https://https://au.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/dingxi/best-things-to-do/10078309000000
Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Dingxi [2025]
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Jiuzhaigou National Park
4.7
/5
48277 reviews
9.7
From AU$ 59.45
Based on 4,207 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8608377769999
Address: Beside the 301 Provincial Highway, Jiuzhaigou Mouth, Yuzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Unique alpine lake clusters and travertine ponds
Tibetan customs & wooden houses
Saved by 6710 users35491 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Plan your time well so that you will be able to visit most of the beautiful lakes if not all.
Jiuzhaigou is truly a paradise on earth that will make you linger!
Upon arrival, I was captivated by the crystal-clear, vibrantly colored waters. The waters of Wuhua Lake appear to have been tinted by nature, a blend of turquoise, emerald, and amber, shimmering in the sunlight with breathtaking beauty. Changhai Lake, like a giant mirror, reflects the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests, a tranquil and distant scene. The Pearl Beach Waterfall is majestic, its waters cascading like a galaxy, its splashing water creating vibrant rainbows in the sunlight, making you feel like you've stepped into a fairytale world.
The scenic area also boasts comprehensive amenities. Sightseeing buses provide direct access to various scenic spots, making it convenient and fast. Plank Road
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
7434 reviews
8.3
From %1$s
Based on 49 reviews
Biological Park Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609715317881
Address: 36 Jing'er Rd, Chengbei Qu, Xining Shi, Qinghai Sheng, China, 810016
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Tibetan music shows daily until 8/15
Open year-round, closed 3 days
Saved by 211 users6872 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I was torn between the Provincial Museum and this museum, but I finally chose it because it's relatively remote but popular. It was indeed a bit different from what I'd imagined. The museum itself isn't as large as I'd imagined, but the layout is quite novel. It's unmatched by other museums. The Tibetan Culture Museum showcases the history of the Tibetan people, their food, clothing, and Buddhist culture. The most impressive part is the 618-meter-long scroll. The Medical Museum explores the wonders of Tibetan medicine, bloodletting, and the three types of body constitutions. These differ significantly from traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. It's definitely worth a visit. Another thing to note is the self-guided cultural tour player, which I don't think is necessary. It depends on your preference. A quick tour took me over two hours. The scroll was mostly just for checking in, and I couldn't quite understand the content. If you have more time, you can listen to the guide. It covers Tibetan knowledge of life, the universe, and everything in it.
We went for the 618-meter painted art exhibition, which was very impressive. We carefully and attentively viewed it and admired the artists! The Tibetan costumes and architectural fabrics exhibition were also exquisite and carefully arranged, and the viewing effect was very good.
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Kumbum Monastery
4.6
/5
16984 reviews
8.3
From AU$ 14.86
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 238 users9448 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
A truly hassle-free stay, highly recommended!
My stay at [hotel name] far exceeded my expectations. From arrival to check-out, I was completely comfortable.
The hotel's location is a real plus, right in the [city center/near the subway station/near a tourist attraction], making taxis and restaurants incredibly convenient. There's no need to worry about transportation. The lobby is stylishly designed, and the front desk staff were friendly and efficient during check-in, even proactively recommending local eats. Such a thoughtful touch.
The room was even more of a pleasant surprise. It felt clean and bright upon entering, and the bedding was so soft I couldn't get up. The soundproofing was excellent, allowing me to sleep soundly without being disturbed. The bathroom had a separate wet and dry area, and the toiletries were high-quality. There was also ample hot water.
The breakfast was plentiful, with both Chinese and Western dishes, as well as local specialties. The food was authentic and satisfying. My only small suggestion is that the elevator could be a little quicker, but it didn't detract from the overall experience.
The price/performance ratio is really great. I will definitely choose this place again next time I come to [city name]. I have already recommended it to my friends!
Ta'er Monastery is less than 30 kilometers from the city center and is accessible by bus. Construction of the entrance road began earlier this year and was still not completed as of September. It is recommended to take a taxi to the visitor center. It is recommended to visit the Ta'er Monastery area with a qualified guide who will provide insights into the history of Tibetan religion. A tour should take approximately three to four hours.
No.
