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Qinghai Itineraries

Qinghai Itineraries

Qinghai China Travel Guide

Quick Qinghai Overview

Arrive at Xining Caojiabao Airport (XNN), take shuttle or taxi to Xining city. Check into your hotel.

Visit Dongguan Mosque and discover the surrounding Hui Muslim quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local halal restaurant. Afternoon at Qinghai Provincial Museum. Evening at Mojiajie Food Street for dinner and local snacks.

Layover Highlights

  • Dongguan Mosque
  • Hui Muslim quarter
  • Mojiajie Food Street

Itinerary Planning

Detailed plans for various trip durations.

Weekend Escape 2-3 days

A short break for cultural and natural highlights.

Suggested Schedule

  • Day 1: Xining city (Mosque, Food Street, Museum).
  • Day 2: Kumbum Monastery & Tu Nationality Cultural Park.
  • Day 3: Qinghai Lake day trip (Erlangjian Scenic Area).
  • Optional: overnight in Heimahe for sunrise.
Book tours in advance for popular activities, like those on GetYourGuide.

Qinghai Immersion 7 days

SEVEN days to explore main sights and cultural centers.

Weekly Plan

  • Day 1-2: Arrival in Xining, explore Xining & Kumbum Monastery.
  • Day 3-4: Qinghai Lake & Chaka Salt Lake loop, overnight near lake.
  • Day 5: Return to Xining, option for Kanbula Forest Park.

Extended Exploration 14 days

Expand on the one-week itinerary for regional insights.

Additions

  • More time around Qinghai Lake, possibly full cycling loop (3-5 days).
  • Multi-day trip into Qilian Mountains or southern Qinghai (permits permitting).
  • Explore Xining's local life: more markets, local eateries.
  • Relaxation time in Xining.

Extended Qinghai Experience

Long-term stays, for work or study, concentrate in Xining.

Living in Xining

  • Consider renting a serviced apartment or a local apartment.
  • Opportunities for language exchange and deep cultural experience.
  • Explore local communities thoroughly.
  • Access to provincial travel as a base.

Budgeting Travel

Backpacker Guide

Hostels, street food, public buses. Estimated Daily: ¥200-400.

Mid-Range Traveler

3-star hotels, mix of dining, shared private cars. Estimated Daily: ¥400-800.

Luxury Experience

4-5 star hotels, fine dining, private car/flights. Estimated Daily: ¥800+.

Itinerary Flexibility

These suggestions adapt to your schedule and interests. Adjust based on your pace and preferences.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your Qinghai itinerary to your specific passions.

Historical & Heritage Focus

Dive into Qinghai'its storied history and cultural heritage.

Destinations

  • Xining: Dongguan Mosque, Provincial Museum.
  • Huangzhong: Kumbum Monastery.
  • Tongren: Longwu Temple, Thangka workshops.
  • Guide: Ancient City, Yellow River.
Duration: 4-6 days.

Food & Culinary Experiences

Savor the local flavors of Qinghai.

Gastronomic Exploration

  • Mojiajie Food Street: Extensive local delicacies.
  • Dongguan Mosque area: Authentic Hui cuisine.
  • Local noodle shops: Try Lamian.
  • Local markets: Fresh produce and snacks.

Outdoor Adventures

Explore Qinghai's natural landscapes with active pursuits.

Active Exploration

  • Qinghai Lake: Cycling, going for a horse ride.
  • Chaka Salt Lake: Unique landscape photography.
  • Qilian Mountains: Hiking and scenic drives.
  • Kanbula Forest Park: Boat trips, light hiking.
Duration: 5-7 days.

Family Adventures

Create enjoyable memories for all ages.

Kid-Friendly Fun

  • Xining: People's Park, Qinghai Provincial Museum.
  • Qinghai Lake: Erlangjian Scenic Area, boat ride, light walking.
  • Chaka Salt Lake: Salt train, salt sculptures.
  • Pace activities. Choose hotels with family amenities. Carry snacks.

Artistic & Architectural Tour

Discover Qinghai's unique artistic and structural wonders.

Cultural Canvas

  • Xining: Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque.
  • Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum.
  • Tongren: Longwu Temple, Thangka painting workshops, art villages.
  • Focus on monastic art and traditional Hui design.

