Qinghai
Tibetan Plateau; source of Yellow/Yangtze/Mekong rivers; Qaidam Basin minerals (lithium, potash); Qinghai Lake (China's largest); high solar potential.
Qinghai occupies most of the Tibetan Plateau in northwestern China, making it one of the least densely populated provinces. The Qaidam Basin contains significant oil, natural gas, coal, and mineral deposits including lithium and potassium salts. Qinghai Lake is China's largest lake. The province serves as the source of three major Asian rivers: the Yellow, Yangtze, and Mekong (Lancang). Solar power potential ranks among China's highest given altitude and clear skies. The Golmud-Lhasa section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway crosses the province. Economic development focuses on resource extraction (potash, lithium, oil/gas) and clean energy. Tourism grows around Qinghai Lake and Tibetan Buddhist sites. Xining serves as provincial capital. The sparse population constrains labor-intensive industries but enables resource extraction and energy projects.