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Light snow6° / -2°Clear3° / -5°Clear8° / -5°Clear10° / -5°Clear13° / -4°Clear13° / -4°Looking for things to do in Xining? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
Discover the most popular places to stay in Xining, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Guest User: The hotel was unexpectedly great! I had originally booked a twin-bed standard room but accidentally got a king-size one. The front desk lady, Mengjie, was very understanding and helped me switch to a twin-bed room. The room was spacious and very well-designed. What's more, she knew I had an early train to catch the next morning, so she not only gave us complimentary breakfast but also arranged for us to have it early and even provided a car to take us to the train station. The hotel breakfast was also excellent; despite us eating half an hour early to catch our train, there was a rich variety of dishes. The restaurant staff, especially Xiao Wang, provided wonderful service and even arranged two servings of nut yogurt for us. It truly felt like a home away from home, I was so touched! Definitely a five-star rating!!!
No. 145 Huzhu West Road, Chengdong District
From INR 3,013
Qimeimei: Traveling to Qinghai for ten days with friends, we flew from Shenzhen to Xining, and Xining City was our first stop. Hanting Hotel's location is super convenient; it's only a two-kilometer ride by ride-hailing service to the night market, where there are tons of food options. The hotel facilities are complete, clean, and hygienic. The customer service staff are friendly and polite, and the rooms are very comfortable. It offers great value for money and is highly recommended.
11th Floor, Building B1, Plot 2, Comprehensive Resettlement Area, West Side of the Railway Station
From INR 1,295
Guest User: 整體入住體驗很好 大堂乾淨 前台小姐姐和小帥哥服務熱情 辦理入住退房很快 房間打掃到位 無異味 位置出行方便 離火車站近 周邊吃飯便利 下次還在這家酒店住
No. 5 Jianguo Street, Zhoujiaquan Subdistrict
From INR 1,971
Xiaobuwuqu: We stayed for two nights in Xining to rest up after our Qinghai-Gansu loop trip. The hotel has its own parking lot, though the ground-level section is a bit small. Luckily, we found a spot when we arrived. The room was spacious and the views from the higher floor were great. Breakfast was quite substantial. There's also a restaurant on the second floor with good reviews on Dianping. We had lunch there the day we arrived, and it was decent, plus a set meal wasn't expensive. There are many bus routes right outside the hotel, with direct buses to the ******* Culture Museum and the Qinghai Museum. The only downside was that the elevators were a bit slow.
No. 43 Changjiang Road
From INR 3,478
Guest User: The room was spotless and very clean, with new facilities and a great wet/dry bathroom separation. The sink was a really nice touch! The location is excellent and super convenient, right in the heart of Xining, very close to Wangfujing Department Store. There are tons of great food options and shopping plazas nearby. What really stood out was the warm, attentive, and thorough service; they cleaned the room daily. Plus, the airport shuttle is right across the street, which was incredibly relaxing – no need to lug my suitcase around!
No.53 Changjiang Road
From INR 1,662
Guest User: This hotel is of exceptional quality with a fantastic location. It is very close to the scenic spots and the train station. Taking a taxi anywhere is inexpensive, and there are shopping malls and restaurants within walking distance. The overall environment of the hotel is extremely clean, and the staff are very welcoming and attentive. Any minor issues were resolved immediately. The room is spacious, very clean, and bright, and the provided toiletries are of high quality, unlike the cheap ones found in other hotels. The room features central air conditioning, allowing you to adjust the temperature for cooling or heating as you like, which is very comfortable. Most hotels in Xining don't have air conditioning. Having the AC running at night and while taking a shower was wonderful, and since the hotel runs its AC year-round, the stay was very comfortable. I will definitely recommend this place to friends visiting Xining, and I will stay here again next time I visit. A wonderful travel and accommodation experience. Thank you to the hotel staff for their hard work. Xining is a lot of fun, and I will be back!
No. 45 Changjiang Road
From INR 3,774
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Xining dishes and foodie spots.
