xining tourist attractions

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Top 7 Xining Attractions | Things to Do in Xining 2024

Xining, the capital of Qinghai province in northwestern China, is the largest city, the transportation and commercial hub in Qinghai. It is a melting pot for different nations such as Han, Hui, Mongolian, Tibetan and usually the first stop of your trip in Qinghai. In Xining city, you can appreciate the Tibetan treasures at museums and ancient monasteries. Or, you can drive further to meet the largest salt lake in the world, find the paradise for photographers in Chaka Salt Lake and explore the nearby Laoye Mountain and Riyue mountain... Here we have selected top 7 things to do in the main attractions in Xining to help you better explore this treasure city . If you want to travel to some of the places or have some other experience, feel free to tell us. We can customize a private Xining tour according to your own ideas and needs.

No.1: Qinghai Lake - Refresh Yourself by the Largest Salt Lake Encircled with Golden Sea of Rapeseed Flowers

Qinghai Lake and Rapeseed Flowering Fields

Yak by the Qinghai Lake

• Address : Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, China 共和县海南藏族自治州青海省 • Opening Hours : All Day • Ticket : CNY 100 during Peak season and CNY 50 during off-season for Erlangjian Scenic Area • Recommended Length of Visit : One day

About 145km from Xining, Qinghai Lake , or Koko Nor in Tibetan, meaning “Blue Sea”, is located in the northeast of Qinghai Tibet Plateau and always traveled with Xining. It is formed by the collapse of the Qilian Mountains. It is a large inland lake in China and Qinghai Province is named after the lake.

The lake area is so vast, and the water is boundless and blue, attracting many birds. Around the lake is surrounded by mountains, and close to the lake is the grassland with refreshing scenery. Every summer, the lake is full of golden rapeseed flowers, which is very beautiful and spectacular. There are many areas opening for tourists, including the Erlangjian area - the essence of Qinghai Lake, Heimahe town - the amazing sunrise observation site, fair Bay Area - the sea of flowers, which are unmissable scenic spots for visiting Qinghai.

☛ 3 Days Qinghai Short Stay Tour

No.2: Chaka Salt Lake - Find the Purest Mirror of the Sky in China

Sightseeing Train at Chaka Salt Lake

"I Love Caka" Platform

• Address : Yanhu Road, Chaka Town, Ulan County, Qinghai Province, China 青海省乌兰县茶卡镇盐湖路 • Opening Hours : 6:00 - 20:00 (Peak Season) 7:30 - 19:00 (Off-Season) • Ticket : CNY 60 (Peak Season), CNY 30 (Off Season) - Entrance Fee; CNY 50 - Sightseeing Train for Chaka Salt Lake Scenic Area • Recommended Length of Visit : One day

Known as “Mirror of the Sky” in China, Chaka Salt Lake is a lake with a naturally crystallized reflective white lake surface. It’s only about 150km to Qinghai Lake and 300k to Xining. On a fine day, the scenery is very beautiful with simply blue sky, white clouds, and reflections on the lake. There are mainly two scenic spots in Chaka Salt Lake, namely Chaka Salt Lake scenic area and Sky No.1 scenic area. In the sculpture area of Chaka salt lake scenic spot, you can see about a dozen huge salt sculptures of important historical or mythical figures like Genghis Khan. In sky No.1 scenic spot, you can watch the outdoor show of Genghis Khan.

In both of the scenic areas of Chaka Salt Lake, there are some little sightseeing trains taking you to the deeper inner area of the lake, where the scenery is purer. It's a paradise for photographers. The sunrise, sunset, and starry sky are spectacular.

