Day Trip to the surroundings of Xining
Hi, I would like to do a day trip to the surrounding of Xining. I found three destination, which are interesting for me.
📷 Ta’er Monastery
⛰️ Riyue Mountain (Sun Moon Mountain)
🏞️ Qinghai Lake (150km, 3h)
I think it's good, to drive firstly to the Ta'er Monastery and continue to the Riyue Mountain to do a little hike e.g..
The Qinghai Lake is in my opinion to far away from Xining, to do it with a relaxed day trip.
Is it possible to do this trip with a taxi, maybe with the DiDi App? Or is it smarter to search a good agency to order a driver with guide?
Maybe you can recommend other stops at the tour from XNN-Ta'er-Riyue Mountain-XNN?
Thanks for your help
Futzipelz
Your plan for a day trip around Xining is quite sensible. Both Ta’er Monastery and Riyue Mountain are relatively close to Xining, making them ideal for a relaxed day trip without long travel times. Qinghai Lake, as you mentioned, is much farther (around 150 km / 3 hours one way), so visiting it in a single day trip would be rushed and tiring.
Here are some practical considerations for your trip:
- Using a taxi or Didi: It is possible to book a car via the DiDi app, but for a full-day trip covering multiple stops, the cost may be high and availability can be uncertain, especially for a non-local app account or during peak periods.
- Hiring a driver with guide: Many travelers prefer booking through a local travel agency or hotel concierge. This gives you a dedicated driver, often with knowledge of the sites, and allows for a flexible itinerary including hiking at Riyue Mountain.
- Route suggestion: Starting from Xining, first visit Ta’er Monastery in the morning to avoid the largest crowds, then head to Riyue Mountain for a short hike and lunch. After that, return to Xining by late afternoon.
Additional stops or options you might consider:
- Qinghai Provincial Museum in Xining – if you have extra time before or after your trip, it provides cultural and historical context for the region.
- Dongguan Mosque in Xining – a short stop to appreciate local Islamic architecture.
- Huzhu Tu Autonomous County – if you are interested in local ethnic culture and scenery, this can be an optional detour but may require more time.
In summary, for a single relaxed day trip, focus on Ta’er Monastery and Riyue Mountain. Qinghai Lake is best saved for a separate overnight trip. Booking a driver through a local agency or hotel is usually more reliable than using a taxi/Didi for multiple stops and ensures you have a smoother experience.
