Things to do in Xining, Qinghai: The Best Sightseeing Tours

May 25, 2021 Franklyn Hardiman

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 Summer pasture hike

Xining, Qinghai, China Qinghai Lake Eco-Tour
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Welcome to experience nomadic Tibet in summer, when the grassland is carpeted with wild flowers, unleashing pleasant scent. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the natural beauty of the plateau. We will set up tent camps on the private pastures running along the shore of Qinghai Lake, and you will be able to walk to the lake side. Seeing the blue lake water seemingly touching the sky in the far distance, you will be simply amazed. From your tent you can watch the sunrise and sunset, or stargaze under a chandelier of stars. Our local Tibetan friends will walk with you to the summer pasture in the higher mountains. You can fill your canteen with butter tea from the freshest, most flavorful milk you will ever taste, or with salty black tea. We will prepare feasts with parched barley and succulent mutton in a yak-hair nomad tent. You will take on a hike to a mountain, 4,200-meter-high, to see a panoramic view of the blue lake and the majestic surrounding mountains.

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

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Reviewed By Hunxue

I spent four nights living with Tibetan nomads as part of the Qinghai Lake Eco-tour this May, along with nine companions. We were accommodated in specially prepared two-person tents that kept us warm despite the chilly weather -- this time of year the wind is biting and we woke up to frost on the ground every morning. The traditional Tibetan style of life in this area is semi-nomadic; the Tibetan nomads rotate between four different settlements corresponding to each season, moving their yak and sheep herds between them as the weather changes. My group was able to participate in many of the daily spring activities of our hosts. The bulk of morning tasks (e.g., milking the yaks, letting the sheep out to pasture) occur before 10 AM. In the evening, the main chore is to herd the yaks and sheep back into their pens from pasture. This leaves a good portion of the day open for supplemental or self-directed activities; my group spent much of this time drinking milk tea with our hosts in the warmth of their small square home, helping them prepare meals, and having discussions in the large communal tent we ate in. For the truly intrepid of heart, gathering yak manure is another simple but helpful activity for your hosts that can be completed at any time while the yaks are out to pasture. The manure is used as fuel in the winter. Our guide during our time was a Qinghai local who spoke excellent English and was knowledgeable about the cultural, historical, and ecological issues of the region. He had ready answers for all our questions about the nomadic lifestyle we were taking part in. On the flip side, we also got to enjoy the challenge of communicating with other locals whose English and Mandarin were not as fluent. Easily some of my favorite memories from the experience were cracking jokes in broken Mandarin with our cook and helping our host milk yaks with only non-verbal communication. My group also spent half a day at the Chaka Salt Flats, a little more than an hour away from our where our hosts live. The flats are touristy but also picturesque and geologically interesting. Our hosts put us in contact with drivers who drove us to and from. The last thing I will say, which cannot be overstated enough, is that the Qinghai Lake area is stunningly beautiful and like few other places you will ever see. The lake was bright blue and imposingly large from our tents, about a half hour walk away. Watching the sun set behind the mountains that surrounded us on all sides was mesmerizing and made me forget about the cold. Star constellations are also sharp at night, and the Milky Way can be made out when the sky is clear. The Qinghai Lake Eco-Tour was an immensely rewarding exploration of the lives of the local Tibetan nomads and the natural beauty of the area.

3. Xining to Chengdu Overland Journey

San Want Hotel, Shen Wang Da Jiu Dian, Chengzhong Qu, Xining Shi, Qinghai Sheng, China Mystic Tibet Tours
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Rebkong is known as the Tibetan artist village throughout Tibet Plateau. On the boundless grassland you can take a picnic and see nomads milking and herding yaks. Labrang Monastery is one of the six major Tibetan monasteries of the Gelugpa order of Tibetan Buddhism. Takstang Lamo is a rural Tibetan village, surrounded by snow capped peaks and rocky mountains; there are monasteries buildings and numerous possibilities for hikes and horse trekking. The tour continues to Zoige grassland to Tangkor Town, and is one of the most beautiful grasslands in Asia, Zoige grassland to experience real Tibetan nomads culture and daily life. There is chance to camp with local Tibetan nomads and help nomads milk yaks and collect yak dungs. Join th nomadic families to prepare lunch and dinner. Ride hourseback to the grassland to visit black tents and nomads daily life. Barkham is the home of Gyarong Tibet region and famous for it's stone houses and towers.The tour will end at Chengdu airport.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, All the ground transportation fees from Xining to Chengdu, Private vehicle from Xining to Chengdu , Experience local driver with good condition transportation according to group size., Local Tibetan English speaking guide, Driver and guide's food & accommodation, All the necessary entrance ticket fees listed above itinerary, Vehicle fuel, tools and vehicle repairs (if necessary)., All the road tolls and fuel costs, Administrative fee, Chengdu airport drop off, All the accommodation fees that listed above itinerary (based on double occupancy)

Exclusions: Passport and Chinese Visa fees, International and domestic airfare or train tickets out off Chengdu and Xining, All meals (Breakfast, lunch, dinner), Insurance (travel, medical, etc), Souvenirs or personal items such as laundry, snacks, alcohol drinks, etc , Accommdation in Xining on arrival day, Xining airrport or train station pick up to hotel, Horseback riding in Takstang Lhamo

Reviewed By SiNainChina

Perfect organization of our individual trip, also including the bike tour at Qinghai lake. Our driver was local and English speaking and introduced us to the local culture. We really enjoyed this individual experience and can warmly recommend Gonkho and his team!!!

