Things to do in Xainza
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Top 10 attractions in Xainza
Selincuo National Nature Reserve
Selincuo National Nature Reserve was established in 1993. Due to the plateau alpine grassland ecosystem, many rare plants and endangered creatures grow and survive here, and it is also the main breeding ground and habitat of black-necked cranes.Xainza · 77.1 km from downtown
Selin Co Lake
Xainza · 92.8 km from downtown
jie gang ri shen shan
Xainza · 92.4 km from downtown
Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is the symbol of Xizang and a sacred place in the hearts of all pilgrims! "Potala" is a Sanskrit word, also translated as "Putuo", which originally refers to the residence of Guanyin Bodhisattva. When you come here, you can not only view the large number of historical relics collected in the palace, appreciate the wonderful architectural art of the Tibetan people, but also have a baptism of the soul in that holy atmosphere. The origin of the Potala Palace According to historical records: In the 1930s of the seventh century AD, the 33rd Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo moved the capital to Lhasa and began to build the Potala Palace. Since then, major religious and political ceremonies have been held here, and it has become the ruling center of Xizang integration of politics and religion. The White Palace and the Red Palace The Potala Palace has a distinct Tibetan style and is majestic. It is the existing complete palace-style building complex in Xizang and is known as one of the world's top ten earth buildings. Its main buildings are divided into two parts: the White Palace and the Red Palace. The White Palace is named after its white exterior wall. It is the place where the lamas live and conduct political activities. Because the sun shines all day long, it is called the East and West Sunlight Palaces. The Red Palace is located at the top center of the Potala Palace. Its outer wall is red and it consists of many stupas and various Buddhist temples. Historical relics The Potala Palace houses and preserves a large number of historical relics, including stupas, statues, murals, thangkas, scriptures and books, as well as gold books, jade books, gold seals granted by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, which show the historical relationship between the Xizang local government and the central government, as well as gold and silver wares, jade wares, porcelain, enamel and handicrafts. Among them, the eight stupas from the fifth generation are eye-catching. They are all magnificent and decorated with a dazzling array of gems, which can be called a palace of art.China · Lhasa
Namtso National Park
Namtso National Park is located between Damxung County of Lhasa and Baingoin County of Nagqu, situated on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau known as the "roof of the world." The attraction includes Namtso, the main peak of Nyenchen Tanglha, bird islands on the lake, rock carvings, Yangbajing, and other attractions. The core attraction of the park, Namtso, is one of the three holy lakes and also one of the world's highest-altitude saltwater lakes. Under sunlight, Namtso's lake surface appears sapphire blue, resembling jade fallen from the sky, earning it the title "heavenly lake" and making it a renowned site in Tibetan Buddhism. The lake contains three larger islands, which are rarely disturbed by the outside world and host diverse bird populations, hence called bird islands. To the south of Namtso lies the perpetually snow-capped Nyenchen Tanglha Mountains, while its northern and western sides feature plateau hills and expansive lakeshores. In the folk songs and legends of local herders and hunters, Nyenchen Tanglha and Namtso are not only striking sacred mountains and lakes but also inseparable lovers and spouses. Nyenchen Tanglha appears more majestic against the backdrop of Namtso, while Namtso becomes even more enchanting with the reflection of Nyenchen Tanglha.China · Damxung
Namtso
