5 Days Qinghai Travel Itineraries and Routes

5 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 only have five 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 five-day trip, ensuring that you can explore Qinghai to the fullest without missing out on its wonders.

5 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Family with Kids

Zhuo'er Mountain

Day 1: Experience the Charm of Qinghai

After arriving in Xining, take a short rest in to your hotel and before heading to Kumbum Monastery. Admire the monastery's three treasures, murals, embroidery and butter sculptures, while learning about the rich history of this ancient temple. In the evening, you can visit Mojia Street to explore the local cuisine and sample a variety of Qinghai specialties.

Day 2: Explore the Grand Qilian Mountain

Take a train to Menyuan, then transfer to a bus bound for Qilian. Visit Zhuo'er Mountain, where striking red Danxia landforms contrast beautifully with lush green forests and alpine meadows, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. The rich layers of color create a truly spectacular landscape. From the summit viewing platform, you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire Qilian Valley and its picturesque rural villages, a scene that is both soothing and awe-inspiring. Stay overnight in Qilian County.

Day 3: Appreciate the Beauty of Nature

Visit the Qilian Grassland, then take a bus to Qinghai Lake, the "Sapphire of the Plateau". Take some photos with the stunning lake, and watch the birds at Bird Island. In midsummer, you can also enjoy the endless sea of blooming rapeseed flowers. Erlangjian Scenic Area is the main attraction there, with a variety of recreational and commercial facilities, as well as boat rides on the lake. In the evening, travel along the lakeside highway and arrive in Chaka Town for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Feel the Charm of Mirror of the Sky

After breakfast, head to Chaka Salt Lake, the "Mirror of the Sky". You can stroll across the salt lake that feels as if it floats above the clouds, fully immersing yourself in the breathtaking scenery where water meets the sky. Try creating your own salt sculpture to experience the unique culture of the salt lake, or board a vintage train that travels deep into the heart of the lake along historic tracks, placing you in a magical world of salt. In the afternoon, you can also visit the pristine Gangca Grassland to admire the tranquil beauty of plateau pastoral life, where the scenery unfolds like a peaceful highland melody. In the evening, you can camp by Qinghai Lake.

Day 5: Find the Cultural Deposits in Qinghai

Wake up early to watch a sunrise over Qinghai Lake, then return to Xining. Along the way you will reach the Riyue Mountain, where you can ascend onto the summit and see the sight that Jiangnan scenery sits on one side while the frontier pastoral on the other. You can also listen to the story of Princess Wencheng.

5 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Pace

Thangka

Day 1: Acclimate the Altitude on the Plateau

After arriving in Xining, check in to your hotel to acclimate the high altitude. 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: Watch the Antique Buildings of Qinghai

In the morning, head to Huangzhong to visit Kumbum Monastery, exploring the mystical Tibetan Buddhist site. Then you will go to explore the Danggar Ancient City and explore the antique buildings and local snacks, traveling through the corridors of history and uncovering the lingering charm of the ancient city.

Day 3: Explore the Beauty of Qinghai Lake

Travel to Qinghai Lake by vehicle, enjoying the scenery along the way and taking in the vastness and grandeur of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Upon arrival at Erlangjian Scenic Area, get up close to the shimmering blue waters of Qinghai Lake and admire the breathtaking view where the lake meets the sky. You may also take a boat cruise across the lake, or try your hand at Thangka painting. In the evening, stay overnight in Chaka Town.

Day 4: Admire the Stunning Sights of Nature

In the morning, visit the Chaka Salt Lake, where the pristine white salt flats create a clean, serene, and almost therapeutic landscape. Then travel along the shores of Qinghai Lake to Gangca Grassland, where you can experience the near-pristine tranquility of this vast pastoral land. In the afternoon, return to Xining to relax.

Day 5: Immerse in the Sceneries of Menyuan

Take a train to Menyuan County to admire its vast rapeseed flower fields stretching for miles. Backed by the Qilian Mountains, the landscape offers exceptionally wide-open views, with golden blossoms spreading from your feet all the way to the horizon. In the afternoon, visit Gangshka Snow Peak and admire this majestic, snow-capped mountain from afar. Return to Xining in the evening.

