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Overcast13° / -5°Looking for things to do in Xining? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
Discover the most popular places to stay in Xining, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Guest User: Sally is so great. She even loan us a wal power adapter we badly need it. She and her friendly hotal staffs arranged a courtesy shuttle to train station. Wow! buffet breafast was the widest variety we have ever seen! we don't need a lunch! i will definitely recommend this hotel in my Los angeles based Burmese newspapers serving rapidly growing Burmese community for sure.
No. 145 Huzhu West Road, Chengdong District
From US$ 32
Guest User: I absolutely loved my stay here. The staff are helpful and kind, they have plenty of water and even tea. But the real gem is the room layout. It's so clever, cute and comfortable. A rarity in Xining, this room is also air-conditioned (necessary in summer). The bedding is so comfortable. The view is lovely. The shower has great pressure. The location is ideal! Two small things: the room smelled like smoke when I entered, and I would prefer that hotels didn't contribute plastic waste by using disposable towels.
11th Floor, Building B1, Plot 2, Comprehensive Resettlement Area, West Side of the Railway Station
From US$ 14
Anonymous User: Brand new hotel and just beside the hotel a few Lanzhou noodle restaurants nearby
No. 5 Jianguo Street, Zhoujiaquan Subdistrict
From US$ 21
Guest User: Friendly front desk service, providing free luggage storage while away for 2 days. Clean and complete laundry room. Quiet surrounding, short distance from buzzling shopping area.
No. 43 Changjiang Road
From US$ 34
Guest User: The receptionist was very welcoming and upgraded our family of three to a family room free of charge. The hotel was very clean. Facilities: The facilities were complete, and disposable face towels and bath towels were provided. Environment: The environment was beautiful, and the room offered a direct view of the night scene.
No.53 Changjiang Road
From US$ 18
Guest User: The staff, from the ladies cleaning to the folks at check-in, were all very wonderful: polite, helpful, and very professional! The room was very clean and very comfortable. The breakfast buffet had a wonderful selection of both Western and also Chinese breakfast foods. Our family ate both and enjoyed them very much! The pool facilities were very nice and the kids enjoyed playing in the water very much. We thank the staff for such a great stay and definitely recommend this hotel!
No. 45 Changjiang Road
From US$ 41
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Xining dishes and foodie spots.
If you want a sci-fi-inspired Northwest road trip, you must lock in Haixi Mongol and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai! This is a gathering place for internet-famous spots and a paradise of untouched wilderness. Emerald Lake, Water Yardang, Eye of Mangya, and Gobi highways—every shot looks like an alien blockbuster. It is vast, desolate, and breathtaking. If you love road trips, save this guide! ✅ | Best time to travel May–October is suitable for travel. June–August offers comfortable temperatures and the most vibrant salt lake colors. September–October sees fewer tourists and a stronger Gobi atmosphere. Winter and spring are windy and cold, with poor road conditions in many sections, so they are not recommended. The temperature difference between day and night in the Gobi is huge, so a windbreaker is essential, and the UV rays are intense. 🚗 | Transportation advice Haixi is extremely vast, and attractions are far apart. Public transportation is basically not feasible. It is best to start your road trip from Xining or hire a legitimate chartered car. Mobile signals are intermittent on many road sections, so download offline maps in advance. Be sure to fill up your gas tank when you see a gas station, and prepare drinking water, snacks, a tow rope, and spare tire tools. Try to travel in a group and do not venture deep into the no-man's land alone. 📅 | 3-day, 2-night itinerary Day 1: Da Qaidam → Da Qaidam Emerald Lake → U-shaped Highway → U-Sute Water Yardang, stay in Water Yardang or Da Qaidam Da Qaidam Emerald Lake features salt lakes of various sizes that look like emeralds scattered across the earth. The lake water changes between cyan, blue, and green depending on the light, making it fresher and less crowded than Chaka. When taking photos along the G315 U-shaped highway, be sure to watch out for passing large vehicles—safety first. Arrive at U-Sute Water Yardang in the evening. It is a rare water Yardang landform found worldwide. At dusk, the mounds are dyed a warm gold by the sunset, which is incredibly stunning. Day 2: Water Yardang → Xitaijinai'er Lake (Dual-colored Lake) → Mangya Aikan Spring, stay in Mangya Xitaijinai'er Lake has a highway running through the middle, with blue water on one side and green on the other, which is why everyone calls it the "Dual-colored Lake." Driving through it creates an incredible atmosphere. Continue west to Mangya Aikan Spring, also known as the "Devil's Eye." Viewed from high above, the spring eye looks like a deep, piercing eye, and the surrounding land is stained with colorful minerals. Be sure to walk to the high observation deck to see the full view. Day 3: Mangya → Mangya Emerald Lake → Return to Da Qaidam / Xining Mangya Emerald Lake has a surface as flat as a mirror, with the Kunlun snow mountains in the distance. It is quiet and less crowded, and the reflection of the snow mountains is spectacular. After taking your time to explore, start your return journey and enjoy the vast scenery of the boundless Gobi along the way. If you have enough time, you can also visit Nanbaxian Yardang to experience the desolate land-based Yardang landforms. 