Qinghai is a province of the People's Republic of China, named after the enormous Qinghai Lake (Koko Nor). It borders Gansu on the northeast, the Xinjiang Autonomous Region on the northwest, Sichuan on the southeast, and Tibet Autonomous Region on the southwest.

Qinghai is located on the northeastern part of the Tibetan Plateau. The Yellow River (Huang He) originates in the middle of the province, while the Yangtze and Mekong have their sources in the southern part. Most of Qinghai was historically part of the Amdo province of Tibet. In 1928 it became a province of the then Republic of China.

Qinghai's economy is amongst the smallest in all of China. Its nominal GDP for 2003 was just 4.8 billion USD and contributes to a little over 0.3% of the entire country's economy. Per capita GDP was 7310 RMB (882 USD).

Its heavy industry includes iron and steel productions, located near its capital city of Xining. Oil and natural gas from the Chaidamu Basin have also been an important contributor to the economy.

Qinghai's culture is heavily influenced by Tibet, given the close proximity as well as a shared history -Qinghai being historically called "Amdo".

The Kumbum Monastery (ta'er sì) lies 30km outside of Xining, and likely any taxi from the city will get you there, but be sure to haggle for a decent price. The Monastery is one of the most important Yellow Hat Sect monasteries in the world, and also includes a Hall of Yak Butter Sculptures, which is not to be missed. Admission is 35RMB, and extra for guides who speak a variety of languages.

China's largest organic livestock farm and food processing base has been set up recently on west China's Qinghai. The local flavors include fried flour slices, hand-pulled noodles, dry-stirred noodles, roasted mutton, Wan Shengma's pastries, and Ma Ruyi's steamed buns.

Gyêgu Town was once the most eight famous towns in history. Water transportation was developed, the richer and the local government organized people to carry the ocean queen in a carriage to parade in the street during the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival.