Xining City Pictures

Citizens play in the Xinning Square

With a history of 2,000 years, Xining, the capital city of Qinghai Province was a key point of the Silk Road. Influenced by both Chinese, Hui and Tibetan cultures, the city has unique cultural features and relics like the Ta'er Monastery and Dongguan Mosque. The local natural beauty is also breathtaking. The Qinghai Lake, snow covered mountains, icy peaks, deserts and vast pastures mesmerise its visitors. Attraction Intro: Xining City
  • Citizens play in the Xinning Square
  • Two lamas take a walk in the Xining Square
  • Modern Xinning Square
  • Xinning Square is situated in the downtown area of Xining
  • The statue of Tour of Qinghai Lake International Cycling Race
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- Last modified on May. 08, 2017 -
Questions & Answers on Xining City Pictures
Asked by Mr.Choo | Apr. 22, 2011 01:54Reply
What is the best month to do the qinghai tibet rail? We love beautiful scenery but we dislike too many people. What is your recommendation?

I was told it is very difficult to get ticket from Chengdu to Lhasa because tickets are blocked by tour agent. Its better to fly into Lhasa and take train from Lhasa to Chengdu. Is this a good idea?

Is above is good idea, we wish to do as follows:
Kuala Lumpur - Chengdu by flight
Chengdu - Lhasa by flight
Lhasa - Chengdu by train

Is it necessary to get permit to fly into Lhasa? Where can we do the permit?

If we fly into from Chengdu to Lhasa and then take train from Lhasa to Chengdu, is it better chance of avoiding high altitude problem?

Which has better scenery to see - Chengdu to Lhasa or Lhasa to Chengdu??
I read that we may miss out the best scenery if we do Chengdu to Lhasa because train
arrive in Lhasa night time and we cannot see scenery at nite.

Really appreciate your advise.
Answers (2)
Answered by Mr.Michael | Apr. 22, 2011 03:20
260Reply


Hi,Ms. CHOO,
The best time to visit Tibet is from April to October every year, it won't be too cold there.
It is a good idea to take flight from Chengdu to Lhasa, since as you said, most of the tickets has been bought buy the tour agents. Sometimes you can also reserve ticket more than 10 days beforehand, this would make it easier. What's more, the return train ticket from Lhasa to Chengdu is more difficult to purchase one, so flight is suggested as well.

A permit to Lhasa is necessary, you can get one at Chinese Embassy in your country, it seems that foreigners must travel with travel agencis, it is not allowed to travel by oneself. You need to contact a local travel agency to help you.
You can take some medicine with you to avoid high altitude problem, there are medical facilities and medicines in Lhasa, if you feel not well, you can go to the hospital or ask your travel agency for help.
There are beautiful sceneris along train trip from Tibet to Chengdu.
Answered by Kron from GERMANY | Apr. 04, 2016 02:57
00Reply


If you enter Tibet, you must join a package tour.

This can be done in your country of origin or when you arrive in China. This is mandatory and the Chinese government WILL NOT negate from this policy. No one (in this case you- the foreigner) just rock up to Tibet unannounced. Everything is meticulously planned right down to the smallest detail. If you do decide to join a packaged tour- international tour groups will arrived well before winter. Domestic tours have the option of commencing the tour any time of the year even in the dead of winter. In for tour only commences and finishes in Lhasa, this is the cheapest option as your tour guide can schedule free and easy option for you and you can board and disembark any public transportation without fuss.

You do not have this luxury once your schedule is outside of Lhasa.

If you find this too restrictive, Qinghai, Ningxia, Yunan and Sichuan have Tibetan cities where the majority of the population is Tibetan. These cities have authentic Tibetan culture which is not watered down for foreign consumption. Secondly, all these cities do not need you to have a special permit.

If you want to experience Tibet without the health complications and still wish to experience the high altitude Qinghai and Shangri-La in Yunnan province can meet that criteria. Once again you do not need a speacial Tibetan entry permit.
Asked by Mr.Kay from USA | Jul. 20, 2009 13:07Reply
If a Westerner wanted to stay the night with a local family...how would one go about doing this? Just one night and just one person. Do not mind sleeping on the floor! Will be there August 27th for one night. Thanks!
Answers (2)
Answered by Mr.Frank | Jul. 21, 2009 20:28
150Reply


Have no idea on whether this kind of accommodation is available in Xining City. But, some families do rent their rooms to travelers at very budget price. If possible, you could find one when you arrive there!
Answered by Kron from GERMANY | Apr. 04, 2016 03:04
00Reply


If you enter Tibet, you must join a package tour.

This can be done in your country of origin or when you arrive in China. This is mandatory and the Chinese government WILL NOT negate from this policy. No one (in this case you- the foreigner) just rock up to Tibet unannounced. Everything is meticulously planned right down to the smallest detail. If you do decide to join a packaged tour- international tour groups will arrived well before winter. Domestic tours have the option of commencing the tour any time of the year even in the dead of winter. If your tour only commences and finishes in Lhasa (and do not exit the city area), this is the cheapest option as your tour guide can schedule free and easy option for you and you can board and disembark from any public transportation without fuss.

You do not have this luxury once your schedule is outside of Lhasa.

If you find this too restrictive, Qinghai, Ningxia, Yunnan and Sichuan have Tibetan cities where the majority of the population is Tibetan. These cities have authentic Tibetan culture which is not watered down for foreign consumption. Secondly, all these cities do not need you to have a special permit. Local youth hotels especially Lete might have messages from travellers from all over the world and can connect you to the appropriate immersive experience.

If you want to experience Tibet without the health complications and still wish to experience the high altitude Qinghai and Shangri-La in Yunnan province can meet that criteria. Once again you do not need a speacial Tibetan entry permit.
Asked by Ms.jenny from MALAYSIA | Jul. 09, 2009 09:24Reply
i shall arrive in Beijing on 13.8.09 and hope to catch a train to Xining on 14.8.09. Please advise how best to secure the train tickets - soft sleeper for a more comfortable journey. I do not have a credit card issued by a China bank. Jenny
Answers (1)
Answered by Mr.Shan | Jul. 10, 2009 22:24
00Reply


It is difficult to purchase a train ticket for there just one day in advance, especially during the hot travel season. So, you may consider to ask for help from a China tour agency or fly there directly. Hope this helps!
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