A 4-Day Getaway: Your Ultimate Guide to Xining and Beyond!

Planning a short getaway? This 4-day itinerary for Xining and its surrounding areas is just what you need! Don't miss out on the rich and creamy yak yogurt, and be sure to try the exciting yak riding experience! Get ready to explore Xining with this handy guide! -- 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Xining After settling into your hotel, explore Xining at your own pace! Sample the local snacks and immerse yourself in the city's unique charm. Day 2: Riyue Mountain > Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area > Qinghai Lake > Heimahe Township > Xiangpi Mountain Depart from Xining and ascend Riyue Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views. Next, head to Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area to admire the stunning lake and mountain scenery. After lunch, embark on a scenic drive around Qinghai Lake, soaking in the tranquility and beauty of this high-altitude lake. Arrive at Heimahe Township in the evening and witness the sunset over Xiangpi Mountain. Day 3: Xiangpi Mountain > Chaka Salt Lake - Chaka Sky One Scenic Area > Qinghai Lake West Loop Road > Binggou Forest Start your day from Xiangpi Mountain and journey to Chaka Salt Lake, where you can stroll across the salt flats and feel like you're walking on the sky. Afterward, visit Chaka Sky One Scenic Area to experience the purity and vastness of the plateau. In the afternoon, drive along the scenic West Loop Road of Qinghai Lake, enjoying the picturesque lake views. Finally, arrive at Binggou Forest and embrace the refreshing tranquility of nature. Here, you can also try the unique experience of riding a yak! Day 4: Zhuoer Mountain > Arou Grand Temple > Qilian Grassland > Ebao Ancient City Ruins Park > Menyuan Rape Flower Sea On your last day, depart from Zhuoer Mountain and take in the stunning scenery of the plateau mountains. Then, visit Arou Grand Temple and experience the solemnity and mystery of Tibetan Buddhism. In the afternoon, traverse the vast Qilian Grassland and feel the freedom of the open plains. Afterward, explore the historical remnants at Ebao Ancient City Ruins Park. Finally, immerse yourself in the golden sea of flowers at Menyuan Rape Flower Sea, marking the end of this unforgettable journey. Don't forget to savor the unique taste and flavor of Qinghai yak yogurt! -- Must-See Attractions: Qinghai Lake ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: North of National Highway 109, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Opening Hours: Open all day Duration: 1 day The source of the "God Lake," where vast grasslands meet the azure lake, and the blue ice wonderland is a winter marvel! Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Lake Scenic Area, National Highway 109, Gonghe County, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: 08:30–18:00 Duration: 2–4 hrs A pointed peninsula resembling a sharp sword extends into the lake, creating a unique landscape. Riyue Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: 40 km southwest of Huangyuan County, Xining City, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: October 15, 2024–April 14, 2025, 08:00–18:00 Duration: 1–3 hrs A place of legend, with rolling hills and fluttering prayer flags, experience the mystery and magnificence of the plateau. Zhuoer Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Ladongtai Village, Babao Town, Qilian County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province Opening Hours: November 1, 2024–April 19, 2025, 09:00–17:00 Duration: 3–5 hrs Where Danxia landforms meet grasslands, Zhuoer Mountain offers panoramic views of the four seasons, especially stunning at dawn. -- What to Pack: 🧳 👗 Clothing: Pack a jacket, down jacket, fleece jacket, quick-drying underwear, warm leggings, and fleece-lined sneakers or hiking boots to cope with the changing plateau climate. 🎩 Accessories: Sunglasses, sun hat, windproof and warm hat, scarf, and gloves for sun and cold protection. 💊 Medicine: Bring Rhodiola, cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, and band-aids, just in case. 📲 Electronics: Don't forget your phone, power bank, charger, and camera to capture those precious moments. 🆔 Documents: Remember your ID card, student ID, driver's license, and other essential travel documents. -- Experience the unique charm of Xining! Turn your travel dreams into reality. Book a Trip.com group tour now for a hassle-free and enjoyable journey!