Location: Xining
Top Things to do in Xining
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Things to do in Xining, Qinghai: The Best Multi-day Tours
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. 10-Day Trip: The Headwaters of the Yellow River
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Adventure awaits as we explore the glacier of one of Tibet’s holiest mountains, Amnye Machen, and the headwaters of the Yellow River, China’s second longest river. The Golok Tibetan people live in some of the wildest and most magnificent lands in all the Tibetan Plateau. In this in-depth overland tour we start and finish in Xining, the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau. On this tour you will stand at the bottom of the glaciers of Amnye Machen, experience the richness of authentic Tibetan culture, and view China’s largest salt lake at 3,200 meters. We will also see the bright turquoise waters of Kyaring Lake and Nyoring Lakes, thought to be the source of the Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization and the seventh longest river in the world.
Inclusions: Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, 9 nights accommodation, All activities, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Transport by private vehicle, Round-trip shared transfer, National Park fees, Bottled water, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities
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.
2. Trekking Nyenbo Yurtse to Alpine Glacial Lakes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Trek past fields of Edelweiss and yaks grazing near turquoise glacial lakes and discover the dramatic shark tooth peaks of Nyenbo Yurtse. This the home to Tibetan nomads who live at the base of a mountain that hovers at a lofty 5369 meters/17,615 feet. And getting there is half the fun! Along the way to Nyenbo Yurtse you will get to walk through the mud-daubed alleys of Labrang Monastery and see the untamed grasslands and the nomads who worship there. This particular itinerary offers 3 days of trekking with horses carrying your backpacks every day so you only need to carry a light daypack on the trek.
Inclusions: 7 nights accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, National Park fees, Bottled water, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Round-trip shared transfer, Fuel surcharge, Landing and facility fees, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Drinks, Gratuities
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. Prayers in the Plateau: Exploring Tibetan Nomad Life
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Strap on your boots and and get ready for adventure! Our week-long trip will begin in Qinghai’s provincial capital, Xining, and finish in Gansu’s provincial capital Lanzhou. A cross between wilderness and cultural exploration, our journey will take us to secluded temples, remote gorge and mountain hikes, and both a Tibetan village and nomadic tent homestay in a quest for authentic immersion. While this region is known as the Gateway to Tibet, its unique culture is also influenced by its large Muslim population and proximity to Mongolia and Sichuan. Still undisturbed by the furor of tourism, Qinghai and Gansu both offer the chance for true adventure. Be prepared for challenges of every kind, whether picking up a new phrase in Tibetan or breathing at an altitude of more than 2000m, and also for the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Inclusions: 7 nights accommodation, National Park fees, Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner), All activities, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Drinks, Gratuities
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.
4. Qinghai Lake (Lake Kokonor) Trip
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
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.
5. Qinghai Lake Summer pasture hike
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
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
Exclusions:
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.
6. Xining to Chengdu Overland Journey
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
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!!!
7. Red Rocks and Monasteries
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 4 reviews
This trip has it all. We pack in a huge amount of diversity in just 5 days. Camping under the stars on top of a 3,500 meter sandstone cliff. Hiking through a miniature Grand Canyon to the top of a Buddhist hermitage where monks and nuns meditate without speaking for years. And we finish it off with the largest monastery in Qinghai Province, Rebkong Longwu monastery, famous for its hand painted Tibetan Thangkas.
Inclusions: 4 nights accommodation, All taxes, fees and handling charges, National Park fees, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, All activities, Driver/guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip shared transfer, Transport by private vehicle
Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Drinks, Gratuities
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.
8. Qinghai and Gansu Silk Road Exploration-Xining, Huangyuan, Wulan, Dachaidan
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 3 reviews
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.
9. Small-Group 6-Night Lhasa to Everest Tour: Train from Xining
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
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.
10. Small-Group 5-Night Lhasa Tour: Train from Chengdu
This 5-Night Lhasa tour by Qinghai Tibetan train from Chengdu covers the highlights of Lhasa City and the most beautiful scenery of Qinghai, and passing by Lanzhou and Xining. You will also be able to visit the fasinating Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and more. On the full day train journey, you will witness the most beautiful scenery of Qinghai-Tibet Railway: endless land of snows, vast desert, boundless grassland, snow-capped mountains and stunning lakes on the highest Qinghai-Tibet Railway.
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 twin room hotel shared with another traveler (If you are a single traveller, 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 (gasoline is included), Welcome Dinner, Liability travel insurance, Drinking water provided during the trip, Train ticket (soft or hard sleeper) from Chengdu 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., Lunch and dinner; 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.
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