Silk Road Experss
Silk Road Experss
Silk Road Experss
Silk Road Experss
Silk Road Experss
Qinghai
Xining

2025Silk Road Experss|trip.com

Silk Road Experss
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Introduction Silk Road Experss

Introduction
Some information may have been translated by Google Translate

The "Silk Road Dream" train is set to debut in 2024 as a sister train to the Hulunbuir, operated by Starry Rail Travel. The train's design prominently features Han Dynasty cloud patterns, using a palette of green and blue landscape tones complemented by the red of Han Dynasty lacquerware, perfectly blending Eastern aesthetics with Silk Road culture.

Highlights of the Silk Road Dream train include:

  • Exclusive Service: The train accommodates 80 passengers and is staffed with 32 train stewards and 5 vacation ambassadors, providing attentive service around the clock with a family-like atmosphere. A travel photographer is also on board to capture moments of the journey.

  • Multifunctional Carriages: The Starry Palace Lounge Car features a dual-door design that breaks traditional constraints. Upon opening the doors, passengers are greeted with a spacious, hotel lobby-like environment. The train is equipped with both Chinese and Western dining cars, as well as multifunctional carriages for sightseeing, tea tasting, karaoke, and more.

  • Star Hotel-Style Rooms: There are 38 rooms available, including twin, double, family, and suite options, all equipped with private bathrooms and large viewing windows.

In 2025, the train will introduce the "Cruise China Carnival" series, the "Southern Xinjiang" series, and the "Qinghai-Gansu" series, offering a total of 10 routes covering 15 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities, with 22 stops. These routes not only include the popular classic Northwest routes, allowing passengers to view diverse landscapes from deserts and gobi to salt lakes, and explore the treasures of the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, but also offer the unique experience of "the train as the destination," starting right from your doorstep.

Trip Moments Silk Road Experss

Silk Road Experss Trip Moments
Vivid Travel Guide for Northwest China Loop

Vivid Travel Guide for Northwest China Loop

Vivid Travel Guide for Northwest China Loop 🌟 I. Trip Overview 🗺️ The Northwest China Loop is a magical route that connects the stunning scenery of Qinghai and Gansu. Starting from Xining, you will traverse lakes, grasslands, deserts, and Gobi, exploring historical relics and experiencing the wonders of nature. Are you ready? Let's embark on this visual and spiritual feast together! II. Must-visit attractions ✨ 1. Qinghai Lake 🏖️ • China's largest saltwater lake, with rippling waves and snow-capped mountains in the distance. • Cycle around the lake or take a boat trip to experience the gentle breeze and the charm of the mysterious waters. 2. Chaka Salt Lake 🌌 • "Sky Mirror," with a mirror-like surface reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, as if you are in a dream world. • Put on a brightly colored dress and take a unique photo of the reflection, leaving an eternal memory. 3. Mogao Caves 🎨 • A treasure trove of art, with murals and sculptures from various periods, exploring the holy land of Buddhist art. • Book your tickets in advance and quietly appreciate the deposition and inheritance of thousands of years of culture. 4. Zhangye Seven-Colored Danxia 🌈 • Nature's palette, with colorful Danxia landforms that are breathtaking. • Climb to the observation deck and overlook this colorful land, feeling the wonder and grandeur of nature. 5. Qilian Mountain Grassland 🐎 • One of the most beautiful grasslands in China, with herds of cattle and sheep and vast grasslands. • Put on denim or workwear and ride a horse, enjoying the freedom and openness of the grassland. 6. Jade Lake 💎 • Crystal clear water, emerald green, as if you have stepped into a fairyland. • Stroll along the lake or sit quietly, feeling this serenity and beauty. III. Food experience 🍜 • Qinghai: Authentic yak beef, mutton bubble tea, hand-pulled mutton, etc., with tender meat and excellent taste. • Gansu: Lanzhou ramen, beef noodles, donkey meat yellow noodles, etc., with a famous noodle culture, each one is unforgettable. IV. Tips 💡 1. Climate and clothing: The climate in Northwest China is changeable, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. Remember to bring a coat and other seasonal clothing. Also, sunscreen and sunglasses are essential! 2. Ticket booking: Tickets for popular attractions such as the Mogao Caves must be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. 3. Respect local culture: During your trip, please respect the local culture and customs to avoid unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings. 4. Arrange your itinerary reasonably: The Northwest China Loop has many attractions, but you should arrange your itinerary reasonably to avoid excessive fatigue. You can choose to carpool or hire a car to travel, which is more relaxed and comfortable. V. Wonderful moments 📸 • Capture the sunrise or sunset over the lake while cycling around Qinghai Lake. • Put on a brightly colored dress and take a unique photo of the reflection at Chaka Salt Lake. • Quietly appreciate the murals and sculptures at the Mogao Caves, and record the weight of history and the charm of art with your camera. • Overlook the colorful land from the observation deck at Zhangye Seven-Colored Danxia and take a group photo. • Let your camera capture the freedom and openness while riding a horse on the Qilian Mountain Grassland. The Northwest China Loop is a visual and spiritual feast. Here, you will experience the magnificent natural scenery, taste authentic food, and feel the rich cultural atmosphere. Come and embark on your Northwest China Loop journey! Let your camera capture every wonderful moment! 📸🌟
NORA GREER
NORA GREER
Ta'er Monastery