☛ 4 Days Qinghai Lake Chaka Salt Lake Enchanting Tour

No.3: Kumbum Monastery - Meet Ancient Tibetan Temple with Delicate Butter Sculptures

Kumbum Monastery Pagodas

Kumbum Monastery Butter Sculptures

• Address : No.56, Jinta Road, Lushaer Town, Huangzhong District, Xining, Qinghai, China 西宁市金塔路56号 • Opening Hours : 07:30 ~ 18:30 • Ticket : CNY 70 (April ~ October); CNY 40 (November ~ March) • Recommended Length of Visit : 2 hours

Kumbum Monastery , aka Ta'er Monastery, is one of the six major temples of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism in China, and also the birthplace of the second important Buddha Lama Tsong Khapa master in the world. With a history of more than 400 years, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Xining. The architecture itself is very magnificent with many believers in and out. The lifelike butter sculptures, colorful murals, and embroidery are known as the "three unique arts of Kumbum Monastery". There are also many Buddhist classics and academic monographs on history, literature, philosophy, medicine, and legislation. Kumbum Monastery is an ancient architectural complex composed of many halls, rooms, pagodas distributed on a small hill. At present, there are more than ten courtyards and halls opening to tourists.

☛ 6 Days Xining Lhasa Train Tour

No.4: Dongguan Mosque - Explore the Largest Mosque in Qinghai

Dongguan Mosque in the daytime

Entrance of Mojia Street

• Address : No.34, Dongguan Avenue, Chengdong District, Xining, Qinghai, China 西宁市城东区东关大街34号 • Opening Hours : 8:00~18:00 (Monday ~ Thursday & Saturday ~ Sunday); closed until 15:00 on every Friday for Juma • Ticket : Free Admission • Recommended Length of Visit : 2 hours

Dongguan Mosque is the largest mosque in Qinghai Province. It has magnificent architecture, in Han and Tibetan styles. It is a popular photo site for tourists in Xining city. The current building here was built in 1913. Just standing outside the mosque, you can see a magnificent arched building. This is the gate tower of the mosque. There are two minarets on both sides. Inside, there are several Chinese-style palaces. The top of the palace has a Tibetan Buddhist-style roof, which is very unique. Many believers come to worship here every day, and you can feel the strong religious atmosphere.

Not far from the mosque is the famous Mojia street. It is one of the ancient streets in Xining and also a famous food street in Xining. It’s very popular among tourists who come to admire famous Qinghai local snacks such as Mazhong brewed skin, mutton noodles, yogurt, sweet fermented grains, and other special food in Xining, as well as food and snacks from all over the country.

No.5: Qinghai Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum - Marvel at the Ancient Tibetan Treasures and Thangka

Qinghai Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum

Exhibits at Qinghai Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum

• Address : No.36, Jinger Road, Xining Biotechnology Industrial Par, Qinghai 西宁市生物科技产业园区经二路36号 • Opening Hours : 9:00 - 18:00 (May to Sept); 9:00 - 17:00 (Oct to April) • Ticket : Free Admission for Permanent Exhibits; Online Reservation Before Entry • Recommended Length of Visit : 2 hours

Qinghai Tibetan Medicine & Culture Museum has a rich collection, a long history, and various exhibits. It has a collection of 50000 cultural relics, including 158 national first-class cultural relics and 2003 national precious cultural relics. The overall structure of the Qinghai Tibetan medicine culture museum is divided into three floors, one underground floor, and two above-ground floors, and four series, namely ancient books and documents, Tibetan Tangka, ancient Tibetan medicine medical equipment, and Tibetan medicinal materials. It can be said that this museum is the epitome of Tibetan culture. The rich exhibits describe the development history of Tibetan medicine in detail. The exhibition hall of Tibetan carpets is the largest exhibition of ancient carpets in China. More than 400 pieces of Tibetan carpets in different periods and ages are displayed, with magnificent patterns and vivid colors. It has a unique national style and local characteristics. The Thangka, which is recorded in the Guinness Book of records, is truly stunning to see. The 618 meters long and 2.5-meter wide Thangka is elaborately painted with precious pigments such as gold powder, jade, and coral, which is really amazing.

