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Xining Botanical Garden is located in Xishan Bay, Xining. It is a natural park. It was originally a nursery of Xishan Forest Farm. It was expanded into Xining Botanical Garden in 1980. It covers an area of more than 1,000 acres. It is mainly on the plateau and is divided into two tourist areas: on the mountain and at the foot of the mountain.
Xining Botanical Garden is a large-scale modern garden green space that integrates sightseeing, scientific research, garden art exhibition, garden plant breeding and promotion, and endangered plant protection. It reflects the unique plant landscape of the plateau, creates a garden plant configuration art with plateau characteristics and local ethnic characteristics, introduces cultivated plants from home and abroad that adapt to the local climate characteristics, enriches the garden greening tree species and varieties, and provides Xining citizens with an elegant and beautiful place for rest and sightseeing.
The overall guiding principle for the Xining Botanical Garden is to combine scientific research with popularization and promotion, aiming to establish it as a professional botanical garden serving the urban landscape. Its mission is to reflect the unique plateau plant landscape of Qinghai and create a garden model with both plateau characteristics and local ethnic characteristics.
The plateau has a continental climate with abundant sunshine, long cold winters and cool summers. Summer is the best time to travel.
Xining Botanical Garden is divided into two tourist areas: the mountainside and the foothills. The mountainside forest boasts over 1,000 mu (approximately 1,000 mu) of trees, primarily spruce and Chinese pine. Tall cedars stand tall like towering green towers. Dense pine forests block out the sun. At the foothills, nine gardens within the gardens are located, including a bonsai garden, a lilac garden, a rose garden, a pine and cypress garden, and a rock garden. The bonsai garden is particularly captivating, housing hundreds of bonsai pots representing 54 families, 110 genera, and 415 species. Its unique form and architectural style evoke the charm of Suzhou gardens, earning it the reputation of "not surpassing the famous gardens, not surpassing the Jiangnan gardens." The main entrance is flanked by the couplet, "A bay of green willows on the western hills, early spring, a hundred beautiful gardens, secluded paths from other states," attracting many visitors.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
Xining Botanical Garden is an important cultural and scientific site located in Xining, Qinghai. It was established to preserve and showcase the region’s diverse plant species, especially those native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. The garden plays a role in environmental education, research, and conservation efforts for local flora.
The Xining Botanical Garden is located on the outskirts of Xining, in the southeastern part of the city. It can be reached by taxi or local buses from the city center. The closest bus stop is near the entrance, and taxis are readily available for a direct route.
The botanical garden is typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is in spring or summer when the flowers are in full bloom, though spring (April-May) is ideal for flower enthusiasts.
The entrance fee is around 30 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance. Online ticketing is generally not available.
Advance booking is not required. Tickets can be purchased on-site when you arrive.
It typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the botanical garden, depending on how much time you spend in each section and the speed of your walk.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and can be arranged upon arrival. Audio guides are not typically offered.
Start by visiting the greenhouse to explore tropical plants, then move on to the Rose Garden and Alpine Garden. Conclude your visit by strolling through the open areas with local flora and enjoying the views.
Night visits or light shows are not available at the botanical garden. The garden operates during daylight hours only.
The garden can get busy on weekends and during holidays, especially in spring and summer. Weekdays, particularly in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
The garden has basic facilities including toilets, water fountains, and shaded rest areas. There are no large food courts, but small kiosks may sell snacks and drinks. No large souvenir shops are inside, but small items can be found at the entrance.
The garden is relatively accessible, with paved paths suitable for strollers and wheelchair users. However, some hilly sections may be difficult for those with mobility issues.
Cash is the preferred method of payment for entrance fees and small purchases. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay may be accepted at some of the kiosks.
There are no restaurants inside the garden, but nearby Xining offers numerous local eateries and restaurants serving Tibetan and Hui cuisine. Some popular choices are located along the main streets near the city center.
Vegetarian and halal food options are readily available in Xining, especially in the city center. Tibetan and Hui restaurants often serve both vegetarian and halal meals.
Small souvenir shops near the entrance sell items like traditional Tibetan jewelry, prayer beads, and local handicrafts. The city center also has more extensive markets for souvenirs like Tibetan carpets and thangkas.
After visiting the garden, you can take a taxi or use public buses to travel to nearby attractions or return to the city center. Xining's main bus terminal and train station are also accessible from the garden by taxi.