Namtso is located on the northern Xizang plateau north of Lhasa. "Namtso" means "heavenly lake" in Tibetan and is called "Tengri Sea" in Mongolian, both sharing the same meaning. Along with Yamdrok Yumtso and Mapam Yumtso, it is known as one of the three holy lakes of Xizang. With a surface elevation of over 4700 m, it stretches more than 70 km from east to west and covers nearly 2000 km², making it the second largest saltwater lake in Xizang. Its southern shore is backed by the continuous Nyenchen Tanglha snow-capped mountains, whose peaks reflect clearly in the sapphire-blue lake water on calm sunny days. According to local legends, these mountains and Namtso have been companions for millennia, adding a touch of tenderness to the landscape. Lake tour Namtso means "Tengri Sea" in Mongolian and is said to be the sacred site of the Buddhist deity Chakrasamvara, making it a renowned pilgrimage destination in Tibetan Buddhism. During the Year of the Sheep, it is believed that buddhas, bodhisattvas, and protector deities gather at Namtso to hold grand religious ceremonies. If devotees circle the lake and chant scriptures once during this time, it is considered more meritorious than doing so 100,000 times in ordinary years, bringing immeasurable blessings. Thus, during the Year of the Sheep, monastic and lay devotees undertake long journeys to circumambulate the lake. Many pilgrims visit Namtso during the Saga Dawa festival on the 15th day of the fourth month in the Tibetan calendar. 1-day tour Many travel agencies in Lhasa offer 1-day tour packages to Namtso. The typical itinerary involves departing in the morning, arriving after 3-4 hours, spending 2-3 hours exploring, and then returning the same way. If you don't want a private charter, this is the only option available and also the conventional way to visit Namtso. For those who prefer to avoid the crowds, you can arrange a private charter or find a shared transfer in Lhasa city. While the route remains the same, the advantage is greater itinerary flexibility, along with the option to stay overnight by the lakeshore. Leaving Damxung County and crossing the Nagen La Pass at an elevation of 5190 m, one can glimpse the vast sapphire-blue waters in the distance. By the lakeside stand two towering boulders side by side, known as the welcoming stones of Namtso or the husband-and-wife stones. Legend has it they are the gatekeepers of Namtso. It is said they represent the goddess who governs the wealth of northern Xizang's grasslands. Merchants would pray here for her blessing before business trips to ensure prosperity, hence these stones are also called the wealth deity stones. A number of prefabricated houses have been built near Tashi Peninsula, including restaurants and inns. This is where Namtso offers food and stay by the lake. If you come to Namtso by private charter, you can spend a night here. You can enjoy the beautiful sunset at dusk, wake up early to greet the sunrise on Tashi Peninsula, or gaze at the sky by Namtso's lake at midnight, where you can even discern the outline of the Milky Way. The lake area features high altitude, strong winds, and intense UV radiation. Even in midsummer, temperatures can drop to around 10°C in the morning and evening, so packing a thick coat, sunglasses, and sunscreen is advisable. Slow down when moving through mountain passes or along the lakeshore to allow your body time to adjust. Please show respect when observing pilgrims circling the lake or photographing mani stones and prayer flags, and avoid stepping on the mani piles. Most travelers make a round-trip from Lhasa in a single day, but we recommend setting aside a full day and bringing your own snacks and hot water. From June to September, the lakeside grasslands are lush with vegetation and wildflowers, offering exceptionally rich scenery. In winter, the frozen lake and vast landscape create a unique atmosphere, but pay close attention to weather conditions and your physical state before traveling.China · Damxung
Tso Ngön Bird Island
Xainza · 82.4 km from downtown
Co Ngoin
Cuo'e Bird Island is located around Selincuo, Shenza County, Nagqu. The wetland with a radius of more than 14,000 square kilometers is a reserve built to protect black-necked cranes. Tibetans call the black-necked crane "Zongzong", which means swan. It is one of the 15 known crane species in the world that lives on the plateau. Due to special living conditions and low reproduction and survival rates, the black-necked crane is listed as an endangered species in urgent need of rescue by the International Red Book of Birds and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. There are more than 80 species of birds that settle here in spring and summer. The common ones are bar-headed geese, and tens of thousands of Mediterranean brown-headed gulls fly in from the distant Mediterranean.Xainza · 73.5 km from downtown
