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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Qinghai [2025]
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Chaka Salt Lake
4.3
/5
15530 reviews
8.6
From £11.22
Based on 94 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0977-8246999
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 322 users10719 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
At dusk, we took a small train to go deep into the Chaka Salt Lake. On the way back, we hiked on the snow-white salt crystals, watching the sunset dye the sky and the earth golden red, and the mirror of the sky reflected the most gorgeous sunset.
The price is affordable. I suggest you walk around on foot instead of taking the train. The scenery is very beautiful. You can watch the sunset before leaving the park. Also, the sun is strong during the summer vacation, so be sure to protect yourself from the sun. The wind is even stronger, so remember to put a rope on your hat. It is more laborious and troublesome to hold an umbrella.
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
6339 reviews
8.3
From %1$s
Based on 49 reviews
Biological Park Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone 0971-5317881
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 173 users5842 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Very good! Far better than the Qinghai Provincial Museum! The ticket is worth it. The volunteer lady inside took us through three floors and finished the talk! A comprehensive understanding of Thangka painting, Tibetan Buddhism and all aspects of the Tibetan people! Recommended!
I guess some people, like me, went there for the huge thangka. If you still feel a little short of oxygen when you arrive in Xining, you can go straight to the fourth floor of the exhibition hall to see the highlights. It will be very crowded at the beginning, and the number of people will decrease as you go to the end. There will be not many people in the middle and back parts, because the thangka is really long. If you don’t have rich cultural heritage and interest, you can’t insist on watching it to the end, and the lack of oxygen will be aggravated.
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Kumbum Monastery
4.6
/5
16265 reviews
8.3
From £7.24
Based on 213 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0971-2210188
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 210 users9963 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
When you come to Xining, you must visit Taer Monastery. It is one of the 100 magical scenic spots in the northwest. It is a national 5A scenic spot. It is a representative building of the Gelugpa (Yellow School) of Tibetan Buddhism. The entire temple is a magnificent complex of buildings that combines Han and Tibetan art, consisting of numerous palaces, scripture halls, pagodas, and monks' quarters. It is the activity center of Tibetan Buddhism in the northwest region. It is also well-known in China and Southeast Asia. Suggested tour route: Dharma Protector Hall-Longevity Hall-Great Sutra Hall-Kalachakra Sutra Courtyard-Butter Flower Hall-Scripture Library-Vajra Mandala-Tara Hall. Butter flowers, murals, and pile embroidery are known as the "three unique arts" of Taer Monastery, which are famous both at home and abroad. Among them, butter flowers are listed as the top of the "three unique arts" for their unique materials, complex craftsmanship, and exquisite works.
We had plenty of time, so we took the bus to the Ta'er Monastery. The Ta'er Monastery lived up to its reputation and was magnificent. I realized the profoundness of Buddhism. The monks there were very amiable. On rainy days, the monks passing by used their cassocks to protect the children from the rain.
No.
4
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Wu Su Te (Water) Yadan Geological Park
4.4
/5
3033 reviews
8.0
>100 km from downtown
Phone 13909778220
Address: Dunhuang, Jiuquan, Gansu, China, 736200
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Qinghai
Highlights:
360° view of Yadan Lake
Castle-like formations on water
Saved by 101 users2626 positive reviews
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The Yadan on the water is indeed unique and the scenery is beautiful. There are many large and small Yadan on the shore, you can climb up to enjoy the view, but be careful. There are seagulls in several places, and children will love it!
The scenery of the scenic spot is quite special, and the Yadan landform on the water is very special. The area is also relatively large, and you still have to take a sightseeing bus. There are many entertainment projects in the scenic area. The scenery is quite photogenic, and there are many seagulls.
No.
5
Chaerhan Salt Lake
4.7
/5
1957 reviews
8.0
From £10.14
Based on 15 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 18309798669
Address: Chaerhan Town, Golmud City, Haixi Mongolian and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.2 of r fun & cool retreats in Qinghai
Highlights:
20-mile salt bridge across lake
Spectacular salt crystals & unique landscape
1671 positive reviews10K views in last month
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The apple green that God overturned the color palette is the best interpretation of this place. I personally think it is worth a visit. Water is the soul of this place. The scenic spot has also added various Internet celebrity elements of the seaside. If you don’t say it when taking a photo, you would think it is Sanya or Maldives. It will definitely satisfy the fantasy of the sea for those who have never been to the seaside!
There are industrial development sites everywhere. The 40-minute bus ride to the scenic area is really unremarkable. The scenery of each salt lake is almost the same. The only thing worth praising is probably the catering at the exit of the scenic area. Considering that there is nothing to eat within a two or three hour drive around, the catering service is great, especially the rice noodles are very good!
No.