①📍 The ancient Tibetan Buddhist Ta'er Monastery is located in the Huangzhong District of Xining. The Great Golden Tile Hall and butter sculptures are renowned. Standing before the murals feels like traveling back in time, and every photo you take looks like a professional cultural shot 📸 ②🚗 There is no subway here. Take bus 909 from Xining Railway Station to reach the entrance directly. There is a dedicated line to Huangzhong from Xinning Road Bus Station. If driving, navigate to the Dongshanmen Parking Lot 🅿️ ③🍜 There are many delicious foods on the commercial street at the entrance. Hand-grabbed mutton, ga mianpian, goujiaoniao, yak yogurt, and tianpei are all worth trying 😋 For more affordable options, head to the small shops in Huangzhong city center for great value 💯 ④💰 Peak season admission is 70 yuan, off-season is 40 yuan. Students and seniors aged 60–69 get half-price tickets with valid ID. Admission is free for those over 70, active-duty military personnel, and others. Book in advance via the official WeChat account and avoid unauthorized guides ⚠️ The white pagodas on the perimeter are free to photograph and offer great photo opportunities 🔥 ☂️ Sun and rain protection tips: The UV rays on the plateau are very strong, so be sure to use sun protection 🧴 The weather in the mountains is changeable, so carry rain gear with you. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so remember to bring a thick jacket 🧥
①📍Located in Gonghe County, Hainan Prefecture, this is the core main scenic area of Qinghai Lake, featuring lake views, beaches, prayer flags, and a peninsula viewing platform. ②🚗There is no subway here! Take a direct shuttle bus from Xining Bayi Road Bus Station for CNY 48 one way. There is a direct bus from Xining Passenger Transport Center at 8:30 AM, costing CNY 60 one way or CNY 120 round trip. Buy tickets via the "Hehuang Smart Travel" WeChat official account. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. Avoid unlicensed taxis soliciting passengers on the roadside. If driving, take National Highway 109; the scenic area parking lot costs CNY 10 per visit for small cars. ③🍜Dining inside the scenic area is expensive, so try to eat in the nearby towns of Heimahe or Jiangxigou. The lamb hot pot has generous portions, and you can also find authentic yak yogurt and highland barley cakes—delicious and affordable. It is recommended to stock up on snacks and water at a supermarket in Xining beforehand. ④💰Online tickets are CNY 90 in peak season and CNY 50 in off-season. Tickets allow re-entry within 72 hours. Discounts are available with valid IDs such as student or senior cards. Boat rides and sightseeing buses are optional; you are not required to purchase them.
Qinghai Riyue Mountain | Straddle two plateaus in one step, a stunning spot on the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road✨ Hey everyone! Today I'm recommending a super amazing niche spot—Qinghai Riyue Mountain🏔️ One foot on the Loess Plateau, one foot on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, this experience is truly incredible! 📍Location Riyue Mountain is located in Huangyuan County, Xining, at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. It is the dividing line between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau! The moment you stand at the mountain pass, you really get that magical feeling of "straddling two plateaus"😲 🚗Transportation There is no direct subway~ You can take a bus from Xinning Road Passenger Station to Huangyuan, transfer to a local bus to Riyue Township, and then take a taxi to the scenic area. You can also take the direct bus from Xining to Qinghai Lake and get off midway. Driving along National Highway 109 is super convenient!🚙 🍜Food I recommend trying the Huangyuan pork tenderloin, ga mian pian (noodle pieces), and hand-grabbed mutton🍖 Yak yogurt and tianpeizi (sweet fermented oats) are also amazing! Prices inside the scenic area are on the higher side, so I suggest heading down to Huangyuan County for a more cost-effective meal~😋 💰Tickets Adult tickets in peak season are CNY 54, and it's cheaper to buy online in advance! Students and minors can get half-price tickets with valid ID. Seniors over 60 and military personnel can enter for free~ You can take photos of the distant scenery for free at the mountain pass by the national highway. Carpooling along the way can also save on