Listen to the lingering Buddhist chants and see the lake and sky merge into one color. Between the loess and snowy regions, embark on a dual pilgrimage of the soul and scenery

【5 days 3 nights, about 6800 RMB per person! Xining Guide: The Gateway to Qinghai-Tibet, slow travel between faith and landscape】

Day 1: Arrive at Xining Caojiapu Airport, check into a downtown hotel (such as Sofitel, Wanda Realm, 900 RMB/night × 3 = 2700 RMB). In the evening, stroll along the streets outside Dongguan Grand Mosque, experiencing the solemnity of the largest mosque in Northwest China. At night, visit Moji Street or Shuijing Alley to try yogurt, hand-pulled mutton, and sweet fermented rice.

Day 2: Charter a car to Ta'er Monastery (ticket 70 RMB + guide 50 RMB) — one of the six major Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, see the three masterpieces of butter sculptures, murals, and embroidery. In the afternoon, pass by Laji Mountain Pass, check in at the 3820-meter-high viewing platform, and gaze at the snowy mountains and prayer flags.

Day 3: Tour Qinghai Lake (Er'langjian Scenic Area ticket 90 RMB), cycle along the lakeside boardwalk, and capture the blue lake and sky. Optionally take a boat to Bird Island (seasonal opening). In the evening, stay at a lakeside guesthouse or return to Xining. On the way, stop at Riyue Mountain (ticket 40 RMB) and hear the legend of Princess Wencheng’s journey to Tibet.

Day 4: Visit Chaka Salt Lake (ticket 60 RMB) — the "Mirror of the Sky" lives up to its name; afternoon is recommended for shooting with the light. Wearing a light-colored long dress makes for better photos. On the return trip, pass by Xiangpi Mountain to overlook the spectacular convergence of grassland and salt lake.

Day 5: Visit Qinghai Provincial Museum (free, reservation required) to learn about the history of diverse ethnic groups, or visit Beichan Temple to admire the Danxia cliff carvings. Buy souvenirs: yak jerky, black goji berries, thangka paintings, and barley wine. Return at a suitable time.

💰Budget details:
Airfare 3000 + Accommodation 2700 + Car rental + Transport about 800 + Food and tickets 400 + Shopping reserve 300 ≈ **6600 RMB**

📌Tips:
- Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake are over 3000 meters in altitude; avoid strenuous exercise;
- The salt lake is highly reflective; wear sunglasses to prevent sun damage;
- Photography of Buddha statues inside Ta'er Monastery is prohibited.

⚠️Warnings:
❌ Many “low-price one-day tours” around scenic spots include shopping stops; choose official tours carefully;
❌ Chaka Salt Lake can accumulate water after rain, but it is not a “mirror” every day; have reasonable expectations.

Five days and four nights, step into Xining. This is not the end, but the first stop on the way to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Come here, listen to the lingering Buddhist chants, see the lake and sky merge into one, and start a dual pilgrimage of the soul and scenery between the loess and snowy regions.