An aerial image shows the Qinghai Lake in northwest China's Qinghai Province. /CMG
The area of Qinghai Lake National Park in northwest China's Qinghai Province is planned to be 11,600 square kilometers – 5,100 square kilometers of core protected area and 6,500 square kilometers of general control area, local authorities said.
The core protected area will include the habitat of endangered species, such as Przewalski's gazelles, key migration channels of the Przewalski naked carps and important migration pathways of birds, according to the protection and utilization administration in the Qinghai Lake scenic area.
Groups of Przewalski's gazelles look for food on the north bank of the Qinghai Lake, northwest China's Qinghai Province, October 12, 2023. /CFP
Przewalski naked carps gather in a river in Gonghe County, northwest China's Qinghai Province, July 22, 2023. /CFP
This area in the park is a vital zone with the best ecological environment, the most important biodiversity protection, the most critical ecological service function and the least human interference.
The general control area will comprise an alpine meadow, grasslands and wetlands, overlapping with working and living areas of residents in the park and area that needs ecological restoration. Ecological tourism will be promoted in this area and the public can get close to nature.
Qinghai Lake is located at the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the largest, highest and youngest plateau in the world. In recent years, the ecological environment has improved in the area, with biodiversity rapidly restored. Also, the lake is home to over 571,000 water birds of nearly 100 species, making it a major breeding ground for migratory birds in the country.
China approved the plan to establish Qinghai Lake National Park in June 2022.