Xining Panda Pavilion is the largest single panda pavilion in China and also the panda pavilion with the largest number of pandas in western China. It is rich in vegetation, with trees, shrubs and grasslands, as well as fog forests, perches, pools, etc. The panda pavilion is located on a hillside and is a circular building, like a ribbon, blending in with the lush woods around it.

Xining · 4.5km from downtown

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Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - South Pavilion

4.4

5.0/5

5 reviews

Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - South Pavilion is located in Xining, Qinghai Province, and is a comprehensive museum dedicated to showcasing culture and history. Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - South Pavilion is dedicated to preserving and promoting rich cultural heritage, providing visitors with a platform to gain an in-depth understanding of history, art, and lifestyles. Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - South Pavilion features an architectural style that blends traditional elements with modern design concepts, giving it a solemn and distinctive appearance. The museum's exhibition halls are well-laid out and feature a diverse range of exhibits covering art, folklore, history, and more. Through carefully curated exhibitions, visitors can systematically learn about the evolution and development of the culture. In terms of folk culture, the South Pavilion vividly showcases the daily lives, festive activities, and traditional customs of the people through physical artifacts, photos, and video materials. Whether it is traditional clothing, cuisine, or vibrant festival celebrations, visitors can experience the unique charm and diversity of the culture here.

Xining · 8.3km from downtown

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Xining Xiadu Bohui Hot Spring Water Ventures

No. 1 of Hot Springs Attractions in Qinghai

Xining Xiadu Bohui Hot Spring Water Ventures

4.4

4.4/5

113 reviews

The indoor hot spring area of Xining Xiadubohui Hot Spring Water Park has 40 hot spring pools with rich shapes and different characteristics; the outdoor hot spring area of about 2,000 square meters has 13 hot spring pools. The dynamic water park covers an area of about 16,300 square meters, with a variety of water entertainment equipment including wave pool, monster bowl, spiral slide, water roller coaster slide, skateboard Surfing, children's hillside combination slide, trumpet slide, lazy rafting river, children's water fortress, etc. There are also various leisure facilities such as sea wave beach, theme pool and tropical style thatched pavilion; the hot spring swimming pool has a 50-meter-long 8-lane standard swimming competition pool and a standard training pool.

Xining · 14.4km from downtown

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Riyue Mountain - Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall

4.4

3.0/5

2 reviews

Riyue Mountain - Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall is located within the Riyue Mountain Scenic Area in Huangyuan County, serving as a tourist and cultural experience destination that deeply integrates natural geography with history and culture. Since ancient times, Riyue Mountain has been an important mountain pass connecting the Central Plains with the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Historically known as "Chiling," it was a vital passage on the Southern Silk Road and the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road leading to Tubo and the south. It also serves as the dividing line between agricultural and pastoral cultures, with fertile farming areas to the east and vast grassland views to the west. The memorial hall itself is solemn and dignified. Its exhibits primarily focus on the story of Princess Wencheng and the Tubo King Songtsen Gampo, recreating the historical scene of the princess's journey to the Tibetan region through statues, murals, and stone inscriptions. The hall houses statues of these two historical figures to express the historical significance of Han-Tibetan cultural exchange and ethnic unity, bearing witness to Princess Wencheng's significant contributions in spreading the advanced culture, agricultural techniques, and Buddhist faith of the Central Plains to the Tibetan region.

Huangyuan · 30.4km from downtown

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Painting Grand View Exhibition Hall

4.4

4.8/5

9 reviews

Painting Grand View Exhibition Hall features the Guinness World Record-holding "China Tibetan Culture and Art Painting Grand View," which is also protected by national copyright. "Painting Grand View" is approx. 618m long, with a surface area of approx. 1,500 square meters. It features over 700 thangkas and more than 3,000 different applique embroidery patterns. Its profound content covers Tibetan perspectives on the formation of the universe, as well as history, religion, medicine, cultural life, and many other aspects, making it an encyclopedia of Tibetan culture. It took 27 years from conception to completion to create "Painting Grand View," which was produced by over 400 Tibetan, Mongolian, Tu, and Han scholars, experts, and artisans from the five provinces and regions of Qinghai, Tibet, Gansu, Sichuan, and Yunnan, using natural pigments and traditional Tibetan artistic painting techniques. The work is magnificent and colorful, rich in color and exquisite in detail—it is truly breathtaking!

