Jinyintan Grasslands

Jinyintan Grasslands
金银滩草原

Located in Haiyan county in Qinghai province, the Jinyintan Grasslands, or the Gold and Silver Grasslands, are one of the major attractions of the province, and cover an area of 570 square kilometers. They are embraced by the mountains and neighbor Qinghai Lake to the west. The Tibetan people have for a long time dwelled there, forming a unique and intriguing ethnic culture.

The Jinyintan Grasslands enjoy rich natural resources and provide pastures for large numbers of livestock. These natural resources bestowed upon the grasslands are considered as precious as gold and silver, hence the name. From July to September, the golden days of the year,

sheep and yaks stroll through the grass and wild flowers, and birds and eagles fly through air and circle the distant mountains. The yurts are scattered across the grasslands, resembling blooming lotuses.

The grasslands are also the birthplace of the household love song In That Distance Place, by Wang Luobin (1913-96).

Best times to visit: July to September
Major attractions: Tibetan Folklore Park, Wang Luobin Musical Art Museum