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Top 10 attractions in Xining

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Kumbum Monastery
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Qinghai

Kumbum Monastery

8.2
4.7/5
18.6k reviews
Located in Huangzhong County, Xining, Ta'er Temple has a history of more than 400 years. It is one of the important temples of the Gelug Sect (Yellow Sect) of Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Sect. The temple has magnificent architecture, rich treasures, and a strong religious atmosphere. It is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Xining. Overview of the Tour Ta'er Temple is obviously different from the Han Buddhist temples in the mainland in terms of architectural layout: the building complex of Ta'er Temple is not symmetrical along the central axis and is not deep. Ta'er Temple is an ancient building complex composed of many halls, scripture halls, pagodas, and colleges. Each scripture hall, hall, and pagoda are irregularly distributed on a small hill. When tourists are playing, the route is more casual, rather than walking along the central axis. When visiting Ta'er Temple, if you do not enter the scripture hall or hall, but just wander around outside, you do not need to buy a ticket. You only need to check your ticket when entering some scripture halls or halls open to the public. If you come here, I suggest you buy a ticket to visit, because if you don't enter the main hall and the Sutra Court, you can't worship the incarnation of Master Tsongkhapa, nor can you appreciate the "three wonders" in the temple. There are currently more than a dozen courtyards and main halls in Ta'er Monastery open to tourists. There is a Guide service at the ticket office of Ta'er Monastery. It is recommended to hire a tour Guide , because the historical connotation of Ta'er Monastery is very profound. Without the Guide of the Guide , you will miss many interesting stories. Dajinwa Temple (Hall) Dajinwa Temple is the center of the entire building complex. Legend has it that Master Tsongkhapa was born here. When the master was born, his umbilical cord blood dripped here, and then a bodhi tree grew. Later, a tower was built outside the tree and a temple was built, and Ta'er Monastery got its name. Believers believe that this tree and this tower are the incarnation of the master. The three wonders of Ta'er Monastery are butter sculptures, murals and pile embroidery. Butter sculptures are made of butter mixed with various colors of pigments and sculpted into various Buddha statues, figures, flowers, birds, animals, pavilions and towers. Visitors can visit the exquisite butter sculptures in the Butter Flower House in the temple (far away from the gate); in the main halls, corridors, front porches and other places in the temple, you can enjoy many colorful murals that are hundreds of years old, which are very exquisite; pile embroidery is made of colorful silks cut into various shapes required, such as Buddha statues, birds and animals, etc., filled with wool or cotton, and then embroidered on the cloth. In the large scripture hall in the temple, two rare large-scale pile embroidery groups of "Sixteen Arhats Showing Supernatural Powers" and "Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea" are hung on both sides. The four major ceremonies of Ta'er Monastery (based on the lunar calendar) are: 1. Jumping on the 14th day of the first lunar month, butter flower exhibition (the 15th day of the first lunar month); 2. Jumping on the 14th day of the fourth lunar month, sunning the Buddha, jumping on the 15th day of the fourth lunar month; 3. Sunning the Buddha, jumping on the 6th day of the sixth lunar month, and turning the golden Buddha (the 8th day of the sixth lunar month); 4. Sunning the Buddha all day (the 22nd day of the ninth lunar month), jumping on the 23rd day of the ninth lunar month. During the ceremonies, there will be various activities such as sunning the Buddha, performing Dharma dances, etc. There will be a lot of believers and tourists coming to worship, and the scene will be very lively.Xining · 23.7km from downtown
Riyue Mountain
No. 18 of Best Things to Do in Gansu-Qinghai Area

Riyue Mountain

7.6
4.5/5
1.7k reviews
The Riyue Mountain are located on the route from Huangyuan to Qinghai Lake and serve as the only passage from Qinghai to Tibet. Legend has it that when Princess Wencheng entered Tibet, she shattered a stone mirror here that couldn't reflect her hometown, splitting it into two halves representing the sun and moon, hence the mountain's name. On either side of the mountain pass stand two small peaks, each featuring a pavilion—one for the sun andMoon PavilionTwo iconic buildings. visitors typically pass by Riyue Mountain on their way to Qinghai Lake from Xining. The area boasts lush grasslands, rolling mountains, and numerous prayer flags fluttering in the wind, creating a beautiful landscape. The attraction includes the Riyue Pavilion and...Moon PavilionThese are all imitation ancient structures, not actual historical relics, and you can also see the exterior from the mountain pass. Additionally, the Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) serve as the boundary between agricultural and pastoral areas, as well as between monsoon and non-monsoon zones. They also mark the westernmost edge of the Loess Plateau. When crossing the pass, you'll notice a striking contrast in the geographical views between the eastern and western sides, which is quite fascinating.Huangyuan · 30.4km from downtown
Plateau Pearl Sightseeing Tower
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Qinghai