Xining · 8.3km from downtown

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Qunjia National Forest Park

4.3

5.0/5

2 reviews

Qunjia National Forest Park is located in Qunjia Tibetan Ethnic Township, nestled within the majesticLaji Mountain, and features a typical alpine canyon landscape. The area boasts unique and stunning natural scenery, a mysterious and ancient history and culture, and is known as the "Green Pearl of the Plateau".

Xining · 39km from downtown

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Yak Butter Scripture Hall

4.2

4.6/5

30 reviews

The Butter Flower Pavilion has a one-entrance and two-courtyard layout, and the main hall is a Tibetan flat-roofed building with exquisite shape, solemn and gorgeous.

Xining · 23.9km from downtown

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Nanchan Temple

4.1

4.5/5

82 reviews

Nanchan Temple, also known asNanshan Temple, is located at thefoot of Nanshan Mountainon the southwest side of Xining. It was first built during the Northern Song Dynasty, belongs to the Pure Land sect, and is one of the earliest Han Buddhist temples in Qinghai. Nanchan Temple has historically enjoyed great popularity among worshippers and is an important Buddhist activity site in Qinghai, attracting many pilgrims. The temple was damaged by war and natural disasters throughout history, and most of the current structures were rebuilt during the Qing Dynasty, yet it remains one of Xining's precious ancient architectural complexes. The entire temple follows the layout of classical Chinese architecture, rigorous and orderly, making it distinctive in the Qinghai region, where many Tibetan Buddhist temples are scattered.

Xining · 831m from downtown

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Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park - Snow Leopard Pavilion

4.1

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park - Snow Leopard Pavilion is located in Xining, Qinghai, and is one of the most representative snow leopard-themed exhibition areas in China. As Qinghai is situated in the northeastern part of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and possesses an important habitat suitable for snow leopards, the park has long been involved in snow leopard conservation, breeding, and public education. Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park - Snow Leopard Pavilion is designed with a highland mountain ecosystem as its backdrop. Inside, rocks, slopes, and activity spaces simulate the snow leopard's natural environment, allowing visitors to observe the living conditions of this large highland feline more intuitively. Compared to standard animal exhibits, this area places greater emphasis on ecological conservation and public education, which has garnered significant attention from many visitors and animal enthusiasts. Because snow leopards live in remote, high-altitude, and cold mountainous regions, they are rarely seen in the wild. This pavilion offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about this rare animal up close.

Xining · 4.3km from downtown

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Ta'er Monastery - Babaoruyi Tower

4.1

4.6/5

138 reviews

Ruyi Pagoda is located in the Ta'er Monastery. There are 8 Ruyi Pagodas in a row, built in the 41st year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty (1776). It has a pointed roof, a round top and a square bottom, and is built to commemorate the eight major events of Sakyamuni.They are: 1. Lotus Gathering Pagoda, called Babang in Tibetan. It commemorates the fact that when Sakyamuni was born, he took 7 steps and a lotus flower appeared at each step. 2. Four Noble Truths Pagoda, called Tashi Gomang in Tibetan. It commemorates Sakyamuni's first reincarnation and his preaching of the Four Noble Truths. 3. Peace Pagoda, called Yandun in Tibetan. It commemorates Sakyamuni's calming down of the monks' arguments. 4. Bodhi Pagoda, called Xiangqu in Tibetan. It commemorates Sakyamuni's enlightenment. 5. Miraculous Pagoda, called Qiongchu in Tibetan. It commemorates Sakyamuni's various miracles of subduing heretics and demons. 6. Descent Pagoda, called Labo in Tibetan. It commemorates Sakyamuni's return to the human world to save all living beings. 7. Victory Pagoda, called Nanjie in Tibetan. It commemorates Sakyamuni's victory over the demon army. 8. Nirvana Pagoda, called Niangde in Tibetan. It commemorates Sakyamuni's passing away.

