Take My Advice and Plan Your Xining Trip Like This 🪨

Looking for a cool and fun summer destination with kids? Xining is the perfect choice! With an average summer temperature of 17°C, it's like a natural air conditioner, plus it's educational for kids. Save this guide now! 👇

1. Weather & Temperature
Summer temperatures in Xining range from 10°C to 25°C, with significant day-night variations. Pack short sleeves for midday and light jackets or thin down coats for mornings/evenings. Don’t forget sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses for kids—UV rays are strong at high altitudes.

2. 5-Day Family Itinerary

**Day 1: Xining City → Xining Wildlife Park → People’s Park → Mojia Street Night Market**
📍 **Xining Wildlife Park**: Spot adorable plateau animals like snow leopards, Tibetan foxes, and Pallas’s cats—best viewed in the morning.
📍 **People’s Park**: Enjoy boating and feeding fish with your kids.
📍 **Mojia Street Night Market**: Dive into local food—don’t miss De Lu yogurt, lamb hot pot, and Liangpi (cold noodles).

**Day 2: Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Temple) → Nanshan Park**
📍 **Kumbum Monastery**: A sacred Tibetan Buddhist site famous for its butter sculptures, murals, and embroidered thangkas. Hire a guide (~¥80 for 5 people) to teach kids about Buddhist culture. Open 7:00-17:30, tickets ¥70 (half-price for students).
📍 **Nanshan Park**: Visit after 4 PM for a panoramic city view from Fenghuang Terrace—stunning at sunset.

**Day 3: Qinghai Lake → Dangar Ancient Town**
📍 **Qinghai Lake**: Take an electric sightseeing car (¥120/person) or rent family bikes to ride along the lake. Kids can try milking cows (~¥20/person).
📍 **Dangar Ancient Town**: Make traditional lanterns and watch the light show at night. Try the local *Kunguo Momo* (baked bread).

**Day 4: Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Natural Museum → Beichuan River Wetland Park**
📍 **Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Natural Museum**: Explore wildlife specimens and minerals—great for kids’ learning.
📍 **Beichuan River Wetland Park**: Rent family bikes to tour flower fields and lakes, and catch a romantic sunset.

**Day 5: Dongguan Mosque → Shuijing Alley → Departure**
📍 **Dongguan Mosque**: Learn about Islamic culture from an imam.
📍 **Shuijing Alley**: Buy souvenirs to wrap up your trip.

3. Must-Try Foods
1. **Hand-Torn Lamb**: Tender and non-gamey—best with garlic slices. Try local alleyway spots.
2. **Old Yogurt**: De Lu’s barley-popping yogurt with golden cream and honey—kids love it!
3. **"Dog-Pee" Oil Cake**: Crispy and perfect for breakfast.
4. **Lamb Intestine Noodles**: Rich broth with pickled radish for balance.
5. **Sweet Fermented Barley**: A chilled, mildly alcoholic drink.

4. Accommodation Tips
- **East District**: Near train station/airport, budget-friendly (e.g., Yirton International Hotel, local B&Bs).
- **West District**: Upscale hotels like Sofitel and Hilton—ideal for luxury seekers.
- **Downtown**: Central location near Dongguan Mosque and Mojia Street, with options from 5-star Qinghai Hotel to Tibetan guesthouses (newer hotels have better soundproofing).

5. Photography Tips
- **Qinghai Lake**: Wear bright colors (red/yellow) against blue water and rapeseed flowers.
- **Kumbum Monastery**: Capture architectural details and spinning prayer wheels—kids’ candid moments work well.
- **Salt Lakes**: Light-colored outfits (white preferred) for mirror-like reflections.

6. Important Notes
1. **Altitude Sickness**: Xining’s elevation (~2,200m) is mild, but prep for Qinghai Lake with Rhodiola tea. If kids show fatigue/vomiting, use oxygen.
2. **Sun Protection**: Sunglasses, face coverings, and SPF50+ sunscreen are a must—salt lakes reflect intense light.
3. **Dining**: Respect halal customs—no outside food in Muslim restaurants.
4. **Shopping**: Avoid touristy spots; supermarkets offer cheaper local products.

Pack your bags for a cool, kid-friendly adventure in Xining! 💕 Drop questions in the comments~