Breaking: Qinghai Haixi 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake — Dachaidan Scenic Spots Closed, What Travelers Need to Know

🌍 What Happened: Earthquake Details

At 17:06 local time on June 16, 2026, a powerful 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai Province. The China Earthquake Networks Center (CENC) officially recorded the epicenter at 37.80°N, 95.56°E — within the Dachaidan administrative region — with a shallow focal depth of just 10 kilometers.

The shallow depth meant the shaking was felt intensely in the immediate area. The epicenter sits at an average elevation of approximately 4,302 meters above sea level on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Aftershocks Continue

As of the early hours of June 17, multiple aftershocks above magnitude 3.0 have been recorded:

🩺 Casualties and Damage

According to the Dachaidan Earthquake Emergency Command Center, after two rounds of thorough personnel searches, the confirmed toll as of 23:00 on June 16 is:

• 1 fatality
• 8 injured — all with minor injuries; all have been treated and discharged from hospital

The relatively low casualty count is attributed to the region's sparse population and the rapid emergency response. Key infrastructure within a 50-km radius of the epicenter — including transportation, telecommunications, electricity, water supply, and gas networks — remains operational.

However, some roads in the Dachaidan area have shown surface cracking and deformation, particularly near the Emerald Lake scenic area. Seven tailings ponds in the vicinity have been inspected and show no signs of damage. All personnel at nearby coal mining operations have been evacuated and accounted for.

🚫 Which Attractions Are Closed?

On June 17, 2026, the Haixi Prefecture Culture, Sports, Tourism, Radio & Television Bureau issued an official notice: ALL tourism and hospitality operations within the Dachaidan jurisdiction are temporarily suspended effective immediately. This is a full-area temporary closure — not limited to specific sites.

Closed Attractions and Facilities

💰 Refund and Cancellation Policy

The official notice states the following refund policy for affected travelers:

• Full, fee-free refunds for all pre-purchased tickets to Dachaidan scenic spots (including combo tickets and tourism products)
• Refunds can be processed through the original booking channel
• No handling fees or penalties will be charged
• Major travel platforms (including Qunar / 去哪儿) have activated emergency guarantee mechanisms: bookings made before 18:30 on June 16 with check-in dates from June 16–18 in Haixi receive automatic refund support

🚌 Tourist Evacuation: What's Happening Now

As of June 17, emergency evacuation of tourists from the Dachaidan area is well underway:

• Over 90% of stranded tourists have been evacuated in organized batches to Golmud City (格尔木市) and Delingha City (德令哈市)
• Evacuation routes have been secured with safety inspections to avoid potential landslide and rockfall zones
• Travelers are being transported along designated safe routes under the coordination of public security, emergency management, and cultural tourism personnel
• Tourists are strictly prohibited from returning to the area independently due to ongoing aftershock and secondary disaster risks

🗺️ Travel Advice: If You're Planning a Trip

The Qinghai tourism high season typically begins in late June. If you have upcoming travel plans involving Qinghai's Haixi region, here's what you should do:

If You're Already in Qinghai

• Stay away from the Dachaidan area entirely
• Check with your hotel or tour operator about itinerary adjustments
• Consider redirecting to unaffected Qinghai destinations such as Qinghai Lake (青海湖), Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖), or Xining (西宁)
• Monitor official updates through the Haixi Prefecture Culture and Tourism Bureau

If You Have Upcoming Bookings (Late June – July)

• Contact your booking platform immediately to check cancellation/refund eligibility
• Prepare alternative itineraries — consider:
  • Gansu Province: Zhangye Danxia, Dunhuang Mogao Caves, Jiayuguan
  • Northern Qinghai: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Kumbum Monastery
  • Xinjiang (if flying): Urumqi, Turpan, Kanas Lake
• Wait for the official reopening announcement before rebooking Dachaidan-area attractions

If Dachaidan Was on Your Bucket List

Dachaidan's attractions — especially Emerald Lake and the Martian-like landscapes of the Qaidam Basin — are genuinely otherworldly and well worth visiting. However, safety comes first. These geological wonders aren't going anywhere. Once the area reopens with full safety clearance, your visit will be even more rewarding knowing that responsible tourism practices were followed.

📞 Emergency Contacts & Official Updates

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to travel to other parts of Qinghai?

A: Yes. The earthquake's impact is concentrated in the Dachaidan area of Haixi Prefecture. Other popular Qinghai destinations — Xining, Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Tongren, Yushu — remain unaffected and open to visitors. Haixi is a vast prefecture (roughly the size of Poland), and the closure only applies to the Dachaidan administrative zone.

Q: I have a flight to Golmud or Delingha — should I cancel?

A: Not necessarily. Both Golmud and Delingha are functioning as evacuation reception cities and remain operational. However, if your sole purpose was to visit Dachaidan attractions, you should adjust your plans. Contact your airline for rebooking options — many are offering flexible change policies for flights to the region.

Q: Will the Qinghai-Tibet Railway be affected?

A: Seven passenger trains in the area were temporarily halted for safety checks but have since resumed operations at reduced speeds. The Qinghai-Tibet Railway's main line passes through Golmud (south of Dachaidan) and has not been significantly disrupted. Check with 12306 or your ticketing platform for the latest schedule.

Q: Are international travelers affected differently?

A: The closure and evacuation orders apply to all visitors equally, regardless of nationality. International travelers should follow the same guidance: cancel Dachaidan-area plans, seek refunds through booking platforms, and contact your embassy or consulate if you need consular assistance.

Q: How can I donate or help?

A: Official relief efforts are coordinated by the provincial government and the Red Cross Society of China Qinghai Branch. Cash donations are generally preferred over material goods for logistical efficiency. Local businesses have also stepped up — several noodle shops in Haixi have been providing free meals at evacuation sites, a heartwarming display of community solidarity.

Last updated: June 17, 2026 | Sources: CCTV News, Xinhua News Agency, Haixi Prefecture Culture & Tourism Bureau, China Earthquake Administration