Things to Do in Qinghai
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Lake Kokonor, Ta'er Monastery, Cultural Tours, Mountains.
Lake Kokonor, Ta'er Monastery, Cultural Tours, Mountains.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Popular Cities in Qinghai
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Qinghai.
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$1,724
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$189
Day Tripsfromper adult (price varies by group size)$299
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$1,598
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$256
Rail Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$276
Historical ToursThe Best of Xining Walking Tour
0 reviewsfromper group (up to 15)$458
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$1,589
Historical Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)$1,499
Historical ToursRomantic Tour in Xining
0 reviewsfromper group (up to 15)$458
Bodies of Water
Religious Sites
Speciality Museums
Religious Sites
Bodies of Water
Religious Sites
What travelers are saying
- KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributionsStunning and amazingly beautiful views in this very scenic and serene landscape of the Tibetan plateau. A very beautiful and peaceful lake. Lots of great photo ops.Written August 13, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- xcschlrMilwaukee, WI848 contributionsThis is one of the most important monasteries in the Gelug Tradition of the Tibetan Buddhism. It occupies a large area and is perched on a mountain side that is higher in altitude than the City of Xining. So, some visitors may experience altitude sickness and find it challenging to climb up the gentle slope. We visited the monastery on the first day we arrived in Xining from Zhengye and felt the altitude change only slightly. Xining is also a good launch pad for a more ambitious tour of Tibet, as it allows one to adjust to the rise in altitude before going to Lhasa and beyond and to start learning about Tibetan history and culture. The monastery has many buildings with lots of statues that are covered in gold. The scale and architecture of the monastery do not seem as impressive as those in Lhasa, but the size of the compound and the number of buildings are certainly larger other Tibetan temples or palaces that I’ve seen in other Chinese cities outside Lhasa such as Beijing and Chengde. But if you happen to be in Xining, this is a good place to visit. We took a taxi from Xining rather than taking a slower mode of transportation such as a bus, although the cost is also higher (about 15 U.S. dollars each way). One interesting thing that we discovered was the presence of luxury cars in the more hidden parts of the monastery compound. Presumably, the monastery is very rich given the amount of money that is evidently provided by the worshippers on a constant basis.Written August 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- xcschlrMilwaukee, WI848 contributionsWe visited Xining mainly as a jumping point to Lhasa as the higher elevation of Xining would allow us to adjust more gradually to the rise in altitude. This museum has a systematic and comprehensive portrait of Tibetan history and culture. Our visit to the museum made our visit to Lhasa much more enjoyable. Adjacent to this museum is the Museum of Tibetan Medicine, which is also very interesting. One review here said that overseas visitors were not allowed in 2020. In the summer of 2024, we visited the museum without any problem whatsoever. One of the staff members even shared her dried noodles with us when she learned that we were hungry and that one of us could eat any of the desserts in the shop due to lactose intolerance.Written August 27, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nacho VShanghai, China23 contributionsI couldn't visit inside but definitely have to visit. Is very nice eve outside. This is a very impressive place and little stress around are also full of live and food.Written August 24, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- JoeBangkok, Thailand4,955 contributionsOne of the largest salt lakes in China. This is quite a spectacular sight. It's also known as mirror lake.
The picture opportunities are superb with the endless lake and sky in front of you.
You can get a small sightseeing train (50RMB) or you can walk around.
You can also rent some rubber boots to walk into the salt lake (10RMB). This is a fun experience.
Located in Caka area a few hours outside of Xining.Written July 27, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - NeoAxionVancouver, WA641 contributionsIt is quite tough to get out here as a foreigner but worth the effort in my opinion. We hired a private driver/tour guide who took us out. The elevation is no joke so make sure you are acclimated before setting off.
The land is vast and at times, seemingly barren. However, it is stunningly beautiful, filled with an abundance of life. Tons of raw wildlife, everywhere you turn.
The entire horizon is filled with massive peaks. It’s the type of scenery that makes you feel small and induces contemplation. Definitely an awe-inspiring trip I’ll never forget.Written July 3, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributionsThe pass was a place of fighting during the Second Sino-Japanese War, when it was intensely fought over. Control over the pass changed multiple times. Mountainous landscape is spectacular.Written July 18, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Stephanie991181Westbury, Australia205 contributionsWe caught bus 17 from the city to the base of Nanshan Mountain and walked up. It took about 40 minutes although at one stage the path was blocked and we had to climb around a large barrier. It was obvious that many others had done this too. There are lovely gardens and terrific views from the top but beware of the toilets as they are disgusting ( at least the only ones we saw were)Written May 4, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- FrixmeChengdu, China184 contributions(Zha)Khanbula National Geo Park is a fantastic place, 90 minutes away from Xining. The highways and the G-road make the drive easy all the way to the park entrance.
We were surprised not to have to pay the entrance fee (50 RMB) as they are rebuilding both the roads and the parking areas.
The pros
- amazing landscape
- interesting blend of Tibetan culture and desertic landscapes
- few people
- you can drive your own car all the way long from East/North exit to West exit.
The cons
- many parking areas are closed; it's dangerous to stop the car to take pictures
- a huge statue is under construction in the middle of the landscape, this is an absolute shame
- the dame is pretty much destroying the eastern part of the landscape
Overall, a beautiful experience. For photos and drone flights, early morning until mid-afternoon is the best time.Written October 10, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - KodoDrummerBuenos Aires, Argentina70,626 contributionsMost fields in the area are used to grow Menyuan rape flowers, with a few used to grow lavender and other plant life. The scenery is enhanced by the mountainous backdrop.Written July 19, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- galinamfNew York City, NY120 contributionsVery beautiful and large Buddhism temple. Highly recommend visiting. Beautiful view of the statue in front of the entrance with the entire monastery complex on the background.Written May 10, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- MelanieNewcastle, UK174 contributionsQarhan salt lake, it’s the industrial salt factory and open to visitors right now. It’s a big factory base with white all beaches of salt, a long long salt bridge...when the sun is shining, the colour of the water various from turquoise blue to lime green, sometimes yellow amber. My feet in the salt, soft, cool and interesting, the natural sunbath! The water is so calm and a few salt flowers are beautiful.Written July 29, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