Yamdrok Yumtso
Yamdrok Yumtso means "swan pool" in Tibetan and is also called Yamdrok Yumtso Lake, locally referred to as "Yang Lake" for short. Along with Namtso and Mapam Yumtso, it is known as one of the three holy lakes of Xizang. Located on the south bank of the Yarlung Zangbo River in Nagarze County, Shannan City, the lake surface sits at an elevation of approx. 4400 m, making it a relatively large inland lake on the northern foothills of the Himalayas. Yamdrok Yumtso has numerous branching inlets and winding tributaries, resembling coral branches spreading among the mountains when viewed from above, hence its Tibetan name "upper coral lake." The lake water displays alternating layers of blue and green under different lighting conditions. The lake is dotted with over a dozen small islands and is home to plateau fish species such as the fine-scaled fish, Xizang schizothoracin, and plateau naked carp. It is also an important waterbird habitat in southern Xizang, where migratory birds like swans, bar-headed geese, yellow ducks, and ospreys gather in flocks along the lakeshore and on the central islands to overwinter each winter. Yamdrok Yumtso is more impressive when viewed from afar than up close. After crossing the Gambala Pass at an altitude of about 5,000 meters, the view suddenly opens up, and the winding lake surface can be seen like a ribbon below—a classic angle to admire Yamdrok Yumtso. Descending the winding mountain road for about half an hour leads to the lakeshore, with multiple viewing platforms along the way for stopping to take photos and appreciate the changing colors of the lake and the interplay of mountains and water from different heights.China · Nagarze County
qia gui cuo
Xainza · >100 km from downtown
More things to do
Free things to do in Xainza
Selincuo National Nature Reserve
Xainza · 77.1 km from downtownPotala Palace
China · LhasaYamdrok Yumtso
China · Nagarze County
Barkhor Street
China · Lhasa
Nam Co Sheng Xiang Tian Men
China · Baingoin
Tibet Museum
China · Lhasa
Norbulingka
China · Lhasa
Lhasa River
China · Lhasa
Zashi Lhamo Temple
China · Lhasa
Laken La
China · Damxung
What travelers say about Xainza
enjoyzentApril 13, 2021
4.0
The Shenzha County Nature Reserve is located in Nagqu, 5,000 meters above sea level. It is hard to imagine that this almost barren land is actually a paradise for black-necked cranes and Tibetan antelopes. Before entering the reserve, the wildlife protection officer repeatedly warned the driver not to drive the wheels off the road, not to park at will, not to throw away garbage or cigarette butts, and not to shout to scare animals... What a great sense of responsibility!
Selincuo National Nature Reserve
M29***03September 30, 2026
5.0
Our tour guide, Mr. Cheng, was very handsome, gave a very detailed explanation, and had excellent service. If you have the chance, you must experience the charm of the Potala Palace. Highly recommended! 👍👍👍
Potala Palace
M22***09October 16, 2025
5.0
You can't drive in, you can only take the scenic area's sightseeing bus. This is necessary to protect the ecological environment, so support it!
The lake is huge, with varying shades of blue from shallow to deep. There are many birds around the lake, and it's truly beautiful. A must-see when you're in Lhasa.
Namtso National Park
设拉子楚庄王October 21, 2026
5.0
The shuttle bus takes an hour round trip. The scenery is quite beautiful, different from Yamdrok Lake; it's more like the sea, but the colors are stunning. It's windy, so remember to wear warm clothes. The cattle are exceptionally clean and very docile.
Namtso
格格巴March 15, 2020
4.0
Co'e is a small lake in Shenzha County in northern Tibet. It is known as the satellite lake of Selin Co, that is, the very similar water system to the south of Selin Co, with a beautiful lakeshore curve. The road between Bange County and Nima County passes by Co'e. For tourists, they may not pay much attention to this landscape that often repeats the same texture in the Qiangtang grassland.
Co Ngoin
闲庭漫步30October 16, 2026
5.0
The experience was excellent. It's so convenient for tourists who don't drive to get to Yamdrok Lake. The driver was also very nice and made sure to stop at each viewpoint for a good amount of time so that tourists could enjoy the view and take photos. Thumbs up!
Yamdrok Yumtso
