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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Tianzhu [2025]
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Kumbum Monastery
4.6
/5
16774 reviews
8.3
From AED 36.06
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 229 users9559 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The final leg to Ta'er Monastery was affected by road construction, so if you don't take a taxi, you'll need to walk or take a local taxi. Those who drive don't have to worry about this hassle. It was lightly raining, so the area was mostly touristy, not crowded with large groups. Many people arrived to find a guide, so if you're visiting for the first time, I recommend hiring a guide or renting a guide. There are also some temple rules that require careful attention. Overall, Ta'er Monastery is worth a visit, and it's not too far from the city center. I highly recommend a visit for those who haven't been.
It's definitely worth a visit. We went to Qinghai Lake in the morning and it was raining heavily. Then we went to Sun Moon Mountain in the afternoon. Finally, we arrived at Ta'er Temple. It was raining heavily again. It was already 4:30, so we finished the tour quickly! We saw everything we needed to see. It closed at 5:30.
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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum
4.8
/5
7129 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 196 users6583 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
I went there for the 618-meter long scroll, which was truly breathtaking. The flowing paintings and the comic-like stories really took half a day to appreciate. The gorgeous Tibetan costumes were dazzling and amazing❗️
The North Building of the Tibetan Culture Museum is a treasure trove of Tibetan medical wisdom. Here, millennia-old texts, ancient pharmaceutical tools, and the 618-meter-long "A Panorama of Chinese Tibetan Culture and Art" are quietly displayed. The Tibetan medicine section details traditional diagnostic and treatment systems.
From the ancient wisdom of the Four Medical Classics to the achievements of modern Tibetan medicine research and development, the North Building connects the development of Tibetan medicine. It not only showcases the unique "Three Causes Theory" theory but also presents the practical essence of preparation techniques, pulse diagnosis, and other treatments. This showcases the profound heritage of this ancient medical tradition and bears witness to the enduring brilliance of Tibetan medicine through inheritance and innovation.
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Shapotou Scenic Area
4.8
/5
27642 reviews
8.2
From AED 30.91
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 615 users20843 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
We booked a 299 yuan package, which was quite cost-effective for us as we only had half a day. We tried all the activities in the package, but our favorites were camel riding, surfing and sandboarding, which were a bit exciting and fun.
Only upon entering Shapotou can one truly grasp the perfect fusion of "Jiangnan on the Great Wall" and "desert scenery"! The Yellow River rushes past the desert, and at sunset, the radiant glow casts a dazzling light across the river and sand dunes, creating breathtaking views in every shot. The thrill of motorcycling through the desert, the wind whipping past your ears, is exhilarating; lying on the dunes at night, gazing at the stars, the Milky Way clearly visible, is incredibly romantic. Even more impressive is the wisdom of using wheat straw grids to combat desertification, a testament to the symbiosis between man and nature. Our guide, Zhang Ying, always hits the nail on the head with his explanations, ranging from the history of the ancient Yellow River ferry to the principles of sand control technology. His explanations are engaging and easy to understand, and he adjusts the itinerary to suit everyone's needs, making the entire trip relaxing and enjoyable. A perfect rating!
No.
4
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Lanzhou Danxia Geological Park
4.5
/5
2109 reviews
8.1
From AED 41.21
85.5 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 207 users1822 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The Ink and Wash Danxia was one of the surprises of this self-driving tour from Lanzhou to Dunhuang. Because I didn't want to join the crowds at Zhangye's Colorful Danxia, and also wanted to save time for the Pingshan Lake Grand Canyon in Zhangye, I chose to go to the Ink and Wash Danxia. The scenic area is well designed, the route is clear, and the scenery is really beautiful; the layers of minerals of different colors are indeed more layered and diverse than the beauty of a simple Danxia landform.
For those who have visited both Ink and Wash Danxia, let me share my thoughts. Ink and Wash Danxia was a pleasant surprise, with fewer crowds and a better experience. It's even more interesting than the Seven-Color Danxia. You can drive your own electric cart, and there's a Danxia trail to hike, not just the viewing platform. It's a better value, and you don't have to take an in-depth tour to get the same great experience. We took the scenic area's bus from the visitor center to the Ancient Silk Road, then transferred to a sightseeing bus directly to Danding Lansheng. After checking in, we returned the same way we came. We rented an electric cart and drove to the hot air balloon platform, then rafted to the Nine-Color Danxia. The rafting was incredibly exciting and fun, and the ride was long, winding from top to bottom. The trail leading up from the end of the rafting route is the highlight of the entire Ink and Wash Danxia area—a must-do. From the Nine-Color Danxia, we took a sightseeing bus back to the hot air balloon platform, rented an electric cart again, and returned to the Ancient Silk Road before taking the bus back to the visitor center. 20 yuan included all round-trip transportation, which was a real steal, considering I've been on rides that cost 5 or 10 yuan per trip. Some say renting an electric car for 28 yuan for just a 1-kilometer trip isn't worth it, but that's the joy of the Ink Wash Danxia. It depends on your perspective. You're not allowed to walk on the roads at Zhangye's Colorful Danxia; buses take you directly to the viewing platform. Compared to the in-depth tour of Colorful Danxia I bought, I think the Ink Wash Danxia tour is more cost-effective and offers a better experience.
