Tianlu Gesanghua reminds you that the train is approaching Xining Station.
Preparation
- Documents: Bring your ID card and other documents you may need, such as a student ID, senior citizen card, etc.
- Clothing: Xining is cool in summer, with a large temperature difference between day and night. Bring warm clothes such as long-sleeved jackets and long pants. You should also bring sun protection clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Medicine: Prepare medicine for altitude sickness, such as Rhodiola, as well as cold medicine, stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc.
- Other items: Prepare an appropriate amount of cash, electronic devices such as mobile phones and cameras, chargers, power banks, etc.
Transportation
- External transportation: You can fly directly to Xining Caojiabao International Airport, and then take the airport bus or taxi to the city center. You can also take a train to Xining Station, which is located in the city center and has convenient transportation. If you drive, you can take the Qinghai-Tibet Highway or the Lanxi Expressway to Xining.
- Transportation in the city: The bus network is extensive, and the fare is CNY 1. The starting price for a taxi is CNY 6 for the first 3 km, and CNY 1.3 per km thereafter. There are also shared bicycles and electric vehicles, which are convenient for travel.
Attractions
- Ta'er Monastery: One of the six major monasteries of the Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and the birthplace of Master Tsongkhapa. You can see the Golden Roof Temple, butter sculptures, murals, and pile embroidery.
- Dongguan Mosque: The largest mosque in Qinghai, which combines Han, Tibetan, and Islamic styles. You can admire the minaret, the main hall, and other buildings.
- Qinghai Provincial Museum: A national first-class museum with a large collection of precious cultural relics and ethnic artworks. You can learn about the history, culture, and ethnic customs of Qinghai.
- Xining Wildlife Park: The only large zoo on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, where you can see unique animals such as snow leopards, Przewalski's gazelles, desert cats, and wild yaks.
- Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum: A museum dedicated to Tibetan medicine, one of the four major traditional medicines in the world. You can see large thangkas, the history of Tibetan medicine, Mandala instruments, Tibetan medicine specimens, etc.
Food recommendations
- Hand-pulled mutton: The meat is tender and soft, and is served with garlic paste, chili, and other seasonings. It is delicious.
- Kangguo mutton: Mutton, potatoes, onions, and other ingredients are roasted in a kangguo, and are rich and fragrant.
- Liangpi: A special snack made of flour, which is chewy and smooth, and the seasoning is sour and spicy.
- Yak yogurt: Made from yak milk, it is rich and sour, and helps with digestion.
- Goujiaoniu: A special noodle dish that is crispy.
Accommodation
- Luxury: Xining Wanda Realm Hotel, Xining Sofitel Hotel, Qinghai Yinlong Hotel, etc. These hotels have complete facilities and high-quality service.
- Budget: 7 Days Inn, Home Inn, etc. These hotels are affordable, clean, and convenient.
Travel routes
- 3-day Xining tour: On the first day, visit Ma Bufang Residence, Beichan Temple, Qinghai Provincial Museum, and People's Park. On the second day, visit Ta'er Monastery and Riyue Mountain. On the third day, visit Dongguan Mosque, Dan Gar Ancient City, and Zampulingka.
- Cultural experience tour: On the first day, visit Qinghai Provincial Museum to learn about the history and culture of Qinghai. On the second day, visit Ta'er Monastery to experience Tibetan Buddhism. On the third day, visit Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum to learn about Tibetan culture.