10 Days Qinghai Travel Itineraries

10 Days Qinghai Travel Itinerary

Qinghai, this pristine land towering on the Roof of the World, is like a love letter written by snow-capped mountains and lakes to the sky. There are magnificent plateau landscapes of snow mountains, glaciers, salt lakes, grasslands, and herds of cattle and sheep. There is the profound atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism, where prayer flags and monasteries color the landscape. There are also the awe-inspiring legacy of the Silk Road and the timeless allure of the desert. If you have ten days to explore Qinghai, how can you make the most of your time and fully experience its allure? This guide will provide you with a detailed itinerary for an unforgettable ten-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Qinghai to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.

10 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Family with Kids

Emerald Lake

Day 1: After arriving in Qinghai and taking a brief break in the hotel, you will head to the Danggar Ancient City. In the evening, strolling through the ancient city, with lantern hanging above, you will feel the purest customs in northwestern China.

Day 2: Head to the Riyue Mountain to admire the contrasting landscapes on either side. After lunch, arrive at Qinghai Lake, take a boat ride on the lake, and watch the birds at Bird Island. In midsummer, you can also enjoy the endless sea of blooming rapeseed flowers. Stay overnight in Heimahe Town, where, if the weather permits, you can catch a beautiful sunrise over Qinghai Lake the next day.

Day 3: Take a coach to Delingha, passing by the Gahai Lake along the way, stopping for photos. Upon arrival in Delingha, visit the Haizi Poetry Exhibition Hall, and in the evening, ride the Eye of Delingha Ferris wheel to enjoy a panoramic view of the city at night.

Day 4: Drive to Da Qaidam. Your first stop is the apple-green Qarhan Playa, followed by the jade-green Daqaidam Emerald Lake. Arrive in Da Qaidam in the evening for rest.

Day 5: Head to the Wusute Yadan Geological Park to explore the remarkable geological formations. Then continue on to Huatugou Town, passing by the stunning water highway of the West Taiji Nai'er Lake, with one side in deep blue while the other in emerald green.

Day 6: Visit the mysterious Devil's Eye, Aiken Spring, then head to Mangya Emerald Lake for sightseeing, where bringing a drone will help you capture even more stunning shots. In the evening, continue to Lenghu Town for an overnight stay.

Day 7: Arrive at the Mangya Mars Camp, a place that most resembles the topography of Mars on Earth, and you may stay overnight there for its starry sky.

Day 8: Head to the Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve. Here, you may visit the Ancestor of All Mountains, Kunlun Mountains, and observe the reserve's wildlife from a distance. Return to Golmud in the evening.

Day 9: On the return journey, head to Chaka Town. Visit the Chaka Salt Lake and take the small train deep into the lake for sightseeing. You can also walk onto the lake surface to view and photograph your reflection, and if you are lucky, you might even witness a mirage.

Day 10: Return to Xining, passing through Huangzhong, where you will visit the Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery to admire the butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué artworks.

10 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Pace

Menyuan Rapeseed Flower

Day 1: After arriving in Xining, check in to your hotel to rest and acclimate. During your free time, you can visit one of the city's landmarks, Dongguan Grand Mosque. In the evening, you may head to Mojia Street to explore local delicacies.

Day 2: Head to visit the Kumbum Monastery, exploring the mystical Tibetan Buddhist site. In the afternoon, cross the Laji Mountain to enjoy the alpine grassland scenery. Arrive at Guide to rest in the evening, a small Jiangnan on the plateau.

Day 3: Head to the Danggar Ancient City, traveling through the corridors of history and uncovering the lingering charm of ancient cities.

Day 4: Visit the Riyue Mountain. Drive on the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road, you can see the statue of Princess Wencheng. Then arrive at Qinghai Lake, taking in the breathtaking view where the water meets the sky, accompanied by the soothing presence of adorable birds. In the evening, stay overnight in Heimahe Town.

Day 5: Watch the most beautiful sunrise over Qinghai Lake in Heimahe Town, then head to the Jinsha Bay on the eastern side of the lake to enjoy the scenery. In the evening, enjoy the stunning plateau starry sky, and stay overnight in Chaka Town.

Day 6: Head to Chaka Salt Lake to watch a sunrise, welcoming the first rays of light over the Mirror of the Sky. In the afternoon, travel along the western route around Qinghai Lake toward Qilian, and enjoy close interactions with local herders along the way.

Day 7: After enjoying a leisurely morning, experience the grassland culture on the Qilian Grassland. After lunch, head north into Zhangye, Gansu, to admire the Colorful Danxia.

Day 8: Take a train to Menyuan County and visit the Gang Ziska Snowy Peak. Then, head to Menyuan's famous vast rapeseed flower fields, stretching for miles, and take in the beauty of the natural landscape.

Day 9: Return to Xining, passing by the Heiquan Reservoir, a scenic spot which is perfect for photos, where you can stop for a picnic. In the evening, if you still have the energy, you can visit the Plateau Pearl TV Tower for a panoramic view of the city's nightscape.

