The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Xining, Qinghai

May 25, 2021 Kandra Bartel

Xining (Chinese: 西宁 Xīníng [ɕí.nǐŋ]; Standard Tibetan: ཟི་ལིང་། Ziling) is the capital of Qinghai province in western China, and the largest city on the Tibetan Plateau. It has 2,208,708 inhabitants at the 2010 census whom 1,198,304 live in the built up area made of 4 urban districts.
Restaurants in Xining

1. Private Full-day Xining City Tour with Lunch

SilkRoadTrips-Xining
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Xining is the capital of Qinghai Province where you catch train to Lhasa. This day tour offers you an opportunity to visit the Kumbum Monastery, an establishment of Tibetan Buddhism in Qinghai, and the Dongguan Mosque and local market.

Inclusions: Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities

2. Qinghai Lake (Lake Kokonor) Trip

Elevated Trips
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If you are looking to get out of the city and sleep in the peace and quiet of the Tibetan countryside – this is the tour for you.  Venture to Qinghai’s largest monastery, Rebkong Longwu monastery, and then sleep for 2 nights in an authentic Tibetan homestay as we enjoy the slower pace of life in the high mountains outside of Rebkong town.  This tour includes a terrific half day hike and a dip in the local hot springs.

Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation in Tibetan homestay, Afternoon tea, Bottled water, All meals from lunch on Day one to lunch on Day 3, All activities, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities for driver and guide(recommended), Visa and passport costs, Flights or trains to and from Xining, Each traveler is required to buy their travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads.

Reviewed By Oscar M

Went on our second trip led by Ben Cubbage from Elevated Trips for a good reason, Ben and his crew know their way around western China and they know know to serve their clients well. Our tour guide Sangye was very attentive and informative at every step and every stop along our journey through the Silk Road in Gansu and Qinghai. Ben has lived in western China for over a decade and works with locals to provide authentic experiences. This time around we discovered the holy Qinghai Lake, the rainbow mountains, hanging monastery, hiked snowy mountains, saw the western end of the Great Wall and rode camels on the Gobi desert. Whether you’re looking to explore Tibetan culture, the Silk Road, or you’re a hiking junkie, Elevated Trips is the way to go.

3. Qinghai and Gansu Silk Road Exploration-Xining, Huangyuan, Wulan, Dachaidan

YAT Travel
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The Silk Road was a commercial road for transportation, trade and cultural exchanges between ancient China and foreign countries, and the Hexi Corridor was the throat for the 'Silk Road' to go west. We will not only follow the ancient camel fleet through the place to re-take the ancient Silk Road but also explore the spectacular view of the northwest plateau. Looking for the most beautiful scenery outside the fortressand to feel the distance of the Silk Road and savor the depth of history.

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast

Exclusions: The transportation from Xi’an to Xining and Xining to Xi’an.

Reviewed By Elena_gltan

I have travelled with YAT Travel since 2018 and the places that I went with them are North-East China, Harbin, Heilongjiang, Guizhou, West Sichuan and the most recent one that I went is the Silk Road and North Xinjiang. All together they were 3 long tours, all covering more than 20 days in each trip. I find this travel agency reliable and they deliver what were promised in the itineraries. They guides that were assigned to us are passionate and responsible in their duties..namely Zach and Jason whom I have the privilege to meet. Both of them went all the way out to make sure their guests are comfortable and well taken care of. If not for the pandemic the whole world is facing now, I would have gone with YAT for my fourth trip and that is to Yunnan Photography Tour in March this year. When the trip was cancelled due to the pandemic our deposits were promptly refunded by the company to our much relieved. If you plan to see China as a traveller and not seeing the usual touristy stuff which is often jam packed and very commercialised I would highly recommend YAT Travel. They will bring you to see the real interesting China and not forgetting to mention the delicious local food they bring to.

4. Small-Group 6-Night Lhasa to Everest Tour: Train from Xining

Lhasa Railway Station, Doilungdêqên District, Lhasa, China Qinghai Tibet Train (Lhasa Express)
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Enjoy the experience of visiting Mount Everest. It will be a lifetime memory for you to stay overnight in the Base Camp. And the great sunset and sunrise at the top of the world will ensure you maximum comfort. Xining is considered as the beginning point of Qinghai-Tibet Railway Railway. You will take a train to Lhasa from Xining and witness the most beautiful scenery outside the train window: land of snows, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes. This tour is highly recommended because tourists have enough time on the train to acclimate the high altitude gradually as the altitude rises, and then tour to EBC.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Tibet Travel Permit and Alien's Travel Permit, Transportation by comfortable van or minibus with experienced local driver (gasoline is included), Local Tibetan English-speaking guide, 4 nights 3-star hotel shared with another traveler, 1 night EBC/Rongbuk tent guestroom, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Pickup and drop-off from the train station or airport, Oxygen cylinder in the car (4L or 7L), Liability travel insurance, Drinking water provided during the trip, Handy Tibet Tourism Map, Winter care(from Nov.15 to Feb.15): Electric blanket to keep warm at Rongpuk Guest House, Train ticket (soft or hard sleeper) from Xining to Lhasa

Exclusions: Single-supplement if you are a single traveller, China visa fees (please make sure you have China L Visa before you reserve this group tour or other types of China Visa with relative certificate., Gratuities, All Lunches and dinners

Reviewed By KodoDrummer

Very nice train-car and seating, on this, the world's highest in elevation railway. Most fantastic are the astonishingly spectacular views.

5. Small-Group 5-Night Lhasa Tour: Train from Beijing

Lhasa Railway Station, Doilungdêqên District, Lhasa, China Qinghai Tibet Train (Lhasa Express)

Take a train on the world-highest Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Tibet from Beijing. This tour will include 2 full-day on train from the plain of eastern China to the highland of western China, to witness the most beautiful scenery of Qinghai-Tibet Railway: endless land of snows, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes, and 3 days in Lhasa to visit the world heritage sites, like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Tibet Travel Permit and other necessary travel permits for Tibet (excluding the Chinese visa), 3 nights accommodation in 4-star standard 2-beds hotel shared with another traveler (If you are a single traveller, you may pay for the single supplement to enjoy 1-bed hotel., Local English-speaking Tibetan tour guide, Transportation by comfortable van or minibus with experienced local driver (gasoline is included), Welcome Dinner, Liability travel insurance, Drinking water provided during the trip, Train ticket (soft or hard sleeper) from Beijing to Lhasa

Exclusions: Single Supplement if you are a single traveler, China visa fees (please make sure you have China L Visa before you reserve this group tour or other types of China Visa with relative certificate., All Lunches and dinners; Tips to driver and tour guide

Reviewed By KodoDrummer

Very nice train-car and seating, on this, the world's highest in elevation railway. Most fantastic are the astonishingly spectacular views.

6. Small-Group 5-Night Lhasa Tour by Train from Shanghai

Lhasa Railway Station, Doilungdêqên District, Lhasa, China Qinghai Tibet Train (Lhasa Express)

Shanghai is one of the best inbound cities of China. Take a train from Shanghai to Lhasa and enjoy the special scenery changing from skyscrapers of big cities to the depopulated zone of Tibet Plateau. And the train will take you to Tibet for visiting.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Tibet travel permits and other necessary permits for Tibet, 3 nights accommodation in 4-star standard twin room hotel shared with another traveler (If you are a single traveler, you may pay for the single supplement to enjoy double room hotel., Local English-speaking Tibetan tour guide, Transportation by comfortable van or minibus with experienced local driver in Lhasa, Welcome Dinner, Liability travel insurance, Drinking water provided during the trip, Train ticket (soft or hard sleeper) from Shanghai to Lhasa

Exclusions: Single Supplement if you are a single traveler, China visa fees (please make sure you have China L Visa before you reserve this group tour or other types of China Visa with relative certificate., All Lunches and dinners; Tips to tour guide and driver

Reviewed By KodoDrummer

Very nice train-car and seating, on this, the world's highest in elevation railway. Most fantastic are the astonishingly spectacular views.

7. 5-Day Tour: Tibet Home-stay From Xining

Adventures In Tibet

This five-day tour is a true adventure in eastern Amdo, Tibet. Come experience Amdo Tibetan nomad home-stay and venture with hosting families! You will be matched with either a Tibetan nomad or farmer family to fully immerse in Tibetan culture. This unique experience is rarely available in the market. You will visit Chabcha, Mangzong County, Sogwo Grassland, and Rebgong during your trip. Book this family friendly tour for quality Amdo Tibetan nomad home-stay and create precious memories of your own to cherish.

Inclusions: Transportation (Regular car), 2 nights home-stay, 1 night camping near a Tibetan nomad family, Camping equipment, Breakfasts, Tour guide, Pick-up and drop-off service

Exclusions: Train tickets and airfare, Lunch and dinner, Personal expenses, Gratuities

8. Overnight Trip to Rebgong: Exploring Tibetan Thangka Arts

Adventures In Tibet

Tibetan traditional Thangka Arts is what Amdo Tibetan diaspora is known for, and Rebgong is the most famous place to see it. There are sister monasteries in upper and lower Seng-ge Shong villages hosting most famous Thangka painting schools in Tibet where you will find many talents with outstanding skills from all over Tibet. You will also visit Rongwu Gonchen Monastery, the mother monastery of 36 others in the region as well as enjoying one night accommodation at a modern Tibetan home-stay to learn more about Amdo Tibetan people and their culture.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Breakfast, Overnight accommodation at a Tibetan home-stay in Regbong, Transportation, Local guide

Exclusions: Lunch and dinner, Personal expenses

9. Kumbum Monastery Day Tour

Elevated Trips

Only have one day to explore Xining?  Here is a great way to see 2 amazing Buddhist monasteries that are both very close to the capital of Qinghai Province.  These monasteries hold so many brilliant colors and so much Tibetan history.  See life through the eyes of a monk as you explore these temples and smell the incense rising into the air.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch at mid-day, All activities, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities for driver and guide (recommended), Visa and passport costs, Flights or trains to and from Xining, Each traveler is required to buy their travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads.

Reviewed By Oscar M

Went on our second trip led by Ben Cubbage from Elevated Trips for a good reason, Ben and his crew know their way around western China and they know know to serve their clients well. Our tour guide Sangye was very attentive and informative at every step and every stop along our journey through the Silk Road in Gansu and Qinghai. Ben has lived in western China for over a decade and works with locals to provide authentic experiences. This time around we discovered the holy Qinghai Lake, the rainbow mountains, hanging monastery, hiked snowy mountains, saw the western end of the Great Wall and rode camels on the Gobi desert. Whether you’re looking to explore Tibetan culture, the Silk Road, or you’re a hiking junkie, Elevated Trips is the way to go.

10. Wild Rebkong: Sleep in an Authentic Homestay

Elevated Trips

If you are looking to get out of the city and sleep in the peace and quiet of the Tibetan countryside – this is the tour for you.  Venture to Qinghai’s largest monastery, Rebkong Longwu monastery, and then sleep for 2 nights in an authentic Tibetan homestay as we enjoy the slower pace of life in the high mountains outside of Rebkong town.  This tour includes a terrific half day hike and a dip in the local hot springs.

Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation in Tibetan homestay, Afternoon tea, Bottled water, All meals from lunch on Day one to lunch on Day 3, All activities, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities for driver and guide(recommended), Visa and passport costs, Flights or trains to and from Xining, Each traveler is required to buy their travel insurance. We recommend World Nomads.

Reviewed By Oscar M

Went on our second trip led by Ben Cubbage from Elevated Trips for a good reason, Ben and his crew know their way around western China and they know know to serve their clients well. Our tour guide Sangye was very attentive and informative at every step and every stop along our journey through the Silk Road in Gansu and Qinghai. Ben has lived in western China for over a decade and works with locals to provide authentic experiences. This time around we discovered the holy Qinghai Lake, the rainbow mountains, hanging monastery, hiked snowy mountains, saw the western end of the Great Wall and rode camels on the Gobi desert. Whether you’re looking to explore Tibetan culture, the Silk Road, or you’re a hiking junkie, Elevated Trips is the way to go.

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