separate transport costs. I'm such a money-saving pro🙋♀️ ☂️Practical tips The UV rays on the plateau are super strong, so make sure to have proper sun protection! It's windy and cold on the mountain, so bring a thick jacket with you🧥 The weather in the mountains is changeable, so be prepared with rain gear and walk slowly to prevent altitude sickness~ The four of us slowly hiked along the mountain trails, and the daytime scenery was truly breathtaking. Every photo taken was like a masterpiece📸 The light and shadows at sunrise and sunset are stunning. Sunny days and rainy days each have their own atmosphere. The close-up shots of Chinese-style architecture and the distant views of the grasslands and wetlands are all super photogenic! Don't miss it!🏃♀️
Dang'er in Huangyuan: An 800-meter old street, walking through a piece of Tea Horse Road history The wind in Huangyuan is harsh; hold onto your hat as soon as you get off the car. This place is about 40 kilometers west of Xining. The Huangshui River originates in the county, and the county seat is at an altitude of about 2,600 meters, a bit higher than Xining. For those visiting the plateau for the first time, you might feel a bit breathless if you walk too fast. Just slow down; there's no need to panic. To the west of Huangyuan is Riyue Mountain, and to the east is the Huangshui River Valley. The Huangshui and Yaoshui rivers converge in the county, and the three gorges—Xishixia, Bayanxia, and Yaoshui Gorge—meet here, making it a historical thoroughfare for entering and leaving Qinghai. Most people come to Huangyuan in winter for Dang'er Ancient City. Dang'er is the old name for Huangyuan, a Mongolian transliteration of the Tibetan "Dongkhor," meaning "white conch." The ancient city is located along the Ming and Qing dynasty old street in the county seat. It was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, dating back over 600 years. The main street is not long, about 800 meters, with several alleys extending from both sides, connecting to the City God Temple, Dang'er Office, Confucian Temple, Fire Ancestor Pavilion, and old foreign trading houses. This city was once a hub for trade: it was situated on the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road and the Southern Silk Road. Tea, fur, and green salt were traded here, with annual transaction volumes once reaching millions of taels of silver, earning it names like "Tea Horse Commercial Capital" and "Little Beijing," making it a trading port in eastern Qinghai. Among the old buildings, the City God Temple is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, and the Fire Ancestor Pavilion is a provincial-level protected site. The City God Temple houses over 10 Qing Dynasty murals depicting old stories like judges presiding over cases, *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, and *Water Margin*. The colors have faded, but the outlines remain. The Fire Ancestor Pavilion is a pavilion commemorating Emperor Yan, which locals consider a landmark of the ancient city. The street is also decorated with Huangyuan row lanterns, made with sheepskin and embroidered with needle and thread. They light up row by row at night—these row lanterns are a local intangible cultural heritage. The stone-paved road of the old street is uneven, with blue bricks and gray tiles blending together. Walk slowly and watch your step. Shops on both sides sell paper-cutting, embroidery, and aged vinegar, and occasionally, the tunes of "Hua'er" folk songs or traditional musical performances drift out from the doors. After walking through the old street, head southwest out of the city to Riyue Mountain. Riyue Mountain, anciently known as Chiling (Red Ridge), has a reddish mountain body and serves as the boundary between the monsoon and non-monsoon regions, as well as the agricultural and pastoral regions. There is a monument at the mountain pass, along with the Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion. The altitude is around 3,500 meters, higher than the county seat. Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng passed through here on her way to Tibet, she looked back at Chang'an and dropped her Sun and Moon Mirror, which shattered into two mountains—that is how the mountain got its name. At the foot of the mountain flows the Daotang River, which flows westward into Qinghai Lake. Near the mountain pass, there is the Princess Spring and an Ancient Road Museum, displaying old items from the trade route. Standing at the pass, you see fields to the east and pastures to the west. The wind is strong enough to make it hard to stand steady, so don't forget your scarf, hat, and gloves. Do not run or jump when you get here; take it slow. If you have a history of high blood pressure or heart problems, consult your doctor before setting off. Ten kilometers outside the city is Daheigou, an 8-kilometer-long provincial forest park. In winter, the stream freezes, and the birch trees are covered in frost. If you want to stay for another half day, you can take a trip there. It is quiet in the gully, suitable for strolling and taking photos, but the road is narrow, so drive slowly. You can find food and accommodation in the county. Huangyuan's sweet and sour pork tenderloin is a famous local dish; it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious sweet and sour flavor, and is one of the dishes in the "Qinghai Old Eight Dishes." Hand-grabbed mutton, yak yogurt, liangpi, and wheat kernel mutton porridge are also common and affordable. The liangpi stalls and steamed bun shops on the street open in the morning; go early to get them hot. There are quite a few hotels and inns in the county. Winter is not the peak season, so rooms are easy to book. The rooms have heating, but it can be dry, so placing a basin of water by the bed before sleeping will make it more comfortable. It only takes 1 hour to drive here from Xining, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and National Highways 109 and 315 pass through the county. The admission tickets for the ancient city and the opening hours of several attractions are subject to change. Ask at the visitor center when you arrive before deciding how to tour. The winter sun on the plateau is harsh, and the reflection from the snow is strong, so bring a pair of sunglasses. The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large, so don't rush to take off your clothes when entering or leaving. The sunshine and wind in the county are manageable, but it gets piercingly cold in the morning and evening, so a thick jacket is enough.
①📍Located in the Chengbei Biological Industrial Park in Xining, the museum is divided into North and South pavilions and houses the precious, super-long "Grand Thangka" painting! I was blown away the moment I walked in. The massive Thangka covers the entire wall, and the stories of the Snowland civilization are all in the painting📜✨ ②🚗There is no subway here. Take bus 1, 46, 65, or 72 directly to the Tibetan Culture Museum station. If driving, there is a parking lot at the main entrance. It's also easy to take a taxi from the city center, so transportation is not a problem at all~ ③🍜Nearby, you can eat pan-fried lamb, highland barley yogurt, Tianpei, and Ga Mianpian! If you want to try authentic Tibetan food, there's also Tsampa and butter tea. The affordable local shops have super authentic flavors😋 A bowl of yogurt after walking around is amazing! ④💰The North Pavilion is free with your ID card. The South Pavilion adult ticket is 60, students get half price, and eligible seniors and military personnel get free admission. Reserve in advance via the official WeChat account. Bring your own guide materials to save on guide fees—a great way to save money💡 ☂️Sun protection tips: The UV rays on the plateau are very strong, so be sure to prepare sunscreen! You'll be walking in the museum for a long time, so wear comfortable flat shoes👟 Carry rain gear in case of showers so you can take photos and explore without worry~ 👗I even ran into models showcasing traditional costumes inside. The flowing clothes are a perfect match for the Thangka background. Every photo you take is a stunning shot📸
It has witnessed 19-year-old Huo Qubing, 16-year-old Princess Wencheng, 23-year-old Tsangyang Gyatso... In its clear waters, layers of ancient war smoke and songs of parting linger. Where the sea meets the blue sky, and mountains touch the white mist. The moon at the heart of the lake has shone for a thousand years, lighting the path for those who never returned. When will old friends return? 🐦 When we set off from Xining this morning, it was shrouded in clouds and mist 🌫️, with overcast and rainy skies. After driving for over an hour, the sky began to split—half sunny, half cloudy ☀️🌧️ By the time we reached Qinghai Lake, the skies were completely clear! You guys, who gets it?! I'm so lucky—so grateful for this beautiful weather 🙏 Flocks of birds soar freely above the water under the blue sky and white clouds 🐦 The lake is as blue as a giant gemstone 💎 The distant mountains are reflected on the surface of the lake. It's so beautiful it makes you want to cry 😭 If you're traveling to Qinghai, you absolutely cannot miss Qinghai Lake on a sunny day! Every photo you take looks like a masterpiece 📸 A Qinghai Lake like this is worth crossing mountains and seas to see for yourself 💙
