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The Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum was built in 2006 with a total construction area of 12,000 square meters. It is the only comprehensive museum in the world that comprehensively collects, protects, displays and studies Tibetan culture. It is also the best example of Qinghai Province's opening up to the outside world and ethnic unity and progress.
The climate characteristics of the region are low air pressure, little rainfall, high evaporation, long freezing period, short frost-free period, and large temperature difference between day and night.
The Tibetan Calligraphy Exhibition Hall showcases the rich heritage of Tibetan culture through over one hundred different styles of Tibetan calligraphy. Tibetan calligraphy, steeped in history, embodies the rich, plateau-like character, the vibrant colors of the snowy landscape, and is a magnificent treasure from the nation's artistic treasure house. Through its exhibitions and presentations, the Tibetan Calligraphy Exhibition Hall strives to further promote this magnificent art form.
The Tibetan Folk Customs Exhibition Hall vividly showcases the unique customs and practices of the Tibetan people throughout different historical periods through the restoration and display of Tibetan dwellings, clothing, folk crafts, horse harnesses, carpets, religious instruments, and daily utensils. For example, the museum features a dobar (sacrificial model), a piece of hardwood carved with images of animals and local creatures. This model represents the sacrificial template culture that has been passed down throughout Tibet to this day.
The Colorful Painting Exhibition Hall features the "Colorful Paintings of China," a Guinness World Record-winning exhibition protected by national copyright. Stretching 618 meters and covering 1,500 square meters, the exhibition features over 700 thangkas and over 3,000 different embroidery patterns. Its rich and profound content encompasses Tibetan understanding of the formation of the universe, history, religion, medicine, art, folklore, and cultural life, making it a veritable encyclopedia of Tibetan culture.
Tibetan Folk Customs Museum: Through the restoration and display of clothing culture, folk crafts, horse harness culture, Tibetan carpets and daily utensils, it vividly and vividly shows the unique folk customs of the Tibetan people in different historical periods.
Tibetan Medicine History Exhibition Hall: Through an introduction to the seven historical periods of Tibetan medicine's development, featuring the deeds of 28 renowned Tibetan medicine practitioners, statues, famous works, and a dazzling array of Tibetan artifacts, this exhibition charts the glorious trajectory of Tibetan medicine's development. Through illustrations and text, this exhibition showcases this remarkable achievement in the world's medical treasure trove. Through the lens of renowned physicians of profound accomplishment and lasting influence, their unique insights into diseases and distinctive treatment methods, this exhibition showcases the vibrant history of Tibetan medicine, one of the world's four major traditional medical systems.
The Mantang Instrument Exhibition Hall features 80 thangkas, a unique and rare collection in the history of Chinese medicine and medicine worldwide. These 80 Mantang works (a series of colorful wall-illustrated thangkas) illustrate the vast scope of the Tibetan medical treatise, the Four Medical Classics, through over 4,900 small illustrations, encompassing topics such as metaphor, embryology, anatomy, psychology, health care, and clinical medicine. This is a truly unique exhibition in the history of global medicine. Additionally, over 180 surgical instruments commonly used in Tibetan medical practice are on display.
Ancient Books and Documents Exhibition Hall: This hall displays over 1,000 representative volumes from the vast Tibetan medical literature. Also on display are the Four Medical Classics, written on traditional Tibetan paper using gold, silver, pearls, coral, and other materials. Also on display are over 300 modern and contemporary Tibetan medical books and precious ancient book printing blocks.
The Tibetan Medicine Specimen Exhibition Hall displays over 2,000 specimens of animals, plants, and minerals native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Among them is "Zuotai," a medicinal herb known as the "King of Nectar Essence," crafted using a special process using mercury, gold, and silver. Other exhibits include finished medicines such as Qishiwei Zhenzhu Wan and Renqing Changjue, both included in the National Basic Catalogue of Traditional Chinese Medicines and protected as nationally recognized varieties of traditional Chinese medicine. The exhibition hall not only showcases the finest medicinal herbs from the renowned Tibetan medicine classic "Jingzhu Bencao," but also serves as a fascinating and comprehensive demonstration of plateau biology. One side of the hall simulates the natural ecological environment of the plateau's snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers, and green spaces, showcasing specimens of wild yaks, snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes, golden eagles, Tibetan pheasants, and marmots, all native to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Astronomy and Calendar Exhibition Hall: Using wooden carved Kalachakra mandala, astronomy and calendar tools, ancient books, statues of Tibetan calendarists who have made outstanding contributions throughout the ages, and modern scientific and technological means, the hall recreates scenes, restores and simulates the movement of the sun, moon and stars in the Tibetan calendar, and demonstrates its role and calculation methods in Tibetan calendar calculation, weather forecasting, and determining direction.
50 yuan
May 1st - September 30th (Spring and Summer): 09:00-17:00;
October 1st - April 30th (autumn and winter) 09:00-16:00.
The Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum in Xining showcases the history, religion, and lifestyle of Tibetan people in Qinghai. It promotes understanding of Tibetan culture and preserves valuable artifacts.
The museum is located in Xining city. Visitors can reach it by taxi, bus, or a short walk from central areas of the city.
The museum is generally open during daytime hours, usually from morning to late afternoon. Weekdays in the morning are ideal to avoid crowds.
Entrance fees are typically modest, around 20–30 RMB. Tickets can usually be purchased onsite, with online booking available through official platforms.
Booking in advance is optional but recommended during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
Visitors usually need 2–3 hours to explore all exhibits and galleries thoroughly.
Guided tours may be available in Chinese and occasionally English. Audio guides are limited.
Start with the history exhibits, then explore art and handicraft sections, visit religious artifacts, and finish with temporary or special exhibitions.
The museum does not typically offer night visits or light shows. Special tours may be arranged during cultural festivals.
The museum is less crowded on weekdays, especially in the mornings. Weekends and holidays tend to be busier.
Facilities include restrooms, seating areas, a small cafe, and a gift shop.
The museum is mostly accessible, with ramps and elevators for disabled visitors. Children and elderly can easily navigate the galleries.
Cash is accepted, and most locations support mobile payments and credit cards for tickets or purchases.
Nearby streets have local Tibetan and Chinese restaurants, small cafes, and tea houses.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options are available in nearby eateries.
Several hotels and guesthouses are located within a short distance, offering convenient access for tourists.
Souvenirs include Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, jewelry, and traditional art pieces.
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and local buses are convenient for continuing to nearby attractions or returning to the city center.
