2026 Tour of Qinghai Lake

The Tour of Qinghai Lake is a UCI-sanctioned professional cycling stage race held at altitude in the remote and spectacular landscape of Qinghai province in northwestern China. Racing around and near Qinghai Lake — the largest saltwater lake in China and one of the highest in the world at over 3,200 metres above sea level — the race tests riders' altitude adaptation as much as their raw power and climbing ability.

The 2026 edition runs across multiple stages in July and attracts an international field of professional and continental teams. The race is one of the most distinctive on the Asian cycling calendar, offering riders a unique competitive experience in challenging environmental conditions. The high-altitude racing is particularly valuable preparation for mountain stage specialists targeting later-season objectives.