Xiaobohu Wetland

Xiaobohu Wetland

Xiaobohu is located about 6 kilometers northwest of Hudedong Breeding Sheep Farm, adjacent to Qinghai Lake, and has been designated as part of the international wetland resource area and one of the scenic spots of Qinghai Lake National Park. It is a marshy grassland left behind after the water level of Qinghai Lake receded. With lush green grass and blooming flowers all around, the area is home to rare wild animals such as Przewalski's gazelle, deer, and marmots, while black-necked cranes, stone partridges, and snowcocks can often be seen flying overhead. The scenery is stunning and picturesque. The wetland features numerous springs at its source, which do not freeze in winter and are commonly known as the "Unfrozen Springs," locally referred to as "Spring Head." The habitat of Qinghai Province’s provincial bird, the black-necked crane, thrives here. Legend has it that Padmasambhava (the founder of the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism), carrying a black-necked crane on each shoulder, once came here to preach. Seeing the barren and arid land, he scattered his 108 Buddhist beads, which transformed into 108 springs upon touching the ground. The sweet and fragrant spring water turned the desert into lush green grassland filled with fragrant blossoms. The springs converged to form a lake, where the two black-necked cranes flew to the lake surface to ward off evil and protect all living things. This beautiful legend adds a layer of mystique to Xiaobohu and has contributed to its reputation. Visitors here can enjoy the “Jiangnan of the Frontier” scenery—clear springs, vibrant flowers, dense reeds, soaring birds and gulls, and naked carp swimming freely—while also experiencing the charm of an oasis in the desert. Additionally, they can take in the sight of peculiar sand dunes and vast, majestic grasslands.