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Discover the most popular places to stay in Xining, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Guest User: The hotel is ideally located in a business district, well-equipped with facilities, including a free laundry room. The breakfast was a pleasant surprise, a delightful mix of Chinese and Western dishes, featuring exquisite Chinese pastries and authentic Western options. The variety was extensive, and the taste was excellent. The bedding was comfortable. Highly recommended!
No. 11901, 19A Floor, Building 5, No. 130 Xiguan Street
From KRW 55,467
Guest User: Staying at the Qaidam International Hotel in Xining was such a breeze! The room was clean and even had a humidifier, which is perfect for the high-altitude climate. The bed was incredibly comfortable. The front desk staff were enthusiastic and efficient, and the soundproofing was excellent. I'll definitely choose this place again next time I'm here.
Building 9, No. 66 Wusi West Road
From KRW 73,360
simon: 每年都出去旅遊，都會在選擇酒店時選擇合適的酒店住宿。今年過完暑期才出門，我就住在這家酒店。酒店設施齊全實用，還有投屏電視，網絡也很快，洗衣房，健身房，早餐。這些硬件自不必多説，最讓人感動的是每一項服務都暖心、細緻。停車時，保安跑前跑後調度指揮；辦入住時，前台見我帶有小孫女，主動詢問對房間有什麼要求，並給辦了升級。樓層服務員很熱情，動作麻利，房間衞生好。各方面服務讓人滿意。早餐品種多，味道好，麪食很有特點。想給小孫女吃麪條，餐廳就給煮了低鹽的清水面。服務這麼好，我們決定再住一天。這一天有件讓我很感動的事，晚上我們想帶孫女去吃當地特色美食，炕鍋羊排，沒吃完打包了，回來又想吃了，問了下酒店可不可以加熱，酒店前台立馬讓我前台幫忙加熱，這種有求必應，幫顧客之所需，注重服務細節的態度和精神，是我近幾年多次住店中，印象最好最深的一次。住這家酒店真有家的感覺。下次，一定還來西寧這座美麗的城市，還來住這家温馨的酒店。
No.16 Huining Road, Xichuan South Road
From KRW 20,477
Guest User: Other eLongs who live have been okay. This is really a bit speechless. I found no shampoo in the bath and put two bottles of conditioner. There is also a problem with the drainage of the sink. Washing your face is a little slower and the water is overflowing. There is also a problem with the light control. At first, he didn't press his own light, and then he pressed it and didn't respond.
1st Floor, Building 9, Jinzuo Meilun Plaza, No. 130 Xiguan Street
From KRW 38,569
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Xining dishes and foodie spots.
📍Kanbula Town, Jianzha County, Huangnan Prefecture, Qinghai As a World Geopark, National Forest Park, and National Scenic Area, Kanbula blends the crystal-clear Yellow River, majestic Danxia landforms, primeval forests, and Tibetan-style villages within the same canyon. If you want an immersive experience of limited-time autumn scenery, don't miss this in-depth loop of sacred peaks and waters! Transportation: Driving is recommended. From Xining, navigate to the Kanbula Scenic Area East Gate or the North Bank Pier. The total distance is about 100 km, and the roads are in good condition. 📝Itinerary: Take a boat from North Bank Pier → Thousand Buddha Cliff → Monkey Gazing at the Moon → Nanzonggou Pier → Rhino Peak → Scissors Peak → Glass Bridge → Nanzonggou Parking Lot → Forest Grand Canyon → Oxygen Bar Trail → Little Yaochi → Nanzonggou Parking Lot — Nanzonggou Pier → Take a boat back to North Bank Pier, end the trip, and drive back. Must-visit autumn photo spots ▫️Sacred Peaks and Waters Observation Deck: The premier panoramic spot. Overlook the emerald Kanbula Lake paired with crimson Danxia landforms. The autumn landscape makes for incredible photos. ▫️Lamaogang: Climb high for a distant view. Rolling Danxia landforms and mountains covered in colorful autumn foliage spread out before you. An excellent spot for drone photography. ▫️Little Yaochi: Five Danxia peaks embrace the valley. Witness the breathtaking craftsmanship of nature, sculpted over millions of years. ▫️Oxygen Bar Trail: Walk through the colorful forest trail. The air is rich in negative oxygen ions. A slow stroll here is incredibly healing. ▫️Kanbula Cruise: Switch to a water-based perspective to look up at the Danxia cliffs from up close, capturing stunning views you can't see from land. 