The "Mirror of the Sky" at Chaka Salt Lake only appears in the morning—if you go at noon, you'll just see a white salt flat. I've already learned this the hard way for you, so just copy this 4-day, 3-night route and schedule👇 ⏰ Copy the schedule first (arrive and depart from Xining, no backtracking) D1 Arrive in Xining → Afternoon: Ta'er Monastery (entry closes at 5:00 PM, must arrive before 2:00 PM) D2 08:00 Depart via G109 National Highway → 10:30 Qinghai Lake Erlangjian (walk to the water's edge) → 15:40 Heimahe → 18:00 Wait for sunset by the lake → Stay by the lake D3 06:30 Sunrise by the lake → 09:40 Chaka Salt Lake (time it for the morning reflection period) → 14:00 Return to Xining D4 Dongguan Mosque → Mojia Street → Return trip ⚠️ 5 common pitfalls (I've already learned these the hard way) 1. Qinghai Lake is limited to 12,000 visitors per day, and tickets are not sold on-site. You must make a real-name reservation via the "Zhiyou Qinghai Lake" mini-program. It is recommended to book 3–7 days in advance; if you don't, you'll really have to turn around at the entrance 2. Chaka's "Mirror of the Sky" = a morning with light wind and thin clouds. The reflection is most complete from 10:00–11:30 AM. In the afternoon, the glare is strong, and photos will just look like a white sheet 3. You can re-enter the park within 48 hours after your Chaka ticket is verified. If you didn't get good photos on the first day, you can go back in the next morning to take more without buying a new ticket 4. The sunrise at Heimahe starts at 6:30 AM. If you stay in an east-facing room, you can see the lake as soon as you open the window. It's 8–10 degrees colder at night than in Xining, so don't skimp on the down jacket 5. Don't run or jump when crossing the Xiangpi Mountain Pass (3,800 meters). Also, don't drink alcohol or wash your hair on your first day in Xining. Catching a cold on the plateau is a major taboo 💰 Transparent costs (excluding long-distance travel) Three-ticket package: Ta'er Monastery CNY 70 + Erlangjian CNY 70 + Chaka package CNY 168 (includes round-trip small train + electric cart + shoe covers) = CNY 308 Two-day chartered car around the lake: CNY 1,200–1,600 for a 5-seater, CNY 300–400 per person if split by 4 people Lakeside accommodation in Heimahe: Prices double in peak season, so book early 📷 Best photo spots · At the end of the Erlangjian boardwalk, the lake water shows three layers from cyan to deep blue. Shoot with the light · Prayer flags + sunset by the Heimahe lake, the orange-pink lake surface lasts for 20 minutes · Walk 200 meters back from the Chaka small train terminal; fewer people and a complete reflection · A red dress/red scarf is the only color scheme that won't go wrong at the salt lake You must book the car for both D2 and D3 together (600 km over two days). Finding separate cars will delay the Heimahe sunrise. If you are traveling with elderly people or children, just choose a chartered car so you can leave your luggage in the vehicle without having to move it. Have you booked your tickets for Qinghai Lake? Let's chat in the comments about what time has the fewest people entering👇 (I have 3 more secret spots for shooting reflections at Chaka. If many of you want them, I'll post them)
