Xining, located in the eastern part of Qinghai Province, sits on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, bordered by the Loess Plateau to the east and the Qaidam Basin to the west. As the capital of Qinghai, Xining is the economic, political, and cultural center of the eastern Tibetan Plateau and a key gateway to the Plateau. It is also a crossroads for various ethnic groups and cultures, as it shares borders with provinces such as Gansu and Sichuan. 

Xining lies in the Huangshui River Valley, an area characterized by a basin landscape surrounded by mountains, including the Laji Mountains to the south and the Jishi Mountains to the north. The terrain generally features higher elevations to the north and south, with a lower central area, forming a river valley plain centered around the Huangshui River and surrounding mountains. The flatness of the river valley provides natural geographical conditions for urban development, while the mountainous regions contribute to Xining’s unique scenic resources.

The basin landscape and river valley also make Xining an ideal area for agricultural production, particularly suited for high-altitude crops like barley. This gives Xining an agricultural advantage. The Huangshui River is the main river of Xining and a major tributary of the Yellow River. Flowing from west to east across the city, it provides valuable water resources for the city and surrounding agricultural areas. The river and its tributaries offer crucial support for local agricultural irrigation, residential needs, and industrial water use. The vegetation in the Xining area is mainly composed of grasslands, shrubs, and artificial forests. The cold-resistant, drought-tolerant vegetation typical of the Plateau is found on the surrounding mountain slopes and river valley areas, especially along the Huangshui River, where the higher vegetation coverage helps reduce soil erosion.

Water from the Huangshui River and Agriculture

The Huangshui River is not only the lifeblood of Xining but also the water source that supports the city's development. The river irrigates the farmland in the Huangshui River Valley, providing the city with its main crops, such as grain and vegetables. Xining is thus known as one of the "granaries" of the Tibetan Plateau. In modern times, the Huangshui River has become an important source of water for Xining's industry and urban development, supporting the growth of industrial and urban infrastructure.

Climate and Plateau Environment's Impact on Urban Life

Xining’s cool, moist summer climate makes it an attractive place to live and has drawn many tourists seeking to escape the heat. The favorable climate also influences the city's agricultural practices, such as the widespread cultivation of barley and vegetables. The high-altitude climate of Xining leads to differences in residents' lifestyles and dietary habits compared to those in inland areas.

Terrain's Impact on Urban Layout

Located in a basin, Xining's urban area is distributed along both banks of the Huangshui River, forming a linear urban layout. The surrounding mountainous terrain, however, is more complex and restricts horizontal urban expansion, causing urban development to concentrate in the river valley plain. At the same time, the mountainous terrain gives Xining some unique natural landscapes, such as the southern and northern mountains, which provide natural barriers for the city and have gradually been developed into tourist attractions.

Ecological Protection and Sustainable Development

In recent years, in response to climate change and the pressures of the Plateau environment, Xining has strengthened its ecological protection efforts through soil and water conservation, afforestation, and wetland restoration projects, aiming to protect the ecosystem of the Huangshui River and its basin. Green projects along the Huangshui River have not only enhanced the city’s ecological capacity but also improved the living environment for its residents. Wetland ecological restoration along the river is also progressing and has become an essential part of Xining's ecological management. While maintaining ecological balance, Xining is developing a sustainable development model centered on ecological protection.

Development of Tourism Resources

The surrounding mountains and Huangshui River landscapes are important tourism resources for Xining. The natural scenery of the Tibetan Plateau and the unique ethnic cultures attract many visitors. As the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau, Xining is a key stop for tourists heading to famous attractions like Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery. Tourism has brought economic benefits to Xining and promoted cultural exchange among its diverse ethnic groups.