🏨Accommodation Recommendation: Kanbula International Hotel. A 4-star property with spacious rooms and complete amenities, making it very convenient for your stay. 💡Travel Tips: The high-altitude mountain area has large temperature differences between day and night and strong UV rays. Remember to bring a thick jacket and sun protection gear. Kanbula Scenic Area
Listed by National Geographic as one of the 55 places to visit in a lifetime, I finally saw the real-life "Mirror of the Sky" with my own eyes☁️! The white salt lake is backed by snow-capped mountains. Take mirror-like photos during the day and encounter the Milky Way at night. I've organized the complete guide, so save this now! 📍Chaka Salt Lake · Mirror of the Sky 🚗Transportation guide ▪️Self-drive: 298 km from Xining, approx. 3.5 hours ▪️Bus: Xining Passenger Transport Center → Chaka Town (4 hours), then take a taxi 4 km to the scenic area 🚂Narrow-gauge train (6 major stations: Mirror of the Sky Station → Chaka Heart Station → Chaka Salt Station → Chaka Glow Station → Chaka Wind Station → Chaka Snow Station) At Mirror of the Sky Station, take photos with the 3,059m landmark sign. On the return trip, stop at Chaka Heart Station to visit the Chaka Salt Lake Museum and learn about the 1,000-year history of salt mining. At Chaka Salt Station, see the large salt sculpture collection. Chaka Glow Station is perfect for waiting for the sunset and afterglow. The orange-pink glow covers the lake surface, and the reflections spread out in layers—the atmosphere is absolutely divine. At Chaka Wind Station, check in at the red scarf landmark. Chaka Snow Station is the terminal station in the heart of the lake, where most of the popular photo installations are concentrated. ✅3 routes to choose from▫️ ▫️Lazy route: Train in and out, easily visit core spots, suitable for seniors traveling together ▫️In-depth route: Boat into the lake + train out, experience the ancient salt mining waterway and industrial relics ▫️Hiking route: Walk the entire salt crystal boardwalk, physically demanding, suitable for young people with good stamina 📸Must-see spots 3,059m landmark sign | Large salt sculpture collection | Red scarf landmark Snowflake boardwalk, hot air balloon, water piano, lonely whale Chaka Salt Lake Museum 🌌Unique experiences ✔️Mirror of the Night Sky: An excellent spot for stargazing photography, with the Milky Way reflecting on the lake for an incredible atmosphere ✔️Sea salt ice cream; you can also purchase creative souvenirs like Daqing salt and hot compress salt bags 💡Practical tips ① The plateau has strong UV rays, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, so be sure to bring a thick jacket. ② It is recommended to wear shoe covers, as salt crystals are sharp and can easily scratch. Avoid the strong midday sun, as the light is softer at sunset, and the afterglow + lake reflections make for better photos. ③ Tickets allow for re-entry within 2 days; if you want to photograph the sunrise, sunset, or starry sky, it is recommended to stay near the scenic area. Head to Chaka to watch the sunset turn the salt lake into molten gold, see the clouds sink to the bottom of the lake, and watch the galaxy flow across the water. Immerse yourself in the unique mirror-like romance of the plateau salt lake✨. Go with your friends this holiday!