No.6: Mount Laoye - Take A Hike on the Closest Mountain to Xining

Mount Laoye

Entrance of Mount Laoye

• Address : Beichuan River, Qiaotou town, Datong County, Xining City, Qinghai 西宁市大通县桥头镇的北川河畔 • Opening Hours : 08:30-18:00 • Ticket : CNY 30 • Recommended Length of Visit : One day

Laoye Mountain is located in the east of Datong County, also known as BeiWudang Mountain and Yuanshuo mountain. It is steep and beautiful with many vegetation and beautiful scenery; There are many ancient temples and architectural sites to visit in the mountains, which is a good place for mountain climbing and sightseeing near Xining. If you start from Xining to visit Laoye Mountain, one day is enough. Laoye Mountain is 2928 meters above sea level. It takes 2-3 hours to hike one way uphill, and the whole journey takes about 4-5 hours. The charm of visiting Laoye Mountain is to enjoy the beautiful peaks, caves, and canyons, especially the south slope of Laoye Mountain; At the top of the mountain, there are Taiyuan Palace (Guandi Temple) and some temples and sites, which are historic sites that can be visited; In addition, in the process of Mount Laoye hiking, you can also overlook the whole Datong City, with a broad vision and a pleasant feeling.

No.7: Sun and Moon Mountain - Stop by the Picturesque Mountain and Slow down Your Journey Pace

Peaceful Sun and Moon Mountain

Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion

• Address : 40 km southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai 西宁市湟源县西南40公里处 • Opening Hours : 08:00-17:00 • Ticket : CNY 40 • Recommended Length of Visit : 2-3 hours

Riyue Mountain, aka Sun and Moon Mountain, is located on the road from Huangyuan to Qinghai Lake, which is also the only way for Qinghai to Tibet. It is said that when Princess Wencheng came to Tibet, she broke a stone mirror. It was divided into two parts in the shape of the sun and the moon. That is how the mountain was named. There is a small peak on both sides of the pass of Riyue mountain, and two landmark buildings, namely the Sun pavilion and Moon pavilion. Tourists usually pass by Riyue mountain when they go to Qinghai Lake from Xining. The grassland here is luxuriant, and there are many prayer flags flying in the wind. The scenery is very beautiful. There are also services such as riding yaks and taking pictures in Tibetan clothes in the scenic area, which need extra charge. Tourists can stop by and take photos on the hillside when passing through Riyue mountain.

How to Plan a Xining Trip

How to Get to Xining: You can fly to Xining from Beijing (2.5h), Shanghai (3h), Guangzhou (3h15min), Lhasa (2-3.5h), Xian (1.5h), etc. or take a bullet train to Xining from Xian (4-5h), Lanzhou (1h10min-1.5h), Zhangye (2h), Jiayuguan (3.3.5h), Dunhuang (6h), etc.

Best Time to Visit Xining: Months from May to October are the best because the temperature is moderate and comfortable.

Where to Stay in Xining: Xining downtown is most recommended. If you are going to visit Qinghai Lake or Chaka Salt Lake, you can also choose the hotels nearby.

Xining is the starting point and transfer center for a Qinghai tour. It’s suitable to spend 1 day discovering the top attractions in Xining, including the Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque, Tibetan Medicine & Tibet Culture Museum. The vast and beautiful Qinghai Lake , about 2.5 hours’ drive from Xining is the No.1 must-visit attraction. You can spend one day here appreciating the water scenery, hiking or biking along the lake or taking a Qinghai Lake cruise (cruise is only available from May to October). With one more day, you can expand trip to the Chaka Salt Lake , known as Mirror of the Sky for its stunning reflected natural landscape on the salt lake. Another day is needed. Usually, people take 3~4 days to visit the three destinations together to explore the cultural and natural highlights of Qinghai.

☛ 3 Days Qinghai Short Stay Tour ☛ 4 Days Enchanting Qinghai Lake Chaka Salt Lake Tour

With short driving distance, there are a few less-known but incredible destinations you can visit, such as the Tongren with authentic Amdo Tibetan Buddhist culture and famous Regong Arts, Kanbula National Forest Park with magnificent Yellow River and Danxia landform. If you’re interested and have more time, you can continue the Buddhist cultural trip to Xiahe (Labrang Monastery) and Linxia (Bingling Temple) in southern Gansu.