Ta'er Monastery

Ta'er Monastery, also known as Kumbum Monastery, is located in the Chengzhong District of Huangzhong County, Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province. It was founded in the twelfth year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1379). The monastery is named after the Great Silver Pagoda built in the Golden Tile Monastery to commemorate Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. In Tibetan, it is called 'Gönben Xianbalin,' which means 'Maitreya Monastery of the Hundred Thousand Lion's Roars Buddha Statue.' It is a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction.
NIXON SMITH
NIXON SMITH
China·Xining, Qinghai

China·Xining, Qinghai

Fazang Temple is located next to Nanchan Temple in Nanshan Park, Xining City, Qinghai Province, and is the largest Han Chinese Buddhist nunnery in Qinghai Province. Fazang Temple was founded in 1943, originally located in Yuanshuzhuang, Chengxi District, Xining City. In 2003, to make way for the construction of the Xining-Tar Temple (Xining to Ta'er Temple) expressway, the temple was relocated from Yuanshuzhuang to this site, which was formerly the site of 'Nanshan Wenyuan'. The main buildings of Fazang Temple include the Shanmen Hall, the God of Wealth Hall, the Jade Buddha Hall, and the Mahavira Hall, with the magnificent Mahavira Hall being completed in August 2009. Fazang Temple has six major religious events each year, with followers distributed in Xining, Datong, Huangzhong, Huangyuan and other cities and counties. The temple has a significant influence among the Han Chinese religious community in the province.
cloying_brianna
cloying_brianna
One Wonderful Day in Xining!
chinatrip
xining

One Wonderful Day in Xining!

Here’s a suggested one-day itinerary for Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province: ### Morning - **Breakfast at a Local Noodle Shop**: Try some hand-pulled noodles (lamian) or Qinghai-style breakfast dishes. - **Visit the nearby mountain and TV tower to get panoramic views of the city! ### Midday - **Lunch in the City**: Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like yak meat or Tibetan momo (dumplings). - **Explore the Dongguan Mosque**: One of the largest mosques in the region, showcasing beautiful architecture and a serene atmosphere. ### Afternoon - **Xining People’s Park**: Learn about the history and culture of the region, and walk to enjoy the views! - **Walk Around the City Center**: Visit local markets and shops, enjoying the vibrant street life and perhaps picking up some souvenirs. ### Evening - **Dinner at a Local Eatery**: Try some local specialties such as grilled lamb skewers or Tibetan butter tea. - **Night Market or Local Stroll**: If time permits, visit a night market for snacks and to experience the local nightlife. ### Tips - Consider transportation options, as some sites might require a taxi or local bus. - Be prepared for altitude, as Xining is situated over 2,200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. Enjoy your day in Xining! #chinatrip #xining
Graeme (高天乐Photographer)
Graeme (高天乐Photographer)
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Wind of Freedom: Camping in Qinghai
campingfun

