Xining Travel Guide: Gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet(Xizang) Plateau
Welcome to Xining – “Peace in the Western Borderlands,” capital of Qinghai Province. Nestled at 2,261 m on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau and ringed by mountains, this 2,100-year-old city was once a key fortress and Silk Road stop on the Tang-Tubo ancient route.
Today it’s a laid-back multicultural hub where Han, Hui, Tibetan, and other ethnic groups are living side by side, mosques next to monasteries, and the perfect cool-summer gateway to Qinghai Lake, Ta’er Monastery, Chaka Salt Lake, and beyond.
This guide includes a detailed Xining tourist map and showcases the famous attractions close to Xining around Qinghai Lake, China’s largest inland saltwater lake.
Why Visit Xining?
Perfect Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau: Xining is the most comfortable and best-connected launchpad for Qinghai Lake, Ta’er Monastery (Kumbum), Chaka Salt Lake, and the Qilian Mountains. You can acclimatize to the altitude here before heading higher.
Cool Summer Escape: While most of China swelters in July and August, Xining stays pleasantly cool (average high 22–25 °C / 72–77 °F) and is rightly called one of China’s top “summer resorts.”
Genuine multicultural vibes: Xining brings together the Dongguan Grand Mosque, one of the largest in China, and the Tibetan Buddhist Ta’er Monastery in the same city. Islam, Tibetan Buddhism, and Han Chinese culture coexist here, creating a level of diversity that is rare in China.
Food Heaven for the Adventurous Eater: Hand-pulled beef noodles (niurou mian), lamb spine hotpot, Tibetan momos, stuffed buns from century-old Hui shops, and fresh high-altitude yogurt – eating your way through Xining is half the fun.
Get to Xining
Xining is conveniently located in northwestern China and easily accessible by air or rail. Xining Caojiabao International Airport connects to major cities across China, while Xining Railway Station serves as a major hub on the Qinghai-Tibet(Xizang) Railway line.
Top Attractions in Xining
Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Temple)
Located 25 kilometers southwest of Xining, Kumbum Monastery is one of the six great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism's Gelug Sect. Founded over 400 years ago, this sacred site marks the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Yellow Hat sect.
The monastery is famous for its "Three Artistic Treasures"—intricate butter sculptures, vibrant murals, and delicate embroidery that showcase exceptional Tibetan craftsmanship. Walking through the complex, visitors encounter magnificent golden-roofed halls, prayer rooms filled with the scent of juniper incense, and monks engaged in daily rituals and philosophical debates. The spiritual atmosphere combined with stunning architecture makes this an unmissable cultural experience.
Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
Located in downtown Xining, this impressive museum offers deep insights into Tibetan culture and traditional medicine. The museum houses an extraordinary collection of Tibetan medical thangkas—painted scrolls depicting centuries of accumulated medical knowledge.
The crown jewel is the Guinness World Record-holding thangka, stretching an incredible 618 meters in length and telling the full story of Tibetan civilization. Visitors can explore exhibits on traditional medicine, including displays of plateau medicinal herbs, ancient medical instruments, and historical texts. The museum beautifully presents how Tibetan culture integrates medicine, astronomy, and spiritual practice, offering visitors a profound understanding of plateau heritage.
Xining Wildlife Park (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Zoo)
Xining Wildlife Park (Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Zoo), perched on the western slopes of Xishan Mountain just outside Xining. It is the only large-scale wildlife park on the plateau, offering an immersive encounter with rare high-altitude species at elevations up to 2,700 meters. Spanning diverse habitats from grasslands to forested canyons, this modern zoo emphasizes conservation and close-up views through innovative sky bridges and walking paths that let visitors roam alongside the animals.
Dongguan Mosque
Dongguan Mosque, nestled in the heart of Xining's bustling Dongguan Street, the Dongguan Mosque stands as the largest mosque in Qinghai Province and one of the most significant in northwest China. Built in 1380 during the Ming Dynasty, this over 600-year-old architectural marvel spans 13,602 square meters and blends traditional Chinese pagoda-style roofs with classic Islamic minarets and domes, creating a unique fusion of cultures.