No.
5
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Qinghai Lake
4.5
/5
6504 reviews
7.9
From AED 30.91
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 182 users3495 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The hotel is strategically located, with convenient transportation and beautiful surroundings. The rooms are well-equipped, clean and tidy, and the beds are comfortable. The hotel service is thoughtful, the staff are warm and friendly, and the service attitude is professional.
It's great, Qinghai Lake is great, but it's relatively suitable for self-driving. I feel that the car is not very convenient. I also took a cruise, a luxury cruise, and fed seagulls. Are you envious? Xixi
No.
6
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Qinghai Lake Erlangjian Scenic Area
4.2
/5
5628 reviews
7.9
From AED 46.36
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609748519826
Address: 109 National Rd, Gonghe Xian, Hainan Zangzuzizhizhou, Qinghai Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
3217 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
The scenery is beautiful and worth a visit. But don't take the train to the peninsula, it's a rip-off. The scenery is similar at the back, but it costs 120 yuan per person. The water bikes at the front are worth trying.
Several scenic spots along the way are worth visiting, especially Chaka Salt Lake and Qinghai Lake, which are also beautiful. The driver also served as a tour guide, providing explanations on the bus and providing attentive and enthusiastic service.
No.
7
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Riyue Mountains (Sun and Moon Mountains)
4.4
/5
1391 reviews
7.8
From AED 50.48
Based on 27 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609714040188
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 125 users765 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
Sun and Moon Mountain is where Princess Wencheng walked. It has beautiful scenery and endless views from far and near. The visual effects are different at different locations. The tickets are not expensive. You can enter by walking on the plank road or by car. The prices in the scenic area are reasonable and cost-effective. It is worth a visit.
According to legend, Princess Wencheng once passed by this mountain when she married Songtsen Gampo. Standing atop the peak, she gazed westward, overcome with longing for home. She took out the "Sun and Moon Mirror" given to her by the empress before her departure, and instantly saw the enchanting scenery of Chang'an.
No.
8
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Xining Wildlife Park
4.5
/5
2945 reviews
7.7
From AED 15.46
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
1949 positive reviews10K views in last month
Verified user reviews
I brought my kids here. The zoo entrance fee was very affordable, and the environment was wonderful, like visiting a park.
The animals were all plump, clean, and adorable.
The snow leopard was so beautiful, and I really wanted to rub its long tail. I missed seeing it eat, which was a shame.
The caracals were so adorable. I didn't see one on my first visit, but I kept trying and went back to see it later. I finally managed to get a few photos.
There were five pandas, and I saw them all, all eating. They were all such foodies.
It's also close to the city; a taxi ride only cost about 10 or 20 yuan. It's a treasure zoo.
You can see the four Tibetan Plateau wild animals: snow leopards, lynx, manul, and desert cat. However, if you go early in the morning, it's recommended to walk counterclockwise from right to left. The four Tibetan Plateau wild animals are mostly on the left side, and the cleaning lady will finish cleaning before letting them out.
No.
9
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Gansu Provincial Museum
4.6
/5
3778 reviews
7.5
Based on 133 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 113 users2423 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
This was my first time at the Provincial Museum. I'd been looking forward to it for a long time, but I was a little disappointed. The building is quite historic, and there was a long line at the entrance early in the morning. However, admission was quite fast. Compared to the flow of people, the exhibition hall itself was quite crowded and chaotic.
Today's lecture was given by Professor Xiaoli, who was very patient and provided comprehensive information. After the lecture, he provided a lot of detailed information, which was very nice.
A reminder: arrive early for your scheduled time. Otherwise, the lecturer will have to contact latecomers while he's explaining, which is a real downgrade.
The museum is rich in artifacts and packed with people. I'd deduct a point for the environment, but for a provincial museum like this, the air conditioning is subpar, making the experience in the northwest feel like the heat and humidity of the south. The curatorial flow and cooling system need further planning. A quick tour takes 1-2 hours, but a more in-depth guided tour would take you a full day or even two.
No.
10
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Mati Grottoes Tourism Area
4.6
/5
2061 reviews
7.3
From AED 6.70
Based on 49 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8609368891646
Address: Dadu Ma Town, Sunan County, Zhangye City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
360° glass deck overlooking mountains
Qilian Mountains & Hexi Corridor
Saved by 105 users1305 positive reviews
Verified user reviews
The scenery here is superb, but the open grottoes (Golden Pagoda Temple and Special Grottoes are not open to the public) no longer exist. They are all later statues. It is painful and sad to see them. I can only imagine the scriptures of that time by relying on the shrines. The regret is beyond words. Fortunately, the weather was good and the rain quickly cleared up. The rainbow, snow-capped mountains, green grass and the beautiful Lama Temple made people feel much more relaxed.
This is actually a very large scenic area. Due to our limited time, we only visited the Buddhist temple built on the cliff, called the 33-day Grottoes, but this has shocked me. Due to the altitude of 2500+, I am a little physically exhausted. If you don’t have altitude sickness and have enough time, you can take a good walk.
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