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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Tianjun [2025]
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Zhangye Colorful Danxia Scenic Spot
4.7
/5
30670 reviews
8.7
Based on 321 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609365623666
Address: BuildingNo.8, Danxia Road,Linze County, Zhangye City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
Highlights:
World Geopark-level Colorful Zhangye Danxia landform
Danxia landform's seven scenic wonders
Saved by 1122 users24504 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Public transportation is quite convenient, with shuttle buses running between the scenic area and the park. There are some restrictions on shuttle buses within the scenic area, but you can really feel that they are seriously protecting the environment, which is excellent! The weather was so-so the day we went, but the elegant Danxia landforms were still amazing www. It was a bit chilly and windy in the scenic area, so be sure to wear warm clothes.
The scenery itself is fantastic, but there's practically no service during the off-season; even KFC and Dicos are closed. Also, the sun sets before 5:30 PM, so you need to hurry if you go in the afternoon.
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Chaka Salt Lake
4.3
/5
17197 reviews
8.6
Based on 94 reviews
65.3 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 373 users10939 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This place is absolutely (possibly the most) worthy of its hype and online popularity on the Qinghai-Gansu Grand Loop. It's breathtakingly beautiful, like a fairyland. Just be mindful of the weather (cloudy days will significantly diminish the scenery) and be careful about water (although there are shoe covers for going into the lake, leaks can still occur).
This was my first time visiting the beautiful Qinghai, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. The blue skies, white clouds, and the "mirror of the sky" made for a fantastic experience. Choosing a group tour was definitely a wise decision. There were no shopping stops or forced spending throughout the trip. Our guide, Mr. Ma, provided detailed information at each attraction, helping us avoid any pitfalls and ensuring a very enjoyable journey! Thumbs up! 👍🏻
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
7884 reviews
8.3
From %1$s
Based on 49 reviews
Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum/Wanda Plaza | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609715317881
Address: 36 Jing'er Rd, Chengbei Qu, Xining Shi, Qinghai Sheng, China, 810016
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15
Open year-round, closed 3 days
Saved by 227 users7306 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Worth to visit if you are travelling to Xining. Go to South Hall instead of the free North Hall to see the cultural displays. The QR code caused us some trouble as there were 3 places that you need to scan the code. But once you scan it will showed used and will be barred from entering the other 2 locations. The staffs were friendly and quickly manually let us in.
The exhibition area is on floors 2-4. Floors 2 and 3 are relatively simple, while the 618-meter Thangka is on the 4th floor. Even a quick glance will take a long time, let alone a detailed look at each one. Your legs will definitely ache.
No.
4
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Kumbum Monastery
4.6
/5
17246 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 2.16
Based on 213 reviews
>100 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 251 users9285 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Kumbum Monastery is not large, but it was the first time I felt a different kind of faith, prayer, and protection. At such an altitude, there are so many believers... Anyway, those who are interested can come and see for themselves.
A bit far from the town , took didi about 60 , also can join the day tour. Weather is a bit cold in end of Oct, but still crowded.
No.
5
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Guan City of Jiayuguan
4.5
/5
15484 reviews
8.2
From AU$ 18.99
Based on 172 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609376396110
Address: Southwest side of the intersection of Guancheng South Road and Shuangyong Road, Yuguan City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
Highlights:
Watch ancient military drills
Ancient military drills in season
Saved by 137 users10679 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Jiayuguan's charm goes far beyond its reputation as "the First Pass Under Heaven." It is a unique city where you can simultaneously experience the weight of history, the grandeur of nature, and the joy of modern life.
Jiayuguan, known as the "First Pass Under Heaven," is a confluence of Great Wall culture, Silk Road culture, and frontier culture. It holds a vital strategic position in Chinese history, serving not only as a military defensive fortress that successfully repelled numerous foreign invasions, but also as a crucial transportation hub and vital passage on the ancient Silk Road. One Jiayuguan, and half of Chinese history is contained within it.
No.
6
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Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
4.3
/5
5831 reviews
7.9
From AU$ 8.64
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609748519826
Address: 109 National Rd, Gonghe Xian, Hainan Zangzuzizhizhou, Qinghai Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–4 hours
3296 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
Located on the southeastern shore of Qinghai Lake, the scenic area features a long, narrow peninsula jutting into the lake's center, resembling a sword. The lake's clear waters, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant snow-capped mountains, create a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. From June to July, visitors can witness the spectacular migration of the naked carp, and numerous migratory birds inhabit the lakeside grasslands.
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.
No.
7
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.6
/5
3386 reviews
7.8
Based on 9 reviews
>100 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
2324 positive reviewsRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
Verified user reviews
The park exhibits over 180 species and more than 3,000 wild animals, making it the world's only zoo that integrates captive-bred populations of snow leopards, Himalayan vultures, and Pallas's cats.
Guests can see rare animals unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, such as snow leopards, Tibetan antelopes, and wild yaks, as well as introduced species like hippos and giraffes.
It was so much fun…a really fun and interesting zoo.
The only downside was that I didn't get to see "Teacher Xiao Liang." Apparently, Tibetan foxes aren't on display anymore because they're afraid of people…
No.
8
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Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
4.4
/5
1470 reviews
7.7
From AU$ 6.48
Based on 27 reviews
>100 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 137 users815 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
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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Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon
4.7
/5
2895 reviews
7.6
From AU$ 28.06
Based on 28 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609368830066
Address: Pingshanhu Township Government, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
Highlights:
Panoramic view of stunning canyon
2.5-mile glass walkway overlooks canyon
Saved by 239 users2206 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon is located in Pingshan Lake Mongolian Ethnic Township, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City, Gansu Province, about 60 kilometers from the city center. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. Formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion, this red-bed canyon covers an area of 100 square kilometers. It features attractions such as Nine Dragons Converging at the Sea and General Stone, combining geological wonders, canyon exploration, and the opportunity to experience Mongolian culture. It is hailed as a "new discovery on the Silk Road."
It's worth going; the in-depth tour is quite fun. The last part, climbing the big stairs, was a bit daunting for a larger person, but once you get to the top, it's not so bad, haha. Being panting the whole way was totally worth it!
No.
10
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Zhangye Buddha Temple
4.7
/5
4212 reviews
7.3
From AU$ 8.20
Based on 136 reviews
Dafo Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609368222048
Address: Dafosi Pedestrian Street, Ganzhou District, Zhangye City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Majestic & sacred winter snow景。
Buddha statues & cave carvings
Saved by 113 users3147 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The area isn't large, and with very few tourists at the end of November, it was very quiet and offered a truly immersive experience. The Buddha statue was absolutely stunning; unfortunately, my photography skills weren't up to par, so I couldn't capture the entire reclining Buddha in a photo. Because I had to catch a train, I only had an hour to visit and couldn't appreciate it properly. I recommend allowing at least two hours for your visit.
Zhangye Giant Buddha Temple is the only existing royal temple of the Western Xia Dynasty in China. The ancient buildings inside are great for taking photos, especially the reclining Buddha of Sakyamuni, which is very impressive.
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