🍜 | Must-eat food · Kangguo Yak Beef: A signature dish of Haixi, rich in meat flavor, with crispy and flavorful potatoes · Qinghai Earth Hot Pot: Rich in ingredients, it is especially warming after traveling through the Gobi · Lamb Noodles: Northwest home-style cooking, with fresh soup and chewy noodles · Yak Yogurt: Rich and mellow, even better with honey · Highland Barley Cakes, Hand-grabbed Lamb, and Big Plate Chicken can be found in restaurants along the way 🏨 | Accommodation reference · Da Qaidam: The most mature facilities, many hotel options, convenient dining, and the stopover point for most tourists · Water Yardang RV Camp: Strong atmosphere, you can see the Yardang landforms when you open the window, but the price is on the higher side · Mangya Huatugou Town: The first choice for going to Aikan Spring, with decent value for money ⚠️ | Tips to avoid pitfalls 1. The Gobi region has extreme temperatures—scorching sun during the day and very cold at night. Sun protection, hats, sunglasses, and windbreakers are all essential. Stay hydrated! It is difficult to buy water on the road. 2. It is forbidden to stop for a long time in the middle of the G315 highway to take photos. Large vehicles travel fast, which is very dangerous. Pull over to find a safe viewing spot. 3. Many salt lakes have swampy mud around them. Do not blindly walk into deep areas, as it is easy to get stuck. Follow the instructions of the on-site staff. 4. There are no supplies in the no-man's land. Do not deviate from the main road at will, do not travel alone, and inform your family and friends of your itinerary in advance. 5. The salt crystals in the salt lakes are highly corrosive. Remember to clean your shoes and camera promptly after taking photos. Do not step on protected salt lake areas. 6. If you want to use a drone, check the local no-fly regulations in advance. 💬 | Final thoughts Haixi does not have lush grasslands; it has a romance that belongs exclusively to the Gobi and salt lakes. Driving forward along the G315 feels like driving to the end of the world. For many, this is the pinnacle of a Northwest road trip.
①📍 An ancient Northern Wei dynasty temple hidden in the North Mountain of Xining's northern district! With caves carved directly into the hanging Danxia cliffs, you can overlook the entire city of Xining from the top—the view is absolutely incredible👀 ②🚗 There is no subway in Xining! Take bus 10, 11, 19, 21, 84, or 107 to Beishan Market Station. After getting off, it's about a 600-meter walk to the temple gate~ A taxi from the city center costs around 10–20 yuan, and there is a paid parking lot at the foot of the mountain if you drive, which is super convenient🚙 ③🍜 There are no restaurants on the mountain, so head to the area around Beishan Market to eat after you finish exploring! Hand-grabbed lamb, lamb intestine noodles, highland barley sweet fermented grains, and liangpi are all super authentic😋 The local long-standing shops are affordable and delicious—foodies, go for it! ④💰 You can enter the park for free by registering with your ID card! There is no forced consumption, and offering incense is voluntary and free of charge~ Taking the bus is super budget-friendly, and you can even visit the Tibetan Culture Museum on the way, saving on travel costs✌️ ☂️ Tips: There are many steps on the mountain, the UV rays are strong, and it's windy with a large temperature difference. Be sure to bring sunscreen and an umbrella, wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, and be careful as the steps can be slippery after rain~
①📍Located on Dongguan Street in the Chengdong District of Xining, this is a large ancient mosque in Qinghai. With its multi-ethnic architectural style, it's a popular cultural landmark in the city. It's free and very photogenic—you'll definitely love it! 🕌✨ ②🚗There is no subway in Xining yet. Take bus 1, 2, 10, 22, or 23 to Beixiaojie Intersection Station and walk about 200 meters to get there. It's a 10-plus minute taxi ride from Xining Station. If driving, just navigate to the Dongguan Mosque parking lot. Transportation is super convenient! 🚌 ③🍜Snacks near the mosque entrance are a bit pricey, so we recommend walking to Xiananguan Street or Mojia Street to eat! Try the hand-grabbed lamb, lamb intestine noodles, liangpi, tianpei, and traditional Qinghai yogurt. The local halal flavors are very authentic 😋 The night market stalls are full of life, making it a wonderful place for a family to stroll and eat 🏮 ④💰Admission is free, and you can just register to enter. Remember to avoid the Friday Jumu'ah prayer times. Buy water and snacks in advance to avoid the high prices at the small shops near the entrance! ☂️The UV rays on the plateau are strong, so carry an umbrella for sun and rain protection. Please dress appropriately when entering, tour quietly, and respect local customs!
