Situated
in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Xizang(Tibet) Plateau in
Northwest China, Qinghai Province is known as the “Roof of
the World" along, with Tibet Autonomous Region. It borders
on Gansu, Sichuan,
Tibet Autonomous Region and Xinjiang
Uygur Autonomous Region. Area: 720000 km2.
Most of the province consists
of mountains and high plateaus, with an average elevation of over
3000 metres above sea level. Between the high mountains are broad
basins, rolling hilly areas and extensive flat tableland.
The
province has a typical continental climate, characterized by the
dry windy and cold weather. The annual mean temperature is -5°-
8°C and the annual precipitation is 250-550 mm.
It
possesses famous mountains and great rivers. The famous rivers such
as the Changjiang(Yangtze) River and the Huanghe River all rise
here. The beautiful glaciers and rolling lofty mountains offer the
ideal places for mountain-climbing and scientific investigations.
Qinghai Lake, the largest inland salt lake in China, is a national
major famous scenic area. There stands a Bird Island in the northwestern
part of the lake, where over 100000 various birds are dwelling from
May to autumn every year, presenting a splendid sight. Other famous
historic sites include Tar Monastery in Huangzhong, Grand Mosque
in Xining, etc.
The
specialities mainly include marmot skin, carpet, lambskin, and handicraft
articles such as silver ware, ornaments and Zang-style knives.