☛ 4 Days Qinghai Lake Kanbula National Forest Park Geographic Wonders Tour ☛ 4 Days Qinghai Lake Landscape Tour plus Tongren Authentic Tibetan Culture & Art Exploration ☛ 5 Days Amdo Tibetan Culture Experience Tour

Northwest and southwest China are mysterious lands full of natural beauty and cultural charms. Tourists often make a long trip from Qinghai to neighboring Zhangye (Rainbow Mountains), Jiayuguan, Dunhuang (Mogao Caves) of Gansu along the Silk Road , or make a Sky Train trip to “Roof of the World” - Tibet , visit Potala Palace, Mount Everest, Namtso Lake..., or explore Badain Jaran Desert in Western Inner Mongolia, go further to Urumqi, Turpan and more destinations in Xinjiang and travel land to Jiuzhaigou , Ruo’ergai of Sichuan.

☛ 7 Days Qinghai Lake Zhangye Danxia Badain Jaran Desert Wonders Tour ☛ 6 Days Xining to Lhasa Train Tour by Qinghai Tibet Railway ☛ 6 Days Xining to Lhasa Train Tour by Qinghai Tibet Railway ☛ 12 Days Epic Silk Road Tour including Qinghai Lake and Zhangye Danxia

You can choose from our most popular Qinghai tour packages covering excellent sightseeing and the best local experiences. As an experienced and professional China travel agency, China Discovery also offers customized tour service to help you design a unique trip on your own. Just contact us , tell us your schedule and preferences, we will create a memorable China Qinghai tour for you.

Keep Reading About Xining

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Keep Reading About Qinghai Attractions

• Qinghai Lake
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Keep Reading About Qinghai Tours & Travel Guide

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Recommended Xining Tours

Top 3 Xining tours chosen by most customers to explore Xining in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

4 Days Enchanting Qinghai Lake Chaka Salt Lake Tour

Xining / Qinghai Lake / Chaka Lake / Xining

8 Days Qinghai Lake Zhangye Danxia Badain Jaran Desert Wonders Tour

Xining - Zhangye - Badain Jaran Desert

4 Days Qinghai Lake Landscape Tour Plus Tongren Authentic Tibetan Culture and Art Exploration

Xining / Qinghai Lake / Tongren / Xining

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Xining

Things to do in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours

Top Things to Do in Xining

Things to do in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours

Xining Travel Guide- How to Plan a Trip to Xining

People of the bustling cities will find peace, fresh air and idyllic surroundings on the Qinghai-Tibet highland . The fluffy white clouds, pure blue sky and vast grasslands on which flocks of sheep and herds of yaks are grazing is quite the opposite of how China is depicted. One of the provinces located in China's Northwest is Qinghai province, of which Xining is the capital.

Situated at the northeast of Qinghai province , Xining lies at the junction of the Lanzhou–Qinghai and the Qinghai–Tibet railways with the best transportation connections in the region.

Go with our 7-Days Tibet Tours by Train from Xining   to have a vist of Tibetan Plateau

Bordering the Tibetan Highland , Xining is 2,260 meters above sea level, but the climate there is much better than that of Tibet. Enjoying a good location surrounded by high mountains, the city has a relatively comfortable climate with neither bone-chilling winter, nor sweltering summer and the average summer high in Xining is about 17°C (63°F). Summer in Xining is the ideal season for tourists with fresh and crisp weather. More on Xining weather .

Xining was once an important stop on the century-old Silk Road that ran through Tibet . The boom of the Silk Road in the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) was a major factor for the city's rise. But the city's important role gradually declined as the trade route fell into disuse. Xining's importance in the old trade route meant that it has a lot of historical sites, and has been a gateway to the West for a long time. In previous centuries, people passing through Xining were either doing so with commercial purposes, or religious.

Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Monastery): In Xining visitors can find Ta'er Monastery (Kumbum), one of the two most important Tibetan monasteries outside the Tibetan Administrative Region.

Dongguan Great Mosque: The Xining Great Mosque is a large and beautiful mosque with a huge courtyard full of greenery, and was recently restored. The original building was built in the 14th century. It is an important building for the large muslim population of Xining, and you can't visit during prayer time.