Wind of Freedom: Camping in Qinghai

#campingfun The city of Xining, in itself, is quite pleasant and a relatively small town, although it is the capital of the huge Qinghai province. Despite the fact that Qinghai province occupies about 8% of the entire territory of China, it is sparsely populated, and most of it is harsh and difficult to live in the highlands with cold piercing northern winds. But at the same time, Qinghai is famous for its beautiful wildlife, which has not yet been spoiled by man. Xining, having a strategic location between the Eastern main (historical) China, Tibet to the Southwest and the Great Silk Road to the north and west, is a mixture of people of different cultures and faiths. Here you can meet pragmatic Han Chinese rushing to work; Tibetans selling handicrafts made of whose fur; Chinese Muslims in white caps falling on their knees on a personal prayer mat, opposite a huge mosque. You will never notice how, driving only a few dozen kilometers from one city to another, the landscape abruptly changes from green meadows, yak pastures, to sand hills and rare shrubs, with villages in the Arabic style, and it already seems that the sand dunes of the Sahara desert will begin a little more. There is huge number of options for camping in Qinghai province, starting from camping tours which every traveller can easily finds around city of Xining, and end up just by driving anywhere and joining the nomads! Yes, you heard that! You can really stop by any nomad group or camp organized by local people where they provide horses for rents and photo sessions and join their camps! It is so simple, but so romantic! That the taste of freedom of Qinghai province! The emerald grasslands are enormously huge and endless, the blue clean sky above the head seems to be so close! Besides, there are a lot of options for entertainment, including horse riding, exercising with bow and opportunity to taste nutritious local dishes.
MaxS
MaxS
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Four Budget-Friendly Cities with Low Prices and a Relaxed Pace

Four Budget-Friendly Cities with Low Prices and a Relaxed Pace

Hey everyone 👋, travel doesn't have to break the bank. Today, I'm sharing four amazing cities with affordable prices and a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing and budget-friendly getaway! 🌆 Baoji • Why go: This small city in Shaanxi Province is full of surprises! It offers an incredible variety of delicious and affordable food. A bowl of rolled noodles costs just a few yuan, and a satisfying rou jia mo (meat sandwich) is super filling and inexpensive🥙. The city has a relaxed pace of life with a vibrant atmosphere. It's a place where you can truly unwind and de-stress. • Attractions: Famen Temple, Taibai Mountain National Forest Park, Baoji Bronze Ware Museum, Chinese Stone Drum Park 🌊 Beihai • Why go: Want a seaside vacation without the high cost? Beihai is the perfect choice! The seafood is fresh, affordable, and plentiful. Find a local food stall and enjoy a seafood feast without spending a fortune🦀. Rent a scooter and explore the coastline for a truly relaxing seaside experience. • Attractions: Silver Beach, Weizhou Island, Qiaogang Style Street, Old Street 🏯 Chaozhou • Why go: As the birthplace of Chaoshan culture, Chaozhou boasts incredibly low prices. Beef hot pot offers excellent value, and local snacks like guo zhi (粿汁, a type of rice noodle soup) and chang fen (肠粉, steamed rice noodle rolls) cost around 10 yuan while offering authentic flavors😋. Stroll along Paifang Street, immerse yourself in the ancient charm, and feel time slow down. • Attractions: Paifang Street, Guangji Bridge, Kaiyuan Temple, Han Yu Memorial Temple 🌄 Xining • Why go: As the gateway to the Tibetan Plateau, Xining offers unique highland scenery without the high prices. A steaming bowl of lamian (pulled noodles) will only set you back about 10 yuan and leave you feeling completely satisfied🍜. Experience the rich religious atmosphere and authentic local culture, and feel your spirit renewed. • Attractions: Ta'er Temple, Qinghai Lake, Dongguan Mosque, Ma Bufang Mansion These four cities are true travel gems, with incredibly low prices and a relaxed pace of life. Check them out!
MellifluoufsEfferv
MellifluoufsEfferv
2-Day Chill Trip to Qinghai 🏞️🐫
chinatravelitinerary
chinatravel
myitinerary
travel
china
thingstodo