6
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Qinghai Lake
4.5
/5
6319 reviews
7.9
From £6.21
Based on 598 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0974-7553999
Address: Qinghai Lake, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of r fun & cool retreats in Qinghai
Highlights:
Clockwise lake tour & Tibetan culture
Boat ride & scenic views
Saved by 167 users3438 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
In July, I visited Qinghai Lake again. Located in Qinghai Province, China, it is the largest inland salt water lake in China, covering an area of about 4,583 square kilometers and an altitude of 3,200 meters. The lake is clear and blue, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, grasslands and rapeseed fields, with magnificent scenery. This is an important habitat for migratory birds, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau". Qinghai Lake is also a holy lake for Tibetan people, with important religious and cultural significance. Every summer, the lake-round bicycle race attracts many tourists and becomes a famous tourist attraction.
The beauty of Qinghai Lake is well-deserved! Thank you to the driver Xiao Mo for his considerate, thoughtful, meticulous and warm arrangements and guidance ❤️❤️❤️ Let us experience the wonderful scenery and service 🌹🌹🌹 This trip was very happy and enjoyable! I will go to Qinghai Lake again and look forward to meeting Master Xiao Mo again😊
No.
7
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Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
4.4
/5
1291 reviews
7.7
Based on 27 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0971-4040188
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 116 users708 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
It is worth recommending. Be careful of altitude sickness. It is 3500 meters above sea level. It is very cold and windy. You must keep warm. The transportation is inconvenient. Our family rented a car from Ctrip. It is more cost-effective and convenient. The scenery is beautiful. It depends on the weather. The beautiful Qinghai is worth your visit.
It is worth a visit. Qinghai is a recommended place. The altitude is high, 3,500 meters. It is recommended to be prepared and bring some thick clothes. I wear short sleeves and it is cold. The transportation is not very convenient. You don’t need to drive yourself. You can rent a car on Ctrip. After playing in Sun and Moon Mountain, go to Dangger Ancient City. On the way, go back to Xining City. It is very convenient
No.
8
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.5
/5
2421 reviews
7.6
From £3.11
Based on 8 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0971-3922193
Address: No. 9 Xingzhi Road, Chengxi District, Xining City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.2 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Qinghai
Highlights:
Simulated alpine rocks for snow leopards
Wildlife viewing & educational experience
1526 positive reviews10K views in last month
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The zoo is worth visiting. There are many animals that you can't see in the mainland. What touched me most was the zoo's unremitting efforts to save wild animals. Snow leopards, lynxes, and manuls are the children's favorites~
The zoo is very big, and there are many animals from the plateau, which are not found in other zoos. When I went there, there were not many people inside, which was really comfortable. There were not many people, and the leisurely and slow-paced feeling was really good.
No.
9
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Menyuan Rapeseed Flower Field
4.4
/5
956 reviews
7.4
From £5.79
Based on 39 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0970-8610333
Address: Haiyuan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Menyuan Hui Autonomous County
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
474 positive reviews10K views in last month
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Menyuan Hundred Miles of Rapeseed Flowers is located in the Menyuan Basin in the northeast of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in Qinghai Province, between the Qilian Mountains and the Daban Mountains. It is the largest rapeseed planting area in northern China, covering an area of more than 500,000 mu. Every July, the golden rapeseed flowers stretch for nearly 100 kilometers, like a vast golden ocean, complementing the blue sky, snow-capped mountains, and barley fields, forming a magnificent plateau pastoral painting. It is known as one of the "Top Ten Most Beautiful Flower Seas in the World". The best viewing period is from July 10 to 25, during which the Rapeseed Flower Tourism Festival is held, attracting many tourists to visit and take photos. Tickets can be booked online.
If you want to see the rapeseed flowers, you can climb up to enjoy them. However, it is not suitable for people with poor physical strength, because there are stairs and high altitude, which is a bit tiring. The whole scenic area can be visited in 30 minutes.
No.
10
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Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area
4.6
/5
3168 reviews
7.2
From £6.24
Based on 23 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone 0970-8679114
Address: Behind the central square of Babao Town, Qilian County, Haibei Tibetan
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
360° views: mountains & rivers
Danxia landforms & lush green meadows
1996 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified User Reviews
The scenery is still very shocking! Visitors can climb up the mountain and then go down the water slide. It costs 75 yuan per person, which is still okay! It's a little like the colorful Danxia. The scenery of Qilian Mountain is pleasant.
Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area is located on the edge of Qilian County, Qinghai Province. If you live in Qilian County, you can drive there in 10 minutes.
Zhuoer Mountain belongs to Danxia landform, with red exposed rocks, endless green grassland, yellow rapeseed fields, and snow-capped peaks of Qilian Mountain in the distance. The scenery is so beautiful that it deserves the reputation of Oriental Little Switzerland.
Recommended for summer travel!
Pay attention to sun protection and wear thicker clothes. It is still a bit cold on the top of the mountain.
There will be no altitude sickness if you go up slowly.
We happened to encounter the Qinghai Lake 🚴🏻♀️ cycling race. Qilian County closed the road at 7 o'clock in the morning, so we had to leave Qilian County in advance and arrived at the entrance of Zhuoer Mountain Scenic Area before 7 o'clock. I thought I had to wait at the door for 1 hour because the scenic area opened at 8 o'clock, but I didn't expect the scenic area to go to work early and check tickets at 7 o'clock. Like 👍👍👍
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