Plateau Pearl Sightseeing Tower

5.7
4.5/5
335 reviews
The Pearl of the Plateau, also known as the Pearl of Puning, is a sightseeing tower built by the Shanghai Pudong New Area. It is located on the west hill of the southwest side of Xining and symbolizes the friendship between Pudong and Xining. It is a famous landmark in Xining and can be seen in the downtown area. One can also see the panoramic view of Xining and dine in the rotating restaurant. Every night, the lanterns of the tower change and the scenery is intoxicating.Xining · 2.6km from downtown
Danggar Ancient Town
No. 5 of Night Attractions in Qinghai

Danggar Ancient Town

5.7
4.4/5
161 reviews
The Dange'er Ancient City is located in Wuyuan County, about 40 kilometers west of Xining City. It has been thriving in the history of tea and horses. Because of its unique location, it has the title of “sea Tibetan throat”. Today, there are many shops in the Dange'er Ancient City, which are prosperous and lively. Many tourists who go to Qinghai Lake from Xining will visit when they pass by. The ancient city is small in size, with a Dange'er Street as the center, and the houses on the street are all brick-and-grey buildings in the northern town.Huangyuan · 1.4km from downtown
Mojia Street

Mojia Street

5.7
3.8/5
410 reviews
Mojia Street is located on the west side of East Street in Xining City. It has a history of 600 years. It is one of the ancient streets in Xining and a famous food street in Xining. There are many tourists who are attracted by famous Chinese snacks and Qinghai local specialties. Because it is close to the Daxin Street Night Market, it is often full of people and lively here. Don't look at the noise and chaos here, but the food here is countless and mouth-watering. In addition to the specialties of Xining such as Mazhong stuffed skin, lamb intestine noodles, yogurt, sweet glutinous rice grains, etc., there are also delicacies from all over the country, such as melons, pears and peaches, vegetables and meat, dried fruit seasonings, and fresh seafood. Come here with friends to eat delicious food, drink small wine and relax at night.Xining · 780m from downtown
Dongguan Mosque
No. 4 of Global Traveller-Picked Attractions in Xining

Dongguan Mosque

5.7
4.4/5
1.1k reviews
This is the larger monastery in Qinghai Province, located on Dongguan Street, Xining. This monastery has a majestic building, including several styles of Han and Tibetan, and is a popular place for tourists in the city. The monastery is very famous in the northwest. Many believers worship here every day, and you can feel the strong religious atmosphere. Visiting buildings The temple is located next to Dongguan Street, Dongcheng District, Xining City. It is a courtyard composed of several buildings. It takes about an hour to visit the entire temple. The current building here was built in 1913. As soon as you stand outside the temple, you can see a magnificent circular arched building. This is the gatehouse of the temple. The top of the palace has a Tibetan Buddhist-style roof, which is very unique. After entering, you can visit various buildings, among which the worship hall does not allow tourists to enter, but can be viewed and photographed from the door. In addition, after night falls, green lights will light up outside the temple. The whole temple is beautiful and fantastic, and it is very good to watch and shoot outside the temple. Witness prayers are held here five times a day, each lasting about 15-20 minutes. The worship is often crowded and large in scale, but the scene is very pious and quiet. Watching from the side during worship has a strong religious atmosphere, which is very shocking. The wonderful explanation is explained in the temple (the explanation time varies according to the number of tourists), which can help tourists understand the content of beliefs and religious rituals.Xining · 1.7km from downtown
Dream of Paradise
No. 6 of Family-friendly Attractions in Qinghai