4
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Shapotou Scenic Area
4.8
/5
28469 reviews
8.2
From AU$ 12.74
Based on 153 reviews
Shapotou tourist attraction | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864001551766
Address: Shapotou, Zhongwei, Ningxia, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Yellow River heritage & modern entertainment
Experience the charm of the Huanghe by rafting on a sheepskin raft
Saved by 620 users21555 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Lonely smoke rises from the desert, the sun sets over the long river! The Shapotou Scenic Area in the Tengger Desert in Zhongwei, Ningxia, is truly a must-see destination. During the National Day holiday, I took my children on three fantastic activities: first, the desert camel rides—they were so adorable! Second, the "Soaring to Fame" zipline across the Yellow River was the most thrilling and fun of all. Third, the Yellow River rafting on sheepskin rafts, an intangible cultural heritage, is highly recommended and deserves a five-star rating.
The smiling service in the scenic area is great. It is very interesting to experience the Yellow River by taking a sheepskin raft. The singing of the two masters No. 57 and No. 56 is very good. The explanation of the set meal is not clear and accurate enough, and more training is needed for the service staff at the set meal sales point.
No.
5
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Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
4.5
/5
2239 reviews
8.1
From AU$ 16.98
>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 222 users1933 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I originally wanted to find a less crowded attraction, but it was a truly wonderful trip. The Danxia landforms are incredibly spectacular and unique, absolutely stunning. They're no less impressive than the Zhangye Danxia landforms; truly a work of art!
The whole scenic area is quite large. I chose SVIP, which includes snacks and drinks, reverse tours, and camel carts. I only need to walk about one kilometer. If I follow another tour itinerary, it will be more tiring. In short, it is a good experience and the scenery is beautiful.
No.
6
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Zha Ga Na
4.2
/5
3158 reviews
7.8
From AU$ 16.99
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 122 users2313 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We took the Rock Road from Zhagulu Town to the Zhagana Scenic Area. We stayed overnight in Zhagula Town on September 13th and departed at 8:00 AM on the 14th. There were very few cars on the road, and there was no traffic jam the entire way. Off-season is really great for traveling. We arrived at noon, had lunch, and visited Runwugou and Fairy Beach. The next day, we got up to watch the sunrise, but it didn't rise due to clouds. We took a quick tour of the scenic area and ended our Zhagana trip.
Gannan boasts enchanting natural landscapes, such as the Tibetan villages of Zhagana nestled in the emerald valleys, resembling a paradise on earth; the clear waters of Huahu Lake, with its swaying water plants, earning it the title of "plateau sapphire"; the vast Ruoergai grasslands, the jagged rocky mountains of Lianbaoyezhe, and the vast pastures of Sangke Grassland, all of which are picturesque, making visitors feel as if they are in a fairyland.
No.
7
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.5
/5
3114 reviews
7.7
From AU$ 6.37
Based on 8 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
2097 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
Although I was a bit disappointed not to see any snow leopards, it was a truly unique place. I was lucky enough to see a desert cat and a safari, so it was worth the trip. The free-range peacock garden allowed me to get up close and personal with the peacocks. The 30 yuan park was super cost-effective! (PS: Don't go to the aquarium. It cost me 50 yuan, but there were so few animals inside. I could walk around it in 10 minutes, so it wasn't worth it.) Just wandering around the zoo outside was great value.
emmmm The scenic area planning is not very reasonable, the paid shuttle bus is only available once. If you miss it now, you can only walk. Snow leopards, lynxes and caracals are not necessarily seen. It's very random.
No.
8
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Gansu Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
3809 reviews
7.4
Based on 134 reviews
Gansu Provincial Museum/Lanzhou Center | 93.9 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 115 users2448 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Teacher Yue's explanation is very vivid and detailed, with extensive references, clear articulation, and a eloquent story. He talked about all the national treasures! This is the third time I chose Dasheng, and I have never been disappointed.
After a decade, returning to the Gansu Provincial Museum's exhibition halls, the familiar weight of history was tinged with a refreshing surprise. The excitement of reunion intensified as I witnessed the transformation of the exhibition layout and exhibits.
