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

History

Qinghai was historically part of the Amdo province of Tibet. In 1928 it became a province of the then Republic of China.

Geography

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.

Economy

Demographics

The province of Qinghai boasts a population of 5 million, among which the Han is the largest group. Other groups include the Tibetans, Tu, Hui, Salar and Mongols.

Culture

Transport

The Lanqing Railway , running between Lanzhou, Gansu and Xining, the province's capital, was completed in 1959 and is the major transportation route in and out of the province. A continuation of the line, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, has become one of the most ambitious projects in PRC history, and will, by completion, connect Tibet with the rest of China through Qinghai. Six National Highways run through the province. Xining Airport provides service to Beijing, Lanzhou, Gormund and Dolingha .

See Transportation in China.

Tourism

Miscellaneous topics

Parts of the anime and manga Ranma ½ take place at the Jusenkyo Springs, a fictional, secret training ground in Qinghai.

External links