4. 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.

5. Qinghai Lake Day Tour

Adventures In Tibet

Explore Qinghai Lake, one of the largest salt-water lakes in China. Learn about this beautiful area and the Tibetan nomadic people that make this place their home. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, picnic lunch and various optional activities per your interests.

Inclusions: Transportation (car), Driver/guide, Lunch

Exclusions: Entrance fee (RMB$20 - RMB$30/per person)

6. 4-night private tour from Xining or Lanzhou to Zhangye, Jiayuguan & Dunhuang

SilkRoadTrips Lanzhou

This 4-night private tour will let you start either from Lanzhou or Xining by bullet train to Zhangye, then you will visit the attractions from Zhangye to Dunhuang including Mati Temple. Multi-color Danxia Mountain, Jiayuguan Fort, Overhanging Great Wall, and Mogao Caves etc. on the ancient Silk Road.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Accommodation (half twin room per person), Local guide, Private tour, Bullet train (Second Class), Bottled water, Entrance fees

Exclusions: Gratuities

7. 2-Day Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery Private Trip from Xian by Bullet Train

Jeff Ning China Tours

This 2-day private tour leads you to the amazing sightseeing of the  famous Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery in Xining. Experience the speedy bullet train of China for your short excursion from Xi'an. Accompany by your professional private guide to learn the local history. Includes private guide, Enjoy tasty local cuisines and transportation, and accommodation in Xining. this interesting overnight stay trip is perfectly for you.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Professional guide, Private transportation in Xi'an, Xining city, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), 1 night accommodation in local B&B or Hotel (if all inclusive package is selected), Entry/Admission - Qinghai Lake, Entry/Admission - Ta'er Monastery

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel accommodation (if all inclusive package is selected)

Reviewed By joernb2016

This was one of the highlights of our trip. The size of the exhibition is mind blowing. But with our very knowledgeable and wonderful guide Lin, it was a perfect way for us to experience this wonderful historical site. She made it very easy for us to get around, understand all the detail and background and really enjoy it to the fullest. Also the after the tour following lunch was very entertaining and delicious. Thank you, Lin!

8. 2-Day Xining Private Tour: Qinghai Lake, Ta'er Monastery, Dongguan Mosque and More

Discover China Trips

Hit up many of Xining’s top attractions all in two days during this private tour from Xining, where your guide meets you right in your hotel lobby with a personalized itinerary. Along with visiting Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery,  visit Museum of China Tibetan Medicine Culture, the Xining Dongguan Mosque.  Plus, your guide knows the best ways around the city so you can fit as much into your two days as possible. This 2-day private tour including English speaking tour guide, private car, entrance fee, and lunch.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Bottled water, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off(for hotels in Xining city), Private tour, Entrance Fee

Exclusions: Gratuities, Accommodation, Boat Ride or Horse Ride

Reviewed By 898benoitg

The driver was very nice and friendly, even if he didn't speak English. He offered me some snack and then a late lunch on the way back. He took me to Erlangjian Scenic Area, and then after asking to a higher position over the lake to take pictures. Too bad for me the weather was not good!

9. Private Independent Tour to Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery from Xining

Discover China Trips

Discover Qinghai Lake and Ta'er Monastery on this independent day trip from Xining. Led by your own driver, take a relaxed ride to Qinghai Lake to wander its charming nature at your leisure. Afterward, travel to Ta'er Monastery - one of the largest monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. you will have time to purchase lunch or souvenir shop at your own expense. After a day of independent exploration, enjoy a smooth ride back to your original departure point.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Transport by private vehicle, Hotel pickup and drop-off(for hotels in Xining city), Fuel surcharge

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, Transfer service is for 8-9 hours, if you want to extend the service please pay 15USD for each extra hour

Reviewed By 898benoitg

The driver was very nice and friendly, even if he didn't speak English. He offered me some snack and then a late lunch on the way back. He took me to Erlangjian Scenic Area, and then after asking to a higher position over the lake to take pictures. Too bad for me the weather was not good!

10. Private Xining Day Trip to Qinghai Lake with Flexible Departure Time

Discover China Trips

Experience the fantastic nature and scenery of Qinghai Lake with this private day trip from Xining. Choose from the varies departure time which suites your best, meet your friendly local tour guide and ride the private car to Qinghai Lake. Explore at your leisure, get to know the history of the Qinghai Lake and its people, admire the beauty of the area. You can choose the option to ride the horse along the lake or take the boat to experience the amazing view. This private day tour including English speaking tour guide, private vehicle, entrance fee, local lunch. 

Inclusions: Bottled water, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch, Professional guide, Boat ride if the related option been selected, Hotel pickup and drop-off(for hotels in Xining city), Entrance Fee

Exclusions: Gratuities, Horse Ride

Reviewed By 898benoitg

The driver was very nice and friendly, even if he didn't speak English. He offered me some snack and then a late lunch on the way back. He took me to Erlangjian Scenic Area, and then after asking to a higher position over the lake to take pictures. Too bad for me the weather was not good!

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