Starting from Xining and heading west, I packed the prayer flags of Ta'er Monastery, the blue of Qinghai Lake, the mirror of Chaka, and the wind of the grasslands into my trunk. This road trip was truly the ultimate experience of "body in hell, eyes in heaven"! Day 1: First impressions of Xining · A bowl of hand-grabbed mutton kicks off the Northwest experience Arrive at Xining Caojiabu Airport Pick up the car and head straight to the Dongguan Mosque. The white walls and golden roofs shine in the sun, and the prayer flags at the entrance flutter loudly in the wind. Stay at a hotel in the city center for the night, within walking distance of Mojia Street Day 2: The wind of Ta'er Monastery · The waves of Qinghai Lake Ta'er Monastery > Laji Mountain > Erlangjian, Qinghai Lake Morning: The butter sculptures at Ta'er Monastery look like flowing gems in the sunlight. Walk a circle with the prayer wheels, listening to the soft chanting in your ears Noon: Cross Laji Mountain. The array of prayer flags at the summit looks like a colorful sea. The mountain pass is at an altitude of 3,800 meters, so watch out for altitude sickness Afternoon: The blue at Erlangjian is the kind that heals everything. Take a boat to the center of the lake; the sight of the water and sky merging is truly breathtaking. Stay at a lakeside homestay for the night and find a local herdsman for a horse ride Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake · Stepping into the mirror of the sky Chaka Salt Lake When the sun rises from the end of the salt lake, the entire surface looks like it's been sprinkled with crushed diamonds. Wear a white dress and stand on the salt bridge; any photo you take will look like a "Mirror of the Sky" blockbuster. Afternoon: Head to the terminal station of the small train. The salt flowers there bloom in the lake like coral, and the sunlight refracting through the salt crystals creates rainbows. The evening is also beautiful. It's more convenient to stay in the scenic area at night Day 4: The cliffs of Gangcha · The forgotten secret realm of Qinghai Lake North shore of Qinghai Lake > Gangcha Cliffs Drive from Chaka to Gangcha. The grasslands along the way are like a green velvet carpet stretching to the horizon, with yaks and sheep occasionally crossing the road slowly. The cliffs of Gangcha are a real treasure! The black cliffs plunge straight into the deep blue lake. You can take photos with yaks and lambs Stay in Gangcha Town. I felt a bit of altitude sickness here Day 5: Zhangye Grassland · Living in a green fairy tale Gangcha > Qilian Grassland > Zhangye Depart from Gangcha and drive along the Qilian Mountains. The grassland changes from light green to dark green, and the distant snow-capped mountains look like giants wearing white hats. The Zhangye grassland is the real-life version of "the wind blows low, revealing the cattle and sheep." Lie on the grass and watch the clouds race across the sky. Stay at a homestay on the grassland. There's a bonfire party at night where everyone sings and dances around the fire. Look up, and you'll see a sky full of stars. This kind of happiness is truly pure. Day 6: Return to Xining · Packing up the wind of the Northwest Zhangye > Menyuan > Xining Drive back from Zhangye and pass by the rapeseed flower fields of Menyuan. The golden fields stretch all the way to the foot of the snow-capped mountains. I instantly felt the urge to stay another night in Menyuan
I'm here on a quick trip to the northwest I read a lot online about pitfalls to avoid at Erlangjian Scenic Area But I really think it's so beautiful, like an oil painting Canola flowers, seagulls, a lighthouse, prayer flags, white sandy beaches… Within just 1 km my phone storage was almost full 😭 📍 Navigation: Erlangjian Scenic Area 🎫72 per person (repeat entry allowed within 3 days) 🚗 Drive from Xining city center ➡️ Erlangjian Scenic Area (about 2h) The vast flower fields by the lake complement the lighthouse, so beautiful I skipped the small train and the boat and just walked around the lakeshore There were lots of seagulls on the beach, so bring them some bread If you have time in the evening, you can go to the lighthouse to catch the blue hour It totally felt like La La Land! 📝 Tips: 1️⃣ Check the weather before you set off, it greatly affects the scenery 2️⃣ Actually, Erlangjian is better experienced over 2–3 days. Tickets are valid for 3 days, but I was too rushed, so I only spent one day 3️⃣ Wear sun protection and bring warm clothes, temperatures vary a lot between morning and night 4️⃣ The altitude is high here, avoid vigorous running or jumping 5️⃣ The scenic area has shops, restaurants, and public restrooms, so it's very convenient
