Xining 西宁 Travel Guide
Xining Overview
Xining is the capital of China’s remote Qinghai province and the meeting point of the Silk Road and Tibetan influence. The main attractions are outside of the city itself and include the Kumbum monastery and Qinghai Lake. The city is also a possible start point for the train to Lhasa and idea if you want to combine a Silk Road and Tibetan trip. however, tickets are hard to come by in the busy summer months.
Best Months to Visit Xining
Best Reason to Visit Xining
The Kumbum Monastery just outside of the city is the real highlight but Xining is also a good launch point for the train to Lhasa although tickets are scarce in the summer months.
Top Attractions in Xining
Kumbum Monastery also known as Taer Si is one of the six great monasteries of the Yellow Hat Sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Dating from 1577 and located 26km outside of Xining it doesn’t feel quite as genuine as some other Tibetan monasteries but is impressive nonetheless. Qinghai Lake is a vast saline expanse and an important breeding ground for birds from March to early June. 300km from Xining, visiting the lake is a trip in itself. Qinghai provincial Museum focus’s on Tibet and the Silk Road. Shuijing Xiang Market is a vibrant street market with a wide variety of foods available.
Weather Averages for Xining
Our Top Xining Travel Tip
Xining is an ideal city from which to turn a Silk Road trip into a Tibet trip although it should be noted that train ticket to Lhasa are very hard to obtain during the summer months.
Xining Hotels
As us for our latest recommendations on where to stay in Xining
Explore More of China
Click the boxes below to explore further styles of destination in China.
By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.