Qinghai: the origination of Yellow River

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For today's introduction of Chinese provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, let's take a look at Qinghai province.

Qinghai Province takes its names from the largest inland saltwater lake in China. The province is located in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau in western China. It covers an area of 720,000 square kilometers, making it the country's fourth largest province. Xining is its capital.

Its total population is some 5 million, comprised of the Han, Tibetan, Tu, Hui, Salar and Mongolian ethnic groups.

The Yellow River originates in the heart of Qinghai, while the Yangtze River and Lancang River, the upper reach of the Mekong river have their sources in the southwest.

Qinghai has snow-covered mountains, icy peaks, deserts, vast pastures and sparkling lakes. Flocks of rare birds and animals dot the distinctive natural landscape.