The Gansu Provincial Museum's exhibition layout is most clearly "scientific," far more than a simple display of artifacts. Focusing on "Yellow River Culture," it weaves together prehistoric civilization, Silk Road trade, and the intermingling of multiple ethnic groups into a clear thread. From the juxtaposition of painted pottery and agricultural tools from the Dadiwan site, you can directly witness the transition from slash-and-burn agriculture to pottery cooking. In the Silk Road exhibition hall, Hu merchant figurines unearthed from the Hexi Corridor, Persian silver coins, and Central Plains silk are brought together in a single narrative space, instantly capturing the vibrant commercial scene of "camel bells ringing across Europe and Asia." Even more thoughtfully, each exhibition area is accompanied by lightweight text explanations and multimedia videos, avoiding academic obscurity while also preventing history from being reduced to "picture-based object identification." Even children can follow the clues and understand the stories behind the artifacts. If the exhibition layout is the "skeleton," the exhibits are the living, breathing "flesh and blood" of Gansu's museum. Its richness lies in its collection of unique national treasures. Besides the well-known "Horse Stepping on Flying Swallow" (a bronze galloping horse), there's also China's largest "Bronze Chariot and Horse Guard of Honor," featuring 38 bronze horses, one axe cart, and four chariots neatly arranged, as if ready to carry Han Dynasty soldiers on the Silk Road. The "Human Face and Newt Painted Pottery Vase" from the Yangshao culture, with its eerie yet vibrant human face and newt motifs, is a rare relic of the spiritual world of prehistoric ancestors. Furthermore, manuscripts and Tangut Buddhist scriptures unearthed from the Dunhuang Caves quietly speak of Gansu's unique status as a treasure trove of literature. These exhibits are more than just artifacts; they are a condensed, tangible, and comprehensive history of Gansu.
Compared to many museums, Gansu's uniqueness lies in its irreplaceable "regional DNA." Rather than pursuing comprehensiveness, the museum culminates in the quintessential characteristics of the "Upper Yellow River Civilization" and the "Golden Section of the Silk Road." While other museums may exhibit painted pottery, few offer the complete sequence of painted pottery from the Dadiwan, Majiayao, and Qijia cultures, allowing you to clearly see how painted pottery evolved from simplicity to sophistication. While other museums can tell the story of the Silk Road, the museum's exhibits primarily draw from local sites. From the bronze galloping horse from the Leitai Han Tomb to the statues from Bingling Temple, each piece exudes the essence of Gansu's soil, creating a sense of distance. Even more remarkable is its lack of deliberate attempts to create a sense of distance. For example, the "Bronze Galloping Horse" exhibit features multi-angle viewing platforms, allowing you to clearly see the exquisite balance of the horse's feet on the flying swallow. These details, which make national treasures approachable, are precisely what makes the museum so captivating.
Ten years later, the Gansu Provincial Museum has not been confined to the "memories of the old museum," but has brought history to life with more scientific exhibition arrangements, more vibrant exhibits, and a more unique regional expression. Revisiting this place is not only a reunion with the past, but also a dialogue with a Gansu that is both "familiar and fresh," spanning millennia.
No.
9
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Romantic Show of Jiuzhai
4.3
/5
2073 reviews
7.4
From AU$ 57.31
Based on 26 reviews
Jiuzhaigou's Eternal Love | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8608377767660
Address: Jiuzhai Qiangu Scene Area, Yuzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Highlights:
Experience statue & Tibetan watchtower
Tibetan & Qiang culture show
Saved by 228 users886 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
My boyfriend and I had a truly culturally enriching date at Jiuzhaigou Qianguqing! We hung prayer plaques and learned Tibetan dance together. His clumsy movements made the whole audience laugh. This shared cultural experience was even more memorable than just a simple meal or movie. Afterward, he said, "I didn't realize cultural performances could be this fun! I'll bring my parents back next time!"
As a photography enthusiast, the dark scene design of Jiuzhaigou Eternal Love is so friendly! The lighting technicians know how to use soft light when shooting close-ups of actors to avoid overexposure. The photos taken are so popular that they can be shared on social media without any retouching. In particular, the silver jewelry worn by the actors reflects light in the dark, and every shot is a highlight. It is a dream location for photographers.
No.
10
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Yellow River Building
4.6
/5
544 reviews
7.2
From AU$ 6.37
Olympic Sports Center/Lanzhou Old Street | 99.4 km from downtown
Phone +8609312115666
Address: 甘肃省兰州市七里河区南滨河中路1501号
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
93-meter tower overlooks Yellow River
16th-floor view of Lanzhou
502 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
It doesn't look very high from the outside, but it actually has 16 floors, and many floors have exhibitions, which are quite nice to take a look. Some floors have 360-degree outdoor corridors, and you can see Lanzhou City and the Yellow River in four directions.
It was my first time in Lanzhou, and I found this "Yellow River Building" on the Internet. It looked very tall and there were many tourists. The view from upstairs was wide, and you could drink tea and look at the mother river, which was very exciting.
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