Things to do in Xinghai

The salt flats are beautiful and vast, but it was cloudy when I went, which affected my photography. Fortunately, the sun came out for a while later, making it much brighter. Shoe covers are available for rent, which was quite convenient. It's a great place to relax and unwind; if I had more time, I would have enjoyed it more thoroughly.

First, you should have seen the upper section of the South Wing and hired a guide; otherwise, the lower section of the North Wing and other exhibits won't be very beginner-friendly. Second, you need ample time; even a quick tour of the upper section of the South Wing takes half an hour, and the same goes for the lower section. Third, as a first-class museum, it naturally has its highlights and unique features. Fourth, please treat everything as folk art. Fifth, if you have some knowledge of Buddhist colleges and medical textbooks, you'll understand the value of the North Wing's collection—it contains items that are rarely seen, unless you become a lama.

Time seemed to slow down amidst the sound of the prayer wheels turning. My body and mind received a baptism of light. The guide's explanations enhanced my understanding of religious culture.

This group tour experience was much better than I expected. The guides didn't just read from a script; they told historical stories in a conversational style. The itinerary was well-paced with no forced shopping. If you want a hassle-free trip, this tour is worth considering.

Buy tickets for the 9:00 AM bus from Xining Bus Station to Qinghai Lake. You can buy tickets through the Xining Bus Station's WeChat mini-program! The journey takes about 2.5 hours, with a stop at a service station for restroom use. Arrive around 11:30 AM. (There will be grasslands along the way; you can see them from the window.) The tour guide will assist with buying tickets on the bus, or you can buy them at the ticket center. Upon arrival, take a fast cruise to the island, then either the cruise ship to the island or a small train or bus to the lake. On the island, you can play in the sand and see seagulls and yaks. Plan your itinerary carefully; less than 4 hours for sightseeing will feel rushed.

The park is quite large, but you can walk around the whole thing. Those who aren't very fit can take the shuttle bus. The animals have plenty of space to roam, and I didn't feel any sense of confinement among them; they all seemed to be living naturally. However, the park's signage is really poor. I hope they can improve it to make it clearer and more concise.

The grassland along the road is beautiful, but the road is under construction, so it is difficult to walk on.

Riyue 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.

The scenic area is vast and beautiful, with unique mountains and rocks creating a stunning landscape. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, a truly magnificent sight. It's definitely worth a visit. The only drawback is the unreasonable crowd control system within the scenic area, resulting in excessively long waiting times.

I was fortunate enough to encounter autumn snow in Qilian County, and the mountains of Zhuoer Mountain were blanketed in silver. Shepherds grazed their sheep on the mountaintop meadows, and the view from the observation deck was exceptionally magnificent. Transportation: Take a bus from Xining to Qilian County, then a taxi to Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area. During the off-season, the scenic area shuttle bus is not running; you can ask the driver to take you directly to the visitor center. There are sightseeing buses within the scenic area that go directly to the summit platform. Dining: Limited options during the off-season; you'll need to find your own food. Delivery services are limited and do not deliver to guesthouses near the scenic area. Seeing the snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, and Danxia landforms made the trip worthwhile!