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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Guide [2025]
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Chaka Salt Lake
4.3
/5
17120 reviews
8.6
From AU$ 6.52
Based on 94 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609778246999
Address: Chakayan Lake, Ulan, Haixi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Take a Train to the Lake to See the Pure Salt Lake
Train ride to pristine salt lake
Saved by 359 users10908 positive reviews
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Chaka Salt Lake is located in Ulan County, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The lake surface is at an altitude of 3059 meters and covers an area of 105 square kilometers. "Chaka" is a Tibetan word meaning salt lake, or the sea of Qinghai salt. In Mongolian, it is "Dabuxun Nuoer," also meaning salt lake. Chaka is an important gateway for tourists entering Xinjiang and Tibet, serving as the eastern entrance to the Qaidam Basin. Adjacent to Qinghai Lake, it is a crucial node on the Southern Silk Road. The surface of Chaka Salt Lake reflects the breathtakingly beautiful sky like a mirror, earning it the title of "China's Mirror of the Sky." Chaka Salt Lake was named one of the "55 Places to Visit in a Lifetime" by National Geographic Traveler and one of the "30 Most Beautiful Places in China" by CNN. It is also the only Chinese lake to be included in the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Lakes in the World." The small train, a primary means of transporting salt in the 1970s, has a track gauge of only 60cm, dating back to the Russian era in 1904. Tourists ride it to the core scenic area. Besides the salt lake, there is a group of salt sculptures, which, while somewhat novel, somehow feel a little lacking. At the exit, you can get a free bag of locally produced "large blue salt" with your ticket.
The most famous is the Sky Mirror Scenic Area. Take the train to the last stop and get off to pay the deposit and get shoe covers. This scenic area is very weather-dependent. It is only good to take pictures on sunny days. It is not recommended to go if the weather is bad. By the way, this scenic area is free for Zhejiang residents, but the train ticket must be purchased separately.
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
7778 reviews
8.3
From %1$s
Based on 49 reviews
Biological Park Area | 77.4 km from downtown
Phone +8609715317881
Address: 36 Jing'er Rd, Chengbei Qu, Xining Shi, Qinghai Sheng, China, 810016
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15
Open year-round, closed 3 days
Saved by 223 users7203 positive reviews
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This place boasts the world's longest Thangka painting, offering a systematic understanding of Tibetan culture. However, I felt the explanations of the Tibetan paintings were insufficient and the exhibits weren't clear enough.
It is a museum that collects and displays Tibetan culture, showcasing the characteristics of the Tibetan people from aspects such as their origin, development, historical evolution, Tibetan architecture, Tibetan writing, Tibetan Buddhism, and Tibetan clothing.
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Kumbum Monastery
4.6
/5
17195 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 8.69
Based on 213 reviews
51.2 km from downtown
Phone +8609712210188
Address: No. 56 Jinta Road, Huangzhong County, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Unique hilltop temple complex
Butter sculptures & Thangka masterpieces
Saved by 248 users9334 positive reviews
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If you're driving to Kumbum Monastery, you can directly reach the East Gate, avoiding the 10-kilometer sightseeing bus within the scenic area. After booking tickets online, you'll need to exchange them for paper tickets. The monastery itself is very beautiful and worth exploring at your leisure.
"First came the pagoda, then the temple." Master Tsongkhapa also said, "Your only task is to be a happy person." May everyone become a happy person!
No.
4
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Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
4.5
/5
2405 reviews
8.0
From AU$ 17.37
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609312123999
Address: 甘肃省兰州市永登县树屏镇杏花村
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
Geological & rural tourism destination
Danxia trail: 1.6 miles views
Saved by 242 users2076 positive reviews
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If you haven't been, it's worth going; if you've been, you might not feel the same way and want to go again. Perhaps the scenic area didn't take us to all the places, only showing us a portion, or that they skimped on the experience for us.
The colorful hills weren't as vibrant as those in Zhangye, but this place was closer to the city, making it more convenient. While regular tickets didn't cover all the areas, it was still okay; it was like having been there. The driver was very kind; since it wasn't yet the official opening time of the main scenic area, he took us to a free, off-the-beaten-path spot where we stopped briefly and took a few photos.
No.
5
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Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
4.3
/5
5795 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 8.69
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609748519826
Address: 109 National Rd, Gonghe Xian, Hainan Zangzuzizhizhou, Qinghai Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
3275 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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The Erlangjian Scenic Area of Qinghai Lake is located on the southern shore of Qinghai Lake. Flowers abound in the area, creating a vibrant display of color.
The Erlangjian Peninsula is accessible by speedboat. The waters of the peninsula are even bluer and clearer, lapping against the shore, and seagulls play in the blue sky and on the lakeside, creating a true paradise on earth.
We signed up for a one-day tour of Laji Mountain, Sun Moon Mountain, and Qinghai Lake. The scenery at these attractions was absolutely stunning. Our driver, Master Zhang, was incredibly skilled. He explained the various attractions along the way and explained the best routes to each area beforehand. He also gave us ample time to explore and take photos at each location. Great!
No.
6
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Qinghai Lake
4.5
/5
6640 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 8.69
Based on 598 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609747553999
Address: Qinghai Lake, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5–1 day
Highlights:
Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture
Boat ride & scenic views
Saved by 188 users3535 positive reviews
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Because it was the off-season, there were relatively few people. We went to the cliff and Heimahe scenic area first, but it wasn't worth it; the shuttle bus was honestly a bit expensive, and there wasn't much to see. Erlangjian, which we visited last, was a pleasant surprise. The sun was shining brightly, and although it was cold, it was truly beautiful. It's just that we came in the afternoon, so we were short on time; otherwise, we could have taken our time exploring and taking photos. Oh, and there were many seagulls when we went; you can buy bread to feed them.
