Xining - Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and starting point for Northwest China adventures
Xining, known as China’s “Summer Capital,” serves as the capital of Qinghai Province and the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. This culturally diverse city sits at 2,275 meters above sea level, making it an ideal base for exploring Northwest China’s stunning landscapes and rich ethnic heritage. Whether you’re interested in Tibetan Buddhism, Islamic culture, natural wonders, or simply escaping summer heat, Xining offers remarkable experiences.
Kumbum Monastery (塔尔寺) - Tibet’s Sacred Birthplace
Kumbum Monastery’s golden roofs gleaming in the highland sun
Located in Huangzhong County about 25 kilometers from Xining, Kumbum Monastery ranks among China’s four major Tibetan Buddhist sites and serves as the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school (Yellow Hat sect). The monastery complex sprawls across a hillside with over 400 years of history, featuring magnificent architecture and priceless Buddhist treasures.
The monastery’s “Three Wonders”—butter sculptures, murals, and barbola (堆秀)—represent extraordinary artistic achievements. These intricate works demonstrate master craftsmanship passed down through generations. Unlike traditional Chinese Buddhist temples built along central axes, Kumbum’s buildings scatter organically across the terrain, creating a unique spatial experience.
Visitors can explore various halls and courtyards, each revealing different aspects of Tibetan Buddhist culture. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual, with monks chanting, prayer wheels spinning, and pilgrims prostrating. Hiring a guide is highly recommended to understand the rich symbolism and stories embedded in every corner.
Practical Info: Entrance fee around RMB 80 (book online for RMB 10 discount). Allow 3-4 hours for thorough exploration. Dress modestly and respect religious practices.
Dongguan Mosque (东关清真大寺) - Islamic Architectural Gem
Dongguan Mosque stands as Qinghai’s largest Islamic house of worship and one of Northwest China’s four great mosques. This historic mosque blends Chinese and Islamic architectural styles, creating a visually striking structure that reflects the region’s Hui Muslim heritage.
The mosque environment is immaculately maintained, and prayer times offer deeply moving displays of faith, with thousands gathering for collective worship. Visitors can observe (respectfully) the devout atmosphere and appreciate the intricate Arabic calligraphy and geometric patterns adorning the walls.
The mosque opens to non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times, though women should wear headscarves when entering (usually provided at entrance). The peaceful courtyards and grand prayer hall offer insights into Xining’s significant Muslim community.
Location: Dongguan Street, Chengdong District. Entrance: Free, but respectful behavior required.
Qinghai Lake (青海湖) - China’s Largest Lake
The vast blue expanse of Qinghai Lake stretching to the horizon
While technically outside Xining (about 150 kilometers west), Qinghai Lake is the primary reason many travelers visit the region. This massive inland saltwater lake—China’s largest—offers breathtaking scenery with its azure waters contrasting against surrounding grasslands and snow-capped mountains.
Visitors can explore the official Er’lang Jian Scenic Area (二郎剑景区) with its tourist facilities and boat tours, though many travelers prefer accessing the lake through local Tibetan families’ grasslands for more authentic experiences. The lake’s perimeter road allows cycling tours, horseback riding, and photography opportunities.
July and August bring golden rapeseed flowers blooming around the lake, creating spectacular yellow carpets against blue water. Bird Island on the lake’s northern shore attracts migratory birds from April to June, though timing is crucial for this seasonal spectacle.
Best Time: July-August for flowers and pleasant weather. Getting There: Join day tours from Xining or hire private transportation.
Chaka Salt Lake (茶卡盐湖) - The Sky Mirror
Chaka Salt Lake’s mirror-like surface reflecting the endless sky
Located 298 kilometers from Xining in Wulan County, Chaka Salt Lake has become one of China’s most photographed destinations, earning the nickname “Sky Mirror of China.” The vast salt flats create perfect reflections of sky and clouds, producing surreal, dreamlike images.
The lake’s strong reflective properties work best during calm weather, typically early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (around 5 PM). Visitors can walk barefoot on the white salt crust, ride the small train into the lake’s interior, and capture stunning photographs that blend earth and sky.
