Qinghai Lake

Qinghai Lake is China's largest inland salt lake and was listed among the nation's natural heritage sites this year because of its scenic landscape and abundant resources. It is located in the southern part of the Qaidam Basin, and 10,515 feet above sea level in a depression of the Tibetan Plateau. Twenty three rivers and streams empty in it, and despite its  salinity, it has an abundance of fish. The lake is located at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia. Many species use Qinghai as an intermediate stop during migration, and at its northeast end are the "Bird Islands", which have been bird sanctuaries of the Qinghai Lake Natural Protection Zone since 1997.