Day 10: Take a morning stroll in the Nanshan Park for relaxing. After lunch, you may also head to Xining Wildlife Park to encounter snow leopards and Pallas's cats, getting to know these fascinating creatures of the plateau.

10 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Young Travelers

Chaka Salt Lake

Day 1: After arriving in Xining, visit the Danggar Ancient City, where you can explore local food, admire traditional architecture, and see the unique lanterns in the town.

Day 2: Visit the Riyue Mountain and admire the strikingly different landscapes on either side. In the afternoon, head to Zampulinka, the world's only monastery dedicated to Tibetan kings. Stay overnight in Huangyuan.

Day 3: Arrive in Xihai Town, also called Atomic City, the birthplace of China's first atomic bomb and hydrogen bomb. Explore the Jinyintan Grassland—while it may not rival the Qilian Grassland, it offers its own unique charm.

Day 4: Head to Qinghai Lake and visit its diverse lakeside attractions, including the Jinsha Bay, Qinghai Lake Fishery, and Erlangjian Scenic Area. Stay overnight in Heimahe Town and await the sunrise over Qinghai Lake.

Day 5: After enjoying the sunrise, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the western route around the lake, continuing to take in the beauty of Qinghai Lake. In the afternoon, arrive in Chaka Town for some free time.

Day 6: Arrive at the Chaka Salt Lake, where you will find numerous salt sculptures, and have the chance to create your own. Take the small train deep into the lake for sightseeing, or walk barefoot onto the surface to admire your reflection. If you are lucky, you may even witness a mirage.

Day 7: Take a vehicle along the western route to the north of Qinghai Lake to enjoy the original ecological Gangca Grassland.

Day 8: Head to Qilian County and enter the Qilian Grassland. In the distance, the snow-covered Qilian Mountains meet the vast green expanse of the grassland. Here, you can try horseback riding, interact closely with local herders, and immerse yourself in the bold and spirited culture of the grasslands.

Day 9: Visit the Ebao Ancient City, known as the northern gateway of Qinghai, and then return to Xining for free time. In the evening, you can head to Mojia Street or Yinma Street to explore local delicacies.

Day 10: Visit the Kumbum Monastery to explore the most mystical Tibetan Buddhist site. After lunch, go to the Xining Wildlife Park, interacting with the lovely snow leopards, Tibetan foxes and giant pandas.

10 Days Qinghai cultural Immersion Itinerary

Danggar Ancient City

Day 1: After a short rest, visit the Qinghai Provincial Museum to get an understanding of Qinghai's history and diverse ethnic cultures while gradually acclimating to the high-altitude environment.

Day 2: Visit the Dongguan Mosque and experience its rich Islamic heritage. Nearby, you can also visit the Nanchan Temple and Beichan Temple. In the evening, head to Mojia Street, to enjoy local snacks and delicacies.

Day 3: In the morning, take a stroll through the ruins of Qingtang City Park. Before noon, head to the Danggar Ancient City for an exploration. As night falls, lanterns glow softly along the streets, resembling a gentle and enchanting dream.

Day 4: Head to the Riyue Mountain and walk along the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road while learn about the story of Princess Wencheng. After that, arrive in Qinghai Lake, immersing in the vast blue lake. If you want to witness the stunning sunrise at Qinghai Lake, you can stay at Heimahe Town or camp beside the lake, otherwise, return to Xining.

Day 5: Head to the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, which collects the longest Thangka painting in the world, and where you can wear Tibetan costumes. In the afternoon, continue north to the Huzhu Tu Homeland Park, experiencing the ethnic customs of Tu people.

Day 6: Take a train to Qilian and experience its nomadic culture. On the Qilian Grassland, you can admire the majestic Qilian Mountains and the beautiful vast grasslands, and enjoy activities such as horseback riding and Guozhuang dance.

Day 7: Spend a little more time on the grassland, and then after lunch, bid farewell to the herders and return to Xining.

Day 8: In the morning, drive to the Kunbum Monastery to visit the sacred Buddhist site. Then head east to Haidong City, explpre the Mengda Tianchi, where is often renowned as Xishuangbanna on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and take a picnic there. In the afternoon, arrive in Xunhua and stay overnight.

Day 9: In the morning, drive to the Salar Hometown Folk Culture Park, immersing in the unique Salar ethnic culture found only in Qinghai. Nearby stands the former residence of the late 10th Panchen Lama. Then head to Ping'anyi to experience the folk culture of the Yellow-Huangshui Rivers region.

Day 10: On the last day, return to Xining. You may have a picnic in mountains like local people, or observe a prayer at the Dongguan Mosque.

Customize Your Unique Qinghai Plateau Tour

If you are interested in the Qinghai itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

Alternatively, if you would like to customize your Qinghai Tour, please visit our Qinghai Tour Customized Center. We assure you that you will receive a reply within 24 working hours.

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