Qinghai Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Mobile Connectivity

China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom are main providers. China Mobile has wide coverage, especially in remote areas.

Acquiring Service

Purchase SIM at official provider stores. Passport required for registration.
Physical SIMs common, eSIM availability varies.
Various data packages are available and inexpensive.

Wi-Fi & Data

Wi-Fi is widespread in hotels, guesthouses, and many restaurants and cafes in Xining and larger towns.

Staying Online

Mobile data with local SIM card is reliable.
Wi-Fi often needs a Chinese phone number for login via WeChat.
VPN required for international apps (Google, WhatsApp). Download A reliable VPN service before arrival.

Navigating Languages

Mandarin Chinese is the official language. Tibetan spoken in autonomous areas. English is limited outside international hotels and major tourist attractions.

Translation Aids

Translation apps (Google Translate offline Mandarin pack, Pleco dictionary).
A Mandarin phrasebook is useful for basic communication.
Visual communication: pointing, showing pictures.

Phrases

Basic Mandarin phrases for daily interactions.

Pronunciation Guide

Hello: Nǐ hǎo (nee how)
Thank you: Xièxie (shyeh-shyeh)
How much: Duōshǎo qián? (dwor-shao chyen)

Additional Communication Points

Practical Notes

China Post: National postal service, available in Xining to send postcards, letters, and packages.
Ensure your mobile phone is Unlocked and compatible with Chinese networks.
Consider a VPN subscription for accessing international sites.

More Phrases

I don't eat meat: Wǒ shì sùshí zhě
Meat-free: Bùyào ròu
Water: Shuǐ
Bill (at a restaurant): Mǎidān

Connectivity Tip

A local SIM card from China Mobile makes staying online simple. Consider an Airalo eSIM for seamless activation or Solis Wi-Fi for portable internet access.

Business Hours & Schedules

Arrange your days around typical operating hours and holiday schedules.

General Business Hours

Government offices/banks: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM. Shops: 10 AM - 9/10 PM. Restaurants: 7 AM - 9 PM, with later options.

Attractions & Museums

Hours vary seasonally, typically 8/9 AM to 5/6 PM. Museums usually close on Mondays.

Banking & ATMs

Major banks operate Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM. Cash machines are common in Xining and larger towns.

Public Holiday Impacts

Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb) and National Day (early Oct) bring major closures and high travel volume.

Travel Impacts

Transportation heavily booked and expensive during major holidays.
Expect major crowds at attractions.
Avoid travel during The Golden week holidays (early Oct) if possible.

Seasonal Variations

Winter (Nov-Mar) means reduced schedules for outdoor attractions and some closures.

Winter Travel Notes

Chaka Salt Lake train/boat tours may close.
Some remote roads become impassable because of snow.
Monastery halls might close for ceremonies.

Other Observed Holidays

Shorter Holidays

Labor Day (the Start of may): A 3-day holiday.
Dragon Boat Festival (June): A short holiday.

Cultural Observances

Mid-Autumn Festival (September): A short holiday.
Muslim Holidays (e.g., Eid): Some Hui businesses may alter hours.
Check specific dates annually for lunar calendar holidays.

Planning Ahead

Always check business hours and holiday impacts for specific attractions and services during your travel dates. Consider access to airport lounges with Priority Pass.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Interact respectfully with Qinghai's diverse cultures.

Social Interactions

A simple "Nǐ hǎo" (hello) is appropriate. Modest and practical clothing is suitable.

Good Practices

Slight bow or nod for elders. Handshakes are common in business settings.
Dress modestly; shoulders and knees covered at religious sites.
Remove hats when entering prayer halls.

Dining & Visuals

Tipping is not customary in China and Qinghai. Always ask permission for photos of people.

Dining & Photo Tips

Do not stick chopsticks vertically in rice. Share dishes.
Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Photography is prohibited inside prayer halls and certain monastic buildings.

Taboos & Awareness

Avoid discussions on sensitive political topics. Do not display images or discuss the Dalai Lama.

Things to Avoid

Politically charged topics (Tibet, Xinjiang, Taiwan, Tiananmen Square).
Dalai Lama discussions, especially in Tibetan areas.
Keep public displays of affection subtle.

Social Considerations

Qinghai is a relatively conservative region. Solo female travel is generally safe. LGBTQ+ rights are limited.

Local Context

Modest dress advisable for female travelers.
Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are rare.
Discretion is advised regarding LGBTQ+ topics.

Respect at Sacred Sites

Observe and Respect

Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered).
Remove shoes before entering some prayer halls or private homes.
Maintain quiet and respectful demeanor inside temples and mosques.

Sacred Practices

Walk clockwise around stupas (chortens), prayer wheels, and monastery buildings.
Do not interrupt monks or imams; do not touch their heads.
Photography is almost always prohibited inside prayer halls.

Cultural Immersion Tip

Learning Mandarin

Even basic phrases enhance interactions.
Cultural distinctions become more apparent.
Shows respect for local traditions.

Resource Recommendation

Rosetta Stone: Language learning platform.
Practice with locals for faster progress.
Focus on common travel phrases initially.

Cultural Harmony

Your thoughtful interactions enrich your journey and generate positive connections with the people of Qinghai.

Accessibility Information

Travelers with mobility challenges find specialized infrastructure limited in Qinghai.

General Infrastructure

China, in general, has limited amenities for travelers with mobility impairments, and Qinghai follows this trend.

Common Hurdles

Sidewalks are often uneven, crowded, or with obstacles.
Public transport buses are not typically accessible.
Many older buildings and smaller establishments lack ramps or elevators.

Potential Accessibility

Some modern museums, like the Qinghai Provincial Museum, may have ramps and elevators. Large outdoor scenic areas might have paved paths.

Where to Find Access

Modern museums (e.g., Qinghai Provincial Museum) may have ramps, elevators.
Large outdoor scenic areas might have paved paths.
Hiring a private car with driver offers most flexibility for travelers with mobility needs.

Visual & Hearing Impairments

Specialized services for sensory impairments are rare.

Support Notes

Public signage typically lacks Braille.
Assistance animals are not widely recognized or permitted in all places.
Sign language interpreters are rare.

Finding Information

Information on accessibility in Qinghai for international travelers is scarce.

Seeking Advice

Contact hotels or travel agencies directly to query specific accessibility features.
Planning with a specialized travel agent focusing on accessible travel to China might be beneficial.
Translation apps plus visual aids can bridge communication gaps.

Important Considerations

Mobility Challenges

Many historical and religious sites have stairs and uneven terrain. Public transport can be difficult to navigate.

Communication Aids

Prepare translation apps and a phrasebook. Visual communication often serves well.

Travel Preparation

Careful planning and direct communication with service providers can mitigate many accessibility challenges during your visit.

Qinghai Travel Tips