①📍Dang'er Ancient City is located in Huangyuan County, Xining. It's a 600-year-old Tea Horse trade hub, filled with ancient street lantern displays, Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, and rich Hehuang folk customs. Stroll through the ancient city during the day to feel the weight of history, and at night, the lanterns light up, creating an incredible atmosphere.💡 ②🚗There is no subway here! Take the U703 special line from Xining Chengbei Passenger Station directly to Shengli Gate of the ancient city. The first bus is at 6:40 AM and the last is at 6:30 PM. You can also take an intercity bus from Xining to Huangyuan and get off at Huangyuan Dashizi to walk into the city. Within the county, take bus 726 to Gonghai Gate Station. Transportation is quite convenient.🚌 ③🍜When you visit, you must try the Huangyuan sour and spicy pork tenderloin, highland barley tianpei, Goujiaoniao pancake, handmade yak yogurt, and liangpi—they are all super authentic.😋 You can also buy some Huangyuan aged vinegar as a souvenir; the small shops in the alleys offer better value. ④💰The main street of the ancient city is free to explore! You don't need a ticket if you just want to take photos.📸 If you want to see the Magistrate's Office, Confucian Temple, and other exhibition halls, you can buy a combo ticket separately. Combine this with a day trip to Riyue Mountain to save on travel costs. Compare prices for souvenirs in the scenic area, bring your own drinking water, and avoid overpriced purchases.💡 ☂️The UV rays on the plateau are very strong, and there is a large temperature difference between day and night. Carry sunscreen, an umbrella, and a thick jacket with you. The stone roads are easy to walk on, but it can get chilly when it's windy or rainy.
①📍Located on Jing'er Road in the Bio-Industrial Park, Chengbei District, Xining. This massive natural history museum is packed with highlights, including plateau flora and fauna and mineral sand tables. You'll be amazed the moment you walk in!🦌 The dinosaur fossil area is also great for photos—every shot is a winner📸 ②🚗There is no subway in Xining yet. You can take bus 46, 65, or 72 to the Tibetan Culture Museum station and arrive right at the entrance. If driving, there is a free parking lot in the park. It takes about 20 minutes by taxi from the train station, so it's very convenient~ ③🍜There are beef noodle shops near the museum. If you want more variety, take a taxi to Beichuan Wanda Plaza, where you can find local specialties like ga mian pian (noodle pieces), hand-grabbed mutton, and Qinghai yogurt—perfect for refueling after your visit😋 ④💰Booking online in advance is cheaper than buying tickets on-site. Students and seniors can enjoy discounts with valid ID. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan your trip accordingly to avoid a wasted trip~ ☂️The temperature inside the museum is on the cooler side, so remember to bring a light jacket. The plateau has strong UV rays, so carry an umbrella for sun and rain protection. It makes for better photos on sunny days too✨
Don't just focus on eating and drinking when traveling in Xining; the Qinghai Provincial Museum is truly worth a stop! After walking through the museum, the thousand-year historical thread of Qinghai becomes instantly clear 📖 📍 Save the location No. 58 Xiguan Street, Chengxi District, Xining. Located right next to Xinning Square, it houses precious plateau artifacts like the painted pottery basin with dancing figures. The atmosphere for viewing exhibits is fantastic ✨ 🚗 How to get there There is no subway in Xining. Take bus 9, 22, or 35 to Xinning Square South Station and walk there. The bus fare is 2 yuan. A taxi from the city center costs around a dozen yuan. If driving, parking is 3 yuan/hour, but spaces are limited, so arriving early or taking the bus is more stress-free~ 🍜 Where to eat after visiting There are few food options inside the museum. It's a ten-minute walk to Limeng Commercial Alley, where you can find paozhang noodles, hand-grabbed mutton, liangpi, tianpeizi, and yak yogurt—all authentic and affordable 😋 Remember to bring your own drinking water! 