Black Horse River

　　    Guide      There are over 50 freshwater rivers that flow into Qinghai Lake, and the Black Horse River is one of them — the name of the town, Hei Ma He Township, also originates from this river.       Introduction      Located about 220 kilometers west of Xining on the shore of Qinghai Lake, Black Horse River marks the starting point of the Qinghai Lake Loop Highway. Traveling 78 kilometers along this loop road from here will take you to the famous Bird Island.

　　    The stretch of the Loop West Road from Black Horse River toward Bird Island is known as the most beautiful section of the Qinghai Lake Loop. Many long-distance hikers or cycling enthusiasts choose to begin their dreamlike loop journey from Black Horse River.

　　    The Loop West Road showcases different sceneries across seasons: in May, wildflowers bloom and flocks of birds fly overhead; in August, vast fields of rapeseed flowers burst into brilliant yellow along the lakeshore; and in October, once the bustle fades, the grasslands around Black Horse River become tranquil, and Qinghai Lake reveals its simplest, most unadorned beauty. Additionally, autumn is the best season for sunrise viewing, and Black Horse River, situated on the western shore of the lake, is one of the prime spots to watch the sunrise over Qinghai Lake.

　　     Qinghai Qinghai Lake