The salt lake combines natural beauty with industrial heritage—salt has been extracted here for over 3,000 years. Today it balances tourism with continued salt production, offering visitors both scenic wonder and cultural insight into this unique resource.
Travel Tip: Often combined with Qinghai Lake on 2-day tours from Xining. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen—the salt reflects intense UV rays.
Qinghai Provincial Museum (青海省博物馆) - Cultural Gateway
For those wanting to understand Qinghai’s complex history before exploring, the Provincial Museum offers excellent context. Exhibitions cover the Silk Road’s passage through the region, Tibetan cultural artifacts, and the area’s role in China’s ethnic diversity.
The museum’s collection includes ancient bronzes, Tibetan thangka paintings, and exhibits about the region’s nomadic heritage. It’s particularly valuable for learning about the less-known aspects of China’s western frontier development.
Location: West Xining, near shopping districts. Entrance: Free with ID. Closed: Mondays.
Tibet Culture Museum (青海藏文化博物院) - Thangka Treasures
This specialized museum showcases Tibetan cultural heritage through stunning collections of colorful thangka paintings, traditional Tibetan clothing, and religious artifacts. The thangkas demonstrate extraordinary artistic skill, with intricate details visible only up close.
Visitors gain appreciation for Tibetan Buddhism’s visual culture and the painstaking craftsmanship involved in creating these sacred artworks. The museum provides English explanations for major exhibits.
Location: Biological Science and Technology Industrial Park, Jinger Road 36.
Riyue Mountain (日月山) - Tang Princess’s Legendary Pass
Riyue Mountain gained fame through the legend of Princess Wencheng, who married the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 641 CE, cementing Tang-Tibet relations. The mountain served as a crucial pass on both the Tang-Tibet Ancient Road and the Silk Road.
Today, visitors can walk observation platforms built along the mountainside, enjoying panoramic views of grasslands below and learning about this historically significant route. The mountain’s name (Sun-Moon Mountain) comes from legends about the princess dropping her precious mirror here.
Location: 40 kilometers southwest of Huangyuan County.
Practical Xining Information
Getting There: Xining has an international airport with flights from major Chinese cities. High-speed trains connect Xining to Lanzhou (2.5 hours) and beyond.
Best Season: June-September offers the most pleasant weather. Xining’s average summer temperature stays around 17-19°C, making it genuinely a “Summer Capital.”
Altitude: At 2,275 meters, most visitors adjust easily, though staying hydrated helps. Higher destinations like Qinghai Lake (3,200m) may require acclimatization.
Food: Try local specialties like hand-pulled beef noodles, lamb dishes, yogurt (suan nai), and sweet fermented rice (tian pei). Mojia Street (莫家街) offers concentrated food options.
Transportation: Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well within the city. For Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake, join organized tours or hire private vehicles—public transport to these destinations is inconvenient.
Cultural Considerations
Xining’s population includes significant Hui Muslim, Tibetan, Tu, and Salar minorities alongside Han Chinese. This diversity requires cultural sensitivity:
- Respect religious sites—dress modestly, don’t touch sacred objects, ask before photographing
- Many restaurants serve halal food; vegetarians can find options though meat-heavy cuisine dominates
- Bargaining is less common than coastal cities
- Tibetan areas may have restricted access; carry ID always
Beyond Xining: Northwest Loop Adventures
Many travelers use Xining as the starting point for epic Northwest China loops combining Qinghai and Gansu provinces. Popular multi-day routes include:
- Qinghai-Gansu Loop (6-8 days): Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Dunhuang (Mogao Caves, Crescent Lake) → Jiayuguan → Zhangye (Rainbow Mountains) → Xining
- Shorter Qinghai Circuit (3-4 days): Xining → Qinghai Lake → Chaka Salt Lake → Xining
- Tibet Overland: Xining serves as the eastern terminus of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and highway to Lhasa
These journeys offer incredible landscape diversity—from alpine lakes to desert dunes, from grasslands to rainbow-colored mountains—making Xining the perfect base for exploring China’s vast, beautiful, and culturally rich northwest frontier.
For the adventurous traveler seeking authentic cultural experiences and stunning natural beauty away from China’s crowded eastern cities, Xining offers an ideal gateway to discover the Tibetan Plateau’s wonders.