💰 Money-saving tips Admission is free. Currently, you can enter by swiping your ID card; no reservation is needed. Free luggage storage is available inside. Choose paid guided tours only if you need them, and don't trust the scalpers pushing packages at the entrance 🙅♀️ ☂️ Helpful reminders It's cool inside the museum, but the sun is very strong in the square outside, so be prepared with sun protection. Xining's weather is changeable, so carrying an umbrella is always a good idea 🌦️ It's also great for taking photos while viewing exhibits indoors. Take your time to stroll and look around, and feel the plateau stories within the artifacts~
①📍 The ancient Tibetan Buddhist Ta'er Monastery is located in the Huangzhong District of Xining. The Great Golden Tile Hall and butter sculptures are renowned. Standing before the murals feels like traveling back in time, and every photo you take looks like a professional cultural shot 📸 ②🚗 There is no subway here. Take bus 909 from Xining Railway Station to reach the entrance directly. There is a dedicated line to Huangzhong from Xinning Road Bus Station. If driving, navigate to the Dongshanmen Parking Lot 🅿️ ③🍜 There are many delicious foods on the commercial street at the entrance. Hand-grabbed mutton, ga mianpian, goujiaoniao, yak yogurt, and tianpei are all worth trying 😋 For more affordable options, head to the small shops in Huangzhong city center for great value 💯 ④💰 Peak season admission is 70 yuan, off-season is 40 yuan. Students and seniors aged 60–69 get half-price tickets with valid ID. Admission is free for those over 70, active-duty military personnel, and others. Book in advance via the official WeChat account and avoid unauthorized guides ⚠️ The white pagodas on the perimeter are free to photograph and offer great photo opportunities 🔥 ☂️ Sun and rain protection tips: The UV rays on the plateau are very strong, so be sure to use sun protection 🧴 The weather in the mountains is changeable, so carry rain gear with you. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so remember to bring a thick jacket 🧥
①📍Located in Gonghe County, Hainan Prefecture, this is the core main scenic area of Qinghai Lake, featuring lake views, beaches, prayer flags, and a peninsula viewing platform. ②🚗There is no subway here! Take a direct shuttle bus from Xining Bayi Road Bus Station for CNY 48 one way. There is a direct bus from Xining Passenger Transport Center at 8:30 AM, costing CNY 60 one way or CNY 120 round trip. Buy tickets via the "Hehuang Smart Travel" WeChat official account. The trip takes about 2.5 hours. Avoid unlicensed taxis soliciting passengers on the roadside. If driving, take National Highway 109; the scenic area parking lot costs CNY 10 per visit for small cars. ③🍜Dining inside the scenic area is expensive, so try to eat in the nearby towns of Heimahe or Jiangxigou. The lamb hot pot has generous portions, and you can also find authentic yak yogurt and highland barley cakes—delicious and affordable. It is recommended to stock up on snacks and water at a supermarket in Xining beforehand. ④💰Online tickets are CNY 90 in peak season and CNY 50 in off-season. Tickets allow re-entry within 72 hours. Discounts are available with valid IDs such as student or senior cards. Boat rides and sightseeing buses are optional; you are not required to purchase them.
