Qinghai Lake, the largest saline and alkaline lake in China, is an important body of water that maintains the eco-environmental security of the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the ecological balance of western China. It is a natural barrier against the eastward spread of desertification from the west, ensuring the safety of the eastern agricultural area. The characteristics and evolution of the ecological environment of Qinghai Lake reflect changes in the overall ecological environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. An aerial view of the Erlangjian scenic spot along the coast of Qinghai Lake on May 27, 2017 (Photos: Xinhua)

An aerial view of the Erlangjian scenic spot along the coast of Qinghai Lake on June 4.

A view of the north shore of Qinghai Lake in the Fairy Bay Wetland in Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province on June 5.

A view of the north shore of Qinghai Lake in the Fairy Bay Wetland in Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province on June 5.

Tourists visit the Erlangjian scenic spot along the coast of Qinghai Lake on June 4.

An aerial view of Shadao Island in Qinghai Lake on July 28, 2020.

An aerial view of Shadao Island in Qinghai Lake on July 28, 2020.

Ice in Qinghai Lake melts in spring on March 30, 2020.

The north shore of Qinghai Lake in the Fairy Bay Wetland in Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province on January 17, 2019. (Translated by An Zhan)