Xining Travel Guide

Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, is located on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of Huangshui River. Xining is an ancient plateau city with a history of more than 2,100 years. For the unique geographical location, Xining played an important role in promoting the trades and cultural exchanges between the Chinses hinterland and western areas after opening the Silk Road in the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC – 8 AD). Today, as the start point of the Qinghai - Tibet railway, Xining still serves as the traffic hub to the hinterland of the Qinghai Tibet Plateau. Xining keeps many historical sites including the Northern Buddhist Temple, Dongguan Mosque and holy site of the Tibetan Buddhism - Kumbum Monastery. The famous Qinghai Lake is 151 kilometers (94 miles) away from Xining. Surrounded by mountains, Xining enjoys a cool and pleasant climate in summer when the average temperature is as low as 18.3 ℃ (64.9 ℉). But if you visit Xining in October, you may catch the first snow.

Xining is also called the Summer Resort Capital of China for its cool summer. The region also provides a number of attractions making a visit to the area well worth considering. The scenery of the Qinghai Lake, provides an escape from fervent cities and allows you to experience beautiful natural sceneries. The lake itself is quite amazing. The Birds Island, situated on the northwest of Qinghai Lake, is waiting to present you with an extensive array of birds. To the city's southwest, is the birthplace of the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. The gem of the Tibetan culture- Kumbum Monastery was built here. To the north of Xining is the Northern Buddhist Temple. Climbing the temple will reward you with a view of the city from the mountaintop. A site not to be missed is the Dongguan Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in northern China.

Silk Road Safari: 13 days to Xining, Lanzhou and other cities.
Bicycle Route        Qinghai Lake Cycling Race Route
Datong Exploration

The popularity of the region has been enhanced by convenient transportation and accommodation. Xining Caojiabao Airport, located around 28 kilometers (17 miles) from city center, is one of high-altitude airports in western China.  Xining Railway Station operates trains to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Qingdao, Urumqi and other provinces.
 Airport           Xining Railway Station

Sutra Debating, Kumbum Monastery

Qinghai Lake

 History: It is the political, economic, scientific and technological, cultural and traffic center of Qinghai Province. The activities of human beings in this region can be traced to 2,100 years ago. During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, owing to its developing agriculture, the city was paid more attention due to its economic and martial significance. 

 Physical Features: As well as being the important hinge between the central plains and the western part of China in ancient time, Xining was the most common passing channel of the famous Silk Road. Until now, it is still the only road by which to enter the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

 Local Highlights: With a population of more than two million, Xining is the first city on the upper reaches of the Yellow River to achieve a population into the millions. There are about 37 nationalities living here, including Han, Hui, Tu and Tibetan. The local traditions and customs are influenced by these distinctive nationalities, in particular the Tibetan group.

 Local Foods: For most visitors from both home and abroad, Xining provides a variety of delicious food and snacks. You can find some special meat products easily here for this is also a pasturing area. However, at the same time, don't forget that your health should be put on the first position.

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