Live Your Best Lives
The Qinghai Provincial Library is a place for reading, research, and cultural exploration. Recommended activities include:
Originally built in 1935, the Qinghai Provincial Library now stands at the western end of the ancient city of Xining. Its simple, brightly decorated main building complex, alongside the majestic and luxuriant Hutai ruins to the west, creates a harmonious interplay between modernity and antiquity, culture and art. With its scale, grandeur, atmosphere, and sensibility, the library fully embodies the cultural style, spirit, and character that a library should possess, becoming a splendid addition to the ancient city of Xining.
The new library has a total floor area of 11,500 square meters, a collection capacity of 1.4 million volumes, and is equipped with six functional departments and seven business centers. It has gradually established a business model based on a modern computer-based management system. It is divided into a library area, a reading area, an office area, a catalog hall, and a lending office. It features 12 reading rooms, including a reference book and collection reading room, a leadership and Hong Kong and Taiwan reading room, a computer-controlled open-shelf literature library, and a local literature reading room. It also has a multi-functional lecture hall with over 200 seats and an education and training center with a capacity of over 200 people. The "Haijin Bookstore" actively sells new and used books and trades used books. It also provides readers with services such as copying and typing of library documents, and loaning books, periodicals, and special documents.
Plateau continental climate;
Suitable for all seasons
It is recommended to play for 1 to 2 hours
free
9:00-17:30, closed on Mondays
The Qinghai Provincial Library was founded to serve as a major cultural and academic resource in the province. It plays a vital role in preserving the region's history, including the cultures of Tibet and other ethnic minorities, and in providing access to educational resources for the public.
The library is located in the center of Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. Xining does not have a metro system, but the library is within walking distance of many central locations in the city.
The Qinghai Provincial Library is typically open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon, as it tends to be quieter and more conducive to studying during these hours.
There is no entrance fee for the library. It is open to the public for free, though some special exhibitions or events may charge a small fee. Tickets for these can typically be bought on-site.
Booking in advance is not necessary for general visits. However, for special events or exhibitions, it is advisable to check the library’s website or inquire locally for any required bookings.
You can explore the Qinghai Provincial Library in about 1–2 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and reading materials. For a more in-depth experience, you may want to spend additional time in the reading rooms or attending events.
The main highlights include:
Guided tours are not typically available, but staff may assist with general information. Audio guides are not generally offered. Most information is in Chinese, so it's helpful to speak the language or bring a translator if you're not fluent.
The library itself is more of a functional space rather than a tourist attraction with dramatic viewpoints. However, you can photograph the architecture, and the large reading areas are quiet and inviting for visitors looking to capture the library’s serene atmosphere.
A recommended visit would begin with a tour of the main reading area and collections. Afterward, take time to explore any ongoing exhibitions or cultural displays. If you're interested in academic or local Tibetan culture, spend some extra time in these sections.
Night visits are not typically offered, as the library closes by 8:00 PM. However, the library occasionally holds special evening lectures or cultural events that may extend its hours.
The library is generally not crowded, but it may get busier in the afternoon and during weekends. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
The library provides toilets and rest areas for visitors. There are no food or water facilities inside the library itself, but you can find cafes and restaurants in the nearby area.
The library is accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with elevators and ramps available for easier access. There are also areas for children, particularly in the children's reading sections.
Mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted in most places around the library. Cash is also accepted, though mobile payments are more commonly used.
There are no restaurants or cafes inside the library, but nearby areas have a variety of dining options, including Chinese, Tibetan, and Western food.
There are vegetarian and vegan options available in nearby restaurants. Halal food options can also be found in some restaurants in the area, catering to the local Muslim population.
Several hotels are located near the Qinghai Provincial Library, ranging from budget accommodations to more luxurious options. Some nearby choices include the Xining City Hotel and the Qinghai Hotel.
Nearby attractions include:
While the library does not have souvenir shops, there are numerous local markets nearby where visitors can purchase Tibetan handicrafts, local textiles, and Qinghai-themed souvenirs.
After visiting the library, you can take a taxi, bus, or use public transportation to visit other attractions such as Qinghai Lake or Ta'er Monastery. The Xining railway station is also easily accessible for onward travel.
