Why Travel with Discover Beijing Tours
Unique Experiences
Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
Well-Selected Local Guides
Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and attentive — your personal local guides will share interesting stories, insider information, and even create unexpected highlights!
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Cancel up to 24 hours before the travel date in advance for a full refund
Day 1 Xining Arrival
Welcome to Xining, a city at 2,261 meters above sea level with a cool climate, blending rich culture and stunning natural beauty. It’s the perfect start for your Qinghai exploration, with both urban charm and mountain adventure waiting.
Travel Access
Xining is easily reachable by air from major Chinese cities: Beijing 2hrs, Shanghai 3hrs, Xi’an 3hrs. Convenient flights make it a hassle-free gateway to Qinghai’s unique scenery and culture.
Pearl of Puning
A towering 188-meter landmark offering exquisite dining with sweeping night views of Xining. Dine here to take in the city’s twinkling lights and create a memorable first evening in Qinghai.
Historical Snippet: A modern iconic landmark of Xining, it has become a symbol of the city’s contemporary charm paired with panoramic natural and urban views.
Overnight in Xining.
Day 2 Xining → Qinghai Lake → Xining
Today, drive 150km 2.5hrs to Qinghai Lake, passing through the charming Huangyuan and Riyue Mountain along a picturesque route with endless natural beauty.
Qinghai Lake Highlights
Qinghai Lake is a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism, with a striking sword-like narrow shape plunging into its waters. It draws devout Buddhists from far and wide each year, offering a serene atmosphere for meditation, worship and spiritual reflection.
- Take a cruise on the lake for an unbeatable vantage point to admire its tranquil blue waters and surrounding landscapes.
- The lake’s shoreline is most stunning when clear, with the water glowing in a vivid blue hue that elevates the coastal scenery.
Best Time to Visit
May to October is the ideal period for Qinghai Lake: moderate temperatures, clear skies, full scenic beauty, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching. The lake is open year-round, but these months offer the ultimate experience.
Altitude Tips
Severe altitude sickness is rare at Qinghai Lake, but stay hydrated and acclimatize gradually to minimize any discomfort. Simple precautions ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to this high-altitude wonder.
Historical Snippet: A naturally formed alpine lake, it has been a sacred Buddhist site for centuries and a vital part of Tibetan cultural and spiritual heritage in Qinghai.
In the afternoon, drive back to Xining. Overnight in Xining.
Day 3 Xining → Tongren → Xining
Today, drive 165km 2.5hrs to Tongren, a southeastern Qinghai upland with unspoiled scenery and authentic Tibetan culture—an off-the-beaten-path gem for genuine cultural exploration.
Longwu Monastery
One of the most influential Tibetan monasteries in the Amdo region, with grand architecture and intricate designs. It boasts a 700-year history, preserving centuries of Tibetan Buddhist traditions and spirituality for a transformative cultural experience.
Historical Snippet: Founded over 700 years ago, it is a historic Tibetan Buddhist monastery and a core carrier of Amdo region’s Tibetan cultural and religious heritage.
Wutong Monastery
A hidden gem in a Tibetan village, with a serene atmosphere and stunning traditional architecture. It’s a quiet spot to immerse in the local Tibetan cultural heritage away from the crowds.
Historical Snippet: A small ancient Tibetan monastery, it has preserved the original Tibetan architectural style and local religious customs for hundreds of years.
Tongren Regong Art
Tongren is famous for its authentic Tibetan art forms, the core being Regong Art:
- Includes Thangka paintings, Duixiu embroidery, sculpture, architectural paintings and butter flowers, all rich in cultural significance.
- Artists draw inspiration from Buddha’s life, Tibetan Buddhist teachings, legends and myths, infusing works with spiritual depth and unique originality.
- Colors are vibrant, grand yet harmonious, made from natural pigments refined from mineral and plant juice for organic, vivid hues.
In the afternoon, drive back to Xining, with time to reflect on the profound Tibetan culture and art you’ve experienced. Overnight in Xining.
Day 4 Xining Departure
Today,explore two iconic Xining sites to wrap up your Qinghai journey, then your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your onward trip.
Tibetan Medicine & Tibet Culture Museum
Delve into Tibetan culture and history through rich exhibits and artifacts, gaining deep insights into Tibetan healing methods and spiritual philosophies.
- Admire 80 exquisite Thangka paintings and a diverse collection of ancient surgical instruments, showcasing Tibetan art and medical evolution.
- Don’t miss the Guinness World Record-breaking 618-meter gallery with over 700 Thangka paintings embroidered with countless Barbola patterns—a spectacular cultural sight.
Historical Snippet: A modern cultural museum dedicated to preserving and displaying Tibetan medicine, art and cultural heritage, showcasing the richness of Tibetan civilization.
Dongguan Great Mosque
One of the largest and most prominent mosques in Qinghai, a key site of Xining’s Muslim culture and heritage. It features a fresh pale mint-green exterior with elegant, stylish design, standing out in the city’s cultural landscape.
- Initially built in the early Ming Dynasty, it was later renovated and enlarged to its present grand size and design, a testament to its historical and architectural significance.
- It’s the heart of Xining’s vibrant Muslim community, where disciples gather for worship and events—a vivid display of the city’s cultural diversity.
Historical Snippet: First constructed in the early Ming Dynasty, it is a historic Islamic mosque and a symbol of Xining’s long-standing Muslim culture and ethnic diversity.
Trip Conclusion
Your guide will provide hassle-free escort to Xining’s airport or train station, ensuring you catch your flight/train on time. This 4-day Qinghai journey blends stunning natural landscapes and authentic Tibetan culture, leaving you with lasting memories of Qinghai’s unique beauty and heritage.
Free cancellation