Dream of Paradise

5.1
4.7/5
3.5k reviews
Xining Xinhualian Children's Dream Park is the first large-scale theme park in Qinghai. It is located in the core part of Xinhualian International Tourism City, covering a total area of 352.32 acres. Children's Dream Water World, Children's Dream Kingdom, Xinhualian International Tourism City Hotel Group and other large-scale cultural tourism and entertainment complexes integrating food, accommodation, tourism, shopping and entertainment. The park has built a high-altitude marine science museum, a large-scale indoor water park with context, a Silk Road town themed on the “Belt and Road”, and 56 ethnic style streets with ethnic architectural features and folk customs, forming an all-season and all-customer-level tourism. A leisure destination, a family vacation destination in the Northwest Territories.Xining · 19.3km from downtown
Xining Nanshan Park
No. 14 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Qinghai

Xining Nanshan Park

4.9
4.4/5
69 reviews
Nanshan Park is located on Nanshan Mountain on the southwest side of Xining. The whole park is a mountain. If you have a half day or so in Xining City, you may come here to climb the mountain and stroll. To play Nanshan Park, you usually take a bus from the urban area to the vicinity of Nanshan Road, or take a taxi. The climbing road is easy to walk, and it is not tiring. You can also take a car to send it up for about 10 yuan. In addition to the Phoenix Terrace on the top of the mountain, there are also simple children's amusement projects and Tibetan style gardens in the mountains. In addition, many sunflowers are also planted at the foot of the mountain, and every summer and autumn, a large number of sunflowers bloom, which is very beautiful. Near Nanshan is the very famous Nanchan Temple in Qinghai Province, which was built in the Northern Song Dynasty and is one of the earlier Han Buddhist temples in Qinghai. In addition, the large-scale Chinese Buddhist Bhikuni Temple Fazhuang Temple is also here, and you can play together.Xining · 1.9km from downtown
Zongka Laze Scenic Area

Zongka Laze Scenic Area

4.6
4.2/5
5 reviews
Zongkalak is located at the top of Laji Mountain in Guide County, Qinghai Province, at an altitude of 4,180 meters. It is 37 meters high and has a construction area of about 1,600 square meters. The main building of Zongkalak is built in the image of Mount Xumi in Buddhism. The entire construction process took 3 years. The main offerings of the 13 war gods are in the monastery, and people of all ethnic groups can also offer sacrifices and pray in the monastery.Xining · 41.2km from downtown
Xining People's Park
No. 16 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Qinghai

Xining People's Park

4.5
4.6/5
301 reviews
The park is located on the south bank of the Huangshui River in Xining City and is one of the most popular parks in Xining. There are artificial lakes, flower areas, children's play areas, animal viewing, exhibition halls and other areas in the park. The environment is fresh and beautiful, and there are many popular activities in different seasons. It is a good place for sightseeing in Xining City. The most popular period of the park is every June, when it is the Tulip Festival in the park. There will be tulips of various colors and varieties blooming in the flowerbed area of the park, which is very beautiful. It is also very good to play in the park in winter. You can skate here, and there is a good ice sculpture exhibition, which attracts many citizens and tourists to stop and visit.Xining · 2.7km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Xining

Featured Cultural experiences in Xining

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Xining Tibetan culture, wildlife and food tour
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Duration: 6 hrs
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Private pick-up&drop-off service including | Qinghai one-day tour: Ta'er Monastery + Tibetan Culture Museum + 618-meter Tibetan cultural Thangka
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 8.6 hrs
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English guided tour service in Xining
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Duration: 8 hrs
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Xining

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Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky)
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4.7/5
· 26 reviews· 207 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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Xining Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour - Explore Three Sacred Landscapes in One Day
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4.8/5
· 14 reviews· 178 booked
Duration: 14.9 hrs
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Private group tour | Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountain day trip | Charted transfer/entrance fees included
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3.5/5
· 2 reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 11 hrs
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1-day tour to Chaka salt lake with private charter (departing from Xining)
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 26 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
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Xining Kumbum Monastery + Qinghai Lake + Laji Mountain one-day tour (White clouds, blue lake and golden roof gaze at each other from afar)
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Qinghai Lake Chartered tour (Departing from Xining)
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1-day private tour of Qinghai lake (departing from Xining)
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Depart from Xining: Laji Mountain, Qinghai Lake & Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour with Private Car & Tickets Included
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What travellers say about Xining

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好吃的豆包4 October 2026
5.0
Kumbum Monastery, one of the six major monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Tsongkhapa, is a 600-year-old temple with red walls and golden roofs. The Eight Auspicious Pagoda at the very entrance is a photogenic feature. The core attractions are its three artistic wonders: butter sculptures, appliqué embroidery, and murals. The butter sculptures are handcrafted at low temperatures, resulting in lifelike figures; the appliqué embroidery boasts a strong three-dimensional relief effect; and the murals, painted with natural mineral pigments, retain their vibrant colors even after centuries. The magnificent golden pagoda in the Great Golden Tile Hall is breathtaking, and the long pilgrimage route within the courtyard is filled with devout worshippers, creating an atmosphere rich in chanting and the scent of cypress.

