3,205 meters above the sea level, Qinghai Lake is located about 100 kilometers west of Xining, capital of Qinghai province in western China. Qinghai Lake, the largest saline lake in the country, has a surface area of 4,317 square kilometers with a maximum depth of 25.5 meters. Most of the 23 rivers and streams that empty into Qinghai Lake are seasonal. Five major streams provide 80% of the lake's total influx. Located at the crossroads of several bird migration routes across Asia, Qinghai Lake offers many species an intermediate stop during their migration. On the western side of the lake is the well-known "Bird Island", which attracts birdwatchers from across the globe. Every summer sees numerous visitors come here to watch the Qinghai Lake International Cycling Race.