Back from Xining with mixed feelings, sisters, think twice before going!

In June, Xining sheds its spring chill and welcomes its most comfortable season! The azure skies, blooming flower fields, and rich ethnic culture make this ancient plateau city utterly charming. This guide will help you fully unlock Xining's summer delights for a healing northwest adventure✨ 📍Basic Info Location: Xining City, Qinghai Province Highlights: "World Cool City," key stop on the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road, Tibetan Buddhist sacred site, food paradise Best season: June (10-25°C), perfect for escaping heat and outdoor activities 🌟Must-Visit Spots 1. Kumbum Monastery (Ta'er Si) ⛩️ 📍Address: No. 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong District, Xining 🎫Ticket: ¥70 ⏳Hours: 8:00-17:00 ✅ Pilgrimage experience: • One of the six great monasteries of the Gelug school, famous for its "Three Artistic Treasures" – butter sculptures, murals, and embroidered thangkas. • Spin prayer wheels with devotees to feel spiritual power. • Climb the hills behind for panoramic views – red walls and golden roofs framed by blue skies make perfect photos📸. 2. Qinghai Lake 🌊 📍Address: ~150km from Xining (2h drive) 🎫Ticket: ¥90 for Erlangjian Scenic Area (or free viewing spots) ⏳Hours: Open all day ✅ Unforgettable moments: • Erlangjian: Boat rides bring you close to this "plateau sapphire." • West Ring Road: Drive/cycle past rapeseed fields mirroring the lake (late June-July bloom). • Heimahe Village: Best sunrise views – golden waters at dawn will steal your breath! 3. Chaka Salt Lake 🏞️ 📍Address: ~300km from Xining (4h drive) 🎫Ticket: ¥60 (+¥50 for train ride) ⏳Hours: 7:00-21:00 ✅ Sky Mirror magic: • Ride the train to the lake center, walk barefoot for mirror selfies. • Sunset transforms the sky and lake into dreamy pink-purple gradients. • Nearby Mohe Salt Fields offer free, less-crowded alternatives! 4. Dongguan Mosque 🕌 📍Address: No. 31 Dongguan Street, Chengdong District 🎫Ticket: Free ⏳Hours: 8:00-18:00 ✅ Cultural immersion: • Northwest China's largest mosque with stunning Islamic architecture. • Witness Friday prayers for a powerful spiritual experience. • Free guides explain Muslim traditions. 5. Beichan Temple (Tulou Temple) 📍Address: Beishan Tulou Lane, Chengbei District 🎫Ticket: ¥5 ⏳Hours: 8:00-18:00 ✅ Hidden gem: • China's second-largest "hanging temple" on Danxia cliffs. • Hike the viral skywalk for city views – sunset here is magical! 🍜Food Guide • Qinghai Hot Pot: Copper pot stew with lamb, glass noodles, and cabbage🥘 • Hand-Torn Lamb: Tender meat dipped in spice salt or garlic paste • Liangpi: Chewy cold noodles paired perfectly with sweet fermented barley drink • Yak Yogurt: Drizzled with honey, sold at street stalls • "Dog Pee" Pancake: Crispy flatbread with a funny name! 🏡Accommodation • Downtown: Stay near Dashi Cross/ Limo Mall for food and transport • Qinghai Lake: Heimahe or Chaka homestays (book early for sunrise views) • Unique stays: Try grassland yurts or lakeside tents under starry skies🌌 🚗Transport • Getting there: ✈️ Xining Caojiabao Airport (direct flights nationwide) 🚞 Xining Station (starting point of Qinghai-Tibet Railway) 🚙 Recommended road trip: Qinghai-Gansu loop via Qinghai Lake, Chaka, Dunhuang • Local transport: 🚌 Buses/taxis cover the city 🚗 Rent a car (~¥500-800/day) for nearby attractions 📌Pro Tips 1. Altitude: Xining sits at 2,261m – avoid strenuous activity initially; carry oxygen 2. Sun protection: SPF50+, hats🧢, and sunglasses🕶️ are mandatory 3. Layers: Pack jackets (even in summer) for huge day-night swings 4. Respect: No shorts in temples; ask before photographing prayer flags 5. Photography: White/red dresses pop at Qinghai Lake/Chaka; drones need permits📸 June in Xining blends ancient heritage with vast northwest landscapes. Wander temples, gallop across grasslands, and stargaze – your poetic escape awaits! 🌄✨