Things to do in Tianjun

This group tour experience was much better than I expected. The guides didn't just read from a script; they told historical stories in a conversational style. The itinerary was well-paced with no forced shopping. If you want a hassle-free trip, this tour is worth considering.

Tianjun Stone Forest is located in the Delingha area of ​​Qinghai Province. The stone forest here is the same as the stone forest in Yunnan, which was formed in the karst landform during the Carboniferous period 350 million years ago. Tianjun Stone Forest is currently open to the public for free, and there are farmers around. Unfortunately, I didn't get yak milk to try it after asking around that day. There are a lot of pikas, and they will stick their heads out from time to time to observe the surrounding situation. The vultures in the sky are very big, and the clouds feel close and within reach~

It was a bit windy that day, but this place is outof this world. And the train trip from Xinning makes it even more unique. The train rides along the shores of Qinghei Lake. Vast lands with mostly grass, lambs and yaks. The high mountains always in the background. Chaka Salt Lake is visually very impressive, a dream for any photographer. It is never really clear if it is salt or if you are lost in an Arctic region. The whole place is like a mirage. In retrospect, the whole trip feels like a day dream.

It was a truly spectacular sight. We happened to be there during the snowfall, witnessing the Rainbow Mountains in their seven colors. Arriving at Exit 4 at sunset, the colors were absolutely breathtaking. As we left on the park shuttle, the sky was still a gradient of pink and blue; I felt incredibly happy.

Stepping into this space brimming with Tibetan culture, I was speechless at the beauty of the Thangka paintings covering the walls—the colors were simply breathtaking! Taking the time to appreciate the religious aesthetics hidden in the details, the landscapes, figures, and various patterns, it was truly visually stunning! I highly recommend that everyone visiting Xining make a point of visiting this place.

I hadn't originally planned to go, but I spent an extra day in Xining. Aside from being far from the city center, it was quite nice. I took bus 909 directly from Xining Station. At the entrance, I shared a guided tour with other tourists; there were quite a few unlicensed guides in the square. Their explanations were alright. At the butter sculpture museum, I encountered a little white cat and learned how to identify Master Tsongkhapa.

Under the scorching sun of the Gobi Desert, the scenic area is quite far away. The electric shuttle bus service is convenient and saves energy, allowing you to travel without being exposed to the blazing sun. It makes it much easier to visit the pass with the elderly and children. The vehicles run smoothly and effectively save energy, making it a very practical service.

Buy tickets for the 9:00 AM bus from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake. You can buy tickets through the Xining Bus Station's WeChat mini-program! The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a service station for restroom use. Arrive around 11:30 AM. (There will be grasslands along the way; you can see them from the window.) The tour guide will assist with buying tickets on the bus, or you can buy them at the ticket center. Upon arrival, take a fast cruise to the island, then either the cruise ship to the island or a small train or bus to the lake. On the island, you can play in the sand and see seagulls and yaks. Plan your itinerary carefully; less than 4 hours for sightseeing will feel rushed.

The park is quite large, but you can walk around the whole thing. Those who aren't very fit can take the shuttle bus. The animals have plenty of space to roam, and I didn't feel any sense of confinement among them; they all seemed to be living naturally. However, the park's signage is really poor. I hope they can improve it to make it clearer and more concise.

If you have the time and resources, I highly recommend the in-depth tour! Walking through the canyon is a completely different experience! Overall Itinerary: After the park shuttle bus arrives at the end, explore the three viewing platforms on your own. Return to the starting point for the in-depth tour. Take an off-road truck, then transfer to a minibus, ride a camel, then a camel-drawn cart, hike through the canyon, and finally (either the "One Line Sky" or "Lingzhi Valley") to the summit. After reaching the summit, take the park shuttle bus back to the main entrance to exit the park. Riding camels is fun and doesn't smell bad, with a gentle swaying motion. The camel carts clang and rattle, creating a unique atmosphere in the canyon. I even recorded an audio clip of the camel bells. I chose the Lingzhi Valley route, which was beautiful all the way. The final long staircase didn't seem difficult at all 🤔, but it might be tiring for older people, children, or those who aren't used to exercise. I heard you can do both routes, but I was carrying valuables, so I didn't climb the "One Line Sky" – I didn't want to risk damaging them 🫨 By the way, I went during the off-season, and I was the only one on the in-depth tour. The staff in the canyon were very friendly and greeted me politely as I passed by.