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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

China

Accessible Locations Within Day-Trip Distance

Kumbum Monastery, about 26 km southwest of Xining. Kanbula National Forest Park, about 130 km southeast of Xining. Chaka Salt Lake, about 300 km west of Xining. Qinghai Lake, about 150 km west of Xining.

For more details on transportation, refer to the table below.

Travel Options

  • Kumbum Monastery: Public bus, taxi, Didi, organized tour.
  • Kanbula National Forest Park: Private car with driver, organized tour.
  • Chaka Salt Lake: Long-distance bus (to Chaka town + taxi), private car, organized tour.
  • Qinghai Lake: Long-distance bus, private car, organized tour.

Choosing Your Travel Style

Organized Tour

Convenient transport, often includes multiple stops, may include a guide. Good for destinations like Chaka Salt Lake and Qinghai Lake without a private driver.

Points to Consider

  • Less flexibility, fixed itinerary.
  • Can be rushed.
  • May include shopping stops.

Independent Travel

Most budget-friendly when using public transport. Maximum flexibility with a private car.

Aspects

  • Public transport can be time-consuming.
  • Language differences.
  • Private car is the most expensive.

Time Required & Suggested Itineraries

Shorter Trips

  • Kumbum Monastery: A half-day trip from Xining.
  • Qinghai Lake (Erlangjian): A full-day trip from Xining.
  • Tongren (Rebkong): About 3-4 hours by bus from Xining.
  • Huzhu County: Accessible by bus from Xining.

Longer Trips

  • Chaka Salt Lake: Typically part of a 2-3 day Qinghai Lake loop.
  • Kanbula National Forest Park: A full-day trip from Xining.
  • Qinghai Lake Loop: Requires 2-3 days for full exploration.
  • Tongren Art Tour: Recommended as a 2-day trip.

Transportation Details

  • Kumbum Monastery:1-1.5 hours
  • Kanbula Forest Park:2-3 hours
  • Chaka Salt Lake (bus):4-5 hours
  • Qinghai Lake (bus):2-3 hours
  • Chaka Salt Lake (car):3-4 hours
  • Tongren (bus):3-4 hours
  • Lanzhou (train):1.5-2 hours
  • Dunhuang (train):Overnight

Booking Tip

Discover and Book a variety of day trips and excursions for a seamless experience in Qinghai.

Natural Escapes

Qinghai's natural beauty stretches beyond its famous lake, providing serene surroundings.

Kanbula National Forest Park

Red rock formations, forests, and the Yellow River reservoir. Boat trips and light hiking are available.

Qinghai Lake Nature Reserve

Protects China's largest saltwater lake and its ecosystem, including bird breeding grounds.

Kekexili Nature Reserve

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, for Tibetan antelope. Access is very restricted.

Scenic Drives & Mountains

Explore the vast landscapes of Qinghai by car.

Routes & Views

  • Qinghai Lake Loop: 360 km of diverse natural landscapes.
  • Qilian Mountains: Alpine meadows, forests, and snow peaks.
  • Laji Mountain Pass: Panoramic views.

Seasonal Wonders

Witness Qinghai's seasonal transformations.

Phenomena

  • Bird Migration (Bird Island): Late April to June.
  • Rape Flower Fields: Late July to early August.
  • Snowscapes: Winter transforms landscapes into pristine vistas.

Rural & Cultural Landscapes

Mountains:Qilian, Kunlun, Amnye Machen ranges.
Rural Grasslands:Around Qinghai Lake, southern Qinghai.
Nomadic Culture:Experience vast open spaces.
Agricultural Areas:Huzhu County, local villages.
Yellow River:Explore near Guide.
Red Rock Formations:Kanbula National Forest Park.

Environmental Note

  • Your visit supports the conservation of these natural wonders. Leave no trace.

Cultural Excursions

Deepen your cultural understanding with visits to nearby historical and ethnic centers.

Tongren Rebkong

Located about 180 km south of Xining. A significant center for Tibetan Buddhist art, home to Longwu Temple and Thangka painting schools.

Access

  • Long-distance bus from Xining (3-4 hours).
  • Private car from Xining.
  • Part of an organized tour.

Huzhu Tu Nationality Autonomous County

Home to the Tu ethnic group, providing cultural immersion at the Tu Nationality Cultural Park and local villages.

Access

  • Bus from Xining.
  • Private car from Xining.
  • Part of local tours.

Pilgrimage Sites

Sacred sites that reveal spiritual traditions.

Spiritual Locations

  • Kumbum Monastery: Birthplace of Tsongkhapa, major pilgrimage site.
  • Qinghai Lake: Revered as a sacred lake, pilgrims often prostrate.
  • Longwu Temple (Tongren): A significant Buddhist monastery.

Rural Experiences

Glimpses into traditional ways of life.

Village Life

  • Villages around Qinghai Lake: Nomadic Tibetan and Mongolian life.
  • Huzhu local villages: Tu ethnic group culture.
  • Tongren art villages: Thangka painting traditions.

Cultural Deep Dives

Thangka Painting

Explore the art form of Thangka painting in Tongren.

Tibetan Buddhism

Visit monasteries to observe ceremonies and learn about the faith.

Nomadic Lifestyle

Witness the unique traditions of nomadic communities around the lake.

Cultural Note

Engage with local cultures respectfully. Ask permission for photos, dress modestly at religious sites.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your Qinghai trip to explore more of the region or connect to other provinces.

Recommended Multi-Day Itineraries

1

Qinghai Lake & Chaka Salt Lake Loop

A classic 2-3 day itinerary. Includes sunset/sunrise at Heimahe and the 'Sky Mirror' at Chaka.

2

Tongren Rebkong Art Tour

A 2-day trip to explore Longwu Temple and Thangka painting workshops.

3

Kanbula & Guide Exploration

A 2-day trip to Kanbula National Forest Park and Guide Ancient City.

Logical Next Destinations

  • Lanzhou (Gansu Province): Major transport hub, known for beef noodles. 1.5-2 hours by high-speed train.
  • Dunhuang (Gansu Province): Mogao Grottoes, Crescent Lake. Overnight train or flight.
  • Tibet (Lhasa): Via Qinghai-Tibet Railway. Tibet Travel Permit required.
  • Chengdu (Sichuan Province): Cultural and culinary hub. Direct flights available.
  • Zhangye (Gansu Province): Danxia landforms. Part of Northwest China loop.
  • Xi'an (Shaanxi Province): Terracotta Army, historical sites. Connects well after Dunhuang.

Transportation Connections

  • Trains: Excellent connections from Xining to Lanzhou, Dunhuang, and Lhasa.
  • Buses: Good connections to nearby provincial cities like Lanzhou.
  • Flights: Direct flights from Xining to most major Chinese cities.
  • Private Car: Best for flexible multi-day exploration within Qinghai.
  • Organized Tours: Streamlined travel for complex routes.
  • High-Speed Rail: Rapid connections to major cities.

Longer Regional Travel

Northwest China Loop

10-14+ days. Xining → Lanzhou → Dunhuang → Zhangye → Xi'an. Covers diverse landscapes and cultures.

Qinghai & Tibet

7-10+ days. Travel from Xining via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa. A deep immersion into Tibetan culture.

Silk Road Exploration

Combine Qinghai with a broader Silk Road itinerary for historical depth.

Extended Trip Planning

For multi-day excursions or connecting to other regions, planning ahead assists in securing transport and permits.
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