Common Questions

Can these permits be handled by an agent?
No. Personal presence is required for biometric collection and mandatory training.

Do visa-free travelers still need permits?
Yes. Visa exemption does not apply to restricted areas in Qinghai.

What if the digital permit cannot be accessed?
Printed paper version is required in remote regions; paper copy is the only valid form when offline.

What if the driving permit is lost?
Must return to original vehicle administration office for reissue; fee 10 RMB.

Can foreign vehicles enter Qaidam or Yushu alone?
No. Must be accompanied by a licensed guide arranged through an official travel agency.

Penalty Standards (2026 Rules)

• Unauthorized entry into restricted zones: 1,000–2,000 RMB fine + record filing
• Entry into military or absolute prohibited areas: 3,000–5,000 RMB fine + deportation
• Photography of military or border facilities: equipment confiscation + 2,000 RMB fine
• Repeated violations or illegal wilderness crossing: entry blacklist + permanent ban from China

Section 7: Travel Tips for Foreign Visitors in Qinghai

• Time planning: Apply in advance; peak season (June–October) requires longer waiting time
• High-altitude safety: Qinghai averages high elevation; oxygen and anti-altitude medication recommended
• Cultural respect: Do not touch prayer flags or religious items in Tibetan areas
• Supplies: Remote regions like Haixi (海西), Yushu (玉树), Guoluo (果洛) have limited fuel and food supply
• Checkpoint cooperation: Always present full documents and follow inspection procedures without dispute