Xining is located on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of Huangshui River. It is the political, economic, scientific and technological, cultural and traffic center of Qinghai Province with an average altitude of over 2,200 meters (about 7,217 feet). The activities of human beings in this region can be traced to 2,100 years ago. During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, owing to its developing agriculture, Xining was paid more attention due to its economic and martial significance. As well as being the important hinge between the central plains and the western part of China in ancient time, Xining was the most common passing channel of the famous Silk Road. Until now, it is still the only road by which to enter the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
At present, five districts, three counties and a national economic and technological development zone are under the administration of the local government. With a population of more than two million, Xining is the first city on the upper reaches of the Yellow River to achieve a population into the millions. There are about 37 nationalities living here, including Han, Hui, Tu and Tibetan. The local traditions and customs are influenced by these distinctive nationalities, in particular the Tibetan group.
Xining is also called the Summer Resort Capital of China for its cool summer. The region also provides a number of attractions making a visit to the area well worth considering. The scenery of the Qinghai Lake, situated within Xining, provides an escape from fervent cities and allows you to experience beautiful natural sceneries. The lake itself is quite amazing. The Birds Island, situated on the northwest of Qinghai Lake, is waiting to present you with an extensive array of birds. To the southwest of Xining, is the birthplace of the founder of the Gelugpa Sect. The gem of the Tibetan culture-Ta'er Monastery was built here. To the north of Xining is the Beichan Temple. Climbing the temple will reward you with a view of the city from the mountaintop. A site not to be missed is the Dongguan Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in northern China.
For most visitors from both home and abroad, Xining provides a variety of delicious food and snacks. You can find some special meat products easily here for Xining is also a pasturing area. But, at the same time, don't forget that your health should be put on the first position. The popularity of the Xining region has been enhanced by convenient transportation and accommodation.
Recommended Tour including the visit to Xining:
Silk Road Safari: 18 days to Beijing, Xining, Lanzhou and other cities.
More Xining Tour Information:
Bicycle Tour: Offer information about cycling in and around Xining.
Qinghai Lake Cycling Race Route
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Travelers' Voices on Xining City
1.
Jun. 2,2009 03:05 Reply
Mrs.Mongolia said:
Hi all, I have a some question. how can i from Hohhot(inner mongolia) to xining by train? I need time table and ticket fee.
Jun. 4,2009 21:45
Mr.William(CN) replied:
Hi, there is no train running between Hohhot and Xining currently. So, if you would like to take train, you could firstly go to Lanzhou in Gansu from Hohhot. Then, you could transfer to Xining by train or by bus within 3 hours.
Well, the train information could be searched at: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/
2.
May. 14,2009 05:44 Reply
Mr.Kramer said:
hi all,
after we heard so much positive about qinghai we are planning to also visit this beautiful place when we travel around china in summer. from xining we would like to visit qinghai hu, but we haven't found out yet if it's possible to do this on one's own (we don't really want to join a tour) and how much money and time it would take. when going to qinghai hu, is it better to spend one night there, or is one day enough? maybe someone has been there and can help us. thank you bvery much.
May. 14,2009 23:16
Ms.Cindy replied:
In Xining Bus Station in Jianguo Rd which is only 200 meter from the ralway station, there are many buses from the morning to aurrounding towns near the lake. Seems there is no direct bus. So it will be a little trouble while getting back. Generally, one day there is enough. It is expensive to renting a van there, bu perhaps, you can rent one with others. To join a one day tour is most convenient and cheap, but I assume that you will not likely to. Well, if you renting a van, you can take a look at other sight on the way to the lake. For example, Sun and Moon Hill, prince Wencheng Temple. Good luck.
3.
Apr. 20,2009 09:49 Reply
Ms.Eriko (Japan/Venezuela) said:
I really like all your comments and helpful insight regarding the wonderful scenery in these places. I am currently planning to go to China in June and will be taking the Tibet railway from Shanghai to Lhasa. I would like to stop and visit the places in between and enjoy the beautiful environment before coming back to shanghai again. How much time would you say i need to grasp these places? Is 2 weeks enough?
Apr. 20,2009 22:13
Ms.Cindy replied:
Do you mean all the places along the train route. The Shanghai-Lhasa train passes Wuxi, Nanjing, Bengbu, Xuzhou, Zhengzhou, Xian, Lanzhou, Xining, Golmud, Nakchu. I suggest you visit Xining, Xian, Wuxi, or plus Golmud. Two weeks is enough for those. Enjoy!
4.
Feb. 8,2009 03:35 Reply
Mr.Julian(Australia) said:
Xining is a relatively small hospitable city. The weather is generally sunny which makes up for cold winter nights, and the summer is not too hot. Xining has most urban facilities & diverse restaurants including local Muslim & Tibetan. Popular attractions for locals include parks used for strolling, Tibetan & Ballroom dancing, popular & opera singing, admiring song birds, etc and Festivals of Ice Sculptures & Lanterns at Chinese New Year. Visit the Qinghai Provincial Museum (& adjacent Tibetan Carpet showroom), Tibetan Medicine Museum (includes world's longest Thanka),take a taxi then walk up to the Northern Taoist (originally Buddhist) Cliff Temple, Muslim governor's residence 'Ma Bu Fang' from 1942, Dong Guan Da Qing Zheng Si Mosque (the largest mosque in China). Nearby (17 km)is Kumbum Buddhist monastery. 'Shui Jing Xiang' market east of Central Square sells Tibetan jewelry, etc. Visit Qinghai lake and the plateau grasslands 200 km to the west. Nomadic Tibetan herders move their flocks across the mountains and plateaus of Golok and Yushu to the south and west. Xining has been rather overlooked as a tourist destination but is well worth a visit.
5.
Jan. 28,2009 09:16 Reply
Mr.abdo(egypt) said:
this is good city