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Rural energy consumption not only significantly affects the national economy but also informs us about the living conditions of rural residents. A comprehensive survey of households in the agropastoral area of Qinghai Province was conducted from 2017 to 2018 to identify its energy consumption characteristics. In this paper, a typical household energy flow model was established. The results show that 1) the proportion of noncommercial energy in the agropastoral area of Qinghai Province is 52.89%, and it is affected by the 'returning farmland to forest' (RFF) policy and the 'returning grazing land to grassland project' (RGLGP). Furthermore, the household energy consumption structure has shifted from traditional biomass to coal and a combination of other energy sources. 2) Households of different cultural backgrounds have different energy consumption patterns. 3) High-income households consume more energy and have more frequent energy flows compared with low-income households. The results of this survey will help policymakers and scholars to formulate strategies for energy conservation and more effectively assess energy policies. • The study is based on household survey during 2017–2018 in Qinghai, China. • A household energy flow model is applied to examine household energy consumption. • The proportion of noncommercial energy use in Qinghai's agropastoral area is 53%. • Household energy use is affected by land policies, cultural backgrounds, and income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]