As a travel blogger, I've checked out quite a few mosques in Xining, but Nanguan Mosque was the most surprising one for me 🤍 Unlike the famous Dongguan Mosque, which is always crowded with tourists, this one offers a rare sense of peace and tranquility. The all-white, Arabic-style architecture is especially striking under the Northwest sun. You don't even need to pick an angle; every shot looks like a professional photo 📸 📍 Basic Info Address: No. 31–73, Nanxiaojie, Chengdong District, Xining (some sources say No. 23, Zhongnanguan; just search for "Nanguan Mosque" in your navigation app) Admission: Free 🆓, no reservation required Recommended duration: 15–30 minutes is enough; if you're here specifically for photos, allow 1 hour Opening hours: Some sources indicate 4:00 PM–11:00 PM, but as the mosque is primarily a place of worship, you can usually visit the exterior during the day. To be safe, it's recommended to avoid prayer times 🕌 Why it's worth a visit Nanguan Mosque was founded in 1934. It started as a small earth-and-wood structure built by 18 Hui families for worship. After several expansions and a reconstruction in 2013, it reached its current scale ✨ Covering a total area of 3,100 square meters, its most striking features are the approximately 15-meter-tall minaret and two buildings—one white and one gold. The color contrast is sharp, and the design is incredibly exquisite 💥 Unlike the grand and ancient Dongguan Mosque, Nanguan features a pure Arabic style. It's all white with a row of towering columns along the outer corridor, simple yet elegant. Next to it is a golden building, intricately carved. Together, the two buildings really give off a "mini-Istanbul" vibe 🕌 📸 Recommended photo spots ▫️ In front of the minaret: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the entire building; shoot from a low angle to make it look tall and majestic ▫️ In front of the main hall entrance: Use the lines created by the sunlight on the white building to capture great layers of light and shadow ▫️ Side wall of the white building: Lean against the wall for a shot with the golden building in the background; the color contrast creates an exotic feel Note: You can take photos outside, but photography is prohibited inside the main hall 📵. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside during prayer times. Please respect the rules and don't cross the line just for a photo 🚶 Transportation and nearby attractions Bus: Take bus 5 or 41 to "Nanxiaojie" station and walk to the destination Citywalk route: Nanguan Mosque is about a 15-minute walk from Dongguan Mosque and very close to the Xiananguan Food Street. Recommended route: Explore and eat at Xiananguan Street → Take photos at Nanguan Mosque → Walk to Dongguan Mosque. Half a day is just right 📍 Nearby food: Xiananguan Street is a popular food street for locals in Xining. Baiji Zenggao (steamed cake) and Huangguotiao (yellow rice noodles) are worth a try! Grab a meal after visiting the mosque—perfect 🍜 ⚠️ Blogger tips ✦ Dress code: Avoid short skirts and shorts; long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Women may want to bring a headscarf, as it's required when entering the hall ✦ Prayer times: Friday noon is usually Jumu'ah (Friday prayer), which is crowded, and it's not suitable for non-Muslims to enter. It's also recommended to avoid daily prayer times ✦ Parking: The mosque is located on a roadside in the city, so parking is not very convenient. It's recommended to take a taxi or bus Nanguan Mosque isn't a "must-visit" tourist attraction, but if you enjoy architectural photography or are looking for a quiet place to experience Xining's diverse culture, it's definitely worth a stop If you're not in a rush, stand under the white corridor for a while and listen to the sounds from the minaret—it feels more like a real travel experience than taking any number of photos 🌙
When visiting Qinghai, you don't have to limit yourself to Ta'er Monastery. Huangnan's Tongren, also known as Regong, is the birthplace of Regong art, a world intangible cultural heritage. The ancient temples nestled in the valley preserve murals, thangkas, and clay sculptures created by generations of artisans. It is quiet and uncrowded, perfect for taking your time to appreciate Tibetan art. 🗓 One-day one-way itinerary (no backtracking) ▫️Morning | Longwu Monastery Located in downtown Tongren, it is one of the largest Gelug monasteries in the Amdo region. The red-walled, golden-roofed halls are built into the mountainside, with prayer wheels standing quietly along the long corridors. The halls house numerous Regong-style paintings and statues, offering a peaceful space to experience the daily life of the monastery. We recommend spending 1.5–2 hours here, then taking a stroll through the nearby Longwu Old Street to experience the local town life. ▫️Noon | Simple lunch and rest in town Try some local Tibetan cuisine, such as a bowl of yak yogurt or tsampa, and take a short break before heading out again. ▫️Afternoon | Upper Wutun Monastery & Lower Wutun Monastery These two monasteries are close to each other and are at the heart of the villages where Regong art is preserved. The murals inside the halls feature delicate layering, with mineral pigments that remain vibrant after all these years. The village is home to many artist studios where you can watch artisans hand-painting thangkas. ▫️Evening | Longwu Four Villages Ancient Monastery Cluster (Nianduhu Monastery, Guomari Monastery, etc.) Scattered throughout the valley villages, these ancient monasteries house historic murals. Guomari still preserves an ancient rammed-earth fortress. At dusk, the yellow earthen walls set against the backdrop of the distant valley create a truly atmospheric scene. 