How to Plan a Qinghai Tour

Qinghai, known as the "Roof of the World" and "Land of the Three Rivers," is a province where snow-capped peaks meet vast salt lakes, and ancient Tibetan traditions blend with nomadic heritage. Home to the source of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong rivers, Qinghai offers a journey through China’s most pristine wilderness and spiritual heartlands. This guide provides a detailed roadmap for first-time visitors, ensuring an immersive exploration of Qinghai’s unique ecological and cultural wonders.

Preliminary Preparation

Visa and Permits
Foreign travelers need a valid Chinese visa. Permits are not required for most areas, but advance registration is recommended for remote regions like the Three Rivers Source Region.

Flights
Fly to Xining Caojiabao International Airport (XNN), the main hub. Direct flights connect major cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu. High-speed trains link Xining to Lanzhou (2.5 hours) and Xining to Lhasa (21 hours via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway).

Accommodation
Choose culturally rich areas:

• Xining: Stay near Dongguan Mosque for easy access to markets and Muslim culture.
• Qinghai Lake: Opt for a lakeside yurt camp or eco-lodge.
• Yushu: Book a Tibetan-style guesthouse near the Gyegu Monastery.

Transportation

• Private Drivers: Hire a local driver for remote areas (e.g., Three Rivers Source, Nianbao Yuze).
• Qinghai-Tibet Railway: The world’s highest railway (averaging 3,000m) offers scenic views of grasslands and snow peaks.
• Shared Taxis: Use dolmus (minibuses) in cities like Xining and Golmud.

Weather Preparation

• Spring (Apr-Jun): Cold (0-15°C), with occasional snow. Ideal for mountain views.
• Summer (Jul-Aug): Mild (10-25°C), but rainy in the south (e.g., Yushu).
• Autumn (Sep-Oct): Crisp air (0-20°C), perfect for hiking and lake tours.
• Winter (Nov-Mar): Harsh cold (-20°C), but fewer crowds and discounted accommodations.

Essential Apps

• Google Maps/Baidu Maps: For navigation in cities.
• Tibetan-English Translator: For interacting with locals.
• Altitude Tracker: Monitor elevation (critical for high-altitude areas).
• Qinghai Cultural Heritage App: A guide to historical sites and Festivals.

Top Attractions & Cultural Experiences

Xining: Gateway to the Tibetan Plateau

• Dongguan Mosque: A 14th-century mosque blending Islamic and Tibetan architecture.
• Kumbum Monastery (Ta’er Si): A Gelugpa Buddhist monastery with golden stupas and butter sculptures.
• Xining Night Market: Sample niu rou mian (beef noodles) and shop for Tibetan silverware.
• Tibetan Medicine Culture: Learn about sowa rigpa (traditional medicine) at the Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Museum.

Qinghai Lake: China’s Largest Saltwater Lake

• Bird Island: A sanctuary for migratory birds (e.g., bar-headed geese, Tibetan sandgrouse).
• Cycling Around the Lake: Rent a bike for a 360km loop, passing yak herders and rape fields.
• Tibetan Nomads: Visit a family in a black tent (bo luo) to taste yak butter tea and cheese.

Yushu: Tibetan Heartland

• Gyegu Monastery: The largest monastery in Yushu, with golden prayer wheels and murals.
• Yushu Horse Racing Festival: A July spectacle of horse races, archery, and Tibetan dancing.
• Three Rivers Source Region: Trek to the origin of the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong rivers.

Nianbao Yuze (年保玉则): Alpine Wonderland

• Nianbao Yuze National Geological Park: Hike through alpine meadows dotted with 300+ glacial lakes, including Fairy Lake and Witch Lake.
• Snow Mountain Photography: Capture the 5,369m Nianbao Yuze Peak reflected in crystal-clear waters.
• Nomadic Homestay: Stay with a local Tibetan family to learn tsampa (roasted barley) preparation and yak herding.
• Thangka Art: Paint Buddhist motifs on cotton canvas under the guidance of Jiuzhi County artisans.

Cultural Immersion

• Tibetan Butter Sculptures: Watch artisans create intricate statues from colored butter at Kumbum Monastery.
• Hot Spring Rituals: Soak in natural hot springs near Guide County, believed to cure ailments.
• Festivals:
  • Yushu Horse Racing Festival (Jul): Horse races, archery, and masked dances.
  • Kumbum Monastery Buddha Unveiling (Apr): A ceremony where giant thangkas are displayed.

Suggested Travel Length & Itineraries

1-Day Itineraries

• Xining Focus:
  Morning: Dongguan Mosque + Kumbum Monastery.
  Afternoon: Xining Night Market + Tibetan Medicine Museum.
  Evening: Tibetan dinner at a local restaurant.

• Qinghai Lake Focus:
  Morning: Bird Island + lakeside cycling.
  Afternoon: Visit a nomad family.
  Evening: Sunset at Erlangjian Peninsula.

2-Day Itineraries

• Xining-Qinghai Lake:
  Day 1: Xining highlights (mosque, monastery).
  Day 2: Drive to Qinghai Lake. Cycle and visit nomads.

• Yushu-Three Rivers Source:
  Day 1: Fly to Yushu. Visit Gyegu Monastery.
  Day 2: Trek to the Three Rivers Source.