As a 5A-level scenic spot in Qinghai, the off-season is the most cost-effective time. The ticket is only 40 yuan and a round-trip bus is included. It takes about an hour to go back and forth. If you travel along the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop, you must master the time to play.
No.
7
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.6
/5
3341 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 43.43
Based on 9 reviews
70.5 km from downtown
Phone +8609718149850
Address: No. 9 Xingzhi Road, Chengxi District, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Simulated alpine rocks for snow leopards
Wildlife viewing & educational experience
2286 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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📍Xining | Chasing My Star at Xining Wildlife Park: Part 3 Missing
Because of the fact that Teacher Xiaoliang knows this is the only zoo in China where you can see Pallas's cats, I came to see the little friend Teacher Xiaoliang mentioned. While other zoos might use rare feeding or shows as their selling point, Xining Wildlife Park is home to hundreds of animals that would struggle to survive in the wild.
According to the platform's information, since its opening, Xining Wildlife Park has rescued over 2,000 wild animals of more than 60 species. One-third of them have fully recovered and been successfully released back into the wild. The remaining animals, unable to survive, will happily spend their later years in the park.
The park is built on a mountainside, and its limited budget is visibly apparent. Despite this, every corner is spotless, with abundant flowers and plants, showing the utmost love Xining Wildlife Park gives.
Each rescued animal is introduced to visitors as an individual. Their free and vibrant nature suggests they are well cared for behind the scenes.
Thank you to all the staff at Xining Wildlife Park for giving these adorable animals a warm home, and for warming my heart as a visitor from afar.
A fantastic zoo, definitely worth a visit. The animals are all very well cared for. Ling Xiaozhe, Ling Xiaomang, and Aoxue are all so incredibly cute! I went twice and still couldn't get enough. I'll definitely go again if I have the chance.
No.
8
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Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
4.4
/5
1465 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 6.52
Based on 27 reviews
54 km from downtown
Phone +86097117797222532
Address: 40 km southwest of Wuyuan County, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Diverse landscapes & fluttering prayer flags
Yak rides & highland photography
Saved by 134 users811 positive reviews
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The Qinghai-Tibet border landscape is breathtaking, the fluttering prayer flags create a wonderful atmosphere, and the legend of Princess Wencheng adds to the charm! A must-see for anyone passing through, the scenery is magnificent, the Tibetan culture is rich, and the price is great!
Since ancient times, Sun and Moon Mountain has been a crucial mountain pass along the Qinghai Road of the Silk Road, the Tang-Tibet Road, and the Tea-Horse Road. Legend has it that Princess Wencheng, while traveling through this area on her marriage to Tubo, cast aside the Sun and Moon Mirror to overcome her homesickness, hence the name Sun and Moon Mountain. This area also marked the boundary between the Tang and Tubo regions, and was the site of important historical events such as the Chiling Trade.
The scenic area boasts attractions such as the Sun Pavilion, the Moon Pavilion, the statue of Princess Wencheng, the Princess Spring, and the Tang-Tibet Road. The area also houses cultural venues such as the Qinghai Ancient Road Museum and the Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall, enriching its history and culture.
No.
9
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Zha Ga Na
4.2
/5
3324 reviews
7.7
From AU$ 17.37
Based on 21 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609415668678
Address: Tewo, Gannan, Gansu, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 days
Highlights:
Two-day hike: lakes & rocks
Taste yak butter tea & visit
Saved by 130 users2449 positive reviews
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It's worth mentioning that we met a wonderful shuttle bus driver. He saw a beautiful view along the way and stopped for two minutes to let us take photos, even though it wasn't a designated stop. He even complimented us, calling us fairies – the emotional value he showed was incredibly high! The scenery in the scenic area was beautiful, and it would be even more stunning on a clear day. Aside from the accommodation area being a bit commercialized, everything else was perfect.
Zhagana Scenic Area is located in Yiwa Town, Diebu County, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province. Its name in Tibetan means "stone box," and it is a natural "stone city." Surrounded by mountains with rugged terrain, it boasts unique geological and geomorphological landscapes. The scenic area features original Tibetan villages, Lasang Monastery, and other cultural attractions. It was once named one of the "World's 50 Outdoor Paradises" and was also awarded "Best Tourist Village" in 2023.
No.
10
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Gansu Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
3841 reviews
7.4
Based on 134 reviews
Gansu Provincial Museum/Lanzhou Center | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609312339131
Address: No. 3 Xijin East Road, Qilihe District, Lanzhou City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–4 hours
Highlights:
Paint pottery & experience history
Archaeology & artifact restoration workshop
Saved by 119 users2468 positive reviews
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The number of visitors was absolutely enormous; you were basically just being pushed around by the crowd. I saw the Flying Horse of Gansu and the Little Girl with the Curtain-like Hairpin. There weren't many exhibits inside; pottery made up a large portion. Overall, it was alright. I hired a guided tour, so at least I didn't just wander around aimlessly.
Whenever I travel to a new place, I always want to visit a museum to learn about its history. I booked free tickets in advance through the official WeChat account, and there's a free locker on the left side of the entrance, which was very convenient. I was surprised by how many visitors usually visit the Gansu Museum, and there was a long line right at the entrance. The main areas of interest are on the second and third floors. The Gansu Museum is very famous for its cultural and creative products, and the prices are quite high, so I bought one as a souvenir. The most famous exhibits are undoubtedly the Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow and the glass lotus flower tray. I was lucky enough to see them in person, and I was truly impressed by the wisdom and exquisite craftsmanship of the ancients. There aren't many other exhibits. Since visiting the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, I feel like every museum's artifacts are younger. Across from the Gansu Museum is a large shopping mall, Lanzhou Center, which you can also visit.
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