📌Travel Tips 📍Location: Tongren City, Huangnan Prefecture, Qinghai. About a 2.5-hour drive from Xining. 🚗Transportation: Driving is the most convenient option. If using public transport, arrive in downtown Tongren first, then take a taxi to the surrounding village monasteries. 🌤Altitude is about 2,500 meters. You generally won't experience significant altitude sickness, but there is a large temperature difference between day and night, so bring a jacket and remember sun protection. 📜Cultural Etiquette Tips 1. Please remain quiet when entering the monasteries. Photography is generally prohibited inside the halls. Pay attention to on-site signage and do not touch Buddha statues, murals, or ritual objects. 2. When spinning prayer wheels or walking around the monastery, always move in a clockwise direction. Do not step on the temple thresholds. 3. If you wish to photograph monks or local residents, please obtain their consent beforehand. When visiting artist studios, ask politely and be mindful when viewing handmade artworks. 4. There are Buddha-displaying ceremonies and dharma assemblies in the first lunar month, and folk sacrificial activities in the sixth lunar month. These events attract large crowds, so we recommend checking the dates in advance, respecting the rituals, and avoiding any interference.
Before going, I was talked out of it eight hundred times: packed with people, muddy feet when entering the lake, photos filled with other people's backs. But I drove over four hours from Xining, and the second I stood in the middle of the lake, I just wanted to say one thing—you really have to come see it for yourself. How to get there Departing from Xining, it's about 300 km, a 3.5–4 hour drive. You can also take a train to Chaka Station, or do a lake-hopping route: Qinghai Lake—Heimahe—Chaka, covering it all in one day. The altitude is 3,000 meters, so don't go jumping around as soon as you get out of the car. How much it costs Peak season (May 1–Oct 31): Full-price admission is CNY 60, half-price is CNY 30. The ticket allows multiple entries within 48 hours, which is very generous—you can go back to town for a nap at noon and come back in the afternoon. Sightseeing train CNY 50/one-way, electric cart CNY 5/one-way, boat ride CNY 90/one-way, shoe cover rental for entering the lake CNY 10/pair (CNY 50 deposit). Parking CNY 10/12 hours. Scenic area inquiries: 0977-8246999. (Off-season Mar 1–Apr 30, admission is only CNY 30. Keep this in mind if you want to save money.) When to come June–September has the most water and the most complete reflections. Coming now is perfect for avoiding the crowds: there are half as many people as in July and August, and the light is softer. Golden hours for photography: one hour after opening (in September, it opens at 7:50 AM, ticket check stops at 7:20 PM) and in the evening from 5:00 PM–7:00 PM. Definitely don't shoot at noon; the light is harsh, and the reflection from the salt surface can wash out your photos. 6 photo spots, just copy 1 | Sightseeing train tracks—the tracks extend all the way into the lake. Sit on the tracks to take photos; the composition naturally includes leading lines 2 | Lake center shallows—the water is just a thin layer. Stand on it for a perfect reflection; this is the most "mirror-like" spot 3 | Salt sculpture plaza—use the white salt sculptures as a background. Solid color blocks are best for balancing cool-toned outfits 4 | Salt crystal shore—where the white salt crust meets the lake water. Squat down to capture the details 5 | Wooden boardwalk sunset—the setting sun dyes the salt lake golden red. A backward glance looks best here 6 | Under the prayer flags—five-colored prayer flags plus the wind make your hair fly, adding movement to the shot What to wear The scenic area officially recommends wearing bright colors. I chose to wear a black leather jacket + black stockings + white shoes. The reason is simple: with the white salt lake and big blue sky as a background, black is the cleanest contrasting color, making you look slimmer and taller. But to be honest—the wind at the salt lake is strong, and I was shivering the whole time. The leather jacket is windproof, but the black stockings really don't keep you warm. If you want to be comfortable, wear a bright-colored long dress + a thick coat. Don't do what I did. Tips to avoid pitfalls · Shoe covers are a must-rent; the salt grains are rough and hard, and going barefoot will really scrape your skin · Don't get salt water in your eyes; be sure to rinse them when you get back to the hotel · Sunglasses, SPF 50+, and lip balm are essential; the reflection is even more intense than on snow · Don't run or jump; 3,000-meter altitude is no joke · If you bring a drone, you must register with your real name and report it at the visitor center · Strong winds or rain/snow may cause temporary closures; call ahead before you leave Summary Chaka doesn't rely on filters; it relies on the weather. Pick a sunny, windless day to come, and that mirror is truly worth it. Take your trash with you when you leave; the salt lake is very fragile.
