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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Guide [2025]
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Chaka Salt Lake
4.3
/5
16795 reviews
8.6
From AU$12.74
Based on 94 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609778246999
Address: Chakayan Lake, Ulan, Haixi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Take a Train to the Lake to See the Pure Salt Lake
Train ride to pristine salt lake
Saved by 350 users10803 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
It was a great experience to visit this hotel with my partner. The scenery is beautiful and I will definitely stay here next time. The front desk service was also excellent. They would call you before check-out and everything was very organized.
The small train is very convenient and you can get on and off at every station. You need to pay a deposit for shoe covers, which will be returned when you leave. However, shoe covers are like opening a blind box, and some water may still leak in.
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
7431 reviews
8.3
From %1$s
Based on 49 reviews
Biological Park Area | 77.4 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 users6870 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
16982 reviews
8.3
From AU$14.86
Based on 213 reviews
51.2 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 users9458 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
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.
We drove directly to Ta'er Temple from the cliff in the northern section of Qinghai Lake. That section of the road is a winding mountain road, which is actually quite difficult to drive. However, with the efforts of our comrades, we arrived at Ta'er Temple at 4:30 in the afternoon. It turned out to be just in time. We quickly hired a tour guide, Miss Zhuoma, to take us to quickly check in at each main hall, especially at the last moment we entered the main hall with the Big Golden Buddha. Ta'er Temple is a very famous temple in Tibetan Buddhism and the birthplace of Master Tsongkhapa. As a tourist from Beijing and a traveler who has written about the tour of Lama Temple, I have an inexplicable feeling for Ta'er Temple. Master Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Yellow Sect, who was mentioned many times in the travel notes of Lama Temple, and the design of the four halls of Tibetan Buddhist temples all seemed to appear vividly in front of me, as well as the calligraphy, embroidery, and butter flowers. I was overwhelmed and felt like I was tracing my roots. The most important thing: when you come to Ta'er Temple, you must hire a tour guide to understand this temple.
No.
4
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Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
4.5
/5
2238 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 users1932 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
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.
The night before I went to Ink Danxia, it rained heavily, so the dust in the air and on the mountain was washed away. The colors looked amazing. Magnificent!
No.
5
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Qinghai Lake
4.5
/5
6544 reviews
7.9
From AU$15.29
Based on 598 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609747553999
Address: Qinghai Lake, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture
Boat ride & scenic views
Saved by 185 users3492 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The boarding point is at the passenger center. After entering the main waiting room, go straight inside and there is a separate room. The bus booked on Ctrip is the same as the official bus. You need to ask the staff for your seat number. The tour lasts 3 hours, arriving at Qinghai Lake at 11:20 and returning at 2:30.
Qinghai Lake offers beautiful scenery and fresh air. Despite its high altitude, altitude sickness is minimal. The driveway along the lake is beautifully constructed. The Erlangjian Scenic Area is less interesting, with its man-made landscapes that feel out of harmony with the natural environment.
No.
6
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Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
4.2
/5
5701 reviews
7.9
From AU$15.29
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609748519826
Address: 109 National Rd, Gonghe Xian, Hainan Zangzuzizhizhou, Qinghai Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
3231 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
The Erlangjian Scenic Area at Qinghai Lake offers breathtaking views of the sky and water, each season offering a unique experience. Enjoy boat tours, various water activities, and hiking trails. Free scenic shuttles are also available on the return trip. It's truly worth a visit. Qinghai Lake is located in the plateau region, so be sure to bring extra clothing after October!
The scenic area is very clean, especially the toilets, which are equipped with toilet paper and paper towels. The vast Qinghai Lake, the sapphire blue water, the fresh air, and the feeling of walking by the lake are very pleasant!
No.
7
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Zha Ga Na
4.2
/5
3156 reviews
7.8
From AU$16.98
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 users2311 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.
8
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Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
4.4
/5
1427 reviews
7.8
From AU$22.93
Based on 27 reviews
54 km from downtown
Phone +86097117797222532
Address: 40 km southwest of Wuyuan County, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Diverse landscapes & fluttering prayer flags
Yak rides & highland photography
Saved by 131 users786 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Traveling with a dog, the Sun and Moon Mountain Scenic Area is pet-friendly. There are beautiful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and the story of Princess Wencheng. There is an open grassland where little sheep are grazing leisurely.
Sun and Moon Mountain, a plateau landmark interwoven with history and culture, bears witness to the millennia-long fusion of Han and Tibetan cultures. Once a key point on the ancient Tang-Tibet Road, the legend of Princess Wencheng throwing a precious mirror here to transform the mountain imbues every rock with a rich history. Today, excessive commercialization is impacting this crucial point in the Qilian Mountains.
No.
9
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.5
/5
3111 reviews
7.7
From AU$6.37
Based on 8 reviews
70.5 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
2094 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.
10
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Gansu Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
3809 reviews
7.4
Based on 134 reviews
Gansu Provincial Museum/Lanzhou Center | >100 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 users2450 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.
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