Famous lake reflects its heritage

According to Xu Facheng, a staff member at the scenic area, the site has actively recruited local university graduates with tourism degrees in recent years.

During the busy summer season, they also partner with several Qinghai universities, including Qinghai Normal University, Qinghai University, and Qinghai Minzu University, to offer internships to tourism students.

"Last year, more than 70 university students interned with us. They not only helped ease the pressure during peak season, but they also have a deep emotional connection to Qinghai Lake," Xu says.

This year, in addition to hiring more guides, the scenic area opened a cultural product store to create jobs for young people while appealing to younger visitors with locally inspired creative goods.

It's not just through guiding tours that young voices are making an impact. Many are helping reimagine and share Qinghai Lake's cultural identity in fresh, modern ways.

Working at the store, 26-year-old Liu Xuejuan introduces visitors to Qinghai Lake's signature elements, such as the native scaleless carp (Gymnocypris przewalskii) and golden prayer flags, through thoughtfully designed merchandise.

"The designs are created by local university design students. This helps them earn some income and, at the same time, their fresh ideas bring a youthful energy to our products," Liu says.

"Our refrigerator magnets are very popular, especially the ones shaped like stamps, designs featuring golden prayer flags, blooming Gesang flowers, also known as Galsang flowers, and the native fish, Qinghai Lake's unique species. The magnets featuring Tibetan costumes also sell very well," she adds.

The shop also sells leather carvings and felt toys handmade by local herders, providing them with an additional source of income.

"Right now, there is just one store in the scenic area, but we're planning to open one in Xining too," Liu says. "Because these creative products can be taken everywhere by tourists, the stories and culture of Qinghai Lake will spread even further."