Xining · 23.4km from downtown

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Kumbum Monastery

8.2

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Xining · 23.7km from downtown

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Xining Laji Mountain, Qinghai Lake, Riyue Mountains Day Tour: Private Transfer Service

Xining

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8D7N • Xining + Lanzhou: Twin cities of Silk Road Islamic culture Muslim-friendly

The Silk Road Islamic Cultural Twin Cities recommend halal restaurants and nearby places of worship, while also showcasing the rich culture and natural landscapes of northwest China. | Enjoy private transfers with professional drivers and convenient airport pickup and drop-off. | Private transfers by professional drivers, offering one-stop airport pick-up & drop-off. Our well-balanced itinerary combines natural landscapes and cultural visits.

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10D9N • Xinjiang + Gansu + Qinghai + Dunhuang + Jiayuguan + Qinghaihu

4.8/5

7 reviews

Arrive and depart without delay, supported by real-time WeChat communication and 24-hour pick-up and drop-off services. | Explore the most splendid attractions of Gansu and Qinghai provinces, enjoying a comprehensive view of the entire landscape of Northwest China in one go. | Stay in a 4-star luxury hotel throughout the trip with exclusive service for each guest and each vehicle.

MandarinGuaranteed departureTour guide includedFree cancellationArr. & dep. transfers incl.Deposit acceptedArr. transfers incl.Private Tours

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Xining Laji Mountain & Kumbum Monastery & Zongkharaze Half-Day Tour: Private Car Service

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Xining Kumbum Monastery Half-Day Tour: Private Car Transfer [Flexible Departure!]

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Xining Laji Mountain + Kumbum Monastery + Zongkala Tse Half-Day Tour - Visit Three Iconic Landmarks in Half a Day

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 5.5 hrs

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Private pick-up&drop-off service including | Qinghai one-day tour: Ta'er Monastery + Tibetan Culture Museum + 618-meter Tibetan cultural Thangka

5.0/5

· 1 review

Duration: 8.6 hrs

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Xining Tibetan culture, wildlife and food tour

Duration: 6 hrs

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Depart from Xining: Kumbum Monastery Half-Day Tour with Private Car Service & Tickets Included

Duration: 3 hrs

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Private Charter | Hotel Pickup & Drop-off | Ta'er Monastery + Ashigong National Geopark

5.0/5

· 1 review

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Tibetan culture science popularization + danxia taoist temple--[Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - Earthen Building]

Duration: 8.5 hrs

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Xining Today's weatherOvercast -2-11℃

Xining weather for the next 2 days11/15: -4-5℃, 11/16: -6-3℃

Free things to do in Xining

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What travellers say about Xining

帕格拉专诸1 October 2024

5.0

The first time I went to Xining, I made a special trip to visit the Panda Pavilion. The four pandas were well-fed, with toys and Fengrong. Although the venue was not large, it was very clean. There were not many visitors. You could see the cats outside up close. There were security guards on site to maintain order, which was very good 👍

Xining Panda House

M28***583 May 2025

5.0

The content is unique, profound and worth going to. Recommended

Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - South Pavilion

M46***523 January 2026

5.0

This venue is a real gem! The hot springs on the first floor are so relaxing, with many pools to choose from. The second floor has a yoga room, game room, cinema, billiards room, and a lounge, all of which are free. It's incredibly good value for money.

Xining Xiadu Bohui Hot Spring Water Ventures

M91***763 February 2026

5.0

A very peaceful place, with statues of Princess Wencheng and Songtsen Gampo in the main hall.

Riyue Mountain - Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall

qmxc18 November 2024

5.0

The Grand Hall of Painted Paintings has won the Guinness World Record and has a certificate for exhibition. The Grand Hall of Painted Paintings is 618 meters long and has more than 700 thangka works. There are more than 300 different pile embroidery patterns, which are profound and extensive. Among them are exquisite linked characters such as double dragons playing with pearls. The craftsmanship is superb.

