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The Lajia Ruins, located in Lajia Village, Guanting Town, Minhe County, Qinghai Province, are a large Neolithic settlement known as the "Pompeii of the East." Since 1999, a joint archaeological team consisting of the Institute of Archaeology of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Qinghai Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology has been excavating the Lajia Ruins.
The site contains numerous cultural relics from various prehistoric and Bronze Age periods, including the Miaodigou period, Majiayao culture, Qijia culture, and Xindian culture. A 10-meter-wide and 3-4-meter-deep moat surrounds the central area of the site, forming a rectangular shape 600 meters long and 200 meters wide. Within this moat are rows of semi-subterranean dwellings. Three have been excavated. Their floors and walls were plastered with white lime, and they contained circular hearths. The dwellings housed 2 to 14 people. Also unearthed were finished and semi-finished pottery, stoneware, and jade artifacts, as well as jade materials.
The Lajia Ruins, a prehistoric site, was designated one of the fifth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council in 2001 and was one of my country's top ten archaeological discoveries in 2001. In early August 2015, the Qinghai Lajia Ruins Museum fully preserved the scene of a mother protecting her child and turning back to rescue her family from a sudden earthquake approximately 4,000 years ago.
Plateau continental arid climate; Lajia Site is a large Neolithic settlement site and the only large-scale disaster site discovered in my country so far. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 1-2 hours
free
8:30-17:00
The Lajia Ruins date back to around 4,000 years ago, representing one of the most important archaeological sites in China. It is thought to be the site of an ancient settlement that was once home to a significant Neolithic culture. The ruins are famous for their preserved artifacts, including evidence of an ancient earthquake, which makes the site historically significant.
The Lajia Ruins are located in Mutual Aid, Qinghai, near the Qaidam Basin. The best way to get there is by car or taxi from Xining, which is about 150 kilometers away. Public transportation is limited, so it’s recommended to hire a car or join a guided tour to the site.
The site is generally open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Summer can also be a good time to visit, but it might be more crowded due to tourist season.
The entrance fee is around 40 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site, but it is also possible to purchase them through local tourism agencies or platforms. Online booking is available during peak seasons for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak seasons or holidays. A few days’ notice should be enough for booking tickets online if you're visiting during busy times.
A visit to the Lajia Ruins typically takes around 2 to 3 hours. This includes exploring the main archaeological site, visiting the museum, and walking around the surrounding area.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some guides may offer limited English support. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be available at the site.
The best viewpoints are near the main ruins, where you can capture the ancient structures against the backdrop of the surrounding landscape. The museum's terrace also offers good photography opportunities.
Start by exploring the main ruins and their historical significance. Afterward, visit the on-site museum to view the artifacts and learn about the culture. Finally, take a walk around the area to enjoy the scenic views and reflect on the site's history.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Lajia Ruins. The site operates mainly during daylight hours, and special tours are also offered during the day.
The site can get crowded during national holidays and peak summer months. The least crowded times are during weekdays in the spring and autumn when fewer tourists are visiting.
Basic facilities such as toilets and water stations are available at the site. There are limited food options within the site, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks and water. Rest areas are available for visitors to relax.
The site is accessible for elderly and children, but the terrain can be uneven, which may pose challenges for disabled visitors. It’s recommended to contact the site in advance if special accommodations are needed.
Cash is accepted at the site, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Credit cards may not be accepted, so it's advisable to bring cash or use mobile payment options.
There are no restaurants inside the site, but there are local eateries in nearby towns where you can enjoy traditional Chinese and Tibetan food.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby towns, especially in Xining. Halal food options are also available in the region.
There are a few guesthouses and small hotels near the site. For more extensive accommodation, Xining offers a range of hotels, from budget to mid-range options.
There are limited souvenir shops at the site, but in Xining, you can find Tibetan jewelry, prayer beads, textiles, and local crafts that make for great souvenirs.
After visiting Lajia Ruins, the best transportation options are by private car or taxi. If you plan to visit nearby attractions, such as Qinghai Lake, hiring a car or joining a local tour is the most convenient option.
