Xining Leisurely 3-Day Tour | Slow-Paced Travel Guide for Food, Stay & Transport

✨ Xining, this charming city with magnificent natural scenery and unique ethnic customs, is absolutely worth a visit! This 3-day travel guide will help you explore Xining effortlessly—bookmark it now! 🚗 Transportation Guide ✈ Plane: Xining Caojiabao International Airport has airport shuttles to downtown, or you can take a taxi for convenience. 🚄 Train: Xining Station and Xining West Station are major hubs with frequent services—remember to book tickets in advance. 🚌 City Transport: Buses are convenient; download the "Xiadu Xing" APP for QR code payments. Taxis are also affordable—choose freely! 🏠 Accommodation Recommendations 📍 Downtown: Stay near Da Shizi for easy access to food and nightlife. Xining Sofitel Hotel offers great service and facilities (slightly pricier). For budget options, try Homeinn Select Xining—clean and comfortable. 📍 Haihu New District: Scenic area with large shopping centers. Atour Hotel is a great choice for both travel and shopping. 🍱 Must-Try Foods 🥩 Hand-Grabbed Mutton: A must-eat in Xining! Tender and flavorful, best enjoyed with salt and pepper. Try Yixin Hand-Grabbed Mutton in Baiyu Alley. 🥘 Qinghai Hot Pot: Rich broth with diverse ingredients—perfect for family gatherings. Head to Wenjing Street for authentic flavors. 🍜 Ga Mian Pian: Chewy noodles in savory broth with varied toppings. Any local street stall serves it well. 🍦 Yak Yogurt: Thick and creamy with a sweet-tart taste—great for digestion. Delu Yogurt on Mojia Street is highly recommended. 🍪 "Dog Pee" Cake: A crispy, sweet barley pancake with a quirky name. Try it at Ma Zhong Food Court. 🌈 3-Day Itinerary **Day 1: Xining City Tour** Morning: Visit Kumbum Monastery (40min from downtown), a Tibetan Buddhist holy site (¥70 entry). Pro tip: Ask taxis to drop you at East Mountain Gate Parking to avoid forced shuttle rides. 🎨 Highlights: - World-class "butter sculpture" art - Thangka paintings with mineral pigments - Prostrating pilgrims in dusty light Lunch: Yak yogurt + tsampa (roasted barley flour) near the monastery. Afternoon: Qinghai Provincial Museum (free, book ahead) for history and culture. Evening: Explore Daxin Street Night Market for endless food options. **Day 2: Qinghai Lake Day Trip** Morning: Charter a car/join a tour to Qinghai Lake. Activities: Visit Erlangjian Scenic Area (¥100 entry), take photos by the vast lake. Lunch: Try Qinghai Lake fish (opt for farmed alternatives) at lakeside restaurants. Afternoon: Horseback riding or boating before returning to Xining. **Day 3: Nature & Culture** Morning: Qinghai-Tibet Plateau Wildlife Zoo (¥30) to see snow leopards and Tibetan antelopes. Lunch: Local dishes like kangguo lamb and niangpi in the city. Afternoon: Visit Dongguan Mosque (free), then shop for souvenirs on Mojia Street. ❗ Travel Tips 1. Xining’s high altitude may cause AMS—avoid strenuous activity initially and stay hydrated. 2. Sun protection is crucial (sunglasses, sunscreen, UV clothing). 3. Respect local customs, especially at religious sites. Follow this guide and fall in love with Xining! 💕