Huangyu, or the naked carp, is the dominant fish species in Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake situated on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. As one of the few species adaptable to cold water with high levels of salt and alkalinity, the fish plays an important role in the ecosystem of Qinghai Lake. The naked carp serves as the primary food for many birds and also helps keep the water clean by feeding on algae, which prevents the lake from drying up.

From late May to August every year, the Qinghai naked carp swim upstream along freshwater rivers to spawn. In the river, the rush of the water acts as a natural trigger, stimulating the gonads of these naked carp to mature. It's a testament to their determination as they battle not just the relentless push of the strong currents but also the threat of sneak attacks from birds overhead. Therefore, their journey draws many tourists to Qinghai Lake to witness the spectacle firsthand.

In 2004, the fish was listed on the China Species Red List as an endangered species. Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, the population of naked carp in Qinghai Lake totaled around 120,300 tonnes in 2023, 46 times greater than the previously recorded figure.