Kumbum Monastery

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M43***5927 August 2026
4.0
Scenery: It's worth going to Riyue Mountain just for the scenery in picture 1. It's on the main loop and the scenery is truly unique. The rocks at the base have Tibetan characters written on them; although I can't understand them, they still feel very sacred and auspicious. Impressions: Overall, besides picture 1, there's not much else to see. The surrounding environment is similar to picture 4. The wind there is really strong. If you go in winter, be sure to wear a mask, hat, sunglasses, and gloves.

Riyue Mountain

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Anonymous user12 June 2026
5.0
Я побывал на Plateau Pearl Sightseeing Tower и это одно из тех мест, которое лучше всего объясняет сам Синин.Сверху город выглядит совсем иначе, чем с улиц. Синин тянется длинной полосой в долине, а вокруг него поднимаются горы Тибетского плато. И в этот момент особенно понимаешь, почему его называют «воротами в Тибет».Больше всего запомнился момент заката. Днём город кажется обычным современным китайским мегаполисом, но когда начинает темнеть, он превращается в море огней, а горы вокруг уходят в тёмный силуэт. Контраст очень сильный.Стоит ли ехать? Да, если хочется увидеть Синин с высоты и почувствовать масштаб региона. Это не про историю или культуру, а именно про вид и ощущение места.Совет: приезжать ближе к закату и обязательно остаться до полной темноты, тогда картинка раскрывается максимально.

Plateau Pearl Sightseeing Tower

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152***821 August 2026
5.0
It's a very quaint ancient town with a relaxed commercial atmosphere. Many local residents live there, and many ancient buildings are free to enter, such as the City God Temple and the Confucian Temple. Prices are very reasonable: incense is 3 yuan, butter lamps are 1 yuan, and small souvenirs are 10 yuan. Walking through the ancient town after the rain is very pleasant, and it's not crowded.

Danggar Ancient Town

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布晓呆8 July 2023
5.0
Mojia Street is located in the downtown area of ​​Xining. It is an old street. There are not many tourists during the day, but the night market opens at night, attracting countless diners to come and taste. The main feature is barbecue, three or five people per table, accompanied by beer, this is the night life of Xining.

Mojia Street

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左右Zz19 June 2025
5.0
The Dongguan Grand Mosque in Xining City is a rare and solemn building. The nine gold-plated regular script characters "Xining Budongguan Grand Mosque" are inscribed on the middle door lintel, and the inside and outside of the other door lintels are inscribed with gold-plated Arabic classic quotations. The "Hundred-Character Praise" inscribed by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, for mosques across the country is preserved in the temple and is embedded in the wall of the middle door, which is worth seeing.

Dongguan Mosque

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佐佐的漫游日记11 September 2025
5.0
Xining's Family Treasure! A Day of Fun at Xinhualian Tongmeng Park Bringing my kids to Xining's Xinhualian Tongmeng Park completely blew away my expectations of Northwest theme parks! As a comprehensive park offering one-stop family fun, it's truly worth adding to your Xining travel bucket list. The most stunning attraction was Xining Ocean World. As the world's highest aquarium, you can see lively penguins, spectacular dolphin shows, and the unique Qinghai Lake naked carp display on the plateau. The children's eyes lit up the entire time, and the underwater performances were truly captivating. A ride on the 108-meter "Eye of Qinghai" Ferris wheel in the land park is a must-do. When it lights up in the evening, you'll get a panoramic view of the park, creating stunning photos. The thrilling tornado pendulum and the immersive "Arabian Nights" dark ride offer fun for both adults and children. If you're traveling with young children, Tongmeng Kingdom is an absolute paradise. With nearly 8,000 square meters of indoor space and safe, fun facilities, children can enjoy a long day of fun. The fully heated Tongmeng Water World is sun- and cold-resistant, and the wave pool and lazy river are fantastic, perfect for parent-child interaction. The Silk Road Town within the park is unique, featuring miniature replicas of buildings from 18 countries. While taking photos and checking in, you can also educate your children about their culture. If you're hungry, head to the Ethnic Food Street, where you can sample specialties from 56 ethnic groups all in one place, allowing you to experience the flavors of each region without having to travel too far. The only caveat is that the plateau's ultraviolet rays are strong, so remember to wear sunscreen. The temperature difference between morning and evening can be significant, so bring a light jacket. The fireworks show is only held from Tuesdays to Saturdays, so plan your time well in advance. Overall, whether you're traveling with children or friends, this place has something for everyone. It's a fulfilling and enjoyable day out, and I'll definitely be back next time I'm in Xining!

