Known as the "sapphire on plateau," Qinghai Lake is the largest inland saltwater lake in China. It is key to maintaining the ecological balance in western China and also acts as a natural barrier for controlling the eastward spread of desertification. As temperatures drop, the lake enters its frozen period in mid-December and begins to thaw in April the following year. It looks like a dazzling gem embedded on the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

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Spectacular scenery at China's largest inland saltwater lake

Bird's-eye view of Qinghai: The frozen 'ear' of Qinghai Lake