Qinghai Riyue Mountain | Straddle two plateaus in one step, a stunning spot on the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road✨ Hey everyone! Today I'm recommending a super amazing niche spot—Qinghai Riyue Mountain🏔️ One foot on the Loess Plateau, one foot on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, this experience is truly incredible! 📍Location Riyue Mountain is located in Huangyuan County, Xining, at an altitude of over 3,500 meters. It is the dividing line between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau! The moment you stand at the mountain pass, you really get that magical feeling of "straddling two plateaus"😲 🚗Transportation There is no direct subway~ You can take a bus from Xinning Road Passenger Station to Huangyuan, transfer to a local bus to Riyue Township, and then take a taxi to the scenic area. You can also take the direct bus from Xining to Qinghai Lake and get off midway. Driving along National Highway 109 is super convenient!🚙 🍜Food I recommend trying the Huangyuan pork tenderloin, ga mian pian (noodle pieces), and hand-grabbed mutton🍖 Yak yogurt and tianpeizi (sweet fermented oats) are also amazing! Prices inside the scenic area are on the higher side, so I suggest heading down to Huangyuan County for a more cost-effective meal~😋 💰Tickets Adult tickets in peak season are CNY 54, and it's cheaper to buy online in advance! Students and minors can get half-price tickets with valid ID. Seniors over 60 and military personnel can enter for free~ You can take photos of the distant scenery for free at the mountain pass by the national highway. Carpooling along the way can also save on separate transport costs. I'm such a money-saving pro🙋♀️ ☂️Practical tips The UV rays on the plateau are super strong, so make sure to have proper sun protection! It's windy and cold on the mountain, so bring a thick jacket with you🧥 The weather in the mountains is changeable, so be prepared with rain gear and walk slowly to prevent altitude sickness~ The four of us slowly hiked along the mountain trails, and the daytime scenery was truly breathtaking. Every photo taken was like a masterpiece📸 The light and shadows at sunrise and sunset are stunning. Sunny days and rainy days each have their own atmosphere. The close-up shots of Chinese-style architecture and the distant views of the grasslands and wetlands are all super photogenic! Don't miss it!🏃♀️
Dang'er in Huangyuan: An 800-meter old street, walking through a piece of Tea Horse Road history The wind in Huangyuan is harsh; hold onto your hat as soon as you get off the car. This place is about 40 kilometers west of Xining. The Huangshui River originates in the county, and the county seat is at an altitude of about 2,600 meters, a bit higher than Xining. For those visiting the plateau for the first time, you might feel a bit breathless if you walk too fast. Just slow down; there's no need to panic. To the west of Huangyuan is Riyue Mountain, and to the east is the Huangshui River Valley. The Huangshui and Yaoshui rivers converge in the county, and the three gorges—Xishixia, Bayanxia, and Yaoshui Gorge—meet here, making it a historical thoroughfare for entering and leaving Qinghai. Most people come to Huangyuan in winter for Dang'er Ancient City. Dang'er is the old name for Huangyuan, a Mongolian transliteration of the Tibetan "Dongkhor," meaning "white conch." The ancient city is located along the Ming and Qing dynasty old street in the county seat. It was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, dating back over 600 years. The main street is not long, about 800 meters, with several alleys extending from both sides, connecting to the City God Temple, Dang'er Office, Confucian Temple, Fire Ancestor Pavilion, and old foreign trading houses. This city was once a hub for trade: it was situated on the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road and the Southern Silk Road. Tea, fur, and green salt were traded here, with annual transaction volumes once reaching millions of taels of silver, earning it names like "Tea Horse Commercial Capital" and "Little Beijing," making it a trading port in eastern Qinghai. Among the old buildings, the City God Temple is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level, and the Fire Ancestor Pavilion is a provincial-level protected site. The City God Temple houses over 10 Qing Dynasty murals depicting old stories like judges presiding over cases, *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, and *Water Margin*. The colors have faded, but the outlines remain. The Fire Ancestor Pavilion is a pavilion commemorating Emperor Yan, which locals consider a landmark of the ancient city. The street is also decorated with Huangyuan row lanterns, made with sheepskin and embroidered with needle and thread. They light up row by row at night—these row lanterns are a local intangible cultural heritage. The stone-paved road of the old street is uneven, with blue bricks and gray tiles blending together. Walk slowly and watch your step. Shops on both sides sell paper-cutting, embroidery, and aged vinegar, and occasionally, the tunes of "Hua'er" folk songs or traditional musical performances drift out from the doors. After walking through the old street, head southwest out of the city to Riyue Mountain. Riyue Mountain, anciently known as Chiling (Red Ridge), has a reddish mountain body and serves as the boundary between the monsoon and non-monsoon regions, as well as the agricultural and pastoral regions. There is a monument at the mountain pass, along with the Sun Pavilion and Moon Pavilion. The altitude is around 3,500 meters, higher than the county seat. Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng passed through here on her way to Tibet, she looked back at Chang'an and dropped her Sun and Moon Mirror, which shattered into two mountains—that is how the mountain got its name. At the foot of the mountain flows the Daotang River, which flows westward into Qinghai Lake. Near the mountain pass, there is the Princess Spring and an Ancient Road Museum, displaying old items from the trade route. Standing at the pass, you see fields to the east and pastures to the west. The wind is strong enough to make it hard to stand steady, so don't forget your scarf, hat, and gloves. Do not run or jump when you get here; take it slow. If you have a history of high blood pressure or heart problems, consult your doctor before setting off. Ten kilometers outside the city is Daheigou, an 8-kilometer-long provincial forest park. In winter, the stream freezes, and the birch trees are covered in frost. If you want to stay for another half day, you can take a trip there. It is quiet in the gully, suitable for strolling and taking photos, but the road is narrow, so drive slowly. You can find food and accommodation in the county. Huangyuan's sweet and sour pork tenderloin is a famous local dish; it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delicious sweet and sour flavor, and is one of the dishes in the "Qinghai Old Eight Dishes." Hand-grabbed mutton, yak yogurt, liangpi, and wheat kernel mutton porridge are also common and affordable. The liangpi stalls and steamed bun shops on the street open in the morning; go early to get them hot. There are quite a few hotels and inns in the county. Winter is not the peak season, so rooms are easy to book. The rooms have heating, but it can be dry, so placing a basin of water by the bed before sleeping will make it more comfortable. It only takes 1 hour to drive here from Xining, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and National Highways 109 and 315 pass through the county. The admission tickets for the ancient city and the opening hours of several attractions are subject to change. Ask at the visitor center when you arrive before deciding how to tour. The winter sun on the plateau is harsh, and the reflection from the snow is strong, so bring a pair of sunglasses. The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors is large, so don't rush to take off your clothes when entering or leaving. The sunshine and wind in the county are manageable, but it gets piercingly cold in the morning and evening, so a thick jacket is enough.
The Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum is well worth a visit, with its South and North wings each having their own focus. Its crown jewel is the Guinness World Record-holding 618-meter-long painted Thangka, created with natural mineral pigments and breathtaking detail. Other exhibits include Tibetan medicine mandalas, traditional costumes, ancient books and ritual implements, comprehensively showcasing the history, medicine, and customs of the Tibetan Plateau. Renting a guided tour is highly recommended to allow for a leisurely appreciation of Tibetan civilization; it's an excellent place in Xining to gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture.
梦蜜雪I hadn't originally planned to go, but I spent an extra day in Xining. Aside from being far from the city center, it was quite nice. I took bus 909 directly from Xining Station. At the entrance, I shared a guided tour with other tourists; there were quite a few unlicensed guides in the square. Their explanations were alright. At the butter sculpture museum, I encountered a little white cat and learned how to identify Master Tsongkhapa.
M26***77Today I finally saw the snow leopard I'd been longing to see! Thank you to everyone at Xiye for their hard work in taking such good care of the rescued animals. I didn't see the Pallas's rabbits (F4), but I hope I'll see them next time.
Anonymous userRiyue 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.
cat litter boxesThe Qinghai Provincial Museum is a must-see when visiting Xining! As a national first-class museum, it's located next to Xinning Square and admission is completely free—just bring your ID card. It offers excellent value and is definitely the first stop for understanding Qinghai. The museum's four permanent exhibition halls comprehensively connect the long history of this plateau. From ancient painted pottery and Tuyuhun treasures to intangible cultural heritage handicrafts and revolutionary relics, each exhibit quietly tells the rich story of the multi-ethnic integration of the Hehuang Valley, clearly and completely unfolding the ancient civilization of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau before your eyes. The museum also features adorable plateau animal-themed cultural and creative products; Pallas's cat and snow leopard dolls are very popular. After your visit, you can check out the cultural and creative product area. The exhibition halls are clearly arranged and the flow is smooth. If you want to explore carefully, you'll need about two to three hours. Before officially embarking on your Qinghai trip, come here to understand the past and present of the plateau, and then see the mountains, rivers, lakes and seas. The journey will be filled with a deeper sense of wonder, making it well worth a special trip.
cat litter boxesThe 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ZzThe 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 userMojia Street, a century-old street in Xining's Chengzhong District, boasts a history of six hundred years. Historically a vital hub for the tea-horse trade in the Hehuang Valley, it's now the city's most vibrant culinary landmark. Free to visit, you can stroll around freely with no restrictions, offering great value. As night falls, the street comes alive, with various shops and stalls opening one after another, filling the air with the aroma of food. Here, you can sample almost every authentic Qinghai flavor: rich, creamy yogurt, chewy and translucent cold noodles, delicious hand-pulled lamb, fragrant kebabs, as well as sweet fermented rice, lamb intestine noodles, and braised lamb in a hot pot—a rich variety with numerous choices. The street isn't long, allowing for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to eat your way through the streets and enjoy the old town's charm. It's more than just a food street; it's a microcosm of the diverse ethnic lifestyles of Xining. If you want to sample local specialties and experience the authentic local atmosphere, Mojia Street is a must-visit in Xining.
cat litter boxesXining 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