Starting from Xi'an, driving west from Minhe along the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road, the biggest surprise of the day is Qutan Temple, hidden in the valleys of Ledu. This temple is nestled against the mountains and faces the water. Along the central axis, it is arranged with the Mountain Gate, Vajra Hall, Qutan Hall, Baoguang Hall, and Longguo Hall. On both sides, the Imperial Stele Pavilions, Bell and Drum Towers, and corridors are symmetrically spread out—a typical Ming Dynasty official architectural complex, built fourteen years earlier than the Forbidden City in Beijing. The reason it is called the "Little Forbidden City on the Plateau" is not just because the layout is similar. The covered diagonal corridors on both sides of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City were destroyed by fire during the Kangxi reign, but these two diagonal corridors at Qutan Temple have been perfectly preserved for six hundred years. Standing on the diagonal corridor and looking up at the double-eaved hip roof of Longguo Hall, the appearance of the Ming Dynasty Forbidden City can still be seen here. The temple's murals, colored paintings, and stone carvings are known as the "Three Artistic Wonders." The 1,523 square meters of murals on both sides of the corridors are nearly 80% original Ming Dynasty works, with mineral pigments like azurite and malachite that have not faded in six hundred years. Painters used Central Plains brushwork to depict Tibetan Buddhist Jataka stories, blending Han and Tibetan aesthetics seamlessly on a single wall. "Dunhuang comes first, Qutan comes after." You have to see it in person to feel this moving power that transcends time. The halls also house a Yongle-era gilded bronze Guanyin statue, a giant bronze bell cast in the second year of the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty, ten Ming and Qing dynasty plaques, and a golden seal bestowed by the emperor. If you were not standing in front of the hall yourself, it would be hard to believe these exist in a small town in the Northwest. From the prehistoric civilization of the Lajia Ruins to the ancient ruins of Longzhi City, and then into the tranquil ancient architecture of Qutan Temple. Don't rush on this road; take your time to look, as every section is a highlight. [Practical Information] 📍 Qutan Town, Ledu District, Haidong City, Qinghai Province 🎫 Admission ticket: ¥20 ⏰ Opening hours: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM (autumn/winter), 2–3 hours recommended ⚠️ Photography is strictly prohibited for the corridor murals. Please help protect the cultural relics. ⚠️ Some corridors may be under renovation; please check before visiting.
Qinghai Lake: Seeing all living things, seeing Przewalski's gazelles, and seeing myself By Qinghai Lake, I always feel like I'm doing more than just looking at the scenery. The lake water is a quiet blue, the grasslands stretch to the horizon, and when the wind blows, the prayer flags rustle and the cattle and sheep graze slowly. In that moment, it feels like I'm seeing all living things, and seeing myself. You must click to see the wild Przewalski's gazelles. They really aren't ordinary antelopes; they are a national first-class protected animal and a critically endangered species, even rarer than giant pandas, existing globally only around Qinghai Lake. It's no exaggeration to call them the adorable angels of these grasslands. We were incredibly, incredibly, incredibly lucky that day to encounter them on the prairie. Watching them from afar as they lowered their heads to graze and looked up to gaze around, my heart just melted. The sunset that day was especially beautiful, the wind was gentle, and everything was lovely. The setting sun dyed the grasslands gold, and the silhouettes of the Przewalski's gazelles blended into the light, quiet and precious. In that instant, I felt that all the travel was worth it. Some encounters really aren't planned; they are luck, and a gift quietly given by this land. Returning to Xining from Qinghai Lake, I stayed at the Boliya Bu Hotel. I highly recommend this place for accommodation in Xining: it's in the heart of the Tangdao CBD, convenient for going out, easy for parking, the rooms are comfortable, the night view is outstanding, and they can accommodate groups, travel agencies, and individual travelers, making cooperation worry-free. Chasing the sunset and watching Przewalski's gazelles by the lake during the day, then going back at night for a hot shower and lying down on the bed—it felt like the gentleness of that day could continue into my dreams. The scenery is about seeing all living things, and a good night's sleep is about seeing yourself; Boliya Bu was the perfect place to hold onto that night. If you also go to Qinghai Lake, remember to keep an eye out for the Przewalski's gazelles on the grasslands. Don't disturb them; watching from afar is the best kind of encounter.
