Xining Travel Guide


Referred to as China's Summer Resort Capital, Xining, the capictal of Qinghai Province, is located on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of Huangshui River. 
Facts of Xining
Chinese Name: 西宁市 (xī níng shì)
Location:  on the eastern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the upper reaches of Huangshui River. 
Area: 7,649 square kilometers (2,953 square miles)
Population: 2,333,700
Nationalities: Han, Hui, Tibetan
Administrative Division: At present, this city has four districts (Chengzhong, Chengdong, Chengxi, Chengbei and Haihu), three counties (Huangyuan, Huangzhong, Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County)

History of Xining
It is the political, economic, scientific and technological, cultural and traffic center of Qinghai Province. The activities of human beings in this region can be traced to 2,100 years ago. During the Western and Eastern Han Dynasties, owing to its developing agriculture, the city was paid more attention due to its economic and martial significance. 


What to see in Xining?
As well as being the important hinge between the central plains and the western part of China in ancient time, Xining was the most common passing channel of the famous Silk Road. Until now, it is still the only road by which to enter the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Xining City is the center of politics, economy, culture, education, technology, transportation and commerce in Qinghai Province. Lying at the eastern part of Qinghai-Tibet plateau and the upper reaches of Shuang Shui River, Xining is one of the major gateways to Tibet Autonomous Region. Xining is an ancient highland city with profound history and culture, boasting many beautiful natural spots and historical and cultural landscapes. In addition, the city is a home to may Hui people and the city is very Islamic styles. And also Tibetan people lives there. You can experience unique ethnic lives in Xining. Here lists top attractions in Xining.

Qinghai Lake Dongguan Mosque Sun and Moon Mountain
Bird Island in Qinghai Lake Kumbum Monastery Qinghai Provincial Museum
Qinghai Folk Art Museum Tibet Medicine Culture Museum Northern Buddhist Temple

With a population of more than two million, Xining is the first city on the upper reaches of the Yellow River to achieve a population into the millions. There are about 37 nationalities living here, including Han, Hui, Tu and Tibetan. The local traditions and customs are influenced by these distinctive nationalities, in particular the Tibetan group.


When to visit Xining?
Located in the northwestern China, Xining is considered to be a summer resort with its continental highland semiarid climate. So the summer, from May to September, is the best time to go there. The annual average temperature of Xining is about 6.5ºC while in January the temperature drops to only -8.9ºC and in July it reaches the high of 17.2ºC on average. Attributed to the high altitude, the region is encircled in low air pressure weather systems and as such receives high-levels of ultra-violet radiation, so it is very important for visitors to be prepared with a high factor sun block to defend against sun burn. Another typical climate feature of this region is that the temperature fluctuates widely between day and night. Therefore, several warm garments are also a necessity in your trip to deal with the changeable weather.


How to reach Xining?
The popularity of the region has been enhanced by convenient transportation and accommodation. Xining Caojiabao Airport, located around 28 kilometers (17 miles) from city center, is one of high-altitude airports in western China.  Xining Railway Station operates trains to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Lanzhou, Qingdao, Urumqi and other provinces...Xining Railway Station    Xining Caojiabao Airport


Xining Travel Tips
Dning in Xining: For most visitors from both home and abroad, Xining provides a variety of delicious food and snacks. You can find some special meat products easily here for this is also a pasturing area. However, at the same time, don't forget that your health should be put on the first position. As the capital of Qinghai Province, Xining almost boasts all varieties of local flavors. The cuisine here is distinct from other varieties of Chinese cities using mainly food products native to the area. Only in Xining can you sample the tasty local flavors and snacks. Food here is substantial, but happily quite inexpensive.

Shopping in Xining: Shopping in Xining will add a unique experience to your trip. Although Qinghai Province is located in the far northwest of China, the shopping malls, wholesale markets and retail shops here offer both ordinary goods and unique local specialties of Qinghai and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Xining is the supply depot for visitors who are headed to the other destinations of Qinghai Province and Tibet, making it a great place to shop whether you plan to spend your time Xining or venture on to more remote areas.

Nightlife in Xining:  Here, quite a number of leisure and entertainment venues are waiting for you. Despite being an inland city, Xining will satisfy you with its rich nightlife ranging from cinemas and cafes to clubs and pubs.



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