2-Day Chill Trip to Qinghai 🏞️🐫

#chinatravelitinerary Looking for a relaxing escape with stunning lakes, Tibetan culture, and fresh mountain air? 🌿✨ Qinghai (青海) is a hidden gem perfect for a peaceful getaway! From the majestic Qinghai Lake to cozy Tibetan vibes, this slow-paced trip will refresh your soul. 🌟 Day 1: Beijing → Xining (Explore Culture & Local Life) 🏯 🌅 Morning: Travel to Xining 🔹 8:00 AM – Grab a light breakfast ☕🥐 and head to the airport. 🔹 10:00 AM – Take a flight ✈️ to Xining (西宁), the capital of Qinghai (~2.5 hrs). 🔹 12:30 PM – Arrive in Xining, check into a cozy hotel 🏨, and take it slow. 🌆 Afternoon & Evening: Tibetan Culture & Local Food 🏔️ 🔹 2:00 PM – Visit Kumbum Monastery (塔尔寺)—one of Tibet’s most important monasteries, with beautiful golden rooftops & prayer wheels. 🕌✨ 🔹 4:30 PM – Explore Xining Dongguan Mosque (东关清真大寺)—a stunning mix of Chinese and Islamic architecture. 🔹 6:30 PM – Try authentic Tibetan & Qinghai food—yak meat dumplings 🥟, hand-pulled noodles 🍜, and Tibetan butter tea 🥤. 🔹 8:00 PM – Relax with a quiet evening stroll at Mojia Street Night Market (莫家街夜市) for local snacks and souvenirs. 🌟 Day 2: Qinghai Lake Adventure (Chill & Scenic) 🌊 🌅 Morning: Travel to Qinghai Lake 🚗 🔹 7:30 AM – Have a slow breakfast ☕🍞 and get ready for a scenic trip. 🔹 8:30 AM – Take a comfortable drive 🚗 (~2 hrs) to Qinghai Lake (青海湖), China’s largest and most breathtaking saltwater lake. 🌊✨ 🌆 Afternoon: Enjoy the Peaceful Lakeside 🌾 🔹 11:00 AM – Relax by the lake—walk along the golden rapeseed fields (summer), take photos 📸, and just enjoy the fresh air. 🔹 12:30 PM – Enjoy a simple lunch at a lakeside Tibetan restaurant, try fresh grilled fish 🐟 and Qinghai-style yogurt 🥛. 🔹 2:00 PM – If you feel like it, take a short boat ride 🚤 or just sit by the shore watching the waves. 🔹 3:00 PM – Head back to Xining for your flight. ✈️ Evening: Return to Beijing 🔹 6:00 PM – Take a flight back to Beijing (~2.5 hrs). 🔹 8:30 PM – Arrive in Beijing, feeling relaxed and refreshed! 😊🏔️ ✨ Final Tips! ✅ Best time to visit: Summer (June–August) for golden rapeseed fields 🌻 & autumn (Sept–Oct) for peaceful scenery 🍂. ✅ Pack warm clothes 🧥—even in summer, Qinghai can be chilly! ✅ Qinghai’s altitude is high—drink lots of water 💧 and take it easy. ✅ Try the local yogurt 🥛 & butter tea—it’s unique and delicious! #chinatravel #myitinerary #travel #china #thingstodo
Travel is my happiness
Travel is my happiness
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6 Days in 西北
familytrip
travelingfamilyoffive
china
lovechina
chinatravel
chinatrip

6 Days in 西北

🗺️Destination Overview 📍Itinerary: XiNing, QingHai, Zhangye 🏠Accommodation 1.Heyi Hotel (Xining Shuijing Alley Wangfujing Branch) ✈️Transportation Fly to XiNing; book a group bus to QingHai and ChaKa through a local tour; train to Zhangye. 🏖️Must-Visit Attractions XiNing Muslim market; QingHai; ChaKa; Zhangye Rainbow Mountains; Kumbum Monastery. 🥘Food Street Food, especially at the Muslim Market! 💡Tips: Use local apps to book tours and buy tickets. Do not miss Kumbum Monastery! #familytrip #travelingfamilyoffive #china #lovechina #chinatravel #chinatrip
alessiainchina
alessiainchina
Ta'er Monastery! (510)

Ta'er Monastery! (510)

Ta'er Monastery is located in Huangzhong District, Xining City, Qinghai Province, and was founded in the twelfth year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty (1379). It is the center of Tibetan Buddhism activities in the northwest region of China🇨🇳 and enjoys a high reputation in China🇨🇳 and Southeast Asia. Butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué embroidery are known as the 'Three Wonders of Ta'er Monastery Art🎨'! It also houses many Buddhist scriptures and academic works on history, literature, philosophy, medicine, legislation, and other fields. It is one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism in China🇨🇳. It is also the leading cultural and historical site in Qinghai Province! The monastery has over 1,000 courtyards and more than 4,500 halls and monks' quarters. The scale is grand, and the architecture🏗️ is unique, harmoniously blending Tibetan and Han styles. It is a national key cultural relics protection unit! It belongs to the national AAAAA-level scenic area! In 2018, it was shortlisted for the 'Magical Northwest Top 100 Scenic Spots'!
The Global Foodie
The Global Foodie
A trip to the Qinghai–Gansu Loop is a must!

A trip to the Qinghai–Gansu Loop is a must!

‼️If you are planning to visit the Qinghai–Gansu Loop, save this post!♻️ ✅Transportation 👉High-speed rail: If you live near Qinghai, you can take a high-speed train to Xining Railway Station. There are buses from the railway station to the city center. 👉Plane: You can fly directly to Xining Caojiabao Airport. Xining is a great transfer hub for visiting other places. You can also fly directly to Lanzhou and take a high-speed train to Xining. ✅Accommodation Xining: You can stay near Mojia Street or Guanmen Street, which are close to the night market. You can also stay near Xining Railway Station for easy access to transportation. ✅Delingha: Most of the accommodation options are inns. If you want to stay somewhere more comfortable, choose a hotel. ✅Dunhuang: There are many inns near Crescent Lake, which is close to the Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area. You can also stay near the Dunhuang Night Market. ✅Zhangye: You can stay in Danxia Town, which is near the scenic area. You can also stay near the West Bus Station for easy access to transportation. ✅Travel tips 📍Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is large, so bring warm clothes such as a windbreaker or down jacket. 📍Transportation: You can take public transportation, rent a car, drive yourself, or join a tour group. 📍Sun protection: Bring sunglasses, a hat, a headscarf, sunscreen, moisturizer, and sun-protective clothing. 📍Food: Lamb skewers, hand-pulled lamb, niangpi, cold noodles, apricot tea, sweet fermented rice, spicy hot pot, beef noodles, beef rice, and poplar stewed cake. 🚩Itinerary recommendation 7-day Qinghai–Gansu Loop D1: Xining – Heimahe Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake – Chaka Salt Lake – Chaka D2: Chaka – Qaidam Basin – Emerald Lake – Dachaidan D3: Dachaidan – Yardang Landform, South Eight Immortals – Yardang Landform, Water – U-shaped Highway 315 – Dachaidan D4: Dachaidan – Heidushan – Dangjin Mountain – Dunhuang D5: Dunhuang – Mogao Caves – Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Lake D6: Dunhuang – Guazhou – Jiayuguan (distant view) – Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park D7: Zhangye – Biandukou – Ebao – Qilian Grassland – Gangshika Snow Peak – Daban Mountain Viewing Platform – Xining (airport/railway station transfer) 🚗Traveling alone is cool, traveling with a partner is sweet, and traveling with a group is fun! You won't know how beautiful the scenery in the northwest is until you visit. Be brave and travel while you're young!❄️
SaaraKuosisto
SaaraKuosisto
Gansu Lanzhou-Qinghai-Zhangye: A Super Detailed Guide for Traveling with Friends

Gansu Lanzhou-Qinghai-Zhangye: A Super Detailed Guide for Traveling with Friends

Friends, let's go on a pure Northwest trip! Classic and popular attractions, as well as local delicacies, are waiting for you. Enjoy a relaxing trip and high-standard accommodation. -------------------- 🚩Itinerary: D1: Erlangjian Scenic Area, Qinghai Lake 🌊Visit Qinghai Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Erlangjian Scenic Area. D2: Chaka Salt Lake->Emerald Lake, Dachaidan 💧From the mirror-like Chaka Salt Lake to the Emerald Lake in Dachaidan, enjoy the salt lake scenery of the Northwest. D3: Mogao Caves 🏞️Explore the Mogao Caves and feel the artistic charm of the thousand-year-old murals. D4: Mingsha Mountain Crescent Spring->Mingsha Mountain->Son of the Earth->Sculpture Without Borders 🐫Ride a camel across Mingsha Mountain, visit the Crescent Spring, and then go to the Son of the Earth and Sculpture Without Borders to feel the shock of art. D5: Jiayuguan Pass->Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park->Jinta Populus Euphratica Forest 🌄From the ancient Great Wall of Jiayuguan to the colorful Danxia landform in Zhangye, and then to the autumn scenery of Jinta Populus Euphratica Forest, you will experience multiple landscapes in one day. D6: Ta'er Monastery 🙏Visit Ta'er Monastery and experience the profound culture of Tibetan Buddhism. 🔚End your pleasant Northwest trip and return home with full memories! -------------------- Travel essentials: 👕 Clothing: Down jacket, thermal underwear, and long pants to keep warm and comfortable in the cold weather of January. 🎒 Accessories: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and hat to protect you from the sun and wind, as well as a thermos to drink hot water anytime. 📂 Documents: ID card, driver's license, and student ID are essential for travel. Don't forget to bring cash and bank cards. -------------------- Gansu Lanzhou-Qinghai-Zhangye, with endless scenery along the way, may your journey be full of surprises and joy, and you will have unforgettable memories! 🌄
Sam 3365
Sam 3365
󱁨4
China·Xining, Qinghai

China·Xining, Qinghai

Xining Dafo Temple is located at the southeast end of Jiaochang Street in Xining City, Qinghai Province. It is adjacent to the People's Government of Qinghai Province and Xining Jiaochang Street Sweet Shop to the east and west, and faces the office building of Qinghai Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry across West Street to the south. Founded in the year 990 AD (the first year of Chunhua in the Song Dynasty), it is an ancient temple of Tibetan Buddhism and a sacred site for the revival of Tibetan Buddhism in the later propagation period. In the past, it was one of the four major Buddhist temples in Xining City, with its early establishment and great reputation, surpassing Hongjue Temple, Jingta Temple, and Zhuanjing Temple in Xining City. Chinese Name: Xining Dafo Temple Geographical Location: Southeast end of Jiaochang Street, Xining City, Qinghai Province Category: Ancient Tibetan Buddhist temple
cloying_brianna
cloying_brianna