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Xining, formerly known as "Huangzhong," is an ancient plateau city with a history spanning over 2,100 years. Today, Xining serves as the terminus of the Lanzhou-Qinghai Railway and the starting point of both the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Qinghai-Tibet Highway, remaining a vital transportation hub to the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Surrounded by mountains, Xining enjoys a pleasant climate, offering neither severe winter cold nor scorching summer heat. Summers are characterized by cool breezes, reminiscent of autumn, making it a natural summer resort. As a renowned historical and cultural city and a tourist destination, Xining boasts numerous scenic spots and historical sites, including Beishan Temple, Dongguan Grand Mosque, and Ma Bufang's Residence. Ta'er Monastery in Huangzhong County is a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism. The renowned Qinghai Lake is 151 kilometers from Xining.
Plateau continental climate;
Autumn is the best time to visit Xining, known as the "Summer Capital of China." July is a pleasant and cool month, making it the best time to visit. Early October offers a lucky break, allowing you to witness the first snowfall and even admire the golden mountains blanketed in white feathers. Enjoy the delicious fruits of Qinghai.
It is recommended to visit for 3 to 4 days
Ta'er Monastery
Ta'er Monastery is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism in China and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, the world's second-greatest Buddha. Named Ta'er Monastery because the pagoda was built first and the temple later, it boasts a history of over 400 years. With its magnificent architecture, rich treasures, and rich religious atmosphere, it is one of Xining's most popular tourist destinations. Its lifelike butter sculptures, vibrant murals, and vibrant pile embroidery are known as the "Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery Art."
Dongguan Grand Mosque
The largest mosque in Qinghai Province, it's considered one of the four great mosques in Northwest China, along with the renowned Huajue Temple in Xi'an, Qiaomen Temple in Lanzhou, and the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar, Xinjiang. Its majestic architecture blends Han, Tibetan, and Islamic styles. The central prayer hall is the largest building in the mosque, accommodating 10,000 worshippers. At night, the exterior of the mosque is illuminated with green lights, creating a magical and beautiful scene. It's a great place to view and photograph the area from outside.
Sun Moon Mountain
The natural dam east of Qinghai Lake lies within the Qilian Mountains, a crucial geographical dividing line in my country. Known in ancient times as Chiling due to its reddish color, Riyue Mountain represents the sun and moon in Tibetan and Mongolian. The eastern side of Riyue Mountain exudes a Jiangnan-style scenery, while the western side, with its vast grasslands and herds of cattle and sheep, offers a breathtaking view of the Great Wall. The contrast between the two sides is rare in China.
Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, has a rich history as a cultural crossroads. It is a key gateway to Tibet and is known for its blend of Tibetan, Han, and Hui cultures. The city has played a significant role in the spread of Tibetan Buddhism and is home to many important monasteries, making it a hub for Tibetan culture and religion.
Xining is located in the northeastern part of Qinghai Province. It is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The Xining Railway Station and Xining Caojiabao Airport provide convenient access. In the city, taxis, buses, and walking are the best ways to get around.
The best time to visit Xining is from May to October, when the weather is mild and ideal for sightseeing. Most attractions are open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, though it's recommended to check specific hours for temples and cultural sites.
Entrance fees vary by attraction. For example, Kumbum Monastery charges a small entrance fee of around ¥60. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online for some popular sites.
While it's not mandatory to book tickets in advance for most attractions, it's a good idea to do so during peak travel seasons (May to October) to avoid long lines, especially for popular sites like Kumbum Monastery.
A full visit to Xining can take 2-3 days. You can explore the main attractions such as Kumbum Monastery, Qinghai Lake, and the old city within this timeframe.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and some English-speaking guides may be available at major attractions. Audio guides are also offered at select sites like Kumbum Monastery.
A recommended itinerary is to start with Kumbum Monastery in the morning, then head to the Dongguan Mosque and explore Xining Old City in the afternoon. On the second day, take a day trip to Qinghai Lake to enjoy its natural beauty.
Night visits and light shows are not commonly available in Xining. However, the city offers great stargazing opportunities due to its high altitude and clear skies.
Xining can get crowded during the summer months (June to August). The least crowded times to visit are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is still pleasant but tourism is lower.
Most attractions in Xining have basic facilities such as public toilets, food stalls, rest areas, and souvenir shops. For a more comfortable experience, you can find many restaurants and cafes in the city center.
Most of Xining's main attractions, including Kumbum Monastery and Qinghai Lake, are accessible to elderly and children, though some areas might involve walking or steps. However, certain sites might be challenging for disabled visitors due to the uneven terrain.
Cash is commonly used in Xining, especially in local markets and small shops. However, cards and mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and larger stores.
Xining has a range of dining options, including Tibetan, Hui, and Han Chinese cuisine. Popular dishes include yak meat, momo (Tibetan dumplings), and various types of noodles. There are also many cafes serving tea and snacks.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, particularly in Tibetan and Hui restaurants. Halal food options are widely available due to the large Hui Muslim population in the city.
Souvenir shops in Xining offer traditional Tibetan handicrafts, prayer wheels, Tibetan jewelry, and Tibetan clothing. You can also find local snacks like yak jerky and Tibetan tea.
After visiting Xining, the best transportation options include flights from Xining Caojiabao Airport to other major cities like Beijing or Chengdu. Buses and trains are also available for trips to Qinghai Lake or further into Tibet.