Multi-City Itineraries
5-Day Classic Qinghai Tour:
Day 1: Arrive in Xining. Visit Dongguan Mosque and Kumbum Monastery.
Day 2: Drive to Qinghai Lake. Cycle and visit nomads.
Day 3: Sunrise at Bird Island. Return to Xining.
Day 4: Fly to Yushu. Explore Gyegu Monastery.
Day 5: Return to Xining or fly home.

7-Day Nianbao Yuze & Tibetan Culture Tour:
Day 1-2: Xining highlights.
Day 3: Drive to Nianbao Yuze (8 hours). Set up camp or stay in a lodge.
Day 4: Hike Nianbao Yuze’s alpine trails. Photograph lakes and snow peaks.
Day 5: Visit Jiuzhi County’s Thangka workshops. Learn basic painting techniques.
Day 6: Return to Xining. Stop at Chaka Salt Lake for “sky mirror” photos.
Day 7: Departure.

9-Day Grand Qinghai Explorer:
Day 1-2: Xining.
Day 3: Qinghai Lake.
Day 4: Bird Island.
Day 5: Drive to Yushu.
Day 6: Three Rivers Source.
Day 7: Yushu Horse Racing Festival.
Day 8: Fly to Xining. Visit Kumbum Monastery.
Day 9: Departure.

Best Time to Visit Qinghai

The optimal months are June-August for wildlife viewing (Qinghai Lake birds) and festivals (Yushu Horse Racing), and September-October for clear skies and autumn foliage. Avoid November-March (extreme cold) and April-May (windy season).

How to Get to Qinghai

• By Air: Direct flights to Xining from major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu) or international hubs (Dubai, Hong Kong).
• By Train: The Qinghai-Tibet Railway links Xining to Lhasa (21 hours) and Beijing (24 hours).
• By Road: Overland buses from Gansu (Lanzhou) or Sichuan (Chengdu).

Where to Stay in Qinghai

• Xining:
  • Luxury: Xining Grand Hotel (central location with views of Dongguan Mosque).
  • Budget: Kumbum Monastery Guesthouse (simple rooms near the monastery).
• Qinghai Lake:
  • Lakeview Eco-Lodge: Cozy cabins with fireplaces.
• Yushu:
  • Gyegu Monastery Guesthouse: Basic rooms with monastery views.
• Nianbao Yuze:
  • Alpine Meadow Camp: Tented accommodation with guided hikes.

Try the Local Cuisine

Qinghai’s cuisine blends Tibetan, Hui Muslim, and Han Chinese flavors, with hearty meat dishes and dairy products:

• Hand-Grabbed Mutton (Zhuashou Yangrou): Boiled mutton eaten with cumin and chili.
• Yak Butter Tea (Po Cha): Salty, creamy tea served in wooden bowls.
• Sweet Fermented Rice (Tianpei): A Hui Muslim specialty made with rice and yogurt.
• Xining Beef Noodles (Niu Rou Mian): Hand-pulled noodles in a clear broth with beef and radish.
• Fried Milk (Nai Pi): Crispy fried dough balls filled with sweet cream.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Xining Night Market: Sample niu rou mian and tianpei at Malayuan Restaurant.
• Yushu: Gyegu Teahouse for yak butter tea and tsampa cookies.

Useful Tips for Qinghai Trips

Safety and Health

• Altitude Sickness: Acclimatize in Xining (2,200m) before ascending to high-altitude areas (e.g., Nianbao Yuze at 4,000m). Avoid alcohol, stay hydrated, and carry Diamox.
• Sun Protection: UV levels are extreme. Wear SPF 50+ and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Cold Weather: Even in summer, temperatures drop sharply at night. Pack layers and a down jacket.

Respect for Culture

• Monasteries: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes and hats before entering chapels.
• Photography: Ask permission before photographing people, especially nomads. Avoid photographing military installations.
• Bazaars: Bargain politely; start at 50% of the asking price.
• Religious Ceremonies: Never walk in front of people praying or touch religious objects.

Transportation in Qinghai

• Private Drivers: Hire a local driver for remote areas (e.g., Nianbao Yuze). Negotiate rates in advance.
• Shared Taxis: In cities, shared taxis (dolmus) are a budget-friendly option.
• Train Tickets: Book high-speed trains via the China Railway 12306 app.

Shopping and Souvenirs

• Authentic Buys:
  • Tibetan Thangka: Hand-painted Buddhist scrolls.
  • Yushu Horse Hair Jewelry: Intricate bracelets and earrings.
  • Nianbao Yuze Yak Wool: Scarves and blankets (ethically sourced).

Unique Insights and Avoiding Pitfalls

• Kumbum Monastery: Book tickets online 7 days in advance. Limited to 3,000 daily visitors.
• Nianbao Yuze: Hire a local guide for hikes; trails can be unmarked.
• Yushu Festival: Arrive early (7-8 AM) for the best seats.
• Nomad Homestays: Bring a small gift (e.g., sugar, tea) for your host family.

Travel to Qinghai With IntoTravelChina

Discover Qinghai’s wild beauty and Tibetan spirituality with IntoTravelChina. Our local experts design personalized itineraries that respect nomadic traditions and Buddhist heritage while exploring iconic sites like Qinghai Lake, Nianbao Yuze, and Yushu’s monasteries. contact us to plan your journey to the “Roof of the World.”

For more details and custom tour packages, visit our website and explore our Qinghai travel guides. Let IntoTravelChina be your gateway to an unforgettable Qinghai adventure.