Day 1 (Oct 2) Itinerary: Fly from Chengdu to Jiayuguan – Pick up rental car and drive to Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest Attractions: Arrive by sunset. The admission ticket for this scenic area is valid for 3 days, so you can return the next morning for sunrise; see P2 Accommodation: Dalaihubu Town, Ejin Banner. Book in advance; this will be the most expensive accommodation of the trip Flights on the 2nd are cheap, and renting a car in Jiayuguan is much cheaper compared to starting the standard Northwest China loop from Xining or Lanzhou Day 2 (Oct 3) Itinerary: Spend the morning and noon exploring Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest (or you can choose the Ejin scenic area), P3 After lunch, drive to Guazhou Attractions: Heicheng Ruoshui Populus Euphratica Forest, autumn scenery along the way Accommodation: Guazhou Day 3 (Oct 4) Itinerary: Guazhou to Yulin Grottoes. Special grottoes require advance booking. Compared to the Mogao Grottoes, Yulin Grottoes are much less crowded. After visiting, head to Jiuquan, P4 Attractions: Yulin Grottoes (Special Grottoes 25 and 3). The Populus Euphratica forest on the road approaching Yulin Grottoes is also very beautiful Accommodation: Jiuquan Day 4 (Oct 5) Itinerary: Head to Qilian County and start the Qilian Mountains tour, P5, P6 Attractions: Autumn scenery along the way, with highlights in Sunan County and the Erga Highway Accommodation: Qilian County Day 5 (Oct 6) Itinerary: Qilian County – Qinghai Lake, P7, P8 Attractions: Autumn scenery along the way. Arrive at Qinghai Lake around the afternoon to enjoy the sunset Accommodation: Gangcha County Day 7 (Oct 7) Itinerary: Qinghai Lake – Xining, fly from Xining to Chengdu, P9 Attractions: Drive around half of Qinghai Lake in the morning; it's on the way Return the rental car in Xining Filmed in 2025. The entire route was almost traffic-free and very uncrowded. Car rental costs were relatively low. Except for the first night, accommodation prices did not increase significantly during the National Day holiday. It's a niche route; although there is a lot of driving, the scenery along the way is fantastic!
People always say that a journey in the Northwest is vast and desolate, but Ta'er Temple, an ancient temple with a thousand-year history nestled in the Lotus Mountains, has no forced atmosphere. There are only prayer flags fluttering in the wind and prayer wheels turning slowly, mixed with the faint scent of Tibetan incense and yak butter, permeating the entire mountain—gentle and healing. 🚌 Parking Lot 🅿️ → Ta'er Temple requires a short shuttle ride. The shuttle travels on the main road, so remember to fasten your seatbelt. 🏯 The layout inside Ta'er Temple is very confusing, with densely packed halls and many branching paths, making it easy to retrace your steps. We went around many times, so we have organized a route for you: Eight Treasures Stupa → Small Golden Tile Hall → Large Golden Tile Hall → Grand Sutra Hall → Yak Butter Flower Hall → Scripture Library ⭐ Must-see highlights: ✅ Yak Butter Flower Hall: The first of the three wonders of Ta'er Temple! The craftsmanship of the yak butter flowers inside is incredibly detailed, with new works every year. A must-visit ✅ Large and Small Golden Tile Halls: Iconic golden roofs and red walls, the core architecture of Ta'er Temple, incredibly atmospheric ✅ Grand Sutra Hall: Grand in scale, allowing you to experience the local cultural heritage firsthand 💡 Tips: 1. Do not step on the threshold, respect local customs 2. Photography is prohibited inside the halls, strictly follow the signs in the scenic area 3. It is recommended to dress modestly and elegantly
On-site photos📸 Xining · Ta'er Monastery · Qinghai Lake · Chaka Salt Lake · U-Sut Water Yardang · Dachaidan Emerald Lake · Qarhan Salt Lake · Wanzhang Salt Bridge · Yardang Devil City · Labrang Monastery · Dongtai Jinaier Lake · Lenghu Mars Camp You must experience the Qinghai Lake-Qaidam loop when visiting the Great Northwest. Check off lakes, Gobi deserts, Yardang landforms, and salt lakes all in one trip for a visually stunning experience💥 June to August is the golden time to travel, but the temperature difference between day and night is significant, so be sure to pack a thick jacket🧥 🚩 Start your journey in Xining, with your first stop at Ta'er Monastery to immerse yourself in the cultural atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism⛩️ Then head to the "Sapphire of the Plateau," Qinghai Lake, where the deep blue water and vast grasslands make every photo look like a masterpiece📷 Next, head to Chaka Salt Lake. The "Mirror of the Sky" is breathtakingly beautiful. Remember to wear light-colored clothing for legendary photos✨ 🌊 Heading west, the colorful salt pools of Dachaidan Emerald Lake look like an overturned palette. At U-Sut Water Yardang, lakes and Yardang landforms intertwine in the desert, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape🏜️ The Wanzhang Salt Bridge at Qarhan Salt Lake offers an incredibly grand experience as you drive on a road paved with salt. The mint-blue water of Dongtai Jinaier Lake is incredibly healing💙 If you have extra time, you can also visit the Lenghu Mars Camp for an immersive experience in an alien-like desert, and stop by Labrang Monastery along the way to experience the charm of Gannan~ 🚗 We recommend chartering a car or driving yourself, but be sure to plan your route carefully as the distances are vast. The UV rays in the Great Northwest are extremely strong, so sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. Remember to bring shoe covers for the salt lakes. Slow down and take the time to truly appreciate the vastness and magnificence of the Qaidam Basin🌄
It's definitely worth a visit; it's truly breathtaking. Every detail is meticulously crafted, completely contrary to online claims of shoddy workmanship. The 600-meter-long mural is said to have taken 27 years to paint. I didn't spend the entire fourth-floor Tibetan cultural mural exhibition, but I saw the other exhibits. The guided tours all use headphones, but the volume is extremely low, making it difficult to hear the explanations. If you're just rushing through, don't bother renting a guided tour. However, if you want to take your time and spend an afternoon at each exhibit, it's well worth it.
我要我疯我要我爱就是我要我疯我要我爱As the birthplace and memorial monastery of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, this historical and cultural site, over 600 years old, is a must-see. Photography of the stupa at the entrance is permitted, but not of the Buddha statues inside. The monastery currently houses over 1000 monks and more than a dozen Living Buddhas. While the throngs of worshippers are bustling, the atmosphere is peaceful and serene (perhaps the burning of large incense sticks is not part of the ritual). Many areas allow you to light lamps for blessings (20 yuan per person, depending on your conscience), and there are places to exchange change for prayers. Best of all, there are Chinese-language guided tours, and the guides are very professional; I learned more about Tibetan Buddhism than I did during my previous trip to Lhasa!
M33***46The Plateau Wildlife Park is excellent. The snow leopards are adorable, and the giant pandas are also worth seeing. There are many different kinds of animals, and many of them are well cared for. The environment is beautiful, built on a mountain, and there is also a botanical garden to visit. The prices are very reasonable.
D12***71Scenery: It's worth going to Riyue Mountain just for the scenery in picture 1. It's on the main loop and the scenery is truly unique. The rocks at the base have Tibetan characters written on them; although I can't understand them, they still feel very sacred and auspicious. Impressions: Overall, besides picture 1, there's not much else to see. The surrounding environment is similar to picture 4. The wind there is really strong. If you go in winter, be sure to wear a mask, hat, sunglasses, and gloves.
M43***59To gain a deeper understanding of the evolution of Chinese culture 4,000 years ago and the important role Xining played, this museum has a wealth of information. In recent years, archaeological teams in this region have also achieved remarkable results. The museum is highly informative and well-organized. It's definitely worth a visit.
GKC88The 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 userThe 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ZzMojia Street is located in the downtown area of Xining. It is an old street. There are not many tourists during the day, but the night market opens at night, attracting countless diners to come and taste. The main feature is barbecue, three or five people per table, accompanied by beer, this is the night life of Xining.
布晓呆Xining 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