Not sure where to go this autumn? Why not consider Qinghai! Qinghai is stunning right now—it's on the next level! Qinghai Lake The scenery along the way is truly beautiful. We highly recommend the route from Dachaidan back to Xining, specifically the scenery along Huanhu West Road! Chaka Salt Lake It is divided into two scenic areas: Mirror of the Sky and Sky No. 1. The most popular attractions are the small train and the Mirror of the Sky at Chaka Salt Lake. Stepping barefoot into Chaka Salt Lake feels like falling into the reflection of the clouds. It is a bit more commercialized here; those interested can take a look around, but in terms of scenery, Emerald Lake is even more beautiful! Dachaidan Emerald Lake Highly recommended! The salt lake features blue, green, and yellow colors. From a drone's perspective, it really looks like emeralds and is very photogenic. It's like a palette spilled across the Northwest landscape, captivating at first sight! Water Yadan Yadan landforms are relatively common, but Water Yadan is truly unique. Countless Yadans of various sizes scattered across the blue lake look like warships at sea—it's quite spectacular! Other tips: Be sure to visit Qinghai on a sunny day, otherwise you won't see even a fraction of its beauty. We recommend bringing a drone, as the photos taken from the ground and from a bird's-eye view are quite different. The UV rays in the Northwest are strong, so we recommend taking sun protection and moisturizing measures. Attractions in the Northwest are far apart and the drives are long, so it's a good idea to pack some water and snacks for the car.
The Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum is well worth a visit, with its South and North wings each having their own focus. Its crown jewel is the Guinness World Record-holding 618-meter-long painted Thangka, created with natural mineral pigments and breathtaking detail. Other exhibits include Tibetan medicine mandalas, traditional costumes, ancient books and ritual implements, comprehensively showcasing the history, medicine, and customs of the Tibetan Plateau. Renting a guided tour is highly recommended to allow for a leisurely appreciation of Tibetan civilization; it's an excellent place in Xining to gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture.
梦蜜雪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.
M26***77Today I finally saw the snow leopard I'd been longing to see! Thank you to everyone at Xiye for their hard work in taking such good care of the rescued animals. I didn't see the Pallas's rabbits (F4), but I hope I'll see them next time.
Anonymous userRiyue Mountain, formerly known as Chiling, is a significant stop on the Qinghai-Gansu journey, more than just scenic scenery; it's a natural boundary between heaven and history. At an altitude of over 3,500 meters, standing at the mountain pass, one can simultaneously witness two completely different landscapes: to the east, the fertile fields and villages of the Hehuang Valley; to the west, the vast and desolate grasslands and pastoral areas. The Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau meet here, creating a truly wondrous sight. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng, passing through this place, shattered the Sun and Moon Mirror, resolutely embarking on her westward journey to marry a Tibetan king, hence the name Riyue Mountain (Sun and Moon Mountain). The Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion stand on opposite peaks, their murals and stone tablets silently recounting this story spanning a thousand years. The statue of Princess Wencheng stands solemnly, and prayer flags flutter in the wind, creating a truly atmospheric scene. Be aware that the mountain is windy and cold; a warm coat is essential. If you're traveling the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, I highly recommend making a special stop to feel the wind blowing through the mountain passes and to understand the rich stories hidden in this land.
cat litter boxesThe Qinghai Provincial Museum is a must-see when visiting Xining! As a national first-class museum, it's located next to Xinning Square and admission is completely free—just bring your ID card. It offers excellent value and is definitely the first stop for understanding Qinghai. The museum's four permanent exhibition halls comprehensively connect the long history of this plateau. From ancient painted pottery and Tuyuhun treasures to intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and revolutionary relics, each exhibit quietly tells the rich story of the multi-ethnic integration of the Hehuang Valley, clearly and completely unfolding the ancient civilization of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau before your eyes. The museum also features adorable plateau animal-themed cultural and creative products; Pallas's cat and snow leopard dolls are very popular. After your visit, you can check out the cultural and creative product area. The exhibition halls are clearly arranged and the flow is smooth. If you want to explore carefully, you'll need about two to three hours. Before officially embarking on your Qinghai trip, come here to understand the past and present of the plateau, and then see the mountains, rivers, lakes and seas. The journey will be filled with a deeper sense of wonder, making it well worth a special trip.
