Qinghai

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which has average heights of 5000-6000m (16,405-19,686ft), and of the Bayan Har Shan.

In the province is the source of the rivers Huanghe, Lancangjiang (Mekong) and Changjiang. High mountain steppes and deserts dominate the area, only 2 per cent of which consists of forests.

The climate is typically continental; low average yearly temperatures, great changes in temperature, seldom, but concentrated, downpours and long periods of sunshine.

Originally the region was chiefly inhabited by Tibetans and Mongolian nomads. From the 3rd C. BC Chinese influence was felt here, becoming more pronounced from the 6th C onwards. Later Qinghai was included in the places which came under Tibetan and Tangut control, until it finally became completely Chinese.

Industry mainly consists of the manufacture of agricultural products textiles and food. From the rich natural resources oil, uranium and coal are mined; salt is extracted from the salt water lakes.

Of great importance is livestock farming (yak, sheep, camels, and horses). In the river valleys near Xining and on the southern edge of the Qaidam Pend basin arable farming includes barley, oats, maize, millet, and sweet potatoes.