Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Qinghai, despite being China's largest province, is one of the least known internationally, often overshadowed by its neighbors like Sichuan, Tibet, Xinjiang, and Gansu. It's a hidden gem with rugged beauty and a profound sense of solitude and remoteness. (2:10)
- Tip 2The dry climate in Xinjiang and Qinghai requires using a lot of cream and lip balm daily to combat dry skin. (5:07)
- Tip 3The uninhabitable area of the Qaidam Basin is rich in mineral resources. The unique climate has turned it into a treasure trove with colorful lakes containing high mineral content. (6:34)
- Tip 4The unique yardang landforms, created by wind erosion, are spectacular when viewed from above. The circular formations are layers of salt built up over millions of years. (11:04)
- Tip 5Most of the Qaidam Basin belongs to the Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, with road signs written in three languages. (15:39)
- Tip 6Visit a Mongolian sheep farm and learn about their lifestyle in the vast grassland. The sheep taste good due to the salty land. (16:37)
Little Chinese Everywhere embarks on a solo journey through China's least-visited province, traversing the desolate yet stunning landscapes of the Qaidam Basin in Qinghai. From the isolated city of Mang'ai, a hub of oil and salt amidst the desert, to the vibrant emerald lakes and unique yardang landforms, the video captures the raw beauty and harsh realities of this remote region. Witness Little Chinese Everywhere's encounters with local Mongolians, sharing their stories and lives in this sparsely populated land. A truly captivating exploration of a hidden gem in China.
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This episode of Little Chinese Everywhere's "China's LEAST Visited Province" series takes viewers on a remarkable journey through the heart of China's Qaidam Basin in Qinghai Province. The video begins in Ruoqiang, Xinjiang, where Little Chinese Everywhere prepares for an adventure through some of China's most desolate and uninhabited regions. The journey's first stop is Mang'ai, described as China's loneliest city, a surprising oasis of activity in the vast desert landscape. Little Chinese Everywhere explores the city, noting its oilfields, salt mines, and surprisingly modern amenities, contrasting with the harsh environment. The traveler interacts with local workers, highlighting the diverse population drawn to this resource-rich area. A local noodle shop provides a taste of the region's cuisine.
The journey continues across the Qaidam Basin, revealing a dramatic landscape of colorful salt lakes, unique mineral formations, and the striking yardang landforms sculpted by wind erosion. Little Chinese Everywhere's drone footage offers breathtaking aerial perspectives of these geological wonders, emphasizing the basin's otherworldly beauty. The traveler even discovers that some of the seemingly ordinary stones are actually salt deposits, a testament to the region's rich mineral history.
The video also features a poignant encounter with a Mongolian shepherd. This interaction provides a glimpse into the lives of the people who call this harsh land home. The shepherd discusses his lifestyle, the challenges of living in such isolation, and the historical connections between his people and the land. The conversation reveals the cultural richness and resilience of the Mongolian community. Little Chinese Everywhere learns about the local sheep farming and tastes the unique, salty-flavored meat. The vastness of the grassland and the shepherd's isolated existence are particularly striking.
The journey culminates in Delingha, on the other side of the Qaidam Basin, marking the end of this leg of the trip. Little Chinese Everywhere reflects on the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences encountered, leaving the viewer with a sense of wonder and a desire to explore this lesser-known part of China. The entire journey showcases the unexpected beauty, cultural depth, and resilience of life in this remote region, exceeding expectations and challenging preconceived notions of China's midwest.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What is Mang'ai like?
- A: It's a surprisingly big city in the middle of a vast desert, with oilfields, salt mines, and even a cinema!
- Q: What are the yardang landforms?
- A: They're these amazing formations created by wind erosion, and they look really spectacular from above. They're made of layers of salt!
- Q: What was it like meeting the Mongolian shepherd?
- A: It was really interesting! He told me about his life, how he hardly sees anyone, and about sheep theft by foxes and wolves!
- Q: What kind of noodles did you eat?
- A: I had Paozhang noodles in Mang'ai, a huge portion! And Master Dong had 4000-year-old pulled noodles.
- Q: What's the Qaidam Basin like?
- A: It's a huge, hyper-arid basin on the Tibetan Plateau, very dry, with lots of salt lakes and minerals. It's like being in a movie, the lake and the sky become one.