cat litter boxesThe Dongguan Grand Mosque in Xining City is a rare and solemn building. The nine gold-plated regular script characters "Xining Budongguan Grand Mosque" are inscribed on the middle door lintel, and the inside and outside of the other door lintels are inscribed with gold-plated Arabic classic quotations. The "Hundred-Character Praise" inscribed by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, for mosques across the country is preserved in the temple and is embedded in the wall of the middle door, which is worth seeing.
左右ZzThe museum boasts a rich and engaging collection, packed with substantial content that appeals to both adults and children, making it an educational and entertaining experience. The large, clearly labeled sand table, the lifelike plant and animal specimens, and the realistically recreated natural environments, along with its exhibits on geology, hydrology, and mineral resources, are all well worth seeing. A special mention goes to the incredibly kind staff; they noticed my friend wasn't feeling well and offered genuine help and care. The scenery of Qinghai Lake is beautiful, and so are the people!
M23***49Я побывал на Plateau Pearl Sightseeing Tower и это одно из тех мест, которое лучше всего объясняет сам Синин.Сверху город выглядит совсем иначе, чем с улиц. Синин тянется длинной полосой в долине, а вокруг него поднимаются горы Тибетского плато. И в этот момент особенно понимаешь, почему его называют «воротами в Тибет».Больше всего запомнился момент заката. Днём город кажется обычным современным китайским мегаполисом, но когда начинает темнеть, он превращается в море огней, а горы вокруг уходят в тёмный силуэт. Контраст очень сильный.Стоит ли ехать? Да, если хочется увидеть Синин с высоты и почувствовать масштаб региона. Это не про историю или культуру, а именно про вид и ощущение места.Совет: приезжать ближе к закату и обязательно остаться до полной темноты, тогда картинка раскрывается максимально.
Anonymous userMojia Street, a century-old street in Xining's Chengzhong District, boasts a history of six hundred years. Historically a vital hub for the tea-horse trade in the Hehuang Valley, it's now the city's most vibrant culinary landmark. Free to visit, you can stroll around freely with no restrictions, offering great value. As night falls, the street comes alive, with various shops and stalls opening one after another, filling the air with the aroma of food. Here, you can sample almost every authentic Qinghai flavor: rich, creamy yogurt, chewy and translucent cold noodles, delicious hand-pulled lamb, fragrant kebabs, as well as sweet fermented rice, lamb intestine noodles, and braised lamb in a hot pot—a rich variety with numerous choices. The street isn't long, allowing for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to eat your way through the streets and enjoy the old town's charm. It's more than just a food street; it's a microcosm of the diverse ethnic lifestyles of Xining. If you want to sample local specialties and experience the authentic local atmosphere, Mojia Street is a must-visit in Xining.
cat litter boxesXining Television Tower is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Xining and a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the city. The tower rises above the surrounding buildings and offers a unique perspective of the capital of Qinghai Province and the nearby mountains of the Tibetan Plateau.The highlight of my visit was the observation area, where I could see how modern Xining is surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes. The views are especially impressive in the evening when the city lights begin to illuminate the skyline.Travel Tips:• Visit on a clear day for the best views.• Sunset is one of the best times for photography.• Bring a camera or smartphone, as there are many great photo opportunities.• Combine your visit with nearby city attractions and parks.Why I Recommend It:✔ Excellent panoramic views of Xining.✔ One of the city's iconic landmarks.✔ Great location for photography.✔ Beautiful mountain scenery surrounding the city.✔ Perfect place to understand the scale of Xining and the Qinghai-Tibet region.Overall, Xining Television Tower is worth visiting for anyone who enjoys city viewpoints, photography, and discovering a different side of western China.
MARK MORDOVTSEV