Qinghai Lake is the largest inland salt-water lake in China, and Bird Island, on the west shore of Qinghai Lake, is also worth a visit for its astonishing scenery.

Qinghai Provincial Museum: A museum exhibiting Qinghai history through beautiful artefacts, based on a pleasant square in the city. Not all exhibitions have English signs.

Youning Monastery: Although not located as close to Xining city center as Kumbum Monastery, Youning Monastery is also worth the visit. Located on a mountain, there are so few tourists there that there isn't even a ticket office. You are free to wander around (to a certain extent) and climb up to the top. Temples and residential houses are scattered along the paths to the top.

Xining Tours

We have a range of different tours in Xining. Contact us if you have any questions or special requests, we can always adjust your tour according to your needs.

The Path to Tibet

The recently finished Qinghai–Tibet Railway marks a new era for Xining and its role in tourism. Xining is a vital stop for many travelers to Tibet, as this is where the first luxurious five-star sight-seeing trains start, bound for the Tibet highland. Xining's similarity with Tibet in weather allows Xining to be a sort of 'adjustment stop' for visitors who will then gradually adapt themselves to the harsher weather conditions and altitude in Tibet.

• Feel free to browse our Tibet tours .
• Want to go to Tibet via Qinghai? Read more about how to plan a trip to Tibet here.

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Xining Travel Guide

Xining facts, qinghai’s capital city & start point of the qinghai - tibet railway.

Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, is located on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of Huangshui River. Xining is an ancient plateau city with a history of more than 2,100 years. For the unique geographical location, Xining played an important role in promoting the trades and cultural exchanges between the Chinses hinterland and western areas after opening the Silk Road in the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC – 8 AD). Today, as the start point of the Qinghai - Tibet railway, Xining still serves as the traffic hub to the hinterland of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. Xining keeps many historical sites including the Northern Buddhist Temple, Dongguan Mosque and holy site of the Tibetan Buddhism - Kumbum Monastery. The famous Qinghai Lake is 151 kilometers (94 miles) away from Xining. Surrounded by mountains, Xining enjoys a cool and pleasant climate in summer when the average temperature is as low as 18.3 ℃ (64.9 ℉). But if you visit Xining in October, you may catch the first snow.

Xining is also called the Summer Resort Capital of China for its cool summer. The region also provides a number of attractions making a visit to the area well worth considering. The scenery of the Qinghai Lake , provides an escape from fervent cities and allows you to experience beautiful natural sceneries. The lake itself is quite amazing. The Birds Island , situated on the northwest of Qinghai Lake, is waiting to present you with an extensive array of birds. To the city's southwest, is the birthplace of the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. The gem of the Tibetan culture- Kumbum Monastery was built here. To the north of Xining is the  Northern Buddhist Temple . Climbing the temple will reward you with a view of the city from the mountaintop. A site not to be missed is the Dongguan Mosque , one of the biggest mosques in northern China.

Recommended Tours:

Silk Road Safari : 13 days to Xining, Lanzhou and other cities. Bicycle Route         Qinghai Lake Cycling Race Route

How to Get to Xining

Xining Travel Tips

30 BEST Places to Visit in Xining

Places to visit in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours

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Top Things to Do in Xining, China

Things to do in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours

Xining travel guide

Boasting over 2,100 years of history, Xining is an ancient plateau city in northwest China. Situated along the ancient Silk Road, Xining was an important transportation hub connecting central China with the western frontiers. Today, Xining remains a vital gateway to the Tibetan Plateau, serving as the starting point of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and Highway.

Surrounded by mountains, Xining enjoys a mild climate free of extreme cold in winter and heat in summer. Refreshing summer breezes make it an ideal natural summer resort. As a historic cultural city and tourist destination, Xining has numerous attractions including Beishan Temple, Dongguan Mosque, and former residence of Ma Bufang. Ta'er Monastery in Huangzhong County is a holy site of Tibetan Buddhism, while the famous Qinghai Lake lies 151 km from downtown Xining.

