Why We Recommend You Visit Xining, Qinghai

Perfect for a Family Deep Tour of Xining】The Gateway to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Encounter Tibetan Culture and Northwest Cuisine!** ——**From the prayer flags of Ta'er Monastery to the azure waters of Qinghai Lake, from hand-pulled mutton to traditional yogurt**, this guide will take you through Xining! --- ## **📌【Must-Visit Attractions】** ### **1️⃣ Ta'er Monastery | Sacred Site of Tibetan Buddhism** - **Highlights**: - **Great Golden Roof Hall**: Pure gold roof shining brilliantly under the sun - **Butter Flower Pavilion**: A treasure of Tibetan art, colorful and vibrant - **Prayer Wheels**: Follow the devotees turning clockwise, feel the power of faith - **Tips**: - Respect religious customs, no shorts or short skirts allowed inside - Guided tours can be joined in groups (about 50 RMB/group), otherwise cultural understanding is difficult ### **2️⃣ Qinghai Lake | China’s Most Beautiful Lake** - **Erlangjian Scenic Area**: 🌊 Get close to the lake water, ride horses or yaks for photos (bargain!) 🚴 Cycle around the lake, the rapeseed flower sea in July-August is stunning - **Heimahe Sunrise**: 🌅 Sunrise over the lake with fluttering prayer flags, a must for photographers - **Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities**: - Pastoral trails on the west side of the lake (10-20 RMB entrance, fewer people and beautiful scenery) - Experience visiting Tibetan families, drink butter tea and eat tsampa ### **3️⃣ Chaka Salt Lake | “Mirror of the Sky”** - **Photo Tips**: - Wear bright-colored long dresses (red is most photogenic) - Visit before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the strongest reflections - **Avoid Pitfalls**: - Scenic area train costs 50 RMB one way, but walking 30 minutes can also reach the core area - Rainy season (July-August) may cause muddy water, check weather before traveling ### **4️⃣ Dongguan Grand Mosque | One of the Four Major Mosques in Northwest China** - **Highlights**: - Blend of Chinese and Western architectural styles - Friday noon prayers are impressive (non-Muslims cannot enter the main hall) - **Nearby Food**: 🥩 Xiannanmen Street: hand-pulled mutton, sweet fermented barley, stuffed cold noodles ### **5️⃣ Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park** - **Star Animals**: 🐅 Snow Leopard (the only place in China exhibiting them) 🦌 Tibetan antelope, Przewalski’s gazelle - **Family Must-Visit**: Petting zoo where you can feed alpacas, tickets only 30 RMB, great value --- ## **🚗 【Classic Itinerary Planning】** **2-Day Highlights Tour**: Day 1: Ta'er Monastery → Dongguan Grand Mosque → Mojia Street Night Market Day 2: Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area (or Chaka Salt Lake day trip) **4-Day Deep Tour**: Day 3: Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Sea (July) / Huzhu Tu Ethnic Homeland Park Day 4: Kanbula National Geopark --- ## **⚠️ 【Avoid Pitfalls】** - **Altitude Sickness**: - Xining is at 2200 meters, usually no altitude sickness - Avoid strenuous exercise at Qinghai Lake (3200 meters) - **Transportation Traps**: - Unlicensed drivers often claim "Qinghai Lake is closed," insist on official channels - Carpool to Chaka Salt Lake costs about 150 RMB/person, prices below 100 RMB may be suspicious - **Shopping Tips**: - Tibetan silver jewelry is often not pure silver, bargain as handicrafts - Cordyceps water is tricky, avoid buying if you are not knowledgeable --- ## **🍜 【Food Map】** - **Must-Try List**: 🍖 Hand-pulled mutton (Yixin Hand-Pulled Mutton Restaurant) 🥛 Traditional yogurt (Delu Yogurt, with a yellow cream layer on top) 🍜 Beef noodles (Marsha Beef Offal / Yifude Roasted Meat) - **Daring Challenges**: 🐑 Lamb intestine noodles (Mojia Street Majong Restaurant) 🥠 "Dog Pee" (Qingke barley thin pancakes, strange name but delicious) --- ## **📸 【Photo and Outfit Suggestions】** - **Salt Lake / Qinghai Lake**: Red/white long dresses + ethnic-style shawls - **Ta'er Monastery**: Plain-colored clothes for a more solemn look - **Sun Protection Essentials**: UV sunglasses + wide-brimmed hat (high UV index on the plateau) --- ## **💡 【Pre-Trip Tips】** - **Best Seasons**: - June to August (rapeseed flowers + cool summer) - September to October (fewer tourists + autumn colors) - **Transportation**: - Caojiapu Airport → City: Shuttle bus 21 RMB/person - Car rental reference: Qinghai Lake day tour 400-600 RMB/car - **Accommodation**: - Preferably near Dashizi or Mojia Street for convenience - For Tibetan-style homestay experience, stay in Huangzhong County (near Ta'er Monastery) --- **✨ Xining, an underrated ancient city on the plateau** 👇 **Join the discussion in the comments**: “Want to know the Qinghai Lake cycling guide? Remember to book accommodation 3 months in advance during the July lake race!” Bookmark🌟 this guide and get ready to start your secret northwest adventure!