5 Days Qinghai Itinerary for Young Travelers

Da Qaidam Emerald Lake

Day 1: Wander through Qinghai's Famous Spots

Depart from Xining and arrive at Kumbum Monastery, a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism, where you can explore its halls, admire the murals, and appreciate the exquisite butter sculptures. Continue to the Riyue Mountain and stand atop the summit to take in the striking contrast of landscapes, grasslands on one side and towering mountains on the other. In the afternoon, head to Qinghai Lake to admire its crystal-clear blue waters and wait for the sunset as it slowly sinks toward the horizon. Stay overnight in Heimahe Town.

Day 2: Encounter with the Beautiful Sceneries

Wake up early to witness the sunrise over Qinghai Lake, as the deep blue waters gradually turn into shimmering gold. Then 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 3: Go Deep into the Hinterland of Qinghai

Travel westward along National Highway G315 by vehicle. Cross vast Gobi deserts and pass the famous U-shaped highway, where the steep terrain creates a striking visual effect. Continue into the heart of the Qaidam Basin and arrive at the Wusute Water Yardang Geopark to witness the surreal "blue sea" hidden within the Gobi. You can also head to the Nanbaxian Ghost City, to see one of the largest Yardang landform groups in the world. Stay overnight in Da Qaidam Town.

Day 4: Explore the Jewel-like Lakes in Qinghai

Visit the jewel-like Da Qaidam Emerald Lake, whose deep, crystal-clear waters shimmer in a spectrum of brilliant colors under the sunlight. A drone will give you an even better way to appreciate its breathtaking views. Then continue to the Qarhan Salt Lake, which is 56 times larger than Chaka. Here, giant salt crystals sparkle with remarkable clarity, while the emerald-colored waters create a truly mesmerizing sight. In the evening, return to Delingha.

Day 5: Admire the Wonders on the Plateau

Return to Xining. First, pass by Tianjun Stone Forest, often referred to as the "Shangri-La by Qinghai Lake", where striking wind-eroded rock formations blend beautifully with alpine meadows to create a spectacular landscape. Then arrive at the Jinyintan Grassland, where you can enjoy activities such as horseback riding or archery.

5 Days Qinghai cultural Immersion Itinerary

Riyue Mountain

Day 1: Learn about the Culture of Qinghai

Arriving in Xining, head to visit the Qinghai Provincial Museum to gain an understanding of Qinghai's history and diverse ethnic cultures. Then you may explore 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, where a dazzling array of local snacks and delicacies await, and you can experience a true taste of Xining's vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: Experience Traditional Tibetan Customs

In the morning, head to visit the Kumbum Monastery, seeing its unique butter sculpture and barbola painting. Then drive to Riyue Mountain and hike along the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road while immersing yourself in the legendary story of Princess Wencheng and uncovering the history of vicissitudes that has unfolded over the centuries at Riyue Mountain. After that, head to the Jinyintan Grassland to enjoy a Tibetan-style feast, and stay overnight in a yurt.

Day 3: Taste Local Lifestyle and Religion

Join local Tibetan herders in preparing traditional foods such as butter tea and tsampa, then enjoy breakfast together. You can also feed the sheep and experience a taste of the nomadic lifestyle. In the afternoon, head to the shores of Qinghai Lake, where stacked Mani stones, fluttering prayer flags, and pilgrims performing sacred lake rituals create a uniquely spiritual and colorful atmosphere around this holy lake.

Day 4: Immerse in the Custom of Huangyuan

In the early morning, you can rise before dawn to witness the magnificent sunrise over Qinghai Lake. Afterwards, visit the Danggar Ancient City, once known as a major hub of the Tea Horse Road. The town preserves a wealth of historic architecture and offers a fascinating glimpse into the local customs and culture of the Huangyuan region.

Day 5: Experience the Folk Custom in Qinghai

Head to Ping'anyi Hehuang Folk Culture Experience Area to experience the local customs of Qinghai. When you turn back to Xining to prepare for returning, you may also visit the Qinghai Tibetan Culture Museum, trying Tibetan costumes.

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.

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