First trip to Xining? Follow this itinerary!

Xining is a city full of historical and cultural charm. Here's a detailed Xining travel guide to help you better plan your trip. Itinerary: Day 1: Xining City Tour Morning: Visit the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum and experience the charm of Tibetan culture. Noon: Enjoy a local breakfast at the Wuyi Morning Market, such as Maersha Beef Offal Soup and Gajinwa Lamb Intestine Noodles. Afternoon: Visit Dongguan Mosque and learn about Muslim culture. Evening: Head to one of Xining's four major night markets and sample local snacks like Ning tea and Delu yogurt. Day 2: Ta'er Monastery and Qinghai Lake Morning: Visit Ta'er Monastery, one of the six great Gelugpa monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Afternoon: Travel to Qinghai Lake and admire its beauty. Evening: Stay overnight near Qinghai Lake and enjoy the starry sky. Day 3: Chaka Salt Lake and Delingha Morning: Visit Chaka Salt Lake and experience the beauty of the "Sky Mirror." Afternoon: Head to Delingha, enjoying the scenery of the Gobi Highway along the way. Day 4: Delingha - Dunhuang Morning: Depart from Delingha, cross the Qaidam Basin, and head to Emerald Lake. Afternoon: Arrive in Dunhuang and visit the Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring. Evening: Participate in a bonfire party and enjoy desert fireworks. Day 5: Dunhuang - Jiayuguan - Zhangye Morning: Visit the Mogao Caves. Afternoon: Travel to Jiayuguan and visit the Jiayuguan Fort. Evening: Arrive in Zhangye. Day 6: Zhangye - Xining Morning: Visit the Zhangye Danxia Landform. Afternoon: Head to Qilian Grassland and admire the blooming rapeseed flowers. Evening: Arrive in Xining. Recommended Attractions: Ta'er Monastery: One of the six great Gelugpa monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in China, famous for its exquisite architecture and art. Qinghai Lake: The largest inland saltwater lake in China, with azure waters surrounded by snow-capped mountains and grasslands. Chaka Salt Lake: Known as the "Sky Mirror," the lake's clear water makes it a paradise for photographers. Dongguan Mosque: One of the most famous mosques in Xining, grand and solemn. Qinghai Provincial Museum: Rich in collections, showcasing the history and culture of Qinghai. Food Recommendations: Offal Soup: Made with beef and sheep offal, it has a delicious flavor. Qinghai Milk Skin: Similar to dried cheese, it is a local specialty of Qinghai. Niangpi: A traditional Xining snack with a smooth texture. Tsampa: A traditional staple food of Tibetan herders, rich in nutrients. Raft Meatballs: Shaped like sheepskin rafts, they have a delicious flavor. Ga Mian Pian: A traditional Hui Muslim noodle dish with various flavors. Accommodation Recommendations: Xining City: It is recommended to stay near the city center for convenient transportation and access to food and attractions. Qinghai Lake: You can choose to stay in guesthouses or hotels by the lake to enjoy the lake view. Dunhuang: It is recommended to stay near Mingsha Mountain for easy access to attractions. Transportation Guide: Transportation within Xining city is convenient. You can choose buses, taxis, or shared bikes. To visit attractions such as Ta'er Monastery and Qinghai Lake, you can join a tour group or rent a car for self-driving. From Xining to Dunhuang, you can choose to travel by train or plane. Things to Note: Ta'er Monastery is a religious site. Please be respectful of religious customs during your visit. Qinghai Lake and Chaka Salt Lake are at high altitudes. Pay attention to sun protection and warmth. Tickets for the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang need to be booked in advance. Pay attention to food hygiene when trying local cuisine. I hope this guide helps you have a pleasant trip to Xining!