Qinghai Lake & Surroundings
After exploring the city of Xining, don’t miss stepping just beyond its borders — here you’ll find Qinghai Lake, China’s largest and most beautiful inland lake, right on the city’s doorstep.
All the must-see surrounding wonders are only 1–3.5 hours’ drive away: the endless golden rapeseed flower fields of Haiyan, which blanket the lakeshore every summer.
Whether you choose to self-drive along the open plateau highways or sit back and enjoy the views from the comfortable tourist train, these iconic landscapes are an absolute highlight you simply can’t miss on any trip to Qinghai.
Qinghai Lake
Just 150 kilometers from Xining lies Qinghai Lake, China's largest inland saltwater lake. Spanning 4,625 square kilometers at an elevation of 3,196 meters, this breathtaking body of water is revered as the "Sacred Lake" by local Tibetans.
The lake's brilliant blue waters stretch endlessly toward snow-capped mountains, creating one of China's most spectacular natural panoramas. The Erlangjian Scenic Area offers stunning viewpoints where visitors can take boat tours, cycle along the shoreline, or simply absorb the tranquil beauty. During spring and summer, the lake becomes a paradise for bird watchers as thousands of migratory birds stop at Bird Island. The surrounding grasslands and ever-changing colors of the water—from deep sapphire to turquoise—make every moment unforgettable.
Chaka Salt Lake
Chaka Salt Lake, often referred to as one of Qinghai’s signature natural landscapes, is known for its reflective salt flats that create a striking “sky mirror” effect on calm days. Located in Ulan County, the lake draws visitors with its wide open views and distinctive salt-crystal terrain, offering a glimpse into the region’s unique highland scenery.
Haiyan Rapeseed Flower Fields
From late June through early August, the Haibei region near Qinghai Lake transforms into a golden ocean of blooming rapeseed flowers. These vast fields stretch across valleys and hillsides, creating one of China's most spectacular seasonal displays.
The brilliant yellow flowers create stunning contrasts against Qinghai Lake's deep blue waters and the surrounding green mountains. The scale is extraordinary—golden fields extending to every horizon under the bright plateau sky. This natural spectacle offers incredible photography opportunities and showcases the agricultural heritage of high-altitude farming communities. The gentle fragrance, buzzing bees, and rustling petals create a sensory experience that captures the essence of Qinghai's summer beauty.
Experience Xining & Qinghai in Ultimate Luxury with Trains of Glamour
Trains of Glamour specialises in comfortable, high-end rail tours that let you enjoy the natural beauty of Qinghai Province without the hassle of driving or crowded buses. On board, you’ll pass classic plateau scenery: wide grasslands, snow-capped mountains, salt lakes, and desert stretches, much like travellers on the ancient Silk Road did centuries ago.
Trains of Glamour has introduced several routes such as Middle Route of the Silk Road and Bustling Beginning that travel through Xining and along the tranquil shores of Qinghai Lake, giving you the chance to visit the region’s most remarkable sights.
As the journey travels through Xining, you will have the chance to visit the region’s true highlights — Ta’er Monastery, the Tibetan Culture Museum, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Zoo, the shimmering expanse of Qinghai Lake and the golden rapeseed fields of Haiyan.
Exclusive Entertainment & Observation Spaces
Unwind in our elegant lounge cabin, where curated local performances immerse you in regional culture. For breathtaking vistas, retreat to the Hanyuefu Poetry Observation Car, offering a sweeping 270-degree view of ever-changing landscapes in serene comfort. For a more spirited experience, guests may reserve our private KTV suite or automatic mahjong room, perfect for intimate entertainment with a touch of tradition.
Thoughtful, Round-the-Clock VIP Services
Enjoy 24/7 service from a team of dedicated concierges, ensuring every detail of your journey is seamless and indulgent. Your vacation ambassador provides warm，personalised care-like a trusted companion throughout the experience. Thoughtful amenities such as professional laundry service and evening turndown add refined comfort to your stay.
Fully Embrace the Art of Leisure
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A Michelin-Inspired Culinary Journey
Savour exquisite cuisine in two distinct dining cabins-each offering refined Western and Chinese atmospheres. Seasonal, high-quality ingredients are artfully paired with regional flavours, transforming every meal into a celebration of taste, culture, and craftsmanship.
