Best Time to Visit Jinyintan Grassland – Optimal Travel Seasons

Jinyintan Grassland lies within Haiyan County, Qinghai Province. To its west, Tongbao Mountain borders Qinghai Lake. Steep lofty mountains enclose its northern and eastern areas, while its southern edge adjoins Sanjiao Town of Haiyan County — home to the ruins of Xihai Jun, an administrative stronghold built during Wang Mang’s regency in the Western Han Dynasty. Stretching across 1,100 square kilometers, the vast grassland is traversed by the Mapi River and Halijin River, widely known as the Golden and Silver Beach Grassland across Qinghai.

Tibetan herdsmen have lived on this fertile land for generations. Over 300,000 cattle and sheep graze here year-round, making it a classic pastoral area.

July, August and September constitute the prime travel season for Jinyintan. During these months, wild flowers burst into full bloom and hundreds of birds soar across the sky, with melodious lark songs lingering in the air. The grassland is blanketed with lush green turf. Flocks of sheep drift like floating clouds, and brown-and-black yaks wander sporadically amid green grass and wild blossoms. Local Tibetans in traditional ethnic costumes ride fine horses, trotting leisurely across the meadow. In the distance roll undulating mountain ridges, where golden eagles occasionally glide overhead. Lotus-shaped yurts scatter faintly beneath the white clouds.

90 RMB (package ticket)

08:30 – 19:00