14 Qinghai Travel Itineraries and Routes

14 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 fourteen 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 two-week trip, ensuring that you can explore Qinghai to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.

14 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Family with Kids

Da Qaidam 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: Head to visit the Chaka Salt Lake and take the small train deep into the lake. You can also walk onto the lake surface, and if you are lucky, you might even witness a mirage. Take a coach to Delingha, passing by the Gahai Lake along the way, stopping for photos. In the evening at Delingha, you may also ride the Eye of Delingha Ferris wheel to enjoy a panoramic view of the city at night.

Day 4: Head to the Keluke–Tuosu Lake Nature Reserve to see the Qinghai–Tibet Railway passing between the two lakes. Afterwards, drive to the apple-green Qarhan Salt Lake. Stay overnight in Golmud.

Day 5: 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 6: Drive to the jade-green Daqaidam Emerald Lake, followed by the Wusute Yadan Geological Park to explore the remarkable geological formations. Arrive in Da Qaidam in the evening for rest.

Day 7: 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 8: 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 9: Enter Gansu, pass by the Yangguan Pass, and head to Dunhuang. Enjoy free time in Dunhuang, and in the evening, you can explore the Shazhou Night Market.

Day 10: Visit the Mogao Caves, the treasure house of art, where digital technology brings new vitality to this ancient art. In the afternoon, head to the Mingsha Mountain to enjoy sand activities and camel riding, and take in the beautiful sunset over the Crescent Spring.

Day 11: Explore the Jiayuguan Fortress, the Greatest Pass Under Heaven, and experience the historical legacy of the ancient Silk Road. Then arrive in Zhangye to admire the beauty of the Colorful Danxia National Geopark.

Day 12: Visit the Mati Temple, and then return to Qinghai. Drive into the Qilian Grassland to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Qilian.

Day 13: Climb the Zhuo'er Mountain, then drive to Menyuan County to admire the vast sea of rapeseed flowers stretching for miles. Finally, return to Xining for free time, and in the evening, you can once again indulge in local delicacies at Mojia Street.

Day 14: On the final day, you will visit the Kumbum (Ta'er) Monastery to admire its butter sculptures, murals, and appliqué artworks. After lunch, head to the Xining Wildlife Park, where you can observe snow leopards as well as manuls and desert cats.

14 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Pace

Snow Leopards

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 the lake to visit the Gangca Grassland, and stay overnight at Gangca.

Day 7: Take a train to Qinghai Lake toward Qilian, and enjoy close interactions with local herders. In the evening, stay at a local tent of the herders.

Day 8: 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 9: Head south to visit Mati Temple, then continue to Biandukou Ecotourism Area for a relaxing and leisurely getaway. In the evening, stay overnight at Minle County.

Day 10: 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 11: 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 12: Head to Ping'anyi Hehuang Folk Culture Experience Area to experience the local customs of Qinghai. In the evening, you can stay within the scenic area or continue on to Haidong for an overnight stay.

Day 13: Visit the Mengda Tianchi and breathe in the fresh air in this natural ecosystem. Return to Xining in the afternoon for free activities.

Day 14: 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.

14 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Young Travelers

Hoh Xil

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: 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 4: 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 5: Visit 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. In the evening, head to Delingha for a stay.

Day 6: Head to Golmud City, passing by the sapphire of the Gobi, Xiaoqaidam Lake. Then visit the apple-green Qarhan Salt Lake before finally arriving in Golmud for rest.

Day 7: Enter the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve and trace the distant footprints of its protected wildlife. This region is also home to the Kunlun Mountains, the Ancestor of All Mountains. Arrive in Qumalai County for an overnight stay before nightfall.

Day 8: Head to the Gongsa Monastery to visit the Great Tsongkhapa Buddha. Then arrive at Longbaotan Nature Reserve for birdwatching. Stay overnight in Zaduo County.

Day 9: Head to the Land of the Snow Leopard, Big Cat Valley, where you may encounter adorable wild felines such as lynxes, Pallas's cats, and leopard cats. In the afternoon, visit Princess Wencheng Temple along the Tang–Tubo Ancient Road and learn about the story of Princess Wencheng.

Day 10: Take a bus to Madoi County, visiting Gajegu Monastery and the Mani stone piles along the way, then continue on to explore the Star Lake Scenic Area.

Day 11: Visit the sister lakes at the source of the Yellow River, the Eling Lake and Zhaling Lake, and take photos with the Ox-Head Monument between the two rivers.

Day 12: Visit Amne Machin, and try circling the mountain like a pilgrim. Of course, even viewing Amne Machin from afar is already breathtaking.

Day 13: Head to Guide County and visit the Guide National Geopark, where you can see Danxia landforms accompanied by the Yellow River.

Day 14: 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.

14 Days Qinghai cultural Immersion Itinerary

Kumbum Monestery

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, drive to the Kunbum Monastery to visit the sacred Buddhist site. In the afternoon, 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 Huangyuan.

Day 5: Arrive in Gonghe and visit the Longyangxia Dam, the highest dam in Asia. Take a boat ride to watch the Yellow River winding its way through the canyon. Afterwards, head to the Xiangpi Mountain, where you can take in sweeping views of beautiful alpine pastures and leisurely grazing sheep.

Day 6: Visit Amne Machin, that is revered by Tibetans as a sacred peak. Every year, large numbers of pilgrims come here for devout worship. If time allows, you can join them in a kora (circumambulation) around the mountain. Stay overnight in Maqên County.

Day 7: Head to Jiuzhi and visit the Nianbao yuze and Lianbao Yeze Scenic Area, where is the Garden of the gods. Tibetans often cast agate beads, silver coins, and heimori into the lake, praying for good fortune and blessings.

Day 8: Arrive in Dari and visit the magnificent Charang Monastery, where you can admire the splendid and elegant murals inside the Padmasambhava Hall.

Day 9: Turn to Gande County and visit the Long'en Monastery to admire the Nepalese-style white stupa, rich in exotic charm. Then head to Dongjidoka Monastery to see the well-preserved Mani stone walls, where devotees gather in great numbers.

Day 10: Head to Maduo and visit the sister lakes at the source of the Yellow River—Eling Lake and Zhaling Lake. Then head to the Ox-Head Monument between the two rivers to experience the enduring and resilient spirit of the people.

Day 11: Cross the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers to arrive in Yushu, that is a small city that blends modernity with traditional Tibetan style. From the Dangdai Mountain viewing platform, you can take in a panoramic view of the city.

Day 12: Take a flight back to Xining, and after a break in the afternoon, head north to the Huzhu Tu Homeland Park, experiencing the ethnic customs of Tu people.

Day 13: 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 14: Spend a little more time on the grassland, and then after lunch, bid farewell to the herders and return to Xining. Visit the Tibetan Culture Museum, which collects the longest Thangka painting in the world, and where you may wear Tibetan costumes.

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