With rich history intertwining with ethnic minorities and diverse landscapes, Xining offers visitors a window into the vibrant culture, breathtaking scenery and transportation significance of the northwest frontier. The moderate climate, fresh mountain air, and laidback lifestyle make Xining an inviting place to unwind and explore the beauty of the highlands. Whether wandering the bustling market streets, gazing over the sapphire waters of Qinghai Lake, or finding tranquility in a quiet monastery, Xining rewards travelers with a blend of natural wonder, cultural delights and comfortable living.

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Dressing guidelines.

Two unique Tibetan traditions persisting in Gannan are pilgrimage circuits and sky burials. Circumambulation, or walking clockwise around temples or mountains while chanting and spinning prayer wheels, is believed to accumulate merit. Each rotation equals reciting the six-syllable mantra venerating Buddha. More repetitions demonstrate piety and progress one’s reincarnation. 

Sky burials also reflect Tibetan Buddhist philosophy. After death, the body is dismembered and fed to vultures that are considered sacred embodiments. Consuming corpses enables spirits to ascend while completing the cycle of rebirth. Though confronting to outsiders, these rituals retain deep meaning for Tibetans. Visitors should observe respectfully, not photograph ceremonies without permission or interfere with centuries-old customs. While fascinating to experience authentic regional heritage, cultural sensitivity remains paramount when encountering Gannan's spiritual traditions.

Religion and Culture

Customs taboos.

When exploring Xining's large Hui Muslim enclaves, cultural sensitivity is key. Pork, dog, horse, donkey and mule meat are forbidden, along with any meat from animals not slaughtered by Muslims. Blood consumption is also prohibited.

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol or making food jokes inside Hui homes. Don't liken spicy peppers to blood either. Dress and speak modestly, particularly around mosques. 

If dining at halal restaurants, wait to be seated and don't touch food with the left hand. Request no pork or alcohol. Tip: say "bú yào zhū ròu" to refuse pork.

While experiencing enriching Islamic traditions, it's important to respect customs. With courtesy towards local taboos on diet, faith and etiquette, visitors can sincerely engage with Xining's diverse cultures. Mindful travel fosters meaningful exchange between tourists and residents eager to share the heritage of their hometown.

Medical treatment

Safety considerations.

Xining sits at 2,295 meters, so altitude sickness is uncommon. However, those continuing to Qinghai Lake or Tibet should prevent and treat symptoms with medication like rhodiola.

Overall, Xining is safe though solo travelers should secure belongings in crowded areas. As a multi-ethnic city, friendliness and cultural sensitivity will be reciprocated. Avoid conflicts stemming from racial misunderstandings. 

When out and about:

- Conceal cash, phones and valuables in zipped bags/pockets.

- Research neighborhoods before wandering at night. Stick to well-lit main roads.

- Keep important documents like passports secured at accommodation.

- Arrange travel with licensed tour groups when possible.

Violent crime is rare in Xining. With situational awareness and respect for its diverse peoples, Xining offers a pleasant gateway to Qinghai's breathtaking lakes and mountains.

Xining Surrounding Cities

Popular tourist cities in China

Top Things to Do in Xining, China - Xining Must-See Attractions

Things to do in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours

Top Things to Do in Xining, China - Xining Must-See Attractions

Things to do in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours

Top Things to Do in Xining

Things to do in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travelers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours

THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Xining

Things to do in xining, explore popular experiences, ways to tour xining.

• Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

8 Day Small Group Tour to West China Qinghai & Gansu

• Private Day Tour to Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque in Xining from Lanzhou

• Private Qinghai Lake day Trip from Xining City

• Private Day Tour to Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake from Xining

The Best of Xining Walking Tour

4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

6-Days Private Tour in Xining, Zhangye, Jiayuguan and Dunhuang

Romantic Tour in Xining

• Private Day Tour to Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Xining

Private Sightseeing Tours

Top attractions in xining.

Other Top Attractions around Xining

Private and Luxury

Tours & sightseeing, cultural & theme tours, what travellers are saying.

• Lake Kokonor
• Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture
• Xining Nanshan Mountain
• Xining Dongguan Mosque
• Xi'ning People's Park
• Elevated Trips
• Xining Beihai Park
• Mystic Tibet Tours