Painting Grand View Exhibition Hall

卖菜的猫11 August 2021

5.0

The primeval forest natural oxygen bar is the best choice for picnics and barbecues

Qunjia National Forest Park

魔女锦鲤8 January 2020

5.0

The Butter Flower Exhibition Hall is the most amazing exhibition hall for me. Meiduo Quebakang, called "Butter Flower Exhibition Hall" in Chinese, which literally means "Butter Flower Hall", is an antique building combining Tibetan and Han styles. The air conditioner is very strong in the hall, and the exhibitions in the hall are butter flowers, murals, and pile embroidery, the three wonders of Tibetan art in Ta'er Temple. The most attractive thing is the statues in the glass cabinet. There happened to be a guide explaining that these statues are the butter flowers, the crown of the three wonders of Ta'er Temple. Butter flowers have been included in the national intangible cultural heritage list. Butter flowers are updated every year, so you can see different exquisite works at different times. You can't take pictures indoors, so you can only keep these beautiful butter flowers in your heart.

Yak Butter Scripture Hall

大叔的星辰大海！4 April 2026

4.0

Located opposite Beichan Temple (also known as Tulou Temple or Taoist Temple) in Xining, Nanchan Temple is a Tibetan Buddhist temple with a distinct style. It features a large prayer wheel. While its incense offerings are slightly less abundant than Beichan Temple's, it's still a worthwhile attraction. Transportation is convenient; it's not far from the city center and can be easily accessed by taxi or bus.

Nanchan Temple

吴立珍8 January 2020

4.0

The Eight Auspicious Pagodas are located in the square in front of the temple and are the most unique symbol of Kumbum Monastery. The eight pagodas are similar in shape, with white and gray plaster on the body, blue bricks on the base, and scriptures on the waist. Each pagoda also has a niche on the south side containing Sanskrit text.

Ta'er Monastery - Babaoruyi Tower

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Trip Moments in Xining

Chaka Salt Lake: The Mirror of the Sky in Autumn.

“Chaka Salt Lake in autumn is a true mirror of the sky.”

@Rio55 · travelersvoice · 29 days ago

🇨🇳🏔️ The Roof of the World: My Unforgettable Tibet Train Experience via #windowseatsview

“Have you ever dreamed of touching the "Roof of the World"?”

@Bryan_22 · tibettrain · 6 days ago

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Things to do in Xining

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Xining

Xining Panda House

Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - South Pavilion

Xining Xiadu Bohui Hot Spring Water Ventures

Riyue Mountain - Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall

Painting Grand View Exhibition Hall

Qunjia National Forest Park

Yak Butter Scripture Hall

Nanchan Temple

Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Park - Snow Leopard Pavilion

Ta'er Monastery - Babaoruyi Tower

Traveller favourites curated for you

Kumbum Monastery

Xining Laji Mountain, Qinghai Lake, Riyue Mountains Day Tour: Private Transfer Service

8D7N • Xining + Lanzhou: Twin cities of Silk Road Islamic culture Muslim-friendly

10D9N • Xinjiang + Gansu + Qinghai + Dunhuang + Jiayuguan + Qinghaihu

Experiences you can't miss in Xining

Featured Culture & history in Xining

Free things to do in Xining

Nanchan Temple

Xining Botanical Garden

Museum of Natural Resources of Qinghai Province

Laji Mountain Pass

Xining Museum

Beichuan River Wetland Park

What travellers say about Xining

Xining Panda House

Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum - South Pavilion

Xining Xiadu Bohui Hot Spring Water Ventures

Riyue Mountain - Princess Wencheng Memorial Hall

Painting Grand View Exhibition Hall

Qunjia National Forest Park

Yak Butter Scripture Hall

Nanchan Temple

Ta'er Monastery - Babaoruyi Tower

Trip Moments in Xining

Chaka Salt Lake: The Mirror of the Sky in Autumn.

🇨🇳🏔️ The Roof of the World: My Unforgettable Tibet Train Experience via #windowseatsview

Popular cities near Xining

Qinghai Lake

Zhangye

Dunhuang

Lanzhou

Golmud

Qilian

Frequently asked questions

How can I contact Trip.com customer support?

Can I change or cancel my booking?

How can I get discounted prices?