Journey of Serenity

Seek tranquility and spiritual connection in Qinghai's sacred spaces.

Mindful Exploration

  • Xining: Kumbum Monastery, Dongguan Mosque for spiritual insight.
  • Qinghai Lake: Sacred pilgrimage site, tranquil environment.
  • Opportunities for quiet reflection.
  • Engage in contemplative walks or meditation if possible.

Design Your Adventure

These interest-based routes enable you to focus on what you love most. Mix and match for a personalized journey.

Budget-Based Plans

Qinghai travel adapts to various financial plans.

Backpacker's Guide

Travel Qinghai on a shoestring budget.

Budget Travel Tips

  • Youth hostels in Xining, basic guesthouses or tent camps around Qinghai Lake.
  • Street food, local noodle shops, market eats.
  • Public buses, long-distance buses, shared taxis or Didi.
  • Join budget group tours.
Estimated Daily Cost: ¥200-400.

Mid-Range Traveler

A balance of comfort and value.

Comfortable Exploration

  • 3-star hotels in Xining, comfortable guesthouses elsewhere.
  • Mix of local restaurants and mid-range dining.
  • Mix of Didi/taxis, comfortable long-distance buses, occasional private car hire.
  • Entry to major attractions, a few paid experiences.

Luxury Experience Plan

Enjoy Qinghai with premium comfort and services.

Premium Journey

  • 4-5 star hotels in Xining, the best available guesthouses in other areas.
  • Fine dining in hotels, high-end local restaurants.
  • Private car with driver for the entire trip, domestic flights for longer distances.
  • Private guided tours, exclusive experiences, all major attractions.

Value-Focused Recommendations

Tips for stretching your travel budget.

Smart Choices

  • Travel during shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October).
  • Book flights and accommodation in advance.
  • Prioritize local food.
  • Use a mix of public transport and shared private automobiles.

Financial Planning

Cash vs. Digital

Carry cash for smaller vendors, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are prevalent.

ATM Access

ATMs are common in Xining and larger towns for cash withdrawals.

Currency Exchange

Exchange currency at banks or major hotels; rates vary.

Seasonal Specialties

Qinghai provides different charms depending on the time of year.

Summer Travel June-August

This is the best season for outdoor activities and landscapes.

Summer Experiences

  • Rape flower fields around Qinghai Lake in late July/early August.
  • Ideal weather for Qinghai Lake cycling and boat trips.
  • Horse racing festivals in Tibetan areas (various dates).
  • Lush grasslands and pleasant temperatures.
This is peak tourist season, expect crowds and higher prices.

Winter Charm Nov-March

Experience snow-covered landscapes and fewer tourists.

Winter Experiences

  • Pristine snowscapes around Qinghai Lake and in mountains.
  • Fewer tourists and generally lower prices.
  • Focus on Xining's monasteries and local life without crowds.
  • Prepare for highly cold temperatures.

Off-Season Travel Tips

Embrace the tranquility plus one-of-a-kind activities of the quieter months.

Preparation

  • Pack very warm clothing.
  • Confirm opening hours for attractions (some may close).
  • Be flexible with plans; heavy snow causes street closures.

Benefits

  • Excellent for exploring monasteries plus area culture without crowds.
  • Photography opportunities of snow-covered landscapes.
  • Experience a different side of Qinghai's beauty.

Festival & Event Visits

Plan your trip around local celebrations.

Cultural Calendar

  • Butter Lamp Festival (Kumbum Monastery): Celebrated around Chinese New Year.
  • Horse Racing Festivals (Tibetan areas): Various dates in summer.
  • Check specific dates annually for lunar calendar-based events.
  • Experience traditions and lively gatherings.

Unique Seasonal Scenery

Witness Qinghai's changing natural palette.

Landscape Changes

  • Spring (Apr-May): Melting snow, awakening grasslands, early blooms.
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Golden foliage in mountains, clear skies.
  • Shoulder seasons often combine good weather and fewer crowds.
  • Each season brings a distinct visual appeal.

Important Seasonal Notes

Summer Crowds

Peak season brings more visitors and higher demand for services. Book well in advance.

Winter Accessibility

Some remote areas or high passes may be inaccessible due to snow. Confirm road conditions.

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