Autumn in Xining: Half Golden Dyeing the Plateau, Half Azure Reflecting the Mountains and Rivers

While the rest of the country is still trapped in the lingering heat of late summer, autumn in Xining arrives with the plateau’s unique crispness, turning the world into a richly colored painting.

No need to chase the crowds, just stroll along the banks of the Huangshui River, watching the poplar leaves on both sides dyed golden by the autumn wind. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled golden spots, and the river water reflects the same deep blue as the sky. Every snapshot is a wallpaper-worthy scene without any filter. For a deeper touch of autumn, head to the hillside outside Ta’er Monastery, where golden pasture grass brushes your ankles. The red walls and golden roofs in the autumn sun look even more solemn. Pilgrims turning prayer wheels and grazing yaks pass by each other, and time seems to slow down.

Autumn here lacks the lingering softness of Jiangnan but offers the plateau’s unique vastness and clarity—wear a light jacket to wander through Dongguan Street during the day, and savor a bite of freshly baked sweet fermented rice in the autumn sun; in the evening, sit on the terrace of a guesthouse, watching the sunset dye the outline of Nanshan Mountain warm orange, with the evening breeze carrying the faint fragrance of pasture grass and butter.

This autumn, don’t cling to distant red leaves. Come to Xining for a “high-altitude” autumn date, and let the blue sky, golden hues, and faith color your travel memories with the most unique shades.

Post by elliotthorne85 | Oct 21, 2025