7 Days in Xining and Surroundings｜Winter Fun to the Fullest

Here comes a 7-day treasure route starting from Xining! Explore Kekexili and encounter Tibetan antelopes, check in at the magical water Yadan landforms, then head to Emerald Lake for a stunning blue-green gradient photo shoot. This route covers the wildness and romance of Northwest China all in one! -------------------- 📒 Suggested Itinerary: DAY 1: Arrive in Xining, private transfer from the airport, then free time to seek authentic Northwest cuisine 🍜 and experience the local city vibe. DAY 2: Riyue Mountain — Qinghai Lake — Heimahe Township — Xiangpi Mountain, enjoy the plateau scenery along the way, check in at the beautiful Qinghai Lake, and feel the grandeur of nature. DAY 3: Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area, stroll on the Mirror of the Sky, take beautiful photos, and experience a dreamy salt lake journey 📸. DAY 4-5: Explore Kekexili, encounter Tibetan antelopes 🦌, check in at Wuji Longfeng Palace and Kunlun Mountain Pass; then head to Chaerhan Salt Lake, Wanzhang Salt Bridge, and finally visit the Water Yadan Geological Park to appreciate nature’s craftsmanship. DAY 6: Qinghai Lake — Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake — East Ring Road — Qinghai Atomic City Memorial — Jinyin Beach Grassland, tour around the lake, enjoy the tranquility and beauty of Qinghai Lake, learn about the history of Atomic City, and stroll through Jinyin Beach Grassland. DAY 7: Xining ✈️ Return to your warm home, concluding a pleasant Qinghai trip 🎉. -------------------- Must-Visit Attractions: 🌊 Qinghai Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍 Location: North side of National Highway 109, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day ⏳ Recommended Duration: 1 day 💡 Source of the Divine Lake, where grasslands and lake waters weave a beautiful picture, swans dance gracefully, and ecological beauty is fully displayed! 🚂 Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Sky No.1 Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍 Location: East of Chaka Salt Lake, Ulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture ⏰ Opening Hours: Unknown ⏳ Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours 💡 Winter mirror wonderland, a pure aesthetic paradise, a great place for soul healing! 🌌 Chaerhan Salt Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍 Location: Northwest of Jieyuan Gas Refueling Station, Golmud City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province, near the Dream Salt Lake Scenic Area Visitor Service Center ⏰ Opening Hours: October 9 - December 31, 08:30-19:30 ⏳ Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours 💡 Lush greenery, stunning salt crystal formations, experience the natural wonder of the Wanzhang Salt Bridge! ⚔️ Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍 Location: Inside the Lake Scenic Area on National Highway 109, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province ⏰ Opening Hours: 08:30-18:00 ⏳ Recommended Duration: 2-4 hours 💡 Ice push spectacle during lake closure season, a snowy fairy tale world, every shot is a masterpiece! 🌼 Jinyin Beach Grassland 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 📍 Location: National Highway 315, Haiyan County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture ⏰ Opening Hours: Open all day ⏳ Recommended Duration: 1-2 hours 💡 Golden and white flowers intertwined, the winter grassland is vast and clear, refreshing and uplifting! -------------------- Notes: 1️⃣ Prices for Xining specialties like black goji berries and yak jerky vary; it’s recommended to compare prices at official markets before buying 🛒! 2️⃣ Yak yogurt paired with highland barley sugar is absolutely delicious 🥄, but those with sensitive stomachs should avoid too much cold food~ 3️⃣ Average daily temperature in Xining in December is -10℃❄️, be sure to wear a down jacket + knit hat + warm packs! 4️⃣ Remember to dip hand-pulled lamb in chili salt 🌶️, a secret local way that’s so tasty you’ll stomp your feet! 5️⃣ Strong UV rays on the plateau 🌞, sunscreen + sunglasses 🕶️ are a must! -------------------- 🚗 Everyone, quickly save this guide and follow it—your private group tour in Xining and nearby areas is guaranteed to be a success!