Dream of Paradise

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MARK MORDOVTSEV13 June 2026
5.0
Nanshan Park and Fenghuang Pavilion became one of my favorite places in Xining. The park offers a peaceful atmosphere, beautiful walking paths, and impressive panoramic views of the city surrounded by the mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.The highlight of the visit was Fenghuang Pavilion. The traditional Chinese architecture looks stunning, especially against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. From the top, I enjoyed some of the best views of Xining and had plenty of opportunities for photography.Travel Tips:• Visit in the late afternoon or around sunset for the most beautiful light.• Wear comfortable shoes, as there are some uphill sections.• Bring a camera - the viewpoints are excellent.• Allow at least 1-2 hours to explore the park and pavilion.Why I Recommend It:✔ Beautiful traditional Chinese architecture.✔ Amazing panoramic views of Xining.✔ Peaceful atmosphere away from busy streets.✔ Great location for photography.✔ One of the best viewpoints in the city.If you're visiting Xining, Nanshan Park and Fenghuang Pavilion are definitely worth adding to your itinerary. It's a perfect place to experience both nature and traditional Chinese culture in one location.

Xining Nanshan Park

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格兰特杨6 December 2024
5.0
Driving in this season is not easy, and you will encounter some ice and snow along the way. However, the architectural style of Laze and the mountain gods of the Tibetan border are very unique experiences, and travelers who like humanities may like it more. There is no commentary in the off-season, and the plank road behind Laze is also closed; so it must be said that there are some discounts. Under the blue sky, through the smoke rising from the incense burner under Laze, when you see the sunlight of Laji Mountain shining unreservedly on the arrow stacks covered with ice and snow, you feel that a little altitude sickness is worth the price.

Zongka Laze Scenic Area

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屏东15 August 2025
4.0
On the way to People's Park, I turned into a narrow alley, and unexpectedly, I found a bustling flower and bird market. The alley was filled with potted plants, roses and hydrangeas in full bloom, and the air was filled with the fragrance of earth and flowers. The most eye-catching thing was the cat shops. Crowded in wooden cages were a dozen kittens, three or two orange and white, scratching at the mesh, their paws resting on the railings, their round eyes darting around, meowing at every passerby. The owner said they were all local, easy-to-care-for cats for 100 yuan each. Dog shops were sparse, with only one at the end of the alley. A golden retriever puppy lay quietly in a glass case. Entering People's Park, the willow branches by the lake almost reached the surface. Children squatted on the shore, holding bread crumbs, watching the koi fish huddle together for food. Not far away, on the lawn, someone had spread out a picnic mat, and the wind carried laughter. Going deeper, the tulips have almost withered, but the cosmos are just beginning to emit dots of purple, making the Ferris wheel in the distance look particularly bright.

Xining People's Park

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Xining?

Don't miss these attractions in Xining: Kumbum Monastery, Riyue Mountain, and Plateau Pearl Sightseeing Tower. If you like Cultural experiences, try Xining Tibetan culture, wildlife and food tour. If you enjoy Outdoor experiences, try Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky).

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Xining Qinghai Lake + Chaka Salt Lake + Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Day Tour - Explore Three Sacred Landscapes in One Day, Xining Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains) Chinese Group Day Tour (Visit the Mirror of the Sky), and 1-day tour to Chaka salt lake with private charter (departing from Xining). Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 5 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Xining is around USD 41.94 – USD 127.35. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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