Qinghai Lake and more crowds

Qinghai Lake with rape fields in the foreground

Still in the process of acclimatizing at least that's what I am telling myself. Why else would we be subjected to yet another tourist destination that left me frazzled because of the crowds?  Qinghai Lake is 10,515 feet above sea level and is the largest lake in China.

The approach to the lake was beautiful with acres of yellow rape fields.  There was much traffic so we decided to get off the bus to walk.  Vendors were selling food and photo opportunities with decorated yaks.  The area felt very Tibetan - that's because the Qinghai province used to be considered part of Tibet (Amdo Region).  Now Tibet has shrunk to become the Tibet Autonomous Region.

I have to say I was underwhelmed by the lake.  There wasn't much to do or see.  We got close to it.  We walked around a part of it.  We touched the water.  We sat and gazed at the water.  And then we got back on the bus.  To be fair, there was a ferry boat that might have made the experience more interesting.

pano view

some amusing signs

All along the road, there were tents like this with the colorful flags.  Some provided accommodations and some were tea